Shantihome

İzmir


You'll feel as if you've teleported to Rishikesh c 1968 when staying in this hostel run by chilled-out, English-speaking host Veli. Located in an atmospheric street in Alsancak, it offers small dorms with power points and reading lights but no lockers (Veli told us that the world needs more love and trust). Bathroom facilities are stretched. Guests love the daily vegetarian breakfasts (donation requested).

Shoes must be removed before entering the hostel. Facilities include a communal lounge and kitchen and a small terrace. Bike hire and laundry services are available by donation. There's no signage, so look for the brightly coloured modern building with white iron cages on the balcony.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby İzmir attractions

1. Kordon

0.14 MILES

It’s difficult to imagine life in İzmir without its iconic seafront kordon (promenade), which stretches north from Cumhuriyet Meydanı to Alsancak and…

2. İzmir Mask Museum

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Tucked away in an old house on a street filled with bars, this little museum spread over three floors has an esoteric collection of ceremonial and…

3. Atatürk Museum

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Built as a carpet merchant's residence between 1875 and 1880, this stately white building ended up in state hands after the shocking events of September…

4. Arkas Art Centre

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Occupying a handsome 1906 building that functioned as the French consulate until 2010, this arts centre hosts temporary exhibitions with an Aegean accent…

5. Kültürpark

0.73 MILES

The 1922 fire destroyed much of the town centre between Alsancak and Basmane, which had been a Greek neighbourhood for centuries. Today the area contains…

6. St John's Cathedral

0.73 MILES

İzmir retains a number of churches that are still used by the Christian faithful, including this 1874 building on Montro Meydanı that was partly financed…

7. Parachute Tower

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This huge, ugly and largely disused fairground attraction is a handy navigational aid when exploring the Kültürpark.

8. İzmir Museum of History & Art

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This museum is overlooked by many visitors to the city, who do themselves a great disservice in the process. Spread over three pavilions, it is one of the…