Plizio Visual Lab
İzmit
ℹ️Practical info — İzmit
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Explore the historical ruins of ancient Nicomedia scattered in the upper parts of the city.
- The coastal promenade along the Sea of Marmara is excellent for an evening walk.
- Traffic can be heavy during rush hours; use the local ferry services where possible to save time.
- Visit the historical bazaars on weekdays to avoid the large weekend crowds.
🍽 Food
The famous local cotton candy; buy it freshly made in the shops in the city center.
Enjoy this classic meat dish with yogurt and butter in traditional Turkish restaurants.
Try the catch of the day at the fish restaurants along the Marmara coast.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Beautifully packaged boxes of this local sweet make excellent souvenirs.
Explore the historic bazaar area for traditional Turkish fabrics.
A massive, green park on the coast built on an old factory site, convenient for relaxing.
A quieter spot offering a maritime atmosphere and peaceful views.
Water temperature…
The city of İzmit, historically known as Nicomedia, is situated at the eastern end of the Gulf of İzmit on the Sea of Marmara. It once served as the eastern capital of the Roman Empire under Emperor Diocletian, and it still preserves significant archaeological remains from this period. Today, İzmit is a major industrial powerhouse in Turkey, known for its automotive plants, paper mills, and oil refineries. Its strategic location between Istanbul and Ankara makes it a crucial transportation hub for the entire country. The city underwent significant reconstruction following the devastating 1999 earthquake and has since emerged as a modern metropolis. Notable cultural landmarks include the İzmit Clock Tower and the local Archaeological Museum. The city's economy is heavily driven by its large seaport and petrochemical industry, making it one of the most productive urban centers in Turkey. Additionally, the city is famous for its traditional 'pişmaniye' sweets, which are a beloved local delicacy.
- Location: Turkey
- Top sights: Saat Kulesi · İzmit Deprem Farkındalık ve Anma Müzesi · Seka Mehmet Ali Kağıtçı Kağıt Müzesi
- Nearby: Ereğli (24 km)
- Population: ~196.571 (2026)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 16 | 21 | 23 | 24 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 6 |
| Rain mm | 86 | 66 | 65 | 48 | 51 | 65 | 34 | 38 | 55 | 71 | 63 | 92 |
Geography
Facts
- Founded in 264 BC as the city of Nicomedia
- Served as the capital of the Roman Empire under Diocletian
- Major damage occurred during the 7.6 magnitude earthquake in 1999
- Home to Turkey's largest industrial and commercial center
- The İzmit Clock Tower was built in 1901 to honor Abdul Hamid II
- The city is the origin of the famous Turkish sweet Pişmaniye
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Morning: Your day begins at İzmit's defining symbol, the elegant Saat Kulesi, followed by a fascinating journey into the past at the Kasr-ı Hümayün Ottoman hunting lodge. Midday: After immersing yourself in historic splendor, you will stroll northward to Yumurtacı Cami, experiencing the deep spiritual atmosphere of the local neighborhood. Afternoon: The route takes you to the authentic Akçakoca Dere Cami and the central Tepecik Cami, both providing peaceful sanctuaries amidst the urban bustle. Evening: You will conclude your walking tour at the classic Hüseyin Paşa Camii, allowing you to relax in its quiet courtyard and end the day peacefully.
Saat Kulesi
Kasr-ı Hümayün Av Köşkü
Yumurtacı Cami
Akçakoca Dere Cami
Tepecik Cami
Hüseyin Paşa Camii
Morning starts at the clock tower, where the rain makes the marble glisten. At noon, the hunting lodge provides a dry retreat filled with history. In the afternoon, narrow streets lead to historic mosques that offer shelter from the showers. The evening ends in the damp atmosphere of the old town, as the lights of İzmit reflect in the puddles on the streets.
Saat Kulesi
Kasr-ı Hümayün Av Köşkü
Yumurtacı Cami
Akçakoca Dere Cami
Tepecik Cami
Hüseyin Paşa Camii
The winter breeze from the Sea of Marmara is refreshing at the clock tower in the morning. At noon, the sun only weakly warms the castle's historic stone walls. In the afternoon, we seek the warmth of old mosques before dusk falls early. Around 17:00, temperatures drop, and the city wraps itself in a frosty but cozy evening atmosphere.
Saat Kulesi
Kasr-ı Hümayün Av Köşkü
Yumurtacı Cami
Akçakoca Dere Cami
Tepecik Cami
Hüseyin Paşa Camii
Morning: You start on the waterfront at the TCG Hızırreis submarine museum, then pedal up to the historic Saat Kulesi to enjoy the panoramic views. Midday: Following a detailed visit to the elegant Kasr-ı Hümayün hunting lodge, you will navigate the narrow streets towards the peaceful Yumurtacı Cami. Afternoon: Your cycling route brings you to the centrally located Tepecik Cami, offering a quiet sanctuary before you continue exploring the city's heart. Evening: The day ends majestically at the Hüseyin Paşa Camii, allowing you to admire its classic Ottoman architecture in the soft evening light.
TCG Hızırreis
Saat Kulesi
Kasr-ı Hümayün Av Köşkü
Yumurtacı Cami
Tepecik Cami
Hüseyin Paşa Camii
Cycling in the rain requires caution during the harbor morning. Museums are ideal stops to dry your clothes. At noon, we pedal up to the clock tower braving the wind. In the afternoon, downtown mosques offer short dry breaks. The day ends with a careful ride over wet tracks and streets back to the starting point.
TCG Hızırreis
Saat Kulesi
Kasr-ı Hümayün Av Köşkü
Yumurtacı Cami
Tepecik Cami
Hüseyin Paşa Camii
Icy wind blows at the harbor in the morning, making the ride to the submarine museum a challenge. At noon at the clock tower, movement warms you up, but the cold remains noticeable. In the afternoon, we pedal quickly between the historic mosques. After 16:30 daylight fades, and we finish the tour in freezing temperatures in the evening dusk.
TCG Hızırreis
Saat Kulesi
Kasr-ı Hümayün Av Köşkü
Yumurtacı Cami
Tepecik Cami
Hüseyin Paşa Camii
Morning: Your road trip begins with İzmit's industrial heritage at the immense Paper Museum, before driving to the impressive TCG Hızırreis submarine. Midday: Arriving in the center, you will visit the iconic Saat Kulesi and dive into Ottoman history at the nearby Kasr-ı Hümayün hunting lodge. Afternoon: Following a brief stop at the authentic Akçakoca Dere Cami, you will drive out of the bustling city center towards your final destination. Evening: A profound conclusion awaits at the Earthquake Awareness Museum, providing vital context on the region's modern history and local geology.
Seka Mehmet Ali Kağıtçı Kağıt Müzesi
TCG Hızırreis
Saat Kulesi
Kasr-ı Hümayün Av Köşkü
Akçakoca Dere Cami
İzmit Deprem Farkındalık ve Anma Müzesi
A rainy day by car allows us to comfortably explore the major museums of İzmit. In the morning at the paper museum, we are safe from the storm. At noon, we park close to the clock tower for a quick photo. The afternoon belongs to the historic mosques, which we reach effortlessly despite heavy rain. In the evening, we drive up to the memorial museum while the wipers swing in rhythm.
Seka Mehmet Ali Kağıtçı Kağıt Müzesi
TCG Hızırreis
Saat Kulesi
Kasr-ı Hümayün Av Köşkü
Akçakoca Dere Cami
İzmit Deprem Farkındalık ve Anma Müzesi
The car's heating ensures comfort throughout the winter day. In the morning at the paper museum, we avoid the ground frost. At noon, the drive to the clock tower offers panoramic views of distant snow-capped peaks. In the afternoon, we visit historic sites without standing in the cold for long. By 17:00, we drive up to the memorial museum in the dark.
Seka Mehmet Ali Kağıtçı Kağıt Müzesi
TCG Hızırreis
Saat Kulesi
Kasr-ı Hümayün Av Köşkü
Akçakoca Dere Cami
İzmit Deprem Farkındalık ve Anma Müzesi
Sights in the town İzmit (7)
Frequently asked questions
What is İzmit economically?
Can one visit İzmit as a tourist?
How is the connection to Istanbul?
What is there for nature lovers?
Is the air quality good?
İzmit: where is it located?
İzmit: what is there to see?
İzmit: when is the best time to visit?
İzmit: why is it worth visiting?




















