Top 25 Things to Do in Kocaeli (Turkey) : Your Ultimate Travel Checklist
From stunning natural landscapes to fascinating cultural landmarks, Kocaeli (Turkey) is a destination that has it all. But with so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate travel checklist featuring the top 25 must-see attractions and experiences that you won’t want to miss.
Information about Kocaeli (Turkey)
Kocaeli is located in the Marmara region, and it is mostly famous for its center Izmit, and it is possible to see many monuments of the Roman and Byzantine eras, among them the castle and temple of Augustus and the Agora, most of which are in ruins and difficult to see, but the results of some excavations can be found in the Archaeological Museum, and these are The region is a major industrial center in Turkey with many industrial establishments surrounding the Gulf of Izmit, and because of its size and the natural conditions of the Gulf of Izmit, the state constitutes a huge natural harbor that faces environmental challenges. Kocaeli plays an important role in connecting the continents of Asia and Europe, and its strategic location enriched its culture and heritage, and gave it a unique and stunning natural beauty.
A list of the best Things to do in Kocaeli
Looking for the best things to do in Kocaeli (Turkey) ? Look no further than our carefully curated list, selected by our team based on visitor ratings and reviews to help make your trip planning a breeze.
1- Hasan Fehmi Paşa Mosque
Hasan Fehmi Paşa Mosque – The Hassan Fehmi Pasha Mosque is one of the distinctive historical mosques in the city of Sapanca, which was built by the Ottoman minister, Hasan Fehmi Paşa. The structure of the mosque was distinguished by being made of stone and interior wood decorated with beautiful embroidery. The mosque, which recently entered service after a detailed restoration, is getting the attention it deserves among the historical beauties of the area for its aesthetic appearance and function.
Place address: Mahmudiye Mahallesi, Unnamed Road, Mahmudiye, 54600 Sapanca/Sakarya, Turkey
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2- Hikmetiye Mosque
Hikmetiye Mosque – Al-Hikma Mosque is located in Derbent, one of the charming areas in the Kartepe region. It was built by Abdul Hamid II in 1899 AD, according to the Gregorian calendar. Today, the mosque is one of the oldest mosques in the country, which was distinguished by an Ottoman architectural design, with an ornate minaret and interior walls on which verses from the Holy Qur’an were inscribed.
Place address: Hikmetiye, Doğukan Cd. No:2, 41080 Kartepe/Kocaeli, Turkey
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3- Kite Hill
Kite Hill – Kite hill is located in the heart of Izmit and is the perfect place for various picnics. It is a natural hill with a slight elevation above sea level, which always appears in its natural green color, and invites the city’s children and youth to participate in kite adventures. On its land, hand-made kite festivals take place annually.
Place address: Yenidoğan, Güneş Cd. No:53, 41100 İzmit/Kocaeli, Turkey
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4- Children’s Zoo
Children’s Zoo – The children’s zoo was established in the city of Sapanca as the first zoo of its kind in the country so that visitors can spend the most enjoyable and fruitful times with their children, while they will be able to enjoy tea in the cafeteria in the children’s zoo. The park is home to 766 animals of 67 species in total.
Place address: Uzuntarla, Unnamed Road, Uzuntarla, 41255 Kartepe/Kocaeli, Turkey
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5- Ayazma Mosque
Ayazma Mosque – Ayazma Mosque offers one of the most amazing views on the skyline of Izmit. It is a historic mosque built in 1760 AD in the heart of the city. The Baroque-style mosque and simple minaret takes its name from Ayazma Palace, which stood on the same site thousands of years ago. Today, the mosque is one of the most important religious tourist sites in the city.
Place address: Barbaros, Bağdat Cd. No:2, 41090 Başiskele/Kocaeli, Turkey
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6- Rüstem Paşa Mosque
Rüstem Paşa Mosque – The mosque was built after Rüstem Paşa, one of the former Ottoman viziers who served as grand vizier for fifteen years during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent. The total area of the mosque’s land is 750 square meters, and its interior area is 250 square meters. It was characterized by an Islamic architectural design, with Islamic inscriptions and decorations that cover the interior walls.
Place address: Rüstempaşa, İstasyon Cd. No:30, 54600 Sapanca/Sakarya, Turkey
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7- Basiskele Beach
Basiskele Beach – Başıkılı Beach is one of the most visited places in the city, and it is one of the largest beaches in the country, which includes a path of 2.4 km for walking and cycling, an observatory, children’s playgrounds, and nearly thirty cafes and restaurants, and the beach provides the most beautiful panoramic views of the country’s skyline. This is where you can play sports on the wide green lawns of the beach or in the sports fields or sit on the benches and read an interesting book!
