Izmir, Turkey 🇹🇷
#292
38.423743, 27.142801
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey, located on the western coast, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 4.4 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 35 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 27.80 TRY (November 2024) |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not recommended for drinking; bottled water is advised. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banks like HSBC and Garanti Bankasi, also local options. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options available via Airbnb, local real estate agencies, and long-term rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in most places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Booking.com, and local rental agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Izmir and other budget hostels/recommendations in Alsancak district. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Makerspace İzmir located in Alsancak. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Kahve Dünyası offers good coffee and a work-friendly environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups organized via Eventbrite and local expat groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Izmir Expats Facebook Group. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | BiTaksi is the go-to app for taxis in Izmir. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | İzmir has multiple bike-sharing options like İZBike. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Çeşme Beach, about 1.5 hours by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | SunExpress operates frequently from Izmir. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The E87 highway runs through Izmir providing quick access to surrounding areas. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport for air travel and İZBAN for regional trains. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly and annual passes available for buses and metro. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Train (TCDD) and bus services connect to Selçuk, Kuşadası, and other cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Ege Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Hastanesi (Ege University Hospital). |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Izmir Yoga Studio offers various classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit and Lütfi Kırdar Gym are popular spots. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Professional laundry services available widely in city centers. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Yemeksepeti is the leading food delivery service. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Kumru,' a local sandwich filled with sucuk and cheese. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Dört Mevsim offers a wide range of vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Haci Bozanoglu is known for its exceptional lokma. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Kemeraltı Bazaar offers local foods and treats. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Trendyol and Hepsiburada are popular e-commerce sites. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Getir provides rapid grocery deliveries. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Alsancak is the best area for nightlife with numerous bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Birbir's Brewery, offering tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vino&Goods is popular for wine tasting. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try various gözleme stalls on the streets of Alsancak. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Kikero for Italian cuisine and Mezzaluna for Mediterranean. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Konak Square and the iconic Clock Tower. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Izmir Mosaic Museum showcases stunning artifacts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ancient Agora of Smyrna. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Asansör (historical elevator) offers amazing views. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Izmir International Fair held every September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Kordon is a popular coastal promenade. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Izmir State Theater regularly hosts performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Kemeraltı Market is a bustling market area. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Nardis Jazz Club for live jazz performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore graffiti in the Kordon area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Beyza's Cooking Class offers local culinary experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | İzmir Art Gallery is noteworthy. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The historic Kemeraltı district features traditional architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Signature dishes and local wines reflect the cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Karagöl Nature Park is about 40 minutes from the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Cengiz Aytmatov National Park is accessible via a short drive. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal Kavaklıdere Path is popular for walks and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The 9 Eylul Panorama offers stunning city views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Kuşcenneti National Park is popular for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beach areas in Çeşme allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | TURK KARGO is available for shipments. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local tech shops are common in city centers. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local parks often have available tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Istanbul Language Center offers Turkish classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The İstiklal Caddesi Library is a good study spot. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | İzmir's Cultural Center hosts various community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Geneva Gaming Lounge offers a range of computer games. |