Izmir, Turkey’s vibrant gem on the Aegean Coast, is nestled between stunning beaches and historic landmarks. Growing in popularity in part due to an advantageous exchange rate with the Turkish Lira, but also thanks to the friendliness of locals, Izmir is an ideal spot for nomads looking to experience the middle East, while retaining western comforts. As you embark on your adventure, one crucial aspect to consider is finding the perfect lodging to make your stay unforgettable.
Albeit the market has been heating up due to Izmir’s growing popularity, accommodations are still plentiful across a wide range of prices.
I mostly used AirBNB here, as options are great. I did not check out the hostel scene, but I’ve seen hostels in town (on hostelworld.com) for as low as $12 a night.
Turkey is incredibly safe, so there aren’t neighborhoods I’d advise against, but here are my recommendations:
Green: Alsancak is the main tourist area. Lots of hotels and AirBNBs. Bit more expensive to live in, but you’ll be steps from all the action, all the bars, restaurants and night clubs. The waterfront area is also fantastic, with lots of park area.
Yellow: Lodging here is available, but typically not as fancy. This area is centered around the Izmir Bazaar, a gigantic open air market covering an entire city block. The Konak Pier, a mall on the waterfront, is also located here.
Blue: Karsiyaka, the second “touristy” area of the city behind Alsancak, is a good spot to find lodging. The Karsiyaka waterfront is busy, but moreso with locals than tourists. You’ll also find lots of restaurants and shops here.
When it comes to internet speeds, Izmir was pretty hit or miss. I had some horrendous internet (good speeds but would constantly drop the connection), but I also found spots with solid fiber-level connection. Stability was really the main concern. Thankfully, cellphone carriers offer plans with high data quotas and good speeds to compensate. If you use AirBNB, I would recommend reaching out to the host to get a speed test before booking.
Housing is affordable in general, but here are some places I stayed:
Alsancak - 1 Bedroom - $800
This was a cozy 3rd floor unit on an old alley, close to the main roads of Alsancak. Tons of restaurants at your doorstep and a short walk from transit locations.
I personally preferred living in Alsancak the most out of any neighborhood. It’s super lively, there are lots of bars and restaurants, and the old architecture and tight alleys are simply beautiful.
The waterfront area is basically one large park alongside the coast where people hang out late into the night. I’ve attended meetups here, and would regularly take walks along the waterfront, or grab a few drinks and sit down at one of the hundreds of benches along the pathways.
Alsancak - 2 Bedrooms - $1100/Month
This rustic 2 bedroom unit was in the heart of Alsancak, on the third floor of a building that featured a cafe on the first floor, and restaurants right across the street from the lobby. It had solid internet and 2 small balconies.
While the locals have been complaining about increasing rental costs due to foreign investment, migration and tourism fueling the AirBNB market, prices in Izmir are still very reasonable by western standards. Combined with the super low cost of food, this makes for a great option for nomads trying to keep costs low.
Karsiyaka - 1 Bedroom - $925/Month
Located across the bay from the previous two units, this one was quite modern and a nicely sized balcony. Internet was good, but the work space was pretty small and I was glad to move once my month was up.
Karsiyaka has a similar waterfront to Alsancak, but a different vibe. I felt like more locals live on that side of the bay, and it had less noise and partying, while still having many restaurants and small bars. The tram service going along the waterfront was also really nice and allowed for easy transit throughout the neighborhood.
Konak - 1 Bedroom - $700/Month
Located just across Kulturpark – Izmir’s largest park, with attractions, concerts and lush nature, this unit was super convenient due to it’s proximity to the subway. It had stable internet, although the speeds were quite slow. This area is home to many hotels, as many tourists choose to stay here. Lots of shops litter the surrounding streets as well, making this a convenient spot.
Konak, a more historical district, is also a highly touristic area. Here you’ll find Konak Pier, an upscale shopping mall, as well as the Izmir Bazaar, a gigantic open air market, with tons of goods at very low prices. Get ready to haggle and negotiate in order to get the best prices! (market video colin)
This is also where you’ll find Kulturpark, a central park-esque area with rides, concert stages and beautiful natural landscapes.
Overall, lodging in Izmir is plentiful, cheap and of good quality. I was able to keep my costs low, and got to experience both more traditional units, as well as modern condos.
What was your experience? Have questions? Leave a comment below!
