There are many issues to do in Izmir, a metropolis that’s filled with historical past, wonderful meals, implausible surroundings, and vibrant nightlife. There’s extra to Turkey than simply seashore resorts; it’s house to a spread of implausible 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 a number of days or perhaps a month there sometimes. It’s a spot that’s so endearing, I by no means wish to depart, 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 fashionable Izmir points of interest is close by Ephesus, one in every of my favourite locations in the entire world. By the top of this information, I hope you’ll have fallen in love with the concept of visiting Izmir, simply as a lot as I find it irresistible in actual life.
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 frightened 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 a lot of different areas price exploring.
There are some nice day journeys simply exterior town and with so many prime issues to do in Izmir itself, you’re going to wish to slim 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 Sq., which can also be house to the well-known Izmir Clock Tower, inbuilt 1901. The sq. itself is a vibrant spot the place folks meet to speak, kids play, and road musicians carry out. It’s a busy a part of town, and the clock tower is at all times 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 undoubtedly probably the greatest 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 the event 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 may as well take an Izmir metropolis tour which stops on the clock tower. Click on right here for particulars.
Deal with: Kemeraltı Çarşısı, 35360 Konak/İzmir
2. Stroll Alongside the Kordon
One of many prime points of interest in Izmir is the Kordon – a 1.5km lengthy waterside promenade that originates from the 1850s, operating from Alsancak all the best way down previous town heart. 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 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.
Deal with: Alsancak, 35250 Konak/İzmir
3. Go to Kemeraltı Çarşısı
One of many prime issues to see in Izmir metropolis heart is Kemeraltı Çarşısı – an enormous open market the place you should buy just about every part you possibly can consider. That is additionally a terrific spot for conventional souvenirs, comparable to Turkish delight, spices, and textiles.
From private expertise, this space is extremely busy, and it’s essential to maintain maintain of your kids when you’re touring as a household; the bazaar is slim and winding, and it’s very straightforward to get misplaced. Additionally, do hold maintain of your bag right here; it’s not unsafe, however it’s a hotspot for pick-pockets, and it’s finest to be protected 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 practising now, and also you’ll seize the perfect bargains to take again house with you.
Deal with: 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 completely totally different beast. This place is so wonderful and stunningly lovely, and it’s one of many prime locations to go to close to Izmir. Courting again to the tenth century BC, this was one of the essential and busiest cities of its time, and the ruins nonetheless stand extraordinarily well-preserved in the present day.
Many day and half-day excursions go to Ephesus from Izmir, and also you’ll sometimes have a information with you that can assist you perceive what you’re seeing. If not, there are indicators with info in every single place, however I extremely advocate you’re taking your time right here. It’s an enormous area, and it will possibly get very crowded throughout the summer season months. Click on right here for tour info.
In the event you can, head to Ephesus throughout 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 an exquisite place, you don’t need the climate to spoil it.
Deal with: Acarlar, Efes Harabeleri, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir
5. Store at Discussion board Bornova
In the event you get the urge to splash the money somewhat, a go to to Discussion board Bornova is among the finest issues to do in Izmir. Full of home and worldwide shops, you’ll discover every part you’re in search of right here, and doubtless much more in addition to.
That is an open-air shopping center, and it’s at all times adorned for varied occasions, together with New 12 months. There are sometimes reveals operating and many issues to do at any given time. It’s additionally filled with eating places and low outlets, so you possibly can take your time looking and luxuriate in a number of pitstops alongside the best way.
Deal with: Kazımdirik, 372. Sk. No:75, 35100 Bornova/İzmir
6. Eat Avenue Meals in Alsancak
Attempting native road meals is one in every of my favourite issues to do regardless of the place I’m on the planet, however I discovered some implausible 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 search out a lot of totally different meals to fit your style.
Ensure you give the well-known Izmir bombası a strive; Çelebi Unlu Mamuller is the perfect place to go, (there’s at all times an enormous queue exterior, which says so much!). 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 offer you a sugar rush.
You’ll discover doner kebabs, amongst different forms of kebabs, sweetcorn, Börek, lahmacun, soup, toasties… the listing goes on. Probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Izmir is to take the Izmir Metropolis Connoisseur Tour the place you possibly can fill your self up alongside the best way. Click on right here for particulars.
Deal with: 35220 Konak/İzmir
7. Go to Hisar Mosque
Constructed between 1592 and 1598, Hisar Mosque is among the prime locations to go to in Izmir, and it’s proper within the coronary heart of town heart. Again in Ottoman occasions, this was town’s largest mosque, and it nonetheless stands proud in the present day, stunningly lovely in its structure.
Above the primary door, you’ll see the well-known inscription in gold leaf: “Whoever goes in there might be protected.” The mosque advanced is massive and intricately adorned. It’s a serene and calm place in the midst of town and an exquisite place to discover, whether or not you’ve been to a mosque earlier than or not.
In the event you aren’t acquainted with 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 footwear, so ensure you’ve received some socks with you. As soon as inside, spend a while in quiet contemplation and admire the attractive structure.
Deal with: 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 among the finest issues to do in Izmir for households as a result of it’s so massive and simple to stroll round. Youngsters will love trying out the ruins and hiding across the columns whereas studying one thing alongside the best way.
I like outdated issues like this, and I notably loved visiting this large museum. It’s conveniently situated too, not like Ephesus which 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. Nevertheless, Roman Emperor Aurelius demanded it’s rebuilt and it turned one of the essential 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 replenish your day.
Deal with: Yeni, Tarik Sari Sokağı No:16, 35240 Konak/İzmir
9. Verify Out the Sundown from Pasaport
As you’re strolling alongside the Kordon, one of many prime 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 undoubtedly a night to recollect. However, even when you don’t wish to cease to eat, it’s a terrific concept to only sit and watch the wonderful present from Mom Nature. By way of 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.
Deal with: Akdeniz, Pasaport İskelesi, 35210 Konak/İzmir
10. Izmir Historic Elevator Constructing
Probably the most distinctive issues to do in Izmir can even offer you loads of wonderful views on the identical time. The Historic Elevator Constructing may not sound like a lot, however belief me, it’s probably the greatest 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. Today, the constructing gives essentially the most beautiful, sweeping view over the entire of Izmir, and on a transparent day, you possibly can see for miles. It’s one in every of my favourite views by far.
There’s a restaurant on the prime, and it’s a terrific spot to go when you’re in search of a romantic night together with your companion. 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.
Deal with: 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 relationship again so far as the Bronze Age. In the event you occur to get a wet day throughout your go to, undoubtedly head to the Izmir Archaeology & Ethnography Museum because it’s one of many prime issues to do in Izmir, come rain or shine. Barely older kids, maybe age 10 and above, will get pleasure from exploring this museum.
For me, essentially the most fascinating piece was The Marble Statue of Androklos, which is claimed to have belonged to the founding father of close by Ephesus. There are many statues that had been salvaged from shipwrecks across the space, and I spent a very good two hours exploring this large museum and its items. I felt like I actually discovered one thing too.
As one of many prime vacationer points of interest in Izmir, it will possibly get fairly busy right here, particularly throughout the weekends and public holidays. I like to recommend you go early after which spend the remainder of the day exploring the encircling space.
Deal with: 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, an exquisite pure area, accidentally however I’m so glad I did. In the event you’re visiting on a gentle day and the solar is shining, this is among the prime issues to do close to Izmir, and so many individuals don’t even understand it exists! Nevertheless, you’ll need 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 avoid wasting your ft.
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 throughout the sizzling days. There are small huts the place you possibly can have a picnic and even BBQ areas to benefit from, though do learn the indicators and abide by the foundations to keep away from the danger of fireplace.
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 best way again to Alsancak. Take some snug footwear for all of the strolling you’ll do, however inhaling that contemporary forest air is an actual deal with.
Deal with: Bahçelerarası, Engelliler Mrk. İçi Yolu, 35330 Balçova/İzmir
13. Go to Ataturk Museum
A go to to the Ataturk Museum ought to undoubtedly be in your listing 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 explicit museum helps you study a lot about his life and significance to Turkish folks.
This museum can also be centrally situated in Konak, so it’s straightforward to mix a visit right here with a number of spots for one full day in Izmir. As an 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 discovered so much. The constructing itself can also be essential because it’s the place Ataturk himself stayed whereas in Izmir. Inside you’ll discover objects that not solely let you know who Ataturk was, but additionally private objects that allow you to study extra deeply about him.
Deal with: Alsancak Mh.,, Gündüğdu Caddesi No:242, 35220 Konak/İzmir
14. Haggle at Kızlarağası Inn
Purchasing is at all times enjoyable, however when you need 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 occasions, in 1744, and the outside structure is fairly spectacular, however inside is the place you’ll discover the treasure trove of purchasing alternatives.
Now, I’m not a haggling pure; it took me a while to construct my confidence, however now I can discount with the perfect of them. The advantage 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 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.
Deal with: 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 night time. In the event you’re after a chilled-out time, head to the Kordon and easily take a stroll, to benefit from the calm vibe and think about. 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 at all times 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 prime spot, and it’s at all times a very good night time at Molly Malone’s Irish Pub.
Deal with: Alsancak, 35220 Konak/İzmir
Issues To Do in Izmir: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on the perfect issues to do in Izmir, Turkey:
Izmir is thought for being a contemporary metropolis that’s stuffed with implausible points of interest. The Konak space is legendary, because of 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 yr round, so there isn’t essentially a proper or fallacious time to go – it is dependent upon what you wish to do. If you wish to spend time outside and by the seashore, the months between Might and October are superb. 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 undoubtedly make it onto your must-visit listing. Izmir is a really picturesque metropolis, however it additionally has a lot of historical past and modern-day enjoyable to dive into.
Three days is sufficient to get a very good overview of town and to see the main sights. If you wish to go to sights across the space, comparable to close by Kuşadası and Ephesus, then 5 days can be higher.
Izmir is a protected metropolis to go to so long as you utilize the identical frequent sense as you’ll in another massive metropolis all over the world. Don’t stroll with extra quantities of money, and keep away from flashing valuables, notably 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 best way down town and past. This route additionally takes you previous Izmir Clock Tower, one other well-known spot.
The Izmir area is legendary for a lot of several types 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 prime spots in Izmir, however if you wish to discover in a extra relaxed manner, 5 days could also be a greater possibility.
You can also 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 is dependent upon the place you keep, eat, and spend your time.
Izmir’s nightlife is especially vibrant, and you could find every part 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, however 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 heart, 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 heart itself.
Each Izmir and Antalya are lovely in their very own proper, and neither is best than the opposite. Nevertheless, if you need a extra cosmopolitan expertise, Izmir will serve you higher. Then again, Antalya has a number of the most lovely seashores in the entire of Turkey.
In Closing
Now all the perfect 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 arduous 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 assume 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.