Place address: Körfez, Liman Cd. No:110, 41245 Başiskele/Kocaeli, Turkey
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8- Sakarya National Park
Sakarya National Park – Sakarya National Park extends in the heart of Sapanca and is one of the largest natural parks in the country. The park was characterized by a unique natural formation that includes multiple recreational facilities such as green hiking trails, walking paths, bicycles, wooden benches, huts, kiosks, restaurants and cafes. The garden is the first outlet for nature lovers looking for peace and tranquility.
Place address: Uzunkum, 54600 Sapanca/Sakarya, Turkey
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9- Sekapark Film Plateau
Sekapark Film Plateau – Sikapark Film Hill Museum is a historical studio from the ancient era that includes many models of buildings from the Ottoman era, and is suitable for TV series and film shooting. The atmosphere of the place will make you feel as if you are in an Ottoman palace, and you will smell the ancient history at every stone of this building. The museum includes indoor and outdoor arenas for photography.
Place address: Kozluk, 41200 İzmit/Kocaeli, Turkey
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10- Insect Hotel
Insect Hotel – Insect Hotel, this novel written and illustrated by Gonca Mine Celik, is a fun story that talks about the elements of nature, including insects and plants, where you can smell the green meadows while reading! And for all lovers of fairy tales from the age of 4 years and above, this hotel has been opened, which displays very complex matters taken from the world of the novel, here you will see spider webs standing to receive you, and swarms of ants, bees and butterflies that take you on a walk through nature, this hotel provides a scientific overview Short and informative about each type of these insects.
Place address: Uzuntarla, Adapazarı İzmit Yolu No:231, 41255, 41255 Kartepe/Kocaeli, Turkey
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11- Mimar Sinan Bridge
Mimar Sinan Bridge – The Mimar Sinan Bridge is located on the Del River to the east of the city. It was built by the architect Mimar Sinan in the sixteenth century. The length of the stone bridge is 65 meters, and it has three arches. The bridge is considered one of the oldest and oldest bridges in Turkey, and its architecture still attracts the attention of architects to this day.
Place address: Kemalpaşa, İstanbul İzmit Yolu No:91, 41200 İzmit/Kocaeli, Turkey
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12- Izmit Town Square
Izmit Town Square – The city square extends in the heart of Izmit and is a compass for every visitor and tourist to the city. This square is the main square of the city, in which national ceremonies, religious events, sports races, and various marathons are held. City residents usually come to picnic here, where wooden benches, some fountains, and distinctive sculptures are spread.
Place address: Tepecik, İstanbul İzmit Yanyolu No:59, 41040 İzmit/Kocaeli, Turkey
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13- Sapanca Beach Walkway
Sapanca Beach Walkway – Sapanca Beach Promenade provides one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Sapanca skyline, and from here you will have the most beautiful views of the golden sunset reflected in the sea water. The promenade extends along the beach and includes many distinctive entertainment facilities that enable its visitors to spend the most beautiful times, as there is a group of restaurants, cafes, shaded wooden benches and commercial kiosks.
Place address: Rüstempaşa, 54600 Sapanca/Sakarya, Turkey
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14- Turgut Özal Bridge
Turgut Özal Bridge – Turgut Ozal Bridge is located in the city of Izmit, and it is considered one of the most vital bridges in it, which connects the city with other nearby cities. The bridge was characterized by a unique architectural and structural design, as it extends over a large length and is based on carefully designed ground supports, bridges and cables. In the evening, the bridge is decorated with unique lights that make it look like a painting.
Place address: Karabaş, İstanbul İzmit Yolu, 41040 İzmit/Kocaeli, Turkey
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15- The North Cable Park
The North Cable Park – North Cable Park dates back to 2010 AD, and it is the only and unique adventure park in the city, which offers water skiing, this safe sport with a lot of adrenaline, and the park provides training opportunities for adventurers to have a safe adventure. The park also includes many distinctive facilities such as restaurants and seating and relaxation areas.
Place address: Sepetçi, Gölkay Park Otopark, 41000 İzmit/Kocaeli, Turkey
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16- Ekopark
Ekopark – The Eco Park is one of the most beautiful areas in the city, and it is a botanical garden that was built on a very large area of about 40 dunums, with environmentally friendly materials and equipment that can be degraded without leaving traces or serious damage. The garden includes a number of distinctive plants and flowers obtained from different parts of the country and from the rest of the world.
Place address: Şirintepe, Balım Sk. No:1, 41100 İzmit/Kocaeli, Turkey
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17- Fatih Sultan Mehmet Park
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Park – The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Park is one of the most important and beautiful recreational places for children in the city of Izmit, which extends over a spacious area and includes a large group of figures belonging to famous cartoon characters and important political figures. This park also includes a group of entertainment and adventure games such as swings, slides and climbing towers.
Place address: Serdar, Pasinler Cd., 41190 Başiskele/Kocaeli, Turkey
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18- Sapanca Orange Blossom Art Colony
Sapanca Orange Blossom Art Colony – The Sapanca Garden of Orange Blossom Art was opened recently in the city of Sapanca. It is a garden specialized in displaying a new type of handicraft. More than 200 valuable paintings, mosaics and sculptures have been produced in this garden, which are displayed alternately and continuously. Not only is the park important for its artwork, but it also offers one of the most beautiful natural views of the city’s skyline.
Place address: Soğuksu, 54600 Sapanca/Sakarya, Turkey
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19- Süleyman Paşa Bath
Süleyman Paşa Bath – Hammam Suleiman Pasha is located in the historical city of Izmit, and it is one of the oldest monuments in it. The Süleyman Pasha Bath was built by Şehzade Süleyman, who also built the Orhan Gazi Mosque. At that time, the bathroom was distinguished by a distinctive design of spacious internal and external courtyards, and it included a group of rooms that provided a number of distinctive health services.
Place address: Akçakoca, Orhan Cd. No:3, 41200 İzmit/Kocaeli, Turkey
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20- Martyrdom Grove Park
Martyrdom Grove Park – The Martyr’s Garden includes a number of shrines for martyrs who died during their defense of the nation in the battle for liberation. It is one of the most important public parks in the city. It extends over a spacious area and includes a group of family recreational facilities such as walking paths, bicycles and wooden benches, in addition to a designated area that includes games for children. .
Place address: Orhan, Devran Cd. No:31, 41200 İzmit/Kocaeli, Turkey
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21- Sapanca Nature Park
Sapanca Nature Park – Sapanca Natural Park, with its distinctive nature and unique composition, attracts visitors and nature lovers from all over the country. It is a natural park that extends over a large area and includes a wide range of distinctive facilities such as waterfalls and natural valleys, in addition to a complex of wooden huts for overnight stays, shaded walking paths, and some restaurants that serve the most delicious local dishes.
Place address: Yanık, 54600 Sapanca/Sakarya, Turkey
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22- Acısu Park
Acısu Park – Ajisu Park is an outlet for families and youth in the city of Izmit, which extends over a spacious area on the outskirts of the city and includes a group of distinctive facilities suitable for all family members. Here you will find areas designated for children’s games, which include swings, slides and climbing towers, in addition to a group of walking paths and wooden benches shaded.
Place address: Tepecik, Hamdi Açan Sk No:4, 41200 İzmit/Kocaeli, Turkey
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23- Koray Aydın Park
Koray Aydın Park – Koray Aydin Park is one of the many public parks that spread in the city of Izmit, and it is a garden with a special character that is spread with abundant green spaces interspersed with walking and hiking paths. This park also includes a group of urban entertainment areas such as fountains, children’s play areas, and some private kiosks and restaurants.
Place address: Donanma, Pazarlıdere Cd. No:8, 41650 Gölcük/Kocaeli, Turkey
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24- Cephanelik Recreation Area
Cephanelik Recreation Area – The Jabanlik amusement park is one of the largest recreational parks spread in the country, which extends over a wide natural area, and includes thousands of huge evergreen trees that form natural shades on the walking and hiking paths scattered at the bottom, and this park is a destination for families and groups looking for rest and recreation away from bustle of the city.
Place address: Belediyesi Cephanelik Mesire Alanı Haziran, 28 Haziran, Bahriye Sk. No:28, 41060 İzmit/Kocaeli, Turkey
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25- Kartepe Botanic Wakepark
Kartepe Botanic Wakepark – Kartepe Wake Botanical Garden is located in the city of Sapanca, and it is one of the most important recreational facilities in the city, which extends over a wide area and includes a group of distinctive entertainment facilities. Here come adventure and adrenaline lovers to practice zipline riding and water skiing. Do not miss visiting this unique park when you arrive in Sapanca!
Place address: Uzuntarla, Seka Kampı Cd. no:86, 41295 Kartepe/Kocaeli, Turkey
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Conclusion
As your journey through Kocaeli (Turkey) comes to an end, we hope you take with you unforgettable memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. This amazing region is home to diverse landscapes, ancient cultures, and welcoming communities that have something special to offer every traveler. Our guide has provided you with the top destinations and hidden gems that make Kocaeli (Turkey) such a unique and special place. But, we encourage you to continue to explore this region on your own and uncover new adventures and treasures along the way. As you journey back home, don’t forget to reflect on the moments that made your trip so special and share your experiences with others. Remember to keep the spirit of adventure and curiosity alive in your everyday life and continue to seek out new experiences. We hope our guide has been a valuable resource in planning your trip, and we look forward to hearing about your travels. Safe travels and until next time!