TurkeyVisited Jul 2023 · 1 month
The best city in Europe that you've never heard of?
This guide was written 3 years ago
Prices, opening hours and recommendations may have changed since my visit, so double-check anything important before you book.
Located on the Aegean coast at the head of the Gulf of Izmir, the city has long been a vital centre of trade and commerce. Founded as the Greek city of Smyrna, the city boasts remnants of its Hellenic heritage alongside modern skyscrapers.
Would confidently recommend Izmir as a destination for anyone seeking a unique European city-style experience. Enough to keep entertained for a weekend city break if already in Turkey.
Good · #41 of 62
7.4/10
One of the better Turkish cities for Airbnbs, if booking in advance you shouldn't have a problem finding a good value apartment. Double check for A/C in summer months as it can be surprisingly uncommon in some older buildings.
Good · #41 of 62
7.2/10
Izmir has a solid selection of coworking options, with the majority of them towards the Bayraklı area. The area is easily accessible using public transport from either Alsancak or Karşıyaka.
Great · #20 of 62
8.2/10
Out of anywhere i have visited in the country I believe Izmir represents some of the best value. The quality of the infrastructure is high and there is great quality food and drink available at comparatively great prices to the rest of Europe. Don't expect too many bargains if heading to Çeşme or Alaçatı.
Good · #20 of 62
7.7/10
I found a great ambience in Izmir during both of my summer trips. The area around Alsancak is consistently busy, with plenty of options for restaurants and nightlife on weekends. On the opposite side of the bay, Karşıyaka is another vibrant hub, with both areas lively until the early hours. While dramatically smaller than Istanbul, there’s more than enough to keep you entertained throughout a month.
I visited Izmir briefly for a week in 2022 and when it came to picking out destinations for the next summer it was top of the list.
$931a month, before rent
Basic living costs, rent not included
Day-to-day spending for a month: two meals out and a coffee every day, three taxis and two nights out a week, a gym and a coworking desk. Add your rent on top.
AffordablePrices as of Oct 2026. Confidence: medium (gym & coworking verified; other prices restated at 2026-10-07 exchange rates). Sources: numbeo.com, regus.com. Always check locally before planning around them.
Even with temperatures getting up to 35 degrees on a couple of days, the heat never felt too severe when in the city, the caveat being that is only the case if where you are working from and where you are staying has A/C. Mornings were the perfect temperature for a run and the evenings go late into the night with people eating and drinking outdoors.
With over 300 days of sunshine a year, similar to Athens you are likely to always get some clear skies in the city. May would probably be the perfect balance between being able to make the most of the beaches and outdoors, without it being too scolding.
| Month | Low °C | High °C | Rain mm | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7 | 14 | 115 | wet month |
| February | 5 | 13 | 38 | |
| March | 6 | 21 | 19 | |
| April | 11 | 26 | 64 | |
| May | 13 | 29 | 37 | |
| June | 22 | 39 | 0 | peak season |
| July | 25 | 40 | 4 | peak season |
| August | 24 | 38 | 4 | peak season |
| September | 18 | 33 | 27 | peak season |
| October | 12 | 26 | 50 | |
| November | 9 | 22 | 79 | wet month |
| December | 7 | 14 | 131 | wet month |
Typical daytime highs and overnight lows, from the last two years of observations (Open-Meteo). Rain icons mark the wettest months.
Digital nomad visa available
Turkey has launched a digital nomad visa programme for remote workers. If you're between 21 and 55 and hold citizenship from one of 36 countries across Europe and North America (including the US), you're eligible to apply.
The visa allows you to live and work remotely in Turkey for a set period, with benefits including affordable living costs, healthcare access, and the opportunity to experience Turkey's culture and scenery.
The requirements are standard for these types of visas. You'll need a valid passport with at least six months remaining, health insurance, proof of income, and documentation showing you're employed or self-employed.
The application process is handled online through Turkey's official platform. Once they've reviewed your documents and approved your application, you'll receive a Digital Nomad Identification Certificate. Take that certificate along with your supporting documents to a Turkish visa centre or consulate to complete the process.
Turkey is positioning itself to attract the growing digital nomad market. For remote workers considering their next base, Turkey offers lower living costs compared to most Western European destinations.
Turkey adheres to GMT+2 in summer, reverting to GMT+3 in winter due to the absence of daylight saving time practices.
Izmir is a massive city and whilst it is well connected by public transport, I'd suggest being close to one of these hubs.
Situated away from the seafront, the area is still a lively destination with a glut of dining and nightlife options. Closer to the main coworking spaces available in Bayraklı.
The busiest area of Izmir and the commercial hub. A great area to stay but somewhere I struggled to find good apartments in. Easy to access all other parts of the city.
I stayed here for 6 weeks and loved every minute of it. Great transport connections with the ferry and Izban and incredible sunsets from the pier. Loads of great local and international food.
Izmir has a solid selection of coworking options, with the majority of them towards the Bayraklı area. The area is easily accessible using public transport from either Alsancak or Karşıyaka.
Situated in Bornova, a five minute walk from the Sanayi Izban station, Originn is a large, industrial feeling coworking space with a range of options for hot desking, fixed desk and private offices.
Desks are large, wifi is strong and there is an on site cafe serving coffees throughout the day as well as on site kitchen with a rotating daily menu. Most importantly during summer, the A/C keeps it pleasantly cool. If it does get too hot, there is an area for taking a nap also, which I did make occasional use of.
There aren't a lot of places to take calls in private, but the space is so large and open, it was never a problem. The surrounding area is something of an industrial estate, but there is a supermarket within 5 minutes walk as well as more options for food and coffee.
Even if you are staying on the other side of town in Bostanlı, I would say it's the best option in town and worth heading over for.
Kazımdirik, 296/2. Sk No:33, 35100 Bornova/İzmir
Great coffee with deckchair outdoor seating.
Super friendly staff serving great coffee. I spent many an evening relaxing on the deck chairs outside watching the sungo down.
One of the best kebabs i had in Izmir, would recommend if ever passing through Bayraklı.
I didn't think it was possible to find a truly great pizza in Turkey, but Kupika does incredible neapolitan style pizzas both for eat in and take out. Would recommend the Sujuk topping.
Top selection of kebabs served in an informal setting. Adana kebab recommended.
Fun pub with outdoor seating showing international live sport. Good place for the football on the weekend.
Some of the best views from the city can be had from this historic viewpoint, with a selection of lively bars and restaurants at it's base. Ideal to visit at sunset.
Situated just a moments walk from the hub of Alsancak, the park provides an ideal shaded retreat unwind in with an amusement park and Jazz club.
A perfect day trip from the centre of Izmir, Foça provides a more relaxed destination to unwind, with numerous beach clubs dotted alongside it's coastside. Voodo Beach was worth a day spent under the shade of an umbrella.
Out of these two, I much preferred Alaçatı which provides an abundance of eating and drinking options, with white sand beaches a 10 minute drive away. Both are easily accessible from the centre of Izmir with regular buses departing from the central bus station & Fahrettin Altay.
Impressive archaeological site with monumental ruins of Roman & Greek temples. Little shade on a hot day, so come prepared. Reachable by train from the centre of Izmir.,
In the south west of the city and easily accessible via the metro or ferry, the Balçova forest has numerous hiking routes amongst dense woodland.
The hills to the north of Karşıyaka are more baron than those in Balcova but provide great views towards Foça from the top.
The whole area from Mavişehir to Alaybey on the north coast of the city provides a perfect uninterrupted running route through numerous parks and ferry docks.
On the southern coastline between Çeşme and Alaçatı are a number of secluded beachfronts and more lively beach clubs. Tough one in the heat.
There's not much of a remote work community in the city however I did spot a couple of Facebook expat groups which appear to exist. Izmir draws in people throughout the country with a good mix of locals and others.
Izmir is known to be one of, if not the most liberal city in Turkey and in areas like Bostanlı and Alsancak, there's little to suggest that you may in a country with such strong Islamic ties. Local people are friendly with English generally spoken well in most cafes and bars especially by the younger generations.
The city itself is not much of a tourist destination, but you are likely to see people passing through en route to vacations in the hotspots of Çeşme and Alaçatı.
Partners I recommend. Some of these links give you a discount, and I may receive a referral reward.
SafetyWing
For trips exceeding 30 continuous days, seek dedicated travel insurance. Most holiday policies or credit card offerings become invalid after 30 days, despite advertising year-round protection. SafetyWing provides medical and travel coverage specifically designed for remote workers.
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