Romantic Spots for a Night Out in Ankara, Turkey

Located inside the Divan Çukurhan Hotel, the Çengelhan Brasserie makes full use of the wide courtyard within a renovated, historic 16th-century caravanserai, complete with a glass roof that lets plenty of sunlight inside. In the evening, the large circular chandeliers give the whole space a very romantic atmosphere with a touch of historic nostalgia.

There’s a profound old-Ankara charm at And Cafe, with its antique furniture, beautiful paintings hanging on the walls, and its terrace with a lovely view of Ankara. Located in an Ottoman house in the city’s old town at the base of Ankara Kalesi, there’s something very romantic about the ornate wooden staircase, the view, and the café’s small art gallery.

There’s something very kitsch about this café as it’s decked out in almost rococo elements, with floral patterns, chandeliers, regal furniture, and ornate mirrors. But it’s exactly this Valentine’s Day-inspired look that makes Cafemiz a romantic place, especially the beautiful garden perfect for a candlelit dinner in the summer breeze.

Cafemiz, Gaziosmanpaşa Mahallesi, Çankaya/Ankara, Turkey, +90 312 467 7921

https://instagram.com/p/BOwPNTGgIrB/

For those modern couples who like a bit of style when it comes to their romantic meals, Niki Restaurant’s modern decoration, fireplace, and lovely garden all make for a cool yet romantic dinner. Have a cocktail at the bar before you sit down at your table—the tables for two by the window overlooking the garden are a perfect choice.

Niki Restaurant, Kazım Özalp, Hafta Sk. No:16, Çankaya/Ankara, Turkey, +90 312 466 0048

One of Ankara’s lesser-known parks is actually one of its most beautiful, with plenty of hidden corners and park benches where you can sit and stare into each other’s eyes. In the evening, the lights of Atakule light up the park for quite a romantic atmosphere that turns a stroll into a memorable event.

Botanik Parkı, Çankaya/Ankara, Turkey

Botanik Park | © Jorge Franganillo / Flickr

Located in a lovely renovated Ottoman house, Dafne Restaurant’s simple décor includes wood paneling, a fireplace with a comfy couch, and Ottoman chandeliers for a laid-back yet romantic atmosphere. Dafne also stands out with its menu, which features traditional dishes from Turkey’s Antakya region.

Ankara’s other classic park is also very romantic in the evenings when the lights illuminate the small man-made lake in the middle where swans glide to and fro. And what could be more romantic than swans?

Even though the Ankara Castle is one of the most popular tourist sights in Ankara, it also happens to be one of the best places to watch the sun while it sets over the city. With its historic charm, including the rows of Ottoman houses below, watch Ankara’s colors change beautifully as the sun begins to disappear.

Ankara Kalesi, Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey