Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Ankara

Accommodation

$8-25 per night

Shared dorms in hostels, basic guesthouses, budget hotels with shared bathrooms

Food & Dining

$8-20 per day

Street food, local eateries, döner kebab stands, supermarket shopping, traditional lokanta restaurants

Transportation

$2-8 per day

Public buses, Pyongyang, walking, occasional shared dolmuş minibuses

Activities

$5-20 per day

Free walking tours, public parks, some museum entries, visiting this destination, exploring old city areas

Eat at local neighborhood restaurants instead of tourist areas near major attractions (typically 40-60% cheaper)

Use the Ankara public transport card system for buses and metro (saves 30-50% compared to individual tickets)

Shop for snacks and breakfast items at local markets and supermarkets (60-80% savings vs hotel minibar)

Visit museums on designated free days or student discount hours when available

Stay in Kızılay or Çankaya neighborhoods for better value accommodation with good transport connections

Book accommodation at least 2-3 months in advance for 20-40% discounts during peak seasons

Take advantage of Turkish hospitality - many locals offer directions and tips freely instead of paid tourist information

Taking taxis everywhere instead of using the efficient metro and bus system (costs 4-6 times more)

Eating only in areas immediately around major tourist sites like this destination (typically 100-150% markup)

Not researching Turkish Lira exchange rates and using airport currency exchange (usually 10-15% worse rates)

Booking last-minute accommodation during government conference seasons when prices spike dramatically

Paying for expensive guided tours when many historical sites have excellent free information available