Kızılay Square

Kızılay Square is an open urban square that forms the administrative, commercial, and social center of Ankara. Located on Atatürk Boulevard, the square has hosted demonstrations, celebrations, and daily gatherings that have taken the pulse of the city during different periods of the Republic's history. Although its official name has been changed to 15 Temmuz Kızılay Millî İrade Meydanı, the name Kızılay remains widely used among Ankarans and visitors. While structures like Kızılay AVM and Emek İşhanı are located around the square, Güvenpark, with its century-old plane trees, adds a green breath to the square.

Kızılay Square can be visited in all seasons; however, spring and autumn months are the most suitable periods for both weather conditions and the pleasure of spending time outdoors. In April-May, the trees in Güvenpark turn green, and sitting in the park becomes extremely enjoyable. In July-August, due to Ankara's continental climate, midday can be quite hot; it would be wiser to prefer early mornings or late afternoons during these months. In winter, the square is still lively; watching the city bustle from a warm drink in the surrounding cafes offers a different atmosphere. Weekend afternoons are when the square is most crowded; those seeking a calmer experience can choose weekday mornings.

Kızılay is right in the heart of Ankara's public transportation network. Metro M1 and M2 lines intersect at Kızılay Station; these two lines connect the city's east-west and north-south axes. The Ankaray line also offers transfer opportunities at the same station, covering a wide corridor extending from Batıkent to OSB. Dozens of EGO bus lines from different districts of the city stop at Kızılay, making it very easy to reach by bus. If you plan to come by car, you can use the paid parking lots nearby; however, considering the traffic density, public transport is always a faster and more practical option.

To explore Kızılay efficiently, starting your day at Zafer Çarşısı in the morning might be a good idea. Wander through the bookstores and small shops inside the bazaar, and start your day with an Ankara simit. Then, head to Güvenpark for a walk under the shade of the historic trees; explore the park's monuments and children's areas. At lunchtime, take a break at one of the cafes on Konur Street or Sakarya Avenue; these streets host Ankara's most vibrant cafe culture. In the afternoon, you can walk along Atatürk Boulevard, browse shop windows, and do some shopping. You can complete your day by walking towards Kuğulu Park in the direction of Tunalı Hilmi Avenue; this route is one of Ankara's most pleasant walking axes in the city center.

Kızılay and its immediate surroundings offer Ankara's most diverse food and drink options. The Ankara simit is a flavor that has become a symbol of the square; be sure to try it fresh from the oven. Konur Street and Sakarya Avenue offer dozens of cafe options for visitors who love coffee culture. For lunch, the artisan restaurants around Zafer Çarşısı offer hearty options similar to home-cooked meals. In the evening, the restaurants in the back streets of Kızılay offer a wide menu ranging from Turkish cuisine to international cuisines. For those looking for budget-friendly options, pide and lahmacun shops can also be easily found in the area.

Kızılay is one of Ankara's most established shopping districts. Kızılay AVM is located right next to the square, while Zafer Çarşısı offers a more boutique and unique shopping experience. The bookstores inside the bazaar, especially second-hand and antiquarian shops, are a special attraction for book lovers. The stores on Atatürk Boulevard offer a wide range of products from clothing to electronics. For those looking for souvenirs and handicrafts, the small shops around Kızılay can also be considered; however, for more unique handicraft products, it might be more productive to venture to historical districts like Hamamönü or Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu.

Kızılay Square and its surroundings offer a rich area for urban photography. Güvenpark's historic plane trees and monuments are ideal for impressive shots, especially in the morning light. Long exposure photos taken along Atatürk Boulevard beautifully reflect the city's traffic flow and urban skyline. The passage architecture and shop windows of Zafer Çarşısı also offer interesting compositions. In the evening, the square's lighting and the lights of surrounding buildings create a suitable atmosphere for night photography. From the Atakule observation deck, which is within walking distance of Kızılay, it is possible to capture a panoramic view of the entire city.

Kızılay Square is one of Ankara's busiest spots, so it can be very crowded, especially on weekends and in the evenings; it is important to be careful about pickpockets during these hours. Since the main streets around the square are open to vehicle traffic, be sure to use pedestrian crossings. If you are using public transport, getting a Başkent Kart is both practical and economical; you can obtain the card from vending machines at metro stations. Seating capacity in cafes on surrounding streets may be limited, so you might have to wait during peak hours. Since the square is an open area, it is important to dress according to the weather, especially to be prepared for Ankara's changeable climate.