Kizilay Square

Kızılay Square is the vibrant heart of modern Ankara, named after the Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay). It's a sprawling roundabout and pedestrian zone where major avenues converge, surrounded by high-rise office buildings, shopping centers, and hotels. The square is always alive with people, commuters, shoppers, students, and protesters. By day, it's a hub for shopping and dining, with numerous cafes, fast-food outlets, and the popular Kızılay Shopping Mall. By night, the area buzzes with neon lights and street vendors. The square is also a key transport interchange, with Ankara's metro and numerous bus lines converging here. While not a historic landmark, Kızılay Square offers a genuine slice of daily life in Ankara. It's a practical starting point for exploring the city, with easy access to Güvenpark, the Kocatepe Mosque, and the historic Ulus district.

Don't miss

• People-watching and experiencing Ankara's urban energy
• Shopping at Kızılay Mall and surrounding boutiques
• Sampling street food like simit, döner, and chestnuts
• Güvenpark, a green oasis adjacent to the square
• Proximity to Kocatepe Mosque, one of Ankara's largest mosques

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Kizilay Square

Cheapest way inTurkish Carpet Rug Weaving Workshop (Halı Kilim Dokuma Atölyesi)5★ · 130 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$28 per personSee dates →Most bookedIstanbul Old City: Basilica Cistern - Blue Mosque - Grand Bazaar4.8★ · 125 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$72 per personSee dates →Private & flexiblePrivate Ankara Sightseeing Tour4.7★ · 10 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$300 per personSee dates →

Good for

How travelers rate it

Know before you go

• Use the metro to avoid traffic; the square can be congested.
• Watch your belongings in crowded areas, as pickpocketing can occur.
• Try a döner or lahmacun from one of the many eateries.
• The square is photogenic at night with its illuminated buildings.

A bit of history

Kızılay Square was developed in the early 20th century as Ankara expanded northward. It became a central node for the new capital's grid plan. The square's name honors the Turkish Red Crescent, whose headquarters were once nearby. It has been a focal point for political rallies and public gatherings.