There are many issues to do in Izmir, a metropolis that’s filled with historical past, superb meals, unbelievable surroundings, and vibrant nightlife. There’s extra to Turkey than simply seashore resorts; it’s residence to a spread of unbelievable cities to discover, and certainly one of my favorites is Izmir.
Because the third largest metropolis within the nation, Izmir has a laid-back, student-like vibe, nevertheless 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 frequently go to and spend a number of days or perhaps a month there often.
It’s a spot that’s so endearing, I by no means need to go away, and since there are such a lot of locations to see in Izmir, it by no means will get boring. It’s simple to see why that is such a must-visit destination.
This complete 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 fashionable Izmir sights is nearby Ephesus, certainly one of my favourite locations in the entire world.
By the top of this information, I hope you’ll have fallen in love with the thought of visiting Izmir, simply as a lot as I find it irresistible in actual life.
SEE ALSO: 15 Best Things To Do in Marmaris, Turkey
Finest Issues To Do in Izmir
First issues first: Izmir is a big metropolis, so that you’re going to want to make use of public transport, taxis, or drive to get round. Don’t be apprehensive about that, nonetheless, because it’s all fairly simple to do. The most effective sightseeing in Izmir is within the Alsancak/Konak space, however there are a lot of 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 need to slender down your decisions. That’s the place my helpful recommendation is available in helpful!
1. Konak Sq. & Izmir Clock Tower
Probably the most well-known locations to go to in Izmir is Konak Square, which can be residence to the well-known Izmir Clock Tower, in-built 1901. The sq. itself is a vibrant spot the place folks meet to speak, kids play, and avenue 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 finest free issues to do in Izmir, and the truth that there are such a lot of scrumptious avenue food distributors round simply provides to the attraction.
For those who’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. Nonetheless, you may as well take an Izmir city tour which stops on the clock tower. Click here for details.
Handle: 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 among 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 may as well rent a motorbike (there are cycle lanes), strive avenue 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.
Handle: 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 purchase just about all the things you possibly can consider. That is additionally an excellent spot for conventional souvenirs, similar to Turkish delight, spices, and textiles.
From private expertise, this space is extremely busy, and it’s vital to maintain maintain of your kids when you’re touring as a household; the bazaar is slender and winding, and it’s very simple to get misplaced.
Additionally, do maintain maintain of your bag right here; it’s not unsafe, however it’s a hotspot for pick-pockets, and it’s finest to be secure fairly than sorry, by taking precautions.
Out of all of the issues to do in Izmir, this is among the most genuine. You’ll have to haggle, so begin working towards now, and also you’ll seize the most effective bargains to take again residence with you.
Handle: 35360 Konak/İzmir
SEE ALSO: 15 Pros and Cons of Living in Turkey
SEE ALSO: Digital Nomad Guide to Living in Turkey
4. A Day Journey to Ephesus
I’ve been to numerous locations in Turkey, and most of them blew me away, however Ephesus was a very completely different beast. This place is so superb and stunningly stunning, and it’s one of many high locations to go to close to Izmir.
Courting again to the tenth century BC, this was some of the vital and busiest cities of its time, and the ruins nonetheless stand extraordinarily well-preserved in the present day.
Many day and half-day tours go to Ephesus from Izmir, and also you’ll usually have a information with you that can assist you perceive what you’re seeing. If not, there are indicators with info all over the place, however I extremely suggest you are taking your time right here. It’s an enormous house, and it might get very crowded in the course of the summer season months. Click here for tour information.
For those who 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 season months fairly uncomfortable. That is such a beautiful place, you don’t need the climate to spoil it.
Handle: Acarlar, Efes Harabeleri, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir
SEE ALSO: Why This Up-And-Coming Turkish Town is a Top Destination
5. Store at Discussion board Bornova
For those who get the urge to splash the money a little bit, a go to to Forum Bornova is among the finest issues to do in Izmir. Filled with home and worldwide shops, you’ll discover all the things you’re in search of right here, and possibly much more moreover.
That is an open-air shopping center, and it’s all the time adorned for varied occasions, together with New Yr. There are sometimes reveals operating and plenty of issues to do at any given time. It’s additionally filled with eating places and low outlets, so you possibly can take your time shopping and luxuriate in a number of pitstops alongside the way in which.
Handle: Kazımdirik, 372. Sk. No:75, 35100 Bornova/İzmir
6. Eat Road Meals in Alsancak
Making an attempt native avenue meals is certainly one of my favourite issues to do regardless of the place I’m on this planet, however I discovered some unbelievable choices in Alsancak. This a part of town is full of life and vibrant regardless of the time of day, so that you’re certain to seek out a lot 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 loads!). And a phrase of recommendation: when 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 sorts 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 City Gourmet Tour the place you possibly can fill your self up alongside the way in which. Click here for details.
Handle: 35220 Konak/İzmir
7. Go to Hisar Mosque
Constructed between 1592 and 1598, Hisar Mosque is among 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 in the present day, stunningly stunning in its structure.
Above the principle door, you’ll see the well-known inscription in gold leaf: “Whoever goes in there shall be secure.” The mosque complicated is giant and intricately adorned. It’s a serene and calm place in the course of town and a beautiful place to discover, whether or not you’ve been to a mosque earlier than or not.
For those who aren’t accustomed to 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 when you’re a girl, and everybody must take off their sneakers, so be sure to’ve obtained some socks with you. As soon as inside, spend a while in quiet contemplation and admire the gorgeous structure.
Handle: Konak, 904. Sk. No:52, 35250 Konak/İzmir
8. Agora Open Air Museum
The world in and round Izmir is filled with historical past, and a lot of it’s open to discover. Visiting Agora Open Air Museum is among the finest issues to do in Izmir for households as a result of it’s so giant 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 significantly loved visiting this large museum. It’s conveniently situated too, in contrast to Ephesus which that you must 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. Nonetheless, Roman Emperor Aurelius demanded it’s rebuilt and it turned some of the vital Roman websites thereafter.
This is among the faster issues to see in Izmir; round 1.5 hours is sufficient time to spare, so you possibly can simply mix this with one thing else to refill your day.
Handle: 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 can 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 when you don’t need to cease to eat, it’s an excellent thought to simply sit and watch the superb present from Mom Nature. When it comes to what to see in Izmir, I’d extremely suggest this as a stop-off level, and it’s one other place the place you’ll want your digital camera.
Handle: Akdeniz, Pasaport İskelesi, 35210 Konak/İzmir
10. Izmir Historic Elevator Constructing
Probably the most distinctive issues to do in Izmir may also provide you with loads of superb views on the identical time. The Historic Elevator Building won’t sound like a lot, however belief me, it’s among the finest issues to do in Izmir, palms down.
The constructing itself dates again to 1907, when a Jewish businessman called Nesim Levi determined to create the elevator to permit folks to maneuver from avenue to avenue with extra ease. As of late, the constructing presents probably the most beautiful, sweeping view over the entire of Izmir, and on a transparent day, you possibly can see for miles. It’s certainly one of my favourite views by far.
There’s a restaurant on the high, and it’s an excellent spot to go when you’re in search of a romantic night together with your accomplice. It’s a good suggestion to order a desk forward of time, nonetheless – once I went it was extraordinarily busy, and I used to be fortunate to get a desk.
Handle: 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 attention-grabbing artifacts courting again so far as the Bronze Age. For those who 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 kids, maybe age 10 and above, will take pleasure in exploring this museum.
For me, probably the most attention-grabbing 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 a great two hours exploring this large museum and its items. I felt like I actually realized one thing too.
As one of many high vacationer sights in Izmir, it might 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 encircling space.
Handle: Konak Mahallesi, Bahri Baba Parkı, Halil Rıfat Paşa Cd. No:4, 35260 Konak/İzmir
12. Take pleasure in Nature at İnciraltı Kent Ormanı
I stumbled upon İnciraltı Kent Ormanı, a beautiful pure house, accidentally however I’m so glad I did. For those who’re visiting on a gentle day and the solar is shining, this is among the high issues to do close to Izmir, and so many individuals don’t even understand it exists! Nonetheless, you’ll need to stroll honest distance or get a taxi to seek out it – it’s on the very finish of the Kordon, so I like to recommend a taxi to save lots of your toes.
İnciraltı Kent Ormanı is situated in Balçova, the place you’ll discover a small, pebbly seashore right here too, so take your swim gear. The forest itself is lush and inexperienced, with loads of shade in the course of the sizzling days. There are small huts the place you possibly can have a picnic and even BBQ areas to reap the benefits of, though do learn the indicators and abide by the foundations to keep away from the danger of fireside.
For me, this is among the best-hidden gem locations to see in Izmir, the place you possibly can see proper over town, all the way in which again to Alsancak. Take some snug sneakers for all of the strolling you’ll do, however inhaling that contemporary forest air is an actual deal with.
Handle: 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 crucial determine in Turkey’s historical past. You’ll discover monuments devoted to him throughout the nation, however this specific museum helps you study a lot about his life and significance to Turkish folks.
This museum can be centrally situated in Konak, so it’s simple to mix a visit right here with a number of spots for one full day in Izmir. For example, you can 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 realized loads. The constructing itself can be vital because it’s the place Ataturk himself stayed whereas in Izmir. Inside you’ll discover objects that not solely inform you who Ataturk was, but additionally private objects that show you how to study extra deeply about him.
Handle: Alsancak Mh.,, Gündüğdu Caddesi No:242, 35220 Konak/İzmir
14. Haggle at Kızlarağası Inn
Purchasing is all the time enjoyable, however when it’s a must to haggle in 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 advantage of this specific spot is that it’s very easy to observe and as soon as inside, you’ll know you’re someplace atmospheric and historic.
That is one other spot I discovered accidentally, and I consider that simply strolling round this place is among the finest issues to do in Izmir. You discover so many issues that appear hidden away, they usually’re certain to reinforce your go to.
Handle: Tarihi Kızlarağası Hanı Han Yönetimi 871 Sokak No:19/106 Hisarönü, 35250 Konak/İzmir
15. Take pleasure in Izmir’s Vibrant Nightlife
It doesn’t matter what type of night you’re after, there are such a lot of issues to do in Izmir at night time. For those who’re after a chilled-out time, head to the Kordon and easily take a stroll, to benefit from the calm vibe and look at. If you’d like one thing a little bit 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 certainly one 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 a great night time at Molly Malone’s Irish Pub.
Handle: Alsancak, 35220 Konak/İzmir
BONUS!
Itemizing simply 15 enjoyable issues to do in Izmir was too exhausting – right here’s an additional for you! For those who’re in search of an epic day journey, Pamukkale is kind of probably one of many most scenic places in Turkey. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for a carbonate mineral that’s leftover from the flowing thermal spring water – it appears to be like tremendous white!
On this trip from Izmir, you’ll go to Pamukkale and see the close by historical metropolis of Hierapolis. It’s a full day journey, however is value it for the views.
Issues To Do in Izmir: FAQs
Listed below 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 filled with unbelievable sights. The Konak space is known, due to its waterside location however the metropolis has that laid-back vibe that makes you need to return time and time once more.
Izmir is open all yr round, so there isn’t essentially a proper or fallacious time to go – it depends upon what you need to do. If you wish to spend time outdoor and by the seashore, the months between Might and October are perfect. Nonetheless, for simpler sightseeing, I’d suggest 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, nevertheless it additionally has a lot of historical past and modern-day enjoyable to dive into.
Three days is sufficient to get a great overview of town and to see the key sights. If you wish to go to sights across the space, similar to close by Kuşadası and Ephesus, then 5 days can be higher.
Izmir is a safe city to go to so long as you utilize the identical frequent sense as you’ll in another giant metropolis all over the world. Don’t stroll with extra quantities of money, and keep away from flashing valuables, significantly in crowded areas.
Probably the most fashionable 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. For extra info on the dishes to not miss in Turkey, try this publish: Turkish Food: 15 Traditional Dishes to Try in Turkey.
Three days is sufficient to see many of the high spots in Izmir, however if you wish to discover in a extra relaxed manner, 5 days could also be a greater choice.
You can also make Izmir as low-cost or as costly as you need. In comparison with many different giant European cities, the costs in Izmir are very affordable, nevertheless it depends upon the place you keep, eat, and spend your time.
Izmir’s nightlife is especially vibrant, and yow will discover all the things 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.
The town is lapped by the waters of the Aegean, nevertheless it doesn’t have a seashore. Close by Balçova has a small seashore, however there are a number of seashore 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 possibly can swim within the sea within the close by seashore resorts and additional away from town middle itself.
Each Izmir and Antalya are stunning in their very own proper, and neither is best than the opposite. Nonetheless, in order for you a extra cosmopolitan expertise, Izmir will serve you higher. However, Antalya has among the most stunning seashores in the entire of Turkey.
In Closing
Now 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 yr after yr; it’s a kind of locations that grabs you, and makes it exhausting to remain away.
The primary time I visited Izmir, I used to be stunned at how stunning 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 certain will probably be the identical story for you.
Trending Merchandise
