Izmir Marriott Hotel
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Republic of Türkiye34 stories
Izmir
Izmir operates on a different frequency than other Turkish metropolises. Life here is anchored to the Kordon, a sweeping waterfront promenade where locals gather at dusk to drink cold beer on the grass, ignoring the frantic rush of modern life.
Overview
Historically known as Smyrna, this ancient port city has spent millennia trading across the Mediterranean. Rebuilt after the devastating fire of 1922, modern Izmir emerged as a bastion of secularism and progressive Turkish culture. The legacy of its Levantine, Greek, and Jewish communities still echoes in the architecture of Alsancak, the synagogues of Karataş, and the culinary traditions of the Kemeraltı bazaar. Today, its character is fiercely independent, relaxed, and deeply democratic.
“While it is Turkey's third-largest city, it lacks the chaotic intensity of a typical mega-city.”
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Six things locals know
- Get an İzmirim Kart immediately at the airport or metro stations for seamless travel across ferries, trams, and metros.
- Avoid taking unmetered taxis; always ensure the meter is running, or use the BiTaksi app to book.
- Visit Kemeraltı Bazaar in the morning when it is cooler and less crowded, and most food stalls are fully stocked.
- Take the ferry instead of the metro when crossing the gulf; it is cheap, scenic, and offers a classic local experience.
- Book Urla fine dining restaurants (like OD Urla) weeks in advance, as they operate on strict reservation-only policies.
- Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes when visiting the Agora or walking the cobblestones of Kemeraltı.
Neighbourhoods
17 areas, and who each one suits.
Alsancak
The cosmopolitan heart of the city, characterized by grid-patterned streets, historic Levantine stone houses, trendy boutiques, and a dense concentration of bars and cafes.
Best for: First-time visitors and nightlife seekers. The trade-off is constant noise and high traffic congestion.
The Kordon waterfront promenadeGazi Kadınlar Street nightlifeArkas Art Center
Where to stay: Mid-range boutique hotels and business-friendly luxury properties near the waterfront.
Konak
The historic and administrative hub, home to grand government buildings, open plazas, and the sprawling labyrinth of the Kemeraltı bazaar.
Best for: History enthusiasts and street food lovers. The trade-off is that the area becomes quiet and desolate after the bazaar closes at sunset.
Izmir Clock Tower in Konak SquareKemeraltı BazaarAgora of Smyrna
Where to stay: Characterful boutique hotels converted from historic caravanserais or modern business hotels.
Karşıyaka
A progressive, residential district on the northern shore of the gulf with a fierce local identity, pedestrianized shopping streets, and a relaxed family vibe.
Best for: Slow travelers wanting a local, non-touristy experience. The trade-off is the distance from major historical sights.
Karşıyaka Çarşı pedestrian streetThe coastal bicycle pathLatife Hanım Memorial House
Where to stay: Modern mid-range hotels along the waterfront.
Bostanlı
A trendy, upscale sub-district of Karşıyaka filled with third-wave coffee shops, craft beer bars, and modern apartment blocks.
Best for: Younger travelers and foodies looking for contemporary dining. The trade-off is a complete lack of historical architecture.
Eating
Dining in this city is heavily influenced by the Aegean Sea and the surrounding olive groves. Breakfast is defined by 'boyoz', a flaky, savory pastry of Sephardic Jewish origin, traditionally eaten with hard-boiled eggs sprinkled with black pepper. Lunches often feature 'zeytinyağlılar' (vegetables cooked in olive oil and served cold), while dinners are dominated by the 'rakı-balık' ritual—a slow, social meal of aniseed spirit, cold mezes, and fresh grilled fish. Locals prioritize freshness, wild mountain herbs, and olive oil over heavy spices and butter.
Seafood
Seafood in this city is a ritual, typically enjoyed over several hours alongside cold mezes and anise-flavored rakı on the waterfront.
Deniz Restoran
This is the city's premier white-tablecloth seafood institution, serving impeccably fresh catch directly on the Kordon since 1981.
Order: Salt-baked sea bass
Kordon Yengeç Restoran
Offers a highly refined selection of Aegean mezes and fresh seafood right on the waterfront with a slightly more relaxed atmosphere than Deniz.
Order: Octopus carpaccio
Sipari Restoran
Located inside a quiet yacht marina, this upscale venue offers a peaceful dining experience away from the central crowds.
Order: Grilled calamari stuffed with cheese
Nightlife
Nightclubs
The club scene ranges from intimate electronic music spaces housed in historic buildings to large-scale industrial warehouses.
1888
Housed in a beautifully restored Levantine mansion, this is the city's premier venue for house and techno music.
Kalt Izmir
A massive warehouse-style venue that regularly hosts international techno and electronic DJs.
Container Hall
A converted industrial space popular with the local university crowd for alternative music events and themed dance parties.
Cocktail & rooftop bars
Rooftop bars offer dramatic views of the gulf, while hidden courtyards in Alsancak host creative mixologists.
Culture
Museums
The city's museums showcase a rich tapestry of ancient civilizations and modern art movements.
Izmir Archaeological Museum
Houses an impressive collection of gold, bronze, and marble artifacts salvaged from ancient sites like Smyrna, Ephesus, and Miletus.
Tip: Budget entry fee; allow at least 2 hours to explore.
Arkas Art Center
Located in the historic French Consulate building, hosting world-class rotating art exhibitions from international collections.
