There are many issues to do in Izmir, a metropolis that’s filled with historical past, superb meals, incredible surroundings, and vibrant nightlife. There’s extra to Turkey than simply seashore resorts; it’s dwelling to a spread of incredible 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, 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. One of the crucial in style Izmir points of interest is close by 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 concept 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 want 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 very best sightseeing in Izmir is within the Alsancak/Konak space, however there are numerous different areas value exploring.
There are some nice day journeys simply exterior the 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
One of the crucial well-known locations to go to in Izmir is Konak Sq., which can also be dwelling to the well-known Izmir Clock Tower, in-built 1901. The sq. itself is a vibrant spot the place folks meet to talk, kids play, and avenue musicians carry out. It’s a busy a part of the 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 avenue meals distributors round simply provides to the attraction.
When 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 happening round you. Nevertheless, it’s also possible to 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 the 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 it’s also possible to rent a motorcycle (there are cycle lanes), attempt 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.
Deal with: Alsancak, 35250 Konak/İzmir
3. Go to Kemeraltı Çarşısı
One of many prime issues to see in Izmir metropolis middle is Kemeraltı Çarşısı – an enormous open market the place you should buy just about every thing you possibly can consider. That is additionally an incredible spot for conventional souvenirs, akin 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 slim and winding, and it’s very straightforward 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 protected reasonably 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 one of the best bargains to take again dwelling with you.
Deal with: 35360 Konak/İzmir
4. A Day Journey to Ephesus
I’ve been to loads of 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 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 crucial vital 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 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 area, and it may get very crowded throughout the summer season months. Click on right here for tour data.
When 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
When you get the urge to splash the money just a little, a go to to Discussion board Bornova is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Izmir. Full of home and worldwide shops, you’ll discover every thing you’re on the lookout for right here, and doubtless much more in addition to.
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 displays 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 searching and revel in just a few pitstops alongside the best way.
Deal with: Kazımdirik, 372. Sk. No:75, 35100 Bornova/İzmir
6. Eat Road Meals in Alsancak
Attempting native avenue meals is certainly one of my favourite issues to do irrespective of the place I’m on the planet, however I discovered some incredible choices in Alsancak. This a part of the town is energetic and vibrant irrespective of the time of day, so that you’re positive to seek out a number of completely different meals to fit your style.
Ensure you give the well-known Izmir bombası a attempt; Çelebi Unlu Mamuller is one of the best place to go, (there’s all the time an enormous queue exterior, which says lots!). 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 kinds of kebabs, sweetcorn, Börek, lahmacun, soup, toasties… the checklist goes on. One of the crucial 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 without doubt one of the prime locations to go to in Izmir, and it’s proper within the coronary heart of the town middle. Again in Ottoman occasions, this was the town’s largest mosque, and it nonetheless stands proud in the present day, stunningly lovely in its structure.
Above the principle door, you’ll see the well-known inscription in gold leaf: “Whoever goes in there shall be protected.” The mosque complicated is massive and intricately adorned. It’s a serene and calm place in the course of the town and an exquisite place to discover, whether or not you’ve been to a mosque earlier than or not.
When 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 lady, and everybody must take off their footwear, so be sure to’ve obtained 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 without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Izmir for households as a result of it’s so massive and straightforward to stroll round. Kids will love trying out the ruins and hiding across the columns whereas studying one thing alongside the best way.
I like previous issues like this, and I notably loved visiting this large museum. It’s conveniently positioned too, not like Ephesus which you want 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 grew to become one of the crucial vital 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 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. Examine 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 could possibly mix it along 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 wish to cease to eat, it’s an incredible thought to simply sit and watch the superb 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 digicam.
Deal with: Akdeniz, Pasaport İskelesi, 35210 Konak/İzmir
10. Izmir Historic Elevator Constructing
One of the crucial distinctive issues to do in Izmir will even offer you loads of superb 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 referred to as Nesim Levi determined to create the elevator to permit folks to maneuver from avenue to avenue with extra ease. Today, the constructing presents probably the most gorgeous, 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 prime, and it’s an incredible spot to go when you’re on the lookout for a romantic night along with your accomplice. 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 attention-grabbing artifacts relationship again so far as the Bronze Age. When 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 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, 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 had been salvaged from shipwrecks across the space, and I spent a superb 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 may 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 encompassing 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. When you’re visiting on a gentle day and the solar is shining, this is without doubt one of the prime issues to do close to Izmir, and so many individuals don’t even comprehend it exists! Nevertheless, you will want 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 positioned 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 scorching 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 chance of fireplace.
For me, this is without doubt one of the best-hidden gem locations to see in Izmir, the place you possibly can see proper over the 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 positively be in your checklist 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 also 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. As an example, you could possibly 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 lots. The constructing itself can also 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 in addition private objects that aid you study extra deeply about him.
Deal with: Alsancak Mh.,, Gündüğdu Caddesi No:242, 35220 Konak/İzmir
14. Haggle at Kızlarağası Inn
Procuring 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 occasions, 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 one of the best of them. The benefit 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 imagine that simply strolling round this place is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Izmir. You discover so many issues that appear hidden away, and so they’re positive to boost 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 evening. When you’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 would like one thing just a little 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 prime spot, and it’s all the time a superb evening at Molly Malone’s Irish Pub.
Deal with: Alsancak, 35220 Konak/İzmir
Issues To Do in Izmir: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on one of the best issues to do in Izmir, Turkey:
Izmir is understood for being a contemporary metropolis that’s stuffed with incredible points of interest. The Konak space is legendary, 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 yr round, so there isn’t essentially a proper or incorrect time to go – it will depend on what you wish to do. If you wish to spend time outside and by the seashore, the months between Could and October are preferrred. 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 checklist. Izmir is a really picturesque metropolis, however it additionally has a number of historical past and modern-day enjoyable to dive into.
Three days is sufficient to get a superb overview of the town and to see the key sights. If you wish to go to sights across the space, akin to close by Kuşadası and Ephesus, then 5 days could be higher.
Izmir is a protected metropolis to go to so long as you utilize the identical frequent sense as you’d in every other massive metropolis all over the world. Don’t stroll with extra quantities of money, and keep away from flashing valuables, notably in crowded areas.
One of the crucial in style issues to do in Izmir is to stroll alongside the waterside Kordon, which stretches from Alsancak all the best way down the 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 various kinds of conventional meals, together with Manisa kebab, Izmir köfte, and kumru. The Izmir bombası is a candy deal with you HAVE to attempt.
Three days is sufficient to see many of the prime spots in Izmir, however if you wish to discover in a extra relaxed approach, 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 will depend on the place you keep, eat, and spend your time.
Izmir’s nightlife is especially vibrant, and you could find every thing 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 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 the town middle itself.
Each Izmir and Antalya are lovely in their very own proper, and neither is best than the opposite. Nevertheless, if you would like a extra cosmopolitan expertise, Izmir will serve you higher. However, Antalya has among the most lovely seashores in the entire of Turkey.
In Closing
Now all one of the best 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 type of locations that grabs you, and makes it arduous to remain away.
The primary time I visited Izmir, I used to be stunned 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 will probably be the identical story for you.
