Izmir Marriott Hotel
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IzmirNeighbourhood guide
Urla
Urla is İzmir’s leading food-and-wine day trip, mixing a compact old town with art cafés, markets, vineyards, beaches and ancient harbour archaeology. Spring and early autumn are ideal; check winery reservations and festival dates before travelling.
Eat, drink and stay
Picks from the Izmir guide that are in Urla.
OD Urla
A Michelin-starred destination set in an olive grove, featuring an open-kitchen concept where dishes are cooked over an open wood fire.
Order: Seasonal wood-fired tasting menu
Teruar Urla
A Michelin-starred restaurant and boutique guest house focusing on minimalist, ingredient-driven Mediterranean plates.
Order: Handmade pasta with local wild mushrooms and truffles
Vino Locale
An intimate, Michelin-starred trattoria-style restaurant that changes its menu monthly to reflect the exact harvest of the region.
Order: Slow-cooked beef cheek paired with local red wines
Other neighbourhoods
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.
Bostanlı Footbridge sunset viewing spotBostanlı open-air marketThe local craft beer strip
Where to stay: Serviced apartments and boutique rentals.
Karataş
The historic Jewish quarter, built on steep cliffs overlooking the sea, featuring narrow streets, old stone houses, and a quiet, nostalgic atmosphere.
Best for: Photographers and those seeking a quiet, scenic base. The trade-off is steep walking climbs and limited dining options.
Tarihi Asansör (historical elevator)Dario Moreno StreetBeth Israel Synagogue
Where to stay: Small, family-run guesthouses.
Bornova
An inland university district dominated by student life, leafy campuses, lively cafes, and historic Levantine mansions hidden behind high walls.
Best for: Budget travelers and those interested in alternative music. The trade-off is the lack of sea views and intense summer heat.
Ege University campus green spacesHistoric Levantine mansions like the Paterson HouseBornova Forum shopping complex
Where to stay: Budget-friendly student hostels and basic business hotels.
Kemeraltı
İzmir’s atmospheric historic bazaar is a full half-day of shopping lanes, Ottoman hans, synagogues, street food and traditional cafés. Best on weekday mornings; many shops close or quieten on Sundays.
Alaçatı
Alaçatı’s stone lanes, design shops, restaurants, nightlife and windsurfing beaches make it İzmir Province’s most polished leisure destination. Late spring and September offer the best balance; July and August are crowded, hot and expensive.
Eski Foça
Old Foça is a picturesque harbour town for seafood, stone-house lanes, ancient ruins, boat trips and one of the region’s best sunsets. Late spring through early autumn is best; sunset is particularly atmospheric outside the busiest July–August weeks.
Çeşme
Çeşme centres a classic Aegean day around a castle-and-marina waterfront, swimming coves, seafood and lively summer evenings. Best from June to September for swimming; May, June and September are less congested than peak summer.
Sığacık
Sığacık offers a compact, photogenic castle quarter, a marina, seafood restaurants and one of İzmir Province’s best Sunday markets. Plan around Sunday for the market; May, June and September are the most comfortable months.
Şirince
This preserved hillside village is a popular add-on to Ephesus for stone lanes, Greek-Turkish heritage, fruit wines, village food and valley views. Spring and autumn are ideal; arrive early in summer to avoid tour-bus crowds and midday heat.
Kadifekale
The hilltop ruins offer İzmir’s defining city panorama, with ancient fortifications and a dramatic walk above the historic centre. Go in late afternoon or around sunset, avoiding the hottest summer hours.
Göztepe–Güzelyalı
The long southern waterfront combines sunset walks, neighbourhood cafés, public art and a more local seaside atmosphere than central İzmir. Especially pleasant from April to June and September to October; evenings are liveliest in summer.
Balçova–İnciraltı
This western escape combines thermal facilities, a cable-car panorama, forest trails and an open Aegean waterfront. Good year-round; forest walks and the coast are most comfortable in spring and autumn.
Basmane
This old inner-city quarter rewards a short architectural walk through historic houses, religious buildings and traces of multi-ethnic İzmir. Most rewarding in daylight, particularly during spring and autumn walking weather.
Hotels in Urla
Within about 2 km of the area. Prices load live for your dates.
