Discovering Ankara: The Underrated Heart of Turkey

When travelers think of Turkey, they often envision Istanbul’s historic skyline or Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes. But nestled right in the heart of the country lies Ankara — the capital city that pulses with culture, history, and authenticity, yet often remains under the radar.

As someone behind the creation of Planium, a travel planning app designed to help travelers craft smarter, more personal itineraries, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Ankara deeply. Walking its streets, meeting its people, and understanding its rhythm — these experiences have shaped how we bring the city to life inside the app.

Photo by Youssef Mohamed on Unsplash

Why Ankara?

Unlike Istanbul’s dazzling chaos, Ankara offers a more balanced, thoughtful experience. It’s a city of purpose — where history meets politics, tradition blends with modernism, and local life moves at a comfortable, steady pace. Whether you're visiting Anıtkabir, enjoying a quiet tea in Hamamönü, or catching a jazz set in a hidden bar in Kızılay — Ankara reveals itself in layers.

How Planium Enhances Your Ankara Experience

We built Planium to make travel feel intuitive. The idea was simple: give users control, context, and clarity in their planning — while still allowing space for spontaneous discovery. And for a city like Ankara, that approach is especially valuable.

Step 1: Discover with Intention

With Planium, you can explore Ankara through curated categories like:

• Landmarks & Museums – Think Anıtkabir, Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

• Cafés & Cuisine – From iconic döner spots to cozy third-wave coffee

• Art & Culture – CerModern, State Opera, or independent art houses

• Hidden Corners – Local favorites off the beaten path

  
  

Step 2: Plan Your Itinerary in Minutes

Whether you're in Ankara for a day or a week, Planium lets you easily build a timeline. Add your favorite spots, set the pace, and get smart recommendations in between.

Step 3: Navigate Smartly

Forget tab-switching between maps and lists. Planium integrates everything — directions, open hours, and estimated durations — so your trip flows smoothly.

Ankara’s Culinary Identity

Food in Ankara is comforting, unpretentious, and flavorful. Planium helps you find places locals swear by — whether it's a legendary plate of aspava, artisan pizza in Gaziosmanpaşa, or a romantic Italian dinner overlooking Atakule.

With user ratings and real-time popularity trends, you can decide where to go without the guesswork.

Culture in Quiet Places

Ankara’s soul shines through its subtlety. A hidden bookstore in Kavaklıdere, an experimental gallery in Çankaya, or a serene park tucked behind busy streets — Planium’s Cultural Routes help you discover these details.

Want something pre-built? Our ready-made city trails give you a solid base, which you can then customize with just a few taps.

The Capital, Reimagined

Ankara isn’t loud — it’s layered. It doesn’t try to impress; it invites you in. And when you explore it with intention, you realize why it matters — politically, historically, and culturally.

That’s the experience we aim to deliver through Planium. A city that’s not just visited, but felt.

Plan Your Ankara Journey Now

Download Planium today on the App Store or Google Play. Whether you're a planner or a wanderer, a foodie or a history buff — Ankara has something for you, and Planium is here to help you find it.

Let your journey start smarter. Let it start with Planium.