Tip: Free admission; closed on Mondays.
Izmir Museum of History and Art
Features three separate pavilions dedicated to stone artifacts, ceramics, and precious objects from antiquity.
Tip: Quiet and uncrowded; located inside the central park.
Landmarks & architecture
The architectural landscape reflects the city's multicultural past, from Roman ruins to Ottoman-era engineering marvels.
Where to stay
Luxury
High-end hotels offer sweeping gulf views, thermal spa facilities, and central locations close to the waterfront.
Swissôtel Büyük Efes
Set in expansive gardens filled with contemporary sculptures, offering top-tier amenities, a world-class spa, and a central location.
Wyndham Grand Izmir Özdilek
Located on the gulf shore, featuring extensive thermal spa facilities and views of the bay, slightly removed from the city noise.
Renaissance Izmir Hotel
Modern luxury with a rooftop pool, situated steps from the waterfront promenade and major historical sights.
Boutique/mid-range
Characterful boutique hotels offer personalized service, often housed in beautifully restored historical buildings.
Top-rated hotels in Izmir
Sorted by guest rating. Prices load live for your dates.
Grand Hyatt Izmir IstinyePark
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Viva La Vita Butik Otel
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Kaya Izmir Thermal & Convention
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Radisson Hotel Izmir Aliaga
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Hotel Baylan İzmir
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Things to do
Tours and tickets in the city, bookable online.
Seven Churches of Revelation Tour ( Private)
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Private Ephesus Tour from Izmir
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Private Izmir to Ephesus Full-Day Customizable Tour
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Day trips
Ephesus & Şirince
Explore the spectacular ruins of the ancient Roman metropolis, followed by fruit wine tasting in a historic Greek hillside village.
Getting there: 1 hour south via train (IZBAN) or rental car.
Urla Wine Route
Visit boutique vineyards producing excellent Aegean varietals, paired with high-end olive oil tastings and farm-to-table dining.
Getting there: 40 minutes west via highway; rental car or taxi required.
Alaçatı & Çeşme
Wander the stone-paved streets of Alaçatı, famous for its windsurfing bays, historic windmills, and upscale beach clubs.
Getting there: 1 hour west via direct highway buses from Izmir Otogar.
When to go
The ideal times to visit are spring and autumn, when the Mediterranean heat is manageable and the coastal breeze is refreshing.
Spring
April to June brings mild temperatures, blooming wild herbs in the surrounding hills, and the annual Izmir International Festival, which hosts classical music and theater performances in historic venues.
Summer
July and August are intensely hot and humid. The city center empties out as locals flee to nearby beach towns like Çeşme and Alaçatı, though evening sea breezes bring some relief to the Kordon.
Autumn
September to November is excellent for exploring. The sea remains warm enough for swimming, the summer crowds have departed, and the grape harvest begins in the nearby Urla wine region.
Winter
December to March is rainy and chilly, though rarely freezing. It is a quiet time to explore museums and indoor bazaars without the tourist crowds.
Getting around
- From the airports
- Adnan Menderes Airport is exceptionally well-connected. The IZBAN suburban train line runs directly from the terminal to central stations like Alsancak and Hilal. Alternatively, Havaş shuttle buses run regularly to Alsancak and Karşıyaka, while city bus 202 offers a budget-friendly night service.
- Metro, buses and trams
- The transit system is highly efficient, consisting of a metro line, an extensive tram network running along the waterfront, and the IZBAN commuter rail. The most scenic way to travel across the gulf is via the public passenger ferries connecting Konak, Alsancak, and Karşıyaka.
- On foot
- The central waterfront areas, including Alsancak, Konak, and Karşıyaka, are flat and highly walkable. However, moving inland toward neighborhoods like Karataş or Kadifekale involves steep climbs and uneven sidewalks.
- Passes
- The İzmirim Kart is the essential reusable transit card. It can be purchased and loaded with credit at any major station for a low fee (budget band €), offering discounted fares and free transfers within a 120-minute window.
Safety and etiquette
The city is highly safe, even for solo female travelers, owing to its progressive and liberal social environment. Standard precautions against pickpocketing should be taken in crowded areas like the Kemeraltı bazaar.
- Dress respectfully when entering mosques (such as Hisar Mosque), covering shoulders and knees.
- Drinking alcohol in public parks along the Kordon is common and socially accepted, but avoid excessive public intoxication.
- Bargaining is expected in the Kemeraltı bazaar, but do so politely and with a smile.
What a day costs
The city offers excellent value compared to other major coastal destinations, with affordable public transit and diverse dining options.
Backpacker€30-50per person, per day
Mid-range€80-150per person, per day
Luxury€250+per person, per day
Izmir FAQs
Is Izmir safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, it is widely considered Turkey's most liberal and progressive city, making it highly comfortable and safe for solo women.
How many days do I need to explore?
Three days is ideal to explore the city center, Kemeraltı, and take a day trip to Ephesus or the Urla vineyards.
Can I drink tap water?
No, locals do not drink tap water; stick to bottled water which is cheap and widely available.
What is the best way to pay?
Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, but carry some cash (Turkish Lira) for small bazaar stalls and public transit cards.
Is English widely spoken?
Yes, in tourist areas, hotels, and trendy cafes, though learning a few Turkish phrases is highly appreciated in the bazaar.
