Izmir

An 1800-year-old Roman bath uncovered beneath the historic Kaptan Mustafa Paşa İş Hanı at the entrance to Kemeraltı, the site offers a rare glimpse of İzmir's maritime past. Visitors praise the discovery and location next to the Agora, but several note the ruins currently look neglected and lack interpretation.

Key Hotel is a stylish 31-room boutique hotel in Alsancak, praised repeatedly for exceptionally attentive staff, strong cleanliness and sea-facing rooms. Guests highlight Molton Brown toiletries, a complimentary minibar selection and a superb central location steps from Konak Pier and Kemeraltı bazaar.

Hyatt Regency Izmir Istinyepark is a modern, luxurious 5-star hotel opened in 2022, directly connected to the premier IstinyePark Mall in Balçova. It offers exceptionally spacious rooms with stunning Gulf views, first-class wellness facilities, and highly praised, newly upgraded service. While situated slightly outside the historic center, nearby public transit makes exploring Izmir effortless.

Specializes in fish dishes, with soups, pilaf and grilled options.

Freija is a specialty café on İzmir's Kordon waterfront in the Alsancak neighbourhood, known for quality coffee, artful desserts — particularly the San Sebastian cheesecake — and a relaxed atmosphere with sea views. It draws a regular crowd of students, locals, and tourists who appreciate the combination of good espresso drinks and a genuinely pleasant setting. Prices run higher than neighbourhood average, which some visitors find hard to justify, but the location and service offset this for most.