At the Arkas Maritime History Center, history comes alive—ancient ship models stand guard, weathered logbooks whisper tales of trade winds and ports, each artifact a chapter in İzmir’s seafaring legacy. Touch the past, sail through stories, and feel the pulse of a city built on waves.




















Everything you need to know about Arkas Maritime History Center
Near the Arkas Maritime History Center, Hotel Kaptanlar stands out as a top choice, offering Mediterranean-style rooms with sea-view windows overlooking the Aegean and harbor. Just a 5-minute walk from the museum, it provides complimentary shuttle service to the city’s metro station for seamless travel. The hotel is also within a 10-minute stroll of Konak Square and the Izmir Clock Tower, making it ideal for exploring the historic district. Its prime location blends cultural access with modern comfort.
From central Izmir, take the trams to Konak Station, then transfer to bus lines 43 or 47 bound for "Arkas Museum" stop—just a 2-minute walk from the center. Alternatively, a taxi ride takes about 8 minutes and costs roughly 15–20 TL. For those driving, the museum offers free parking on-site. Use Google Maps for real-time navigation, as some streets are one-way, requiring careful route planning.
Beyond exhibits featuring ship models, maritime logs, and antique compasses, the center hosts monthly historical lectures on Aegean trade and hands-on workshops for children. Weekend events include live sea-themed music performances blending traditional Turkish instruments with nautical melodies. Adjacent to the museum, the open-air harbor viewing platform offers stunning photo ops of sailing vessels departing and fishing boats returning, making it a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts.
The Arkas Maritime History Center is open daily from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays. Avoid peak holidays like National Day (October 29), when crowds are larger. Admission is 15 TL for adults, with half-price tickets for students upon presentation of ID. Free Wi-Fi and multilingual audio guides (including Traditional Chinese) are available for enhanced visitor experience.
See what other travelers say about Arkas Maritime History Center

Staying at the Four Points by Sheraton Izmir was a great experience overall. While it's a bit outside the city center, a taxi ride to Izmir Clock Tower takes about 14 minutes and costs around 220 Turkish Lira—totally reasonable for the convenience. The hotel has a restaurant and a dessert shop right on the ground floor, making meals super easy. Breakfast is solid—nothing fancy, but filling and satisfying. The room itself is comfortable, with excellent bedding and a spacious view that makes you feel relaxed. It’s just an 8-minute walk to a nearby shopping mall, which has a supermarket downstairs—perfect for grabbing essentials. The gym is small, but well-equipped and functional for a quick workout. Overall, this place offers great value for money, especially if you're looking for a quiet stay without sacrificing access to dining, shopping, and transport.

Staying at the Hilton Garden Inn Izmir Bayrakli was an absolute delight. The location is excellent—just a short walk from the city center and close to public transit, making it super convenient for exploring Izmir. The room was clean, spacious, and well-appointed with a comfortable bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. I especially appreciated the efficient air conditioning, which kept the room cool and pleasant even during warmer days. What truly stood out was the staff—friendly, welcoming, and genuinely attentive. Every team member greeted me with a smile and went the extra mile to ensure my stay was enjoyable. It’s rare to find such hospitality combined with great value. I’d definitely recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Izmir.

The Ibis Styles Izmir Bornova is brand new and feels very modern and well-maintained. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and have a nice minimalist design that makes it feel fresh and inviting. There's a small bar downstairs—perfect for a quick drink in the evening without having to go far. Breakfast is decent, though not overly varied; still, it covers the basics with reliable quality. The location is a bit off the beaten path compared to downtown, but the nearby metro station makes getting into the city center super easy. You can just tap your Visa card to ride the train—no need to buy tickets or exchange cash. Overall, this hotel offers great value for money and a convenient base for exploring Izmir. I’d definitely stay here again if I return.

Staying at Coordinat Suits Hotel was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The suite was surprisingly spacious with a clever two-level layout that made the most of the room, giving us plenty of space to move around and relax. The location is unbeatable—just steps away from the tram station, making it super easy to explore Izmir without needing a car. There’s also underground parking available, which is a huge plus if you're driving. The room was clean, modern, and well-appointed, with everything we needed for a comfortable stay. The staff were friendly and helpful, adding to the overall great vibe. For anyone visiting Izmir, this hotel offers excellent value and convenience—definitely a top pick.

Staying at Marlen Hotel Bayrakli was a fantastic experience—especially for business travelers like me visiting Izmir. The hotel is incredibly close to Folkart, making it super convenient to get around without needing to take long transfers. I appreciated how quiet and well-maintained the rooms were, with modern amenities that made my stay comfortable. The staff were friendly and efficient, and the location offered easy access to local attractions and transport options. It's rare to find such a great balance between comfort, convenience, and value—all in a peaceful neighborhood. I’d definitely recommend this hotel for anyone visiting Izmir for work or leisure.

The experience was absolutely perfect! The staff were incredibly helpful, respectful, and genuinely welcoming—exactly what you'd expect from a true hospitality gem. The hotel itself is beautifully designed, stylish yet comfortable, making it stand out as a top-tier city stay. We loved the ambiance, the clean and modern rooms, and how well-located it is—just steps away from public transit and local favorites. It felt like home away from home, and we had such a wonderful time exploring Izmir. Would 100% recommend and definitely return.

Staying at Grand Ocakoglu Hotel was an absolute highlight of my trip to Izmir. The property is impeccably clean and well-maintained, with a welcoming atmosphere from the moment you arrive. I was impressed by how quiet and peaceful the rooms were, even though it's located in a vibrant area—great soundproofing and comfort on the beds made for a restful night's sleep. The staff went above and beyond; they were friendly, efficient, and always ready to help with recommendations or logistics. The location is fantastic—just a short walk to local markets, restaurants, and public transport, making it easy to explore the city without hassle. Breakfast was fresh and varied, and the overall value for money is outstanding. If you're visiting Izmir, this hotel should be your top choice. It’s not just convenient—it feels like home.
Explore more amazing destinations