Visiting Ankara & METU for eCAADe 2025

This page offers practical information and local tips to help you prepare your trip and make the most of your time in Türkiye. From getting here to getting around, from where to stay to what to taste. Here’s everything you need to know.

 For the downloadable PDF version, click here.

Conference Venue

Middle East Technical University (METU / ODTÜ)
 Department of Architecture
 Üniversiteler Mahallesi, Dumlupınar Bulvarı No:1, 06800 Çankaya/Ankara, Turkey

 

METU is Turkey’s leading research university with a lush, forested campus and a strong academic heritage. The conference will be held at the Faculty of Architecture, located at the heart of campus.

Pro Tip: In Turkish, METU is called ODTÜ. You’ll see this version on signs, maps, and public transportation.

Accomodation

Below is a list of recommended hotels near METU (ODTÜ) for your stay during the conference. All prices are per night for single occupancy. Options with breakfast (BB) and breakfast + dinner (HB) are available.

Hotel Name

Room Type

Price (per night)

Limak Ambassadore Hotel

Single BB (Room + Breakfast)

€115.00-€135.00

 

Single HB (Room + Breakfast + Dinner)

€165.00

Tunalı Hotel

Single BB (Room + Breakfast)

€66.00-€100.00

 

Single HB (Room + Breakfast + Dinner)

€125.00

Midas Hotel

Single BB (Room + Breakfast)

€71,00-€80,00

Holiday Inn Kavaklıdere

Single BB (Room + Breakfast)

€85.00-€121.00

 

Single HB (Room + Breakfast + Dinner)

€138.88

Grand Mercure Hotel

Single BB (Room + Breakfast)

€85.00-€121.00

 

Single HB (Room + Breakfast + Dinner)

€134.40

 

You can reach these hotels easily from METU by taxi or metro (closest stations: Kızılay, Kolej, or Tandoğan depending on the hotel).

 

Here are some other hotel options within short travel distance to the campus:

  • Movenpick Hotel Ankara – A 4-star hotel located at Söğütözü.

     

  • Ankara HiltonSA – Central, comfortable, and suitable for business travel.

     

  • Point Hotel Ankara – A newer hotel near Cankaya, easy access to METU.

     

  • City Hotels or Airbnb Options – Kızılay and Bahçelievler areas offer budget alternatives.

How to Get to Ankara

By Air
 Fly into Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB), which offers both international and domestic connections.

From the Airport to City Center / METU:

  • Airport Shuttle (HAVAŞ or BelkoAir): Buses run every 30 minutes to Kızılay and AŞTİ (intercity bus terminal).

  • Taxi: Takes 35–45 minutes. Most taxis accept credit cards. Website: www.esenbogataksi.com

Private Transfer: Several apps or hotel-arranged services are available.

Getting Around in Ankara

  • Metro: Take the Koru Metro Line. Nearest stops to METU: ODTÜ (for the A1 entrance) or Bilkent (for the A2 entrance) stations.

  • Bus: EGO buses are reliable and cover the whole city.

  • Taxi & Uber: Uber is available, but a regular yellow cab will pick you up. Credit cards are usually accepted, but it would be best to ask before travel.

  • Dolmuş (Minibus): Local minivans—cash only and culturally unique! ( Available only if you are coming from Ayrancı or Ulus district)

Campus Rings (Shuttles): Free blue buses circulating on campus.

Weather & What to Pack

September in Ankara is mild, with temperatures between 8°C and 20°C. Pack:

  • A light jacket or coat

     

  • Comfortable walking shoes

     

  • Umbrella or raincoat

     

  • Travel adaptor (Turkey uses Type F plugs, 220V)

     

Tap water is not drinkable; use bottled water.

What to Eat During the Event

We have a lot of food options in the campus if you are interested:

  • Çarşı – The campus mall has a lot of different options
  • Canteen – Canteens of every faculty have different options, including the Architecture Faculty
  • Central  – Located in Teknokent area, it is the only restaurant that you can find alcohol as alcohol is prohibited in education zones in Türkiye.

What to Taste in Türkiye

Be sure to try some of these Turkish classics during your visit:

  • Simit – Sesame-covered bread rings (perfect breakfast!)
  • Döner & Kebap – Iconic meat dishes served in wraps or plates
  • Lahmacun & Pide – Turkish-style pizzas
  • Çiğ Köfte – Spicy, vegetarian wraps
  • Baklava & Turkish Delight – Sweet souvenirs!
  • Rakı & Mezeler – Social drinks with small dishes

What to Bring Back

Great souvenirs to remember your Ankara trip:

  • Nazar Boncuğu (Evil Eye) – Colorful amulet

  • Local Sweets – Turkish delight, baklava, pişmaniye

  • Turkish Coffee – For the authentic experience

Handmade Ceramics, Textiles or Spices

Explore Ankara

Must-see landmarks near METU:

  • Anıtkabir – Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

  • Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

  • Ankara Castle – With panoramic views

  • Atakule – Iconic tower with a rotating restaurant
  • Eymir Lake (inside METU campus) – Great for a walk or picnic

Notes

  • Most people in Ankara speak at least basic English, especially around universities.

  • Use “Hocam” to politely address anyone—it’s a unique METU tradition.

  • Don’t hesitate to ask the organizing team for local tips or help.

For more questions, visit our Contact Page or email us directly on ecaade25@metu.edu.tr. 

We can’t wait to welcome you in Ankara!
 — eCAADe 2025 Organizing Committee