There are many issues to do in Izmir, a metropolis that’s filled with historical past, wonderful meals, unbelievable surroundings, and vibrant nightlife. There’s extra to Turkey than simply seaside resorts; it’s house 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 regularly go to and spend just a few 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 straightforward to see why that is such a must-visit vacation spot.
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 common Izmir sights 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 find it irresistible in actual life.
SEE ALSO: 15 Greatest Issues To Do in Marmaris, Turkey
Greatest 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 apprehensive 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 numerous different areas value exploring.
There are some nice day journeys simply outdoors the town and with so many prime 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
One of the well-known locations to go to in Izmir is Konak Sq., which can be house to the well-known Izmir Clock Tower, inbuilt 1901. The sq. itself is a vibrant spot the place individuals meet to talk, kids play, and road musicians carry out. It’s a busy a part of the town, and the clock tower is at all times surrounded by many individuals taking images.
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 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. Nonetheless, it’s also possible to take an Izmir metropolis tour which stops on the clock tower. Click on right here for particulars.
Handle: Kemeraltı Çarşısı, 35360 Konak/İzmir
2. Stroll Alongside the Kordon
One of many prime sights in Izmir is the Kordon – a 1.5km lengthy waterside promenade that originates from the 1850s, working from Alsancak all the way in which 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 motorbike (there are cycle lanes), strive road meals, have a picnic on the grassed areas, or take the old school 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 prime issues to see in Izmir metropolis middle is Kemeraltı Çarşısı – an enormous open market the place you should buy just about every part you may consider. That is additionally an amazing spot for conventional souvenirs, reminiscent of Turkish delight, spices, and textiles.
From private expertise, this space is extremely busy, and it’s necessary to maintain maintain of your kids for those who’re touring as a household; the bazaar is slender 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 greatest to be protected 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 must haggle, so begin practising now, and also you’ll seize one of the best bargains to take again house with you.
Handle: 35360 Konak/İzmir
SEE ALSO: 15 Execs and Cons of Residