There are many issues to do in Izmir, a metropolis that’s filled with historical past, wonderful meals, improbable surroundings, and vibrant nightlife. There’s extra to Turkey than simply seaside resorts; it’s dwelling to a spread of improbable cities to discover, and one in every of my favorites is Izmir. Because the third largest metropolis within the nation, Izmir has a laid-back, student-like vibe, however it’s removed from missing in substance.
My husband is from Aydin, which is round an hour’s drive away from Izmir. As such, we regularly go to and spend just a few days or perhaps a month there sometimes. It’s a spot that’s so endearing, I by no means wish to go away, and since there are such a lot of locations to see in Izmir, it by no means will get boring.
This whole a part of Turkey is like an open-air museum, with loads of Greek-era historical past to take a look at. Probably the most common Izmir sights is close by Ephesus, one in every of my favourite locations in the entire world. By the tip of this information, I hope you’ll have fallen in love with the thought of visiting Izmir, simply as a lot as I like it in actual life.
Finest Issues To Do in Izmir
First issues first: Izmir is a big metropolis, so that you’re going to wish to make use of public transport, taxis, or drive to get round. Don’t be nervous about that, nonetheless, because it’s all fairly straightforward to do. The most effective sightseeing in Izmir is within the Alsancak/Konak space, however there are various different areas value exploring.
There are some nice day journeys simply exterior town and with so many high issues to do in Izmir itself, you’re going to wish to slim down your decisions. That’s the place my useful recommendation is available in helpful!
1. Konak Sq. & Izmir Clock Tower
Probably the most well-known locations to go to in Izmir is Konak Sq., which can be dwelling to the well-known Izmir Clock Tower, in-built 1901. The sq. itself is a vibrant spot the place folks meet to speak, youngsters play, and road musicians carry out. It’s a busy a part of town, and the clock tower is all the time surrounded by many individuals taking pictures.
I used to be shocked at how well-preserved the tower is, and the design is so intricate. That is positively among the best free issues to do in Izmir, and the truth that there are such a lot of scrumptious road meals distributors round simply provides to the attraction.
In case you’re visiting Izmir on a sunny day, I like to recommend grabbing a espresso, sitting right here, and simply having fun with the hustle and bustle occurring round you. Nevertheless, you too can take an Izmir metropolis tour which stops on the clock tower. Click on right here for particulars.
Tackle: Kemeraltı Çarşısı, 35360 Konak/İzmir
2. Stroll Alongside the Kordon
One of many high sights in Izmir is the Kordon – a 1.5km lengthy waterside promenade that originates from the 1850s, operating from Alsancak all the way in which down previous town middle. This is without doubt one of the coolest issues to do in Izmir, particularly on a sunny day.
You’ll see many locals simply wandering round and having fun with the climate, however you too can rent a motorbike (there are cycle lanes), strive road meals, have a picnic on the grassed areas, or take the old style tram. That is such a picturesque space, so taking some snaps of your environment is a should.
Tackle: Alsancak, 35250 Konak/İzmir
3. Go to Kemeraltı Çarşısı
One of many high issues to see in Izmir metropolis middle is Kemeraltı Çarşısı – an enormous open market the place you should buy just about the whole lot you’ll be able to consider. That is additionally a terrific spot for conventional souvenirs, similar to Turkish delight, spices, and textiles.
From private expertise, this space is extremely busy, and it’s essential to maintain maintain of your youngsters should you’re touring as a household; the bazaar is slim and winding, and it’s very straightforward to get misplaced. Additionally, do preserve maintain of your bag right here; it’s not unsafe, however it’s a hotspot for pick-pockets, and it’s greatest to be secure fairly than sorry, by taking precautions.
Out of all of the issues to do in Izmir, this is without doubt one of the most genuine. You’ll have to haggle, so begin training now, and also you’ll seize the most effective bargains to take again dwelling with you.
Tackle: 35360 Konak/İzmir
4. A Day Journey to Ephesus
I’ve been to lots of locations in Turkey, and most of them blew me away, however Ephesus was a very completely different beast. This place is so wonderful and stunningly lovely, and it’s one of many high locations to go to close to Izmir. Courting again to the tenth century BC, this was one of the vital essential and busiest cities of its time, and the ruins nonetheless stand extraordinarily well-preserved immediately.
Many day and half-day excursions go to Ephesus from Izmir, and also you’ll usually have a information with you that will help you perceive what you’re seeing. If not, there are indicators with data in every single place, however I extremely advocate you’re taking your time right here. It’s an enormous house, and it could actually get very crowded in the course of the summer time months. Click on right here for tour data.
In case you can, head to Ephesus in the course of the shoulder months and even the winter. There’s little or no shade, which makes visiting within the peak summer time months fairly uncomfortable. That is such a beautiful place, you don’t need the climate to spoil it.
Tackle: Acarlar, Efes Harabeleri, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir
5. Store at Discussion board Bornova
In case you get the urge to splash the money somewhat, a go to to Discussion board Bornova is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Izmir. Full of home and worldwide shops, you’ll discover the whole lot you’re searching for right here, and doubtless much more moreover.
That is an open-air shopping center, and it’s all the time adorned for numerous occasions, together with New 12 months. There are sometimes reveals operating and plenty of issues to do at any given time. It’s additionally filled with eating places and occasional outlets, so you’ll be able to take your time searching and luxuriate in just a few pitstops alongside the way in which.
Tackle: Kazımdirik, 372. Sk. No:75, 35100 Bornova/İzmir
6. Eat Road Meals in Alsancak
Making an attempt native road meals is one in every of my favourite issues to do irrespective of the place I’m on this planet, however I discovered some improbable choices in Alsancak. This a part of town is vigorous and vibrant irrespective of the time of day, so that you’re positive to search out plenty of completely different meals to fit your style.
Be sure to give the well-known Izmir bombası a strive; Çelebi Unlu Mamuller is the most effective place to go, (there’s all the time an enormous queue exterior, which says so much!). And a phrase of recommendation: should you order it heat, be affected person – don’t be like me and burn your mouth! It’s filled with chocolate and will certainly provide you with a sugar rush.
You’ll discover doner kebabs, amongst different kinds of kebabs, sweetcorn, Börek, lahmacun, soup, toasties… the record goes on. Probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Izmir is to take the Izmir Metropolis Gourmand Tour the place you’ll be able to fill your self up alongside the way in which. Click on right here for particulars.
Tackle: 35220 Konak/İzmir
7. Go to Hisar Mosque
Constructed between 1592 and 1598, Hisar Mosque is without doubt one of the high locations to go to in Izmir, and it’s proper within the coronary heart of town middle. Again in Ottoman instances, this was town’s largest mosque, and it nonetheless stands proud immediately, stunningly lovely in its structure.
Above the principle door, you’ll see the well-known inscription in gold leaf: “Whoever goes in there might be secure.” The mosque advanced is massive and intricately adorned. It’s a serene and calm place in the midst of town and a beautiful place to discover, whether or not you’ve been to a mosque earlier than or not.
In case you aren’t aware of mosque etiquette, you’ll have to put on respectable garments, (no shorts or vest tops). You’ll have to cowl your head with a shawl or pashmina should you’re a lady, and everybody must take off their sneakers, so ensure you’ve received some socks with you. As soon as inside, spend a while in quiet contemplation and admire the gorgeous structure.
Tackle: Konak, 904. Sk. No:52, 35250 Konak/İzmir
8. Agora Open Air Museum
The realm in and round Izmir is filled with historical past, and a lot of it’s open to discover. Visiting Agora Open Air Museum is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Izmir for households as a result of it’s so massive and straightforward to stroll round. Kids will love testing the ruins and hiding across the columns whereas studying one thing alongside the way in which.
I like outdated issues like this, and I notably loved visiting this big museum. It’s conveniently positioned too, in contrast to Ephesus which it is advisable to journey to. It was initially constructed within the 4th century by the Greeks however, like many buildings of its time, it was devastated by an earthquake. Nevertheless, Roman Emperor Aurelius demanded it’s rebuilt and it turned one of the vital essential Roman websites thereafter.
This is without doubt one of the faster issues to see in Izmir; round 1.5 hours is sufficient time to spare, so you’ll be able to simply mix this with one thing else to replenish your day.
Tackle: Yeni, Tarik Sari Sokağı No:16, 35240 Konak/İzmir
9. Test Out the Sundown from Pasaport
As you’re strolling alongside the Kordon, one of many high issues to do in Izmir for {couples} is to cease round sundown and take a look at the golden hues from Pasaport Pier. There are many small cafes and eating places round right here, so you would mix it together with your night meal, however the view is actually one thing particular.
I had a scrumptious meal at Margaux Restaurant whereas watching the solar go down, and it was positively a night to recollect. However, even should you don’t wish to cease to eat, it’s a terrific concept to simply sit and watch the wonderful present from Mom Nature. When it comes to what to see in Izmir, I’d extremely advocate this as a stop-off level, and it’s one other place the place you’ll want your digital camera.
Tackle: Akdeniz, Pasaport İskelesi, 35210 Konak/İzmir
10. Izmir Historic Elevator Constructing
Probably the most distinctive issues to do in Izmir can even provide you with loads of wonderful views on the similar time. The Historic Elevator Constructing may not sound like a lot, however belief me, it’s among the best issues to do in Izmir, fingers down.
The constructing itself dates again to 1907, when a Jewish businessman known as Nesim Levi determined to create the elevator to permit folks to maneuver from road to road with extra ease. Lately, the constructing presents essentially the most gorgeous, sweeping view over the entire of Izmir, and on a transparent day, you’ll be able to see for miles. It’s one in every of my favourite views by far.
There’s a restaurant on the high, and it’s a terrific spot to go should you’re searching for a romantic night together with your associate. It’s a good suggestion to order a desk forward of time, nonetheless – after I went it was extraordinarily busy, and I used to be fortunate to get a desk.
Tackle: Turgut Reis, Şht. Nihatbey Cd. 76/A, 35000 Konak/İzmir
11. Izmir Archaeology & Ethnography Museum
I like museums, and this one is filled with actually fascinating artifacts courting again so far as the Bronze Age. In case you occur to get a wet day throughout your go to, positively head to the Izmir Archaeology & Ethnography Museum because it’s one of many high issues to do in Izmir, come rain or shine. Barely older youngsters, maybe age 10 and above, will take pleasure in exploring this museum.
For me, essentially the most fascinating piece was The Marble Statue of Androklos, which is alleged to have belonged to the founding father of close by Ephesus. There are many statues that have been salvaged from shipwrecks across the space, and I spent two hours exploring this big museum and its items. I felt like I actually discovered one thing too.
As one of many high vacationer sights in Izmir, it could actually get fairly busy right here, particularly in the course of the weekends and public holidays. I like to recommend you go early after which spend the remainder of the day exploring the encompassing space.
Tackle: Konak Mahallesi, Bahri Baba Parkı, Halil Rıfat Paşa Cd. No:4, 35260 Konak/İzmir
12. Get pleasure from Nature at İnciraltı Kent Ormanı
I stumbled upon İnciraltı Kent Ormanı, a beautiful pure house, by chance however I’m so glad I did. In case you’re visiting on a light day and the solar is shining, this is without doubt one of the high issues to do close to Izmir, and so many individuals don’t even realize it exists! Nevertheless, you will want to stroll truthful distance or get a taxi to search out it – it’s on the very finish of the Kordon, so I like to recommend a taxi to save lots of your ft.
İnciraltı Kent Ormanı is positioned in Balçova, the place you’ll discover a small, pebbly seaside right here too, so take your swim gear. The forest itself is lush and inexperienced, with loads of shade in the course of the scorching days. There are small huts the place you’ll be able to have a picnic and even BBQ areas to benefit from, though do learn the indicators and abide by the principles to keep away from the chance of fireside.
For me, this is without doubt one of the best-hidden gem locations to see in Izmir, the place you’ll be able to see proper over town, all the way in which again to Alsancak. Take some comfy sneakers for all of the strolling you’ll do, however inhaling that recent forest air is an actual deal with.
Tackle: Bahçelerarası, Engelliler Mrk. İçi Yolu, 35330 Balçova/İzmir
13. Go to Ataturk Museum
A go to to the Ataturk Museum ought to positively be in your record of issues to do in Izmir. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founding father of the Turkish Republic, is a very powerful determine in Turkey’s historical past. You’ll discover monuments devoted to him throughout the nation, however this explicit museum helps you study a lot about his life and significance to Turkish folks.
This museum can be centrally positioned in Konak, so it’s straightforward to mix a visit right here with a number of spots for one full day in Izmir. For example, you would stroll alongside the Kordon, go to this museum, go to Konak Sq. and the Clock Tower in a day, and nonetheless have time to roam.
I actually loved this museum, and I discovered so much. The constructing itself can be essential because it’s the place Ataturk himself stayed whereas in Izmir. Inside you’ll discover gadgets that not solely let you know who Ataturk was, but in addition private gadgets that show you how to study extra deeply about him.
Tackle: Alsancak Mh.,, Gündüğdu Caddesi No:242, 35220 Konak/İzmir
14. Haggle at Kızlarağası Inn
Procuring is all the time enjoyable, however when it’s important to haggle to your purchases, it’s even higher. Who is aware of what souvenirs you’ll come away with? Kızlarağası Inn dates again to Ottoman instances, in 1744, and the outside structure is fairly spectacular, however inside is the place you’ll discover the treasure trove of buying alternatives.
Now, I’m not a haggling pure; it took me a while to construct my confidence, however now I can discount with the most effective of them. The benefit of this explicit spot is that it’s very easy to comply with and as soon as inside, you’ll know you’re someplace atmospheric and historic.
That is one other spot I discovered by chance, and I imagine that simply strolling round this place is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Izmir. You discover so many issues that appear hidden away, and so they’re positive to reinforce your go to.
Tackle: Tarihi Kızlarağası Hanı Han Yönetimi 871 Sokak No:19/106 Hisarönü, 35250 Konak/İzmir
15. Get pleasure from Izmir’s Vibrant Nightlife
Nomatter what sort of night you’re after, there are such a lot of issues to do in Izmir at evening. In case you’re after a chilled-out time, head to the Kordon and easily take a stroll, to benefit from the calm vibe and examine. If you would like one thing somewhat extra vibrant, head to both Alsancak or Bornova. In these areas, you’ll discover bars, eating places, cafes, cocktail bars, and nightclubs aplenty.
I all the time keep in Alsancak as a result of it’s so central, however equally as a result of the nightlife is so good. Eko Pub is one in every of my favourite locations to go within the night and their bar snacks are scrumptious too. Cafe Del Mundo is one other high spot, and it’s all the time evening at Molly Malone’s Irish Pub.
Tackle: Alsancak, 35220 Konak/İzmir
Issues To Do in Izmir: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on the most effective issues to do in Izmir, Turkey:
Izmir is understood for being a contemporary metropolis that’s stuffed with improbable sights. The Konak space is known, due to its waterside location however the metropolis has that laid-back vibe that makes you wish to return time and time once more.
Izmir is open all 12 months round, so there isn’t essentially a proper or fallacious time to go – it depends upon what you wish to do. If you wish to spend time open air and by the seaside, the months between Could and October are very best. Nevertheless, for simpler sightseeing, I’d advocate visiting between March and June, and November.
There are such a lot of issues to see in Izmir that it ought to positively make it onto your must-visit record. Izmir is a really picturesque metropolis, however it additionally has plenty of historical past and modern-day enjoyable to dive into.
Three days is sufficient to get overview of town and to see the main sights. If you wish to go to sights across the space, similar to close by Kuşadası and Ephesus, then 5 days could be higher.
Izmir is a secure metropolis to go to so long as you utilize the identical widespread sense as you’ll in some other massive metropolis around the globe. Don’t stroll with extra quantities of money, and keep away from flashing valuables, notably in crowded areas.
Probably the most common issues to do in Izmir is to stroll alongside the waterside Kordon, which stretches from Alsancak all the way in which down town and past. This route additionally takes you previous Izmir Clock Tower, one other well-known spot.
The Izmir area is known for a lot of various kinds of conventional meals, together with Manisa kebab, Izmir köfte, and kumru. The Izmir bombası is a candy deal with you HAVE to strive.
Three days is sufficient to see a lot of the high spots in Izmir, however if you wish to discover in a extra relaxed method, 5 days could also be a greater choice.
You may make Izmir as low cost or as costly as you need. In comparison with many different massive European cities, the costs in Izmir are very affordable, however it depends upon the place you keep, eat, and spend your time.
Izmir’s nightlife is especially vibrant, and you could find the whole lot from quiet and sedate venues to nightclubs. Alsancak is nice for nightlife, the place you’ll discover bars and golf equipment open till the early hours.
Town is lapped by the waters of the Aegean, however it doesn’t have a seaside. Close by Balçova has a small seaside, however there are a number of seaside resorts very near Izmir, together with Çeşme, Alaçatı, and Kuşadası.
It’s not advisable to swim within the metropolis middle, as a result of sheer variety of boats that use the waters, however you’ll be able to swim within the sea within the close by seaside resorts and additional away from town middle itself.
Each Izmir and Antalya are lovely in their very own proper, and neither is best than the opposite. Nevertheless, in order for you a extra cosmopolitan expertise, Izmir will serve you higher. However, Antalya has a few of the most lovely seashores in the entire of Turkey.
In Closing
Now you recognize all the most effective locations to go to in Izmir, the one factor left to do is plan your keep. It’s no shock that many individuals return to Izmir 12 months after 12 months; it’s a type of locations that grabs you, and makes it laborious to remain away.
The primary time I visited Izmir, I used to be shocked at how lovely it’s. I used to be so used to spending time in Istanbul that I didn’t suppose one other metropolis might entice me fairly as a lot, however Izmir managed it. I’m fairly positive it will likely be the identical story for you.
