Izmir Cheap Hotels in Izmir

The rapidly-growing port of Izmir, in the middle of Anatolia's coast, feels more like part of Mediterranean Europe than a typical Turkish city. The history of this city, originally called Smyrna, may date back 5,000 years but the traditional red roofs on the buildings are some of the few surviving landmarks among the modern glass structures and shopping malls which dominate Izmir's landscape today. The areas around the rail junction, main port, and hill and castle of Kadifekale should be approached with caution, but the rest of the city is safe.

Key attractions
The Great Fire of 1922 may have destroyed many historic Izmir landmarks, but the city's signature clock tower still stands alongside the Kemeraltı Bazaar and the Konak Yali Mosque in the middle of Konak Square. Far older still is the ancient Roman Agora of Smyrna marketplace and the Agora Open Air Museum's other ruins. Fayton is the name of the charming 19th century horse-drawn carriages which travel to the waterfront Kordon promenade between the Aegean Sea and a stream of palm trees. Culture Park contains the Museum of Arts and Sculpture, the local zoo, and the Museum of Art and History.

Having fun
The restaurant on top of the elevator which travels to Kadifekale is merely the highest of Izmir's many eating options. The Ataturk Caddesi is famous for its seafood restaurants, many of which serve a delicacy known as tuza balik, fish baked in salt blocks. Warm kumru sandwiches are a popular street food which can be difficult to find in any other part of Turkey. Several of the old Ottoman homes on Alsancak's small streets serve food, beer, and Turkish tea. Konak and Alsancak can both be seen from the lively nightlife district of Karsiyaka, at the Izmir Gulf's opposite end.

Shopping
Izmir's oldest and best known shopping district is the vibrant market district of Kemeralti, where visitors can take breaks from browsing and bartering in several comfortable lounges. The Kizlaragasi Han offers an especially wide selection of handmade jewelry, carpets, and Turkish delight. Turkish carpet vendors often offer refreshments to those thinking of purchasing their wares. Bornova's Forum is a popular Mediterranean style, open-air shopping plaza, while the intimate Konak Pier mall features a movie theater. The Karsiyaka Carsi mall boasts one of the city's largest collections of local stores near its namesake pier.

Nearby
The Aegean Sea beaches of Seferihisar, Foça, Dikili, and Urla are all easy to reach by public transportation from Izmir. Buses frequently make the half-hour journey to Cesme, a popular windsurfing and kite-surfing spot where visitors can board ferries to the Greek island Chios. Mount Spil supplies the stunning backdrop to Manisa, a historic city northeast of Izmir. Each September, this city formerly known as Magnesia hosts the Vintage Festival during vineyard harvest season. Turkey's biggest town market, held each Tuesday in Tire, is worth the one hour drive from Izmir.

Near By Destinations

• Lipsoi, Greece
• Balikesir, Turkey
• Manisa, Turkey
• Aydin, Turkey
• Bergama, Turkey
• Ikaria, Greece
• Burhaniye, Turkey
• Soke, Turkey
• Dikili, Turkey
• Karaburun, Turkey