Izmit is a wonderful Turkish city located in the Gulf of Izmit in the Sea of Marmara, about 100 km east of Istanbul, and it can be reached on a wonderful trip from Istanbul in about a period that does not take more than an hour to an hour and a half by car.

The city of Izmit is known for its captivating natural landscapes, as it combines the plain, the mountain, and the sea. It is visited by visitors from everywhere, both inside and outside Turkey. Tourism in Izmit tops the list of tourism in Turkey, as it is famous for its luxurious palaces, archaeological museums, ancient bridges, and high-rise towers, in addition to its parks, malls, and upscale restaurants.

Among the most important tourist places are:

• Kocaeli Museum: A beautiful museum that displays thousands of archaeological and ethnographic pieces with pictures, documents, and coins. It has meeting rooms with about 130 seats and a laboratory. It constitutes one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Izmit, attracting large numbers of visitors and tourists.
• Mount Kartepe: The mountain is located at an altitude of 1,650 meters and is considered one of the most important tourist areas in Izmit, designated for winter sports such as climbing and skiing. The mountain opens its doors to all tourists to practice their favorite hobbies in cold weather, as it is covered with snow and wears a beautiful white robe. This mountain is one of the highest mountains in the Sea of Marmara. It is located in the east and south of Izmit and represents the highest point in the Samanli Mountains. It is famous for having a cable car that connects the top of the mountain to the bottom, giving you a wonderful opportunity to explore the place and see the stunning panoramic views of the mountain.
• Maşuka Village: It was called Maşuka because it captures the heart of everyone who visits it. The village is located near Lake Sanbaja and belongs to the state of Sakarya and has common borders with Kocaeli Governorate. It is one of the most important tourist places in Izmit because of its picturesque natural scenery and the fact that it is a distinctive home for various types of birds and sparrows. An ideal point for practicing various recreational activities, such as hiking and camping in the middle of nature, and walking along its beautiful trails. It is close to Mount Kartepe, which is suitable for skiing and climbing.
• Izmit Palace: A well-known historical landmark located near the clock tower on the northern side of the old railway. Its construction dates back to the time of the Ottoman Sultan Abdul Aziz during the liberation war, and it was a temporary residence for Mustafa Kemal Ataturk when he came to the region.
• Ataturk Museum: The museum was established by Hassan Pasha, who was governor of the city of Izmit during the reign of Sultan Abdul Aziz. It is a large, old, stone building designed in the shape of military barracks. It was a place for the reserve officers to reside during the period of Ottoman rule. After the 1999 earthquake, it was opened as a museum for visitors. A number of restorations and repairs have been carried out, and it currently includes a group of collectibles and archaeological monuments related to Turkish heritage and culture.