Hostels in IZMIR, TURKEY

Izmir – Beautiful Pearl of the Aegean Sea

Izmir is the third largest city of Turkey in terms of population and is located along the Gulf of Izmir at the Aegean Sea. Known as the pearl of the Aegean, the city stands as an important port for the country and an equally exciting tourist destination.

History
Izmir has a long and complex history, starting from 6500 BC, as the city displayed the signs of mid-Chalcolithic Age and Neolithic Age. The Central Anatolian Hittite Empire ruled the region in 1500 BC, followed by Bayraklı settlement in 3rd century BC and Balkans around 1200 BC. The known as Old Symrna, the city had Greek settlements 1000 BC onwards. Aeolians, Lydian and Persians ruled the city, until it was destroyed in 545 BC. Alexander the Great re-discovered the city in 340 BC and then, the Roman Empire established its rules for long period of time.

The name of the city was changed to Izmir by the Turks, who captured it in the 11th century AD. However, the Byzantine Empire recaptured the city soon, but was recaptured by the Turks in the 14th century. It was in 1389 that the Ottomans became powerful in the city for the first time. The Ottoman Empire was defeated in the World War I and the city was captured by Greek forces. After the war between Greeks and Turks, the latter successfully captured the city and proclaimed it to be the part of the Turkish Republic in 1923.

Popular Places
Konak Square is indeed the most important tourist destination in the city and is known for its clock tower, Konak Yali Mosque and the Kemeraltı Bazaar. Kadifekale serves as the old castle located on a hill and Agora can be visited to explore the remains of the Roman Empire. The Historical Elevator offers the wonderful views of the city. The remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World, can also be visited.

Izmir is known for its promenades, decorated with the lines of palm trees. Hisar Mosque, Izmir Museum, Hasan Tahsin Monument and Cesme Museum are other sites worth visiting.

Getting Around
Efficient bus transport system is offered by the city, along with a metro line. One can also prefer to hire one of the taxis, available at decent rates. It is a good experience to travel on public ferries. Walking tours can also be joined with a guide, in order to explore the city from close.

Places of Entertainment
Walking around the Aegean Sea can be a good activity and one can also relax at sea beaches. The Bird Paradise of Izmir is a wonderful sanctuary, offering more than 200 species of birds. Wine houses in the Havra Street also act as entertainment venues. Kizlaragasi Hani can be visited to buy carpets and jewellery. Shish kebabs, Tulum Peyniri, copsis kebab, kumru and many more dishes can be enjoyed at various restaurants and cafes in the city.

Accommodation Options
Tourists can easily find budget hotels in different parts of the city. Youth hostels and resorts, along with bed and breakfast facilities are also available.

Currency
Turkish Lira is the official currency of Izmir and it can be divided into 100 kurus. Coins are available as 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 kurus and 1 lira and banknotes can be found in the denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 lira. Don’t forget to check the news for foreign currency exchange rate in the city.  

Group accommodation in Izmir | Cheap hotels