Bilkent Go Kart- Bilkent Karting

In the Bilkent area, in western Ankara, this indoor circuit offers karting open to all, a short hop from the capital's main universities. The sheltered track can be driven whatever the weather, and the venue provides karts specially designed for children, which makes it an outing open to families as much as to the area's students. Safety is to the fore, with marshalling and gear handed out before you take to the track.

People come here for a few quick laps between lectures or a trip to the nearby shopping centre, in a format built around instant fun and friendly rivalry. Everyone hunts for a personal best, and groups happily set up short races to sort out who is quickest. For opening times and prices, which can vary with the season, it is best to check before coming. The mood stays relaxed, open to beginners and to more seasoned drivers working on their lines on the covered layout.

Bilkent is a district apart in Ankara, grown up around Turkey's first private university, with its green campuses, shopping centres and concert halls. The centre of the capital is only minutes away: the mausoleum of Atatürk, the old citadel and the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, among the richest in the country, are worth a visit. To the south, Lake Eymir and the green spaces of Gölbaşı offer a breath of nature popular at weekends. Ankara is easy to reach by motorway and high-speed train from Istanbul or Konya, which makes access handy for a sporting outing in town.