İzmit accommodation from NZ$95

Of course, you can't visit Izmit without taking some snaps of the Topkapi Palace. Hotels nearby include the As Albion Hotel and Zirve Otel.

The Wes Hotel Izmit is located 14 kilometres from the central part of Izmit. Alternatively, the Richmond Nua Wellness-Spa - Adults Only is located 20 kilometres away. The NG Sapanca Wellness & Convention and also the Green Park Kartepe Resort & Spa are some other accommodation options worth looking into around Izmit.

After you've explored Izmit for a while, explore Istanbul - Marmara Region's other delights. Enjoy Istanbul - Marmara Region's coastal plains, rivers and canals. If the great outdoors are not your cup of tea, head to the area's ruins, old towns and fortresses. Fun-loving travellers might also try hiking, cycling and picnicking in this part of Turkey.

Looking for more to do? Spend a few hours visiting the Yeni Mosque and Sapanca Lake Park, which you'll find in Sapanca, 20 kilometres to the southeast of Izmit. If you'd like to stay in Sapanca, check out the Istanbul Hotel Sapanca and Cayir Cimen Tatil Evleri. Or, you could consider staying in Yalova, 75 kilometres to the west of Izmit, where you can choose from the Kaltur Boutique Otel Villa and Lova Hotel SPA. If you're staying in Yalova, you might like to visit the Luna Park, Yuruyen Kosk and Yalova Ferry Terminal.

Just because you're travelling in Southern Marmara, doesn't mean you can't enjoy your passion for sporting events. Turk Telekom Arena is 95 kilometres to the west of Izmit. Those sports fans wanting to stay nearby can make a choice from the Veyron Hotels or the Lausos Palace Hotel.

Sabiha Gokcen International Airport is the most practical airport for accessing Izmit and is 65 kilometres from the CBD. If you would like to stay nearby, try the ISG Airport Hotel - Special Class or the Crowne Plaza Hotel Istanbul - Asia.