The most important and most beautiful tourist places in Izmit, Türkiye

Follow us in this comprehensive Shami guide to the best tourist places in Izmit Turkey

Izmit enjoys Turkish With a unique geographical location, it has a beautiful view of the Sea of Marmara. In the Marmara region, it is officially linked to the municipality of Kocaeli, which connects the Asian and European continents. Izmit is a coastal city located on one of the most important Asian-European trade routes. Kandira is located to the north, Adapazari to the east, Kartepe to the south, Izmit Gulf to the southwest, and Deriness to the west.

With its stunning sea views, picturesque mountainous areas, and lush meadows stretching along its sides, the picturesque city of Izmit in Turkey is one of the most prominent tourist destinations. Izmit’s geographical location provides aesthetic dimensions, with panoramic views of the Sea of Marmara. Its proximity to Istanbul (1.5 hours) also makes it a popular tourist destination for visitors to Istanbul.

Izmit, which was modeled after Nicomedia, is characterized by... Romanian Old historical, with many historical monuments andTourist attractions Dating back to the Roman era, it is also rich in monuments that amaze history buffs. The city of Izmit is distinguished by its diverse tourist attractions, as it includes Museums andgardens andForests andHills andCoasts andBeaches The seaside area caters to a wide range of tastes. It also features a variety of shopping malls that include the most famous local and international brands.

How to get to Izmit Türkiye

Izmit is located at the intersection of major highways, making it easy to reach and enjoy its tourist attractions. It also has a seaport that facilitates transportation between Izmit and other regions.

Visitors can reach Izmit by air as well as land and sea routes. airport Cengiz Topel is the closest airport to the city. Ankara Esenboga International Airport, which opened in November 2011, is a hub from which you can fly to many parts of Türkiye.

Weather in Izmit Turkey

Izmit's climate is a combination of Mediterranean and Black Sea climates, with hot summers, little rainfall, and mild winters. The maximum temperature in Izmit is 44.1 °C, while the minimum temperature is -18.0 °C. The average annual temperature in Izmit is 14.8 °C, and the annual rainfall ranges from 768 to 1153 mm depending on the location.

The best tourist places in Izmit, Türkiye

1- Izmit Bay

Gulf of Izmit

With its strategic location on the eastern side of the Sea of Marmara, the Gulf of Izmit is one of the city's most popular attractions. It is bordered to the north by the Kocaeli Plateau and to the south by the Samanlı Mountains. The Gulf of Izmit is 48 kilometers long, varies from 2 to 10 kilometers wide, 300 kilometers long and 183 meters deep.

2- Seka Park, the wonderland of Izmit

Seka Park, also known as Izmit Wonder Park, is a 580-acre park in Izmit, Turkey. It is one of the parks that has wide green spaces and many trees, as the park contains more than 6,000 trees. Hiking trips are available to breathe fresh air among the green aspects of the park, which is decorated with a variety of flowers and roses.

Climbing on walls is one of the activities available in Seka Park in Izmit, where the artificial wall is about 8 meters high and 50 meters wide. The park contains some cafes and restaurants with wonderful sea views that offer a variety of meals and drinks, and it contains seating areas directly overlooking the sea. Visiting Seka Park is one of the most important tourist activities in Izmit.

3- Mashokiye Village, Izmit

This name was given to the village of Maşukiye after modifying the Arabic concept of love. It enchants its visitors and their aspirations in the net of love for the attractive nature, and provides them with a pleasant time to relax and enjoy the natural beauty. Maşukiye Village, one of the most prominent tourist activities in Izmit, promises a wonderful vacation thanks to its picturesque surroundings, which is complemented by the sound of running water and the melodies of wonderful birds.

Located near Istanbul and Bursa, Masukiye is a popular tourist destination in Turkey. It is strategically located at the intersection of the TEM and E5 highways, allowing guests to arrive quickly and safely. Walking among the green trees, enjoying the birds singing in harmony with the water from the mountain tops and enjoying the beautiful green environment where time and fun rise in such areas is one of the most important things you can do in Masukiye.

Read also: 10 reasons to visit Türkiye

4- Mount Kartebeh

Mount Kartepe, also known as Bald Mountain, is the second highest mountain in the Marmara Region, with an elevation of 1,601 meters, and is located on the southeastern side of İzmit at the highest point of the Samanlı Mountains. Sharp rocks dating back to ancient times form the majority of the terrain on Mount Kartepe. Hazelnut, oak, chestnut and olive trees grow on its slopes.

Kartepe Mountain is the main site for organizing winter sports in Turkey, as well as being the main destination for skiing enthusiasts. It is also one of the most important mountains in the region, with stunning views of the Sea of Marmara. The wonderful cable car that starts from Kartepe Mountain to the bottom of the mountain provides guests with a wonderful aerial tour of the most beautiful views. Kartepe Mountain is one of the most beautiful tourist places in Izmit, Türkiye.

5- Izmit waterfalls Türkiye

Located in the heart of Izmit, these waterfalls offer an unparalleled breathtaking view. Izmit waterfalls in Turkey are a must-visit destination for tourists looking for natural beauty and tranquility.

Izmit waterfalls in Turkey are famous for their enchanting beauty, and are considered one of the most important tourist places in Izmit.

Izmit historical tourist places

1- Clock Tower in Izmit

Clock Tower in Izmit

The clock tower was built by the governor of Kocaeli Musa Kazım Bey in 1901 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Sultan Abdulhamid II's accession to the throne. The tower, which is one of the first works of art by architect Vedat Tekin, was built in the neoclassical style.

Travertine stones, which are unique to Hereke and Tavsangil regions, were used in its construction. Mustafa Seymi remade his clock in 1929.

There are 3 fountains in 3 directions on the lower floor of the tower. There are stone inscriptions on the facades of the fountains and above the towel gate. The signature of Sultan Abdul Hamid II is in the circular cartouche on the middle floor. In the inscription written in the Latin alphabet, which was written later, next to the entrance gate of the clock tower. The tower adds a different harmony to the city with its lead-covered roof and its unique high cone, as if it had just come out of an old surreal story. The clock tower is one of the most important tourist places in Izmit, Turkey.

2- Gultepe Cemetery

The Gültepe Necropolis, the remains of a Byzantine-era “sacred building”, was found in the ancient Necropolis by chance during the work of the Highway Commission. In the past, there were underground chambers, as well as artificial mounds dug into the rock or built above the ground and turned into a mound by the soil. Nearby, there are also Roman-era “bone vessels”, called “tile graves” measuring 35 cm x 40 cm in size and in the shape of a triangle, in which the bones of burned or boiled corpses were placed. Roman-era sarcophagi dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries can be seen in the upper parts of the area.

4- Izmit Palace

Located to the north of the railway line on a hill next to the clock tower, Humayun Palace was built by Ottoman Sultan Abdülaziz in the 19th century by architect Garabet Amira Balyan and features neoclassical, baroque and classical Ottoman architectural styles.

Over time, it has been called by names such as Humayun Palace, Hunkar Hunting Palace, Izmit Palace, Sultan's Palace, and Little Palace. The palace is built in Baroque style and has two floors, and its facade is surrounded by marble columns. In order to provide sufficient light inside, its thin, tall, round arched windows, marble decorations, and ceiling are strikingly beautiful.

5- Izmit Old Train Station

Old train station izmit

Due to its location on the Silk Road, İzmit has been an important transportation intersection in history and has thus hosted many civilizations. With the developments in the technological era, trains replaced camel caravans. With the industrial leap that started rapidly with the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century in the world, it also forced the development of fast and economical transportation means as a parallel condition for the developments. With the opening of İzmit Train Station, the aim in the first stage was to deliver raw materials coming from Anatolia to Istanbul in a shorter time. In addition, by transferring the busy traffic of Istanbul ports to the ports of İzmit Gulf, the transportation of goods coming from the sea to Istanbul was provided in the shortest possible time. This beautiful station later became a witness to that important era full of important historical occasions and events.

6- Suleiman Pasha Turkish Bath, Izmit

Suleyman Pasha Turkish Bath is the oldest Turkish bath built in the Ottoman era in Izmit and still standing today.

7- Seri Pasa Palace

Seri Pasha Mansion, a model of 19th century civil architecture, was built in the Haci Hasan district of Izmit,

8- Bertev Pasha Mosque

The foundations of this mosque were laid in 1572. The Bertev Mehmet Pasha Social Complex is located in the new Kocaeli district next to the old highway between Istanbul and Ankara, and is known among the general public as the Yeni Cuma Mosque.

9- Izmit Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography

Having hosted many civilizations during its 5,000-year history and with its land full of priceless historical treasures, the 5,250 artworks on display at the Izmit Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography are breathtaking.

10- Kabanka Street

Kabanka Street

Izmit is a city that attracts attention with its traditional houses built in Turkish residential architecture. Kapanca Street in Kocaeli is of utmost importance in terms of traditional residential architecture. Many buildings on this street have managed to reach the present day with their unique characteristics of the period to which they belong. Most of the old houses in Izmit today are houses built in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Best tourist activities in Izmit Türkiye

1- Visit the popular market in Izmit

The local market is one of the largest and most famous commercial markets in Izmit, and it includes a group of shops that offer a variety of food products, textiles, sculptures and other handicrafts that are sold at reasonable prices. What makes the market special is its design that allows sellers to display their goods in an elegant way, as the sidewalk that runs through this market is made of smooth colored stones.

2- Diving trip in Izmit Bay

Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy a wonderful diving trip in the Gulf of Izmit, and discover the pearls hidden in the Sea of Marmara in the northwestern part of Turkey. The Gulf of Izmit has three diving centers out of 71 centers in the Marmara Sea region. The Fatuz Center is one of the most prominent and attractive centers, with a huge collection of fish species. The Fatuz Center has a special training pool equipped with diving equipment, and offers an exciting sea trip among different types of fish and other marine creatures. This center can be reached with a short trip from Istanbul, which takes about half an hour.

3- Visit the Smurfs’ houses in Izmit – Dwarfs’ Park in Türkiye

The hidden Smurfs' protected houses located in Kocaeli on the Izmit road are considered one of the largest reserves in Turkey. They contain a deer and squirrel reserve, a horse stable, a bird reserve, in addition to cafes and seating areas.

Visiting the Smurfs' houses or the Dwarfs' houses in Izmit is one of the most exciting and thrilling trips for adventure and fantasy lovers. It takes you to a magical village of small houses built in the style of dwarf houses decorated with beautiful plants and flowers. There you will feel as if you have entered the world of fantasy, childhood and cartoon characters.

3- Visit Arslan Village in Izmit

It is a resort located on the top of Yuvacik in Izmit, overlooking the lake directly with a wonderful view. It also has a private pool, wooden benches, and many recreational activities around it.

4- Experience the glass terrace in Izmit - or Izmit Glass Viewpoint

You can get the most amazing view of Lake Izmit from this glass observation deck located on a high mountainous area surrounding the lake, and you can take the most beautiful pictures from above it.

5- Izmit Zoo

Izmit Zoo is a valuable nature reserve, as it contains hundreds of endangered species.

This park was opened in 1993, and is one of the most important tourist places in Izmit, Türkiye.

Read also: The largest zoos in the world

6- Moon Hill Izmit

Moon Hill is a large hill that looks like a crescent moon, which is why it was named so.

At the top of the hill, tourists can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the Sea of Marmara and Lake Izmir. They can also relax and enjoy a cup of Turkish tea at the hilltop cafe.

7- The Upside Down House in Izmit

This house is one of the famous tourist places in Izmit. It is the largest and most beautiful upside-down house in Turkey. It also contains many distinctive details. It is a wonderful and suitable place to take some souvenir photos.

Read also: Pictures of unusual homes

8- Maslik Village Izmit

It is one of the simple villages with picturesque nature, and it is close to Lake Izmit. You can do many activities in this village such as safari bikes in the lap of beautiful nature.

9- Turkish delight and honey factories in Izmit

You can have a wonderful experience of Turkish honey and delicious Turkish delight directly from the factory at a special price. Izmit Turkish delight and honey factories are considered among the best factories in Turkey.

Read also: Best honeymoon places in Türkiye

izmit cottages

In Izmit there is a wonderful collection of beautiful wooden cabins with stunning views of nature, providing an exceptional experience for guests.

The best cabins in Izmit

1- VİLLOVE Sapanca

Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, pool view and a patio, VİLLOVE Sapanca is located in Sapanca. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.

2- Orchid Hills

Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, lake view and a terrace, Orchid Hills offers accommodation in Orchid Hills with free WiFi and garden views. This property offers access to a balcony and free private parking.

3- Ihlamurlu Home

It features air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, lake view and a balcony. Private parking is available on site at the recently renovated property.

4- Sapanca Köy Bungalov

Located just 4.1 km from Masukiye Sifali Suyu in Sapanca, Sapanca provides accommodation equipped with a terrace, a garden and an outdoor pool.

5- Miral Resort

Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, Meral Resort. This villa features a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.

6- Pentalow Cabin

Located 5.6 km from Masukiye Sifali Suyu, Chalet offers accommodation with a balcony, as well as a garden. This chalet features accommodation with a patio.

7- Villa Taş

Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, lake view and a balcony, Villa Taş is located in Kocaeli. This property offers access to a patio and free private parking.

Malls of Izmit Türkiye - The best shopping centers in Izmit

1- Symbol Kocaeli Shopping Center

Symbol Kocaeli Shopping Center - Symbol Kocaeli Shopping Center is a modern and contemporary shopping center that meets all your needs and the needs of your family, as it includes a group of electronics, cosmetics and fashion stores with local and international brands, such as US Polo, Mango, Collins, Ava, Bambi and others, as well as a cinema complex, a game center and many fast food chains.

Place Address: Ovacık D 100 Karayolu No:34, Ovacık, 41100 Başiskele/Kocaeli, Türkiye

2- Izmit Outlet Shopping Center

Izmit Outlet Center houses more than 200 famous local and international brands. It is the first outlet center in Kocaeli and gives you the opportunity to shop in a lively and fun environment with multiple stores, a gym, restaurants, cafeterias and entertainment areas suitable for all ages. This center always offers you the best prices, hosts musical performances on weekends and dedicates some days to signing artist contracts.

Location Address: Sanayi, Omar Turkcakal Street, 41040 Izmit / Kocaeli, Türkiye

3- Arasta Park Shopping and Lifestyle Center

Arastapark Shopping and Lifestyle Center – What makes Arastapark Shopping and Lifestyle Center in Kocaeli special is that it offers shopping, entertainment and cultural activities at the same time. Spend a fun day with your family or friends by shopping, eating delicious food, watching movies in the spacious cinema hall and organizing exciting and competitive bowling tournaments.

Location Address: Yahyakaptan, Akasyalar Cd. No:24, 41000 Izmit/Kocaeli, Türkiye

4- N City Shopping Center

Located right next to Kocaeli Fairgrounds, Ncity AVM – InCity Shopping Mall offers pleasant moments to its customers with its outdoor terrace overlooking Izmit Bay. The mall also houses many local brands, the most famous of which are LC Waikiki, Koton, Penti, Mavi, Madame Coco and others.

Location Address: Karabaş, Oramiral Salim Dervisoğlu Cd. No: 82, 41040 Izmit/Kocaeli, Türkiye

5- Dolphin Center Izmit

Dolphin Mall – Dolphin Mall was opened in 2004 and since then it has been providing a wonderful and comfortable shopping experience for its customers. It is characterized by its renewed interior and exterior designs, and includes a mix of local and international brands. It provides various necessary services to meet all the daily needs of visitors. It includes 8 cinemas with the latest technology and is located in the city center and provides easy access to its customers.

Location Address: Korfez, Sanayi Street, 41040 Izmit / Kocaeli, Türkiye

Best hotels in Izmit, Türkiye

1- BUSINESSPALAS DELUXE

Located in Izmit, 1.2 km from Bus Station, İzmit provides accommodation with a fitness centre, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge.

The price per night is about 130 US dollars.

Sign Kocaeli Thermal Spa &Convention Center

The hotel features indoor thermal baths and hot spring baths. The hotel also has a spa and wellness centre for relaxation and treatment.

The price per night is about 160 US dollars.

2- Ramada Plaza Izmit Hotel

Located in the city centre of Izmit, the hotel offers modern rooms with soundproofing and free Wi-Fi.

Average nightly rate is $160 USD.

3- TRYP by Wyndham Izmit Hotel

Located in Former Sunan Airport, it features a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and a garden.

The average price per night at this hotel is around $140 USD.

4- Luxor Garden Hotel

Located in the city centre of Izmit, the hotel features a garden, a terrace and a spa centre with a sauna, a gym, a hammam and massage rooms. Each room has double-glazed windows and a French balcony.

The price per night in this hotel is about 100 US dollars.

5- Hampton by Hilton Kocaeli Sembol Hotel

Hampton by Hilton Kocaeli offers accommodation in Kocaeli. The property features a gym and a mini-market on site. Each room at this hotel features modern décor and is equipped with air conditioning and a flat-screen TV.

The price at this hotel starts from 80 USD per night.

Frequently asked questions about tourist places in Izmit, Türkiye

Is Izmit worth a visit?

Yes, Izmit is considered one of the most touristic places in Türkiye that is worth visiting, due to its beautiful nature and rich history.

How far is Izmit from Istanbul by bus?

Izmit is located about 103 kilometers east of Istanbul, so the trip from Istanbul to Izmir takes about an hour and a quarter by bus.

How do I go from Istanbul to Izmit?

There are several ways to go from Istanbul to Izmit, the most important and most used of which are the land routes through buses that connect between Turkish cities. You can also go by private car.

Is Izmit the same as Izmir?

No, Izmit is different from Izmir, as Izmir is a city located in western Anatolia, Turkey.

As for Izmit, it is the capital of Kocaeli province, which is located about 100 square kilometers east of Istanbul.

The most important and beautiful tourist places in Izmit, Türkiye