Hotels in Izmir

Izmir Hotels

Flanked by towering mountains and set against the beauty of the Aegean coast, Izmir is a frenetic and burgeoning city on the western shores of Turkey. Fusing the traditional with the ultra-modern, Izmir has thrived into a contemporary commercial centre but has an array of nearby beaches to escape to when the sun reaches its peak in the early afternoon. From Konak Square and its symbolic clock tower, to the18th century market as well as the variety of expansive bustling boulevards, Izmir is a perfect city break but with sumptuous seaside resorts just a short drive away.

Things to see

Konak Square is the city’s heart and a great place to start your adventure. The central feature of the clock tower is decked by palm trees and is classically Ottoman in design. After savouring its beauty, head south to Edge University which doubles as an opera hall as well as a museum of modern art. If you have come for some retail therapy, then visit the Gustav Eifel designed shopping mall on Konak Pier. Inside its long hallways that overlook the glistening blue of the sea, you will find an array of international retailers in which to splash the cash. The ruins of The Agora are another popular tourist destination, and date back to Roman times. With arched walkways and white marble colonnades, it is easy to conjure an image of how impressive the building would have been in ancient times. Though Izmir is primarily a city break, the Cesme Peninsular is just an hours’ drive away, home to golden beaches and inviting seas to cool off in the dizzying heat.  

Hotels in Izmir

Whether you’re after 5-star luxury hotels in Izmir or just need a place to drop your backpack and lay your head for the night, you are more than covered. Indulge in a Turkish style spa treatment, dine on the finest world cuisine and sip ice-cold, refreshing drinks on the rooftop before retiring to your room. Take a break with the family and keep the kids entertained with satellite TV, free WiFi and swimming pools at the assortment of mid-level choices. And budget travellers won’t miss out either, with plenty of cheaper Izmir hotels and hostels that have excellent storage facilities, hot showers, and breakfast bars.

Where to stay

Izmir Hotels are mainly gathered around the inner city Kültürpark Park in the Konak area. You can also head up the coast to Alsancak to be away from the buzz of the city centre, but still within touching distance of the coast. Alsancak is also where the city’s main port is, ideal if you are arriving in the city by boat. Wherever you do end up choosing, both the park and Konak Square act as great reference points, perfect for when you are heading back to your hotel after sampling the city’s exuberant nightlife.

How to get to Izmir

Adnan Menderes Airport is 16 kilometres south of Izmir and has daily arrivals from many European cities including Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya. Once at the airport, there is a shuttle service that goes directly to the city centre. Alternatively, there will be taxis as well as public buses. If you don’t like flying, there are 2 train stations, Basmane in the city centre and Alsancak in the North which is also home to the city’s main ferry port, Alsancak Ferry Terminal.