Kocaeli is one of the most popular weekend destinations, especially thanks to its proximity to Istanbul…

Standing out with its natural beauties, Kocaeli, Istanbul and Bursa in the Marmara Region. It is the third largest city after. Kocaeli, which has a very important place due to its location that connects Asia and Europe, has a coast to both the Marmara Sea and the Black Sea. İzmit, Başiskele, Çayırova, Darıca, Dilovası, Derince, Gebze, Gölcük, with a total of 12 districts including Kartepe, Kandıra, Karamürsel and Körfez, Kocaeli continues to increase its potential in terms of tourism day by day. If you are thinking of a Kocaeli trip in the near future, we recommend you to take a look at the Kocaeli travel guide we have prepared for you.

Kocaeli Hotels: Where to Stay in Kocaeli?

Kocaeli is frequently visited, especially on weekends, as it is 1.5 hours away from Istanbul. For this reason, we can say that Kocaeli hotels host many guests on weekends. It is possible to have a peaceful stay in Kocaeli hotels, which usually consist of boutique hotels and pensions. During your stay in Kocaeli hotels, you can also have the chance to discover the most beautiful places in the city. Before making a reservation at one of the most suitable Kocaeli hotels, you can review Kocaeli hotel deals on HotelForex.com and negotiate with hotels.

Kocaeli Hotel Deals

We can say that Kocaeli hotel prices appeal to every income level. We can say that the most affecting factors for Kocaeli hotel prices, which generally increase a little more on weekends, are the location of the hotel, its facilities and service quality. However, it is still possible to find a hotel suitable for every budget in Kocaeli. In order to take advantage of the most affordable Kocaeli hotel prices, you can follow Kocaeli hotel deals on HotelForex.com and negotiate with hotels.

Places to visit in Kocaeli

Visitors throughout the four seasons. When you come to Kocaeli, which offers wonderful views, we say don't return without seeing these magnificent spots on the list of places to visit in Kocaeli.

Osman Hamdi Bey Museum

In Kocaeli Eskihisar The Osman Hamdi Bey Museum, which takes place, consists of the mansion of Osman Hamdi Bey, one of the most famous Turkish painters who lived in the Ottoman period. The artist, who spent the summer months here for 26 years; You can see the replica of his most famous works including the Tortoise Trainer, Arms Trader and Girl Placing a Vase.

Izmit Clock Tower

Izmit Clock located in Kemalpaşa Neighborhood in the city center. Its tower is one of the most spectacular works of the city. The tower, which is described as the symbol of Kocaeli, was built by Sultan II. It was built in 1902 in honor of the 25th anniversary of Abdulhamit's ascension to the throne. Each floor of Izmit Clock Tower, which was built as four floors, has different architectural features.

Izmit Palace

Located right next to Izmit Clock Tower. The area is also known as Izmit Palace, Kasr-ı Hümayun. Izmit Palace, which is the first palace built outside of Istanbul, was used as Abdulaziz's Hunting Mansion.

Kocaeli Archeology and Ethnography Museum

In Kocaeli Kocaeli Archeology and Ethnography Museum, one of the must-visit museums, is located in the Old Station Area. The museum has been hosting visitors since 2007; repair workshop, water tank, monopoly warehouse and lodging building. The most remarkable works of art are the statues of Zeus and gods belonging to the Roman period, and artifacts belonging to the Byzantine and Ottoman periods are also exhibited. We can say that Maşukiye is one of the hidden paradises of the city. You can visit Maşukiye, which is a place of peace with its beautiful air and wonderful nature, during your trip to Kocaeli. Famous for its magnificent village breakfast and trout facilities, Maşukiye also has accommodation options.

Ballıkayalar Nature Park

Located 10 km from Gebze. Ballıkayalar Nature Park is an ideal address for picnics, camping and nature walks. Declared as a national park in 1995, Ballıkayalar Nature Park is an ideal discovery point for those who are overwhelmed by the noise of the city.

Kirazlı Plateau

The magnificent city of Sapanca and Izmit revealing its view, Kirazlı Plateau is one of the most visited green areas in Kocaeli. Located in Kartepe district, Kirazlı Plateau also hosts a very large picnic area.

Kefken

Located in Kocaeli's Kandıra district, Kefken is also home to a large picnic area. one of the most popular holiday destinations. Kefken, a very cute coastal town, is home to a lush nature, a clean sea and shabby fishermen. We strongly recommend you to see the Pink Cliffs in Kefken, which has two beaches named Kumcak and Kovanağzı.

Kartepe Ski Center

If Kartepe during the winter months, we also recommend you to visit Kartepe Ski Center. One of the most popular winter tourism routes in Turkey, Kartepe Ski Center, Samanli Mountains form the summit. You can also come for skiing at the weekend in Kartepe, which hosts tracks suitable for all difficulty levels.

Kocaeli Cuisine: What to Eat in Kocaeli?

We have listed the tastes you should try in Kocaeli cuisine, which stands out with its cultural diversity:

• Umaç Soup
• Slurry Soup
• Cigceli Kavurma
• Floral Mancar
• Mancarli Kandira Pita
• Chicken Keskek
• Cızlama
• My Spanner
• Pişmaniye
• Kandira Yoghurt
• Değirmen Hazelnut

Shopping in Kocaeli: What to Buy in Kocaeli?

Returning from Kocaeli If you are wondering what to buy, let's say right away. Carpet production is quite common in Kocaeli's Hereke district. You can buy world-famous carpets made in the form of wool and silk weaving. You can also buy baskets from Karamürsel, which is famous for its basket. It is among the most bought gifts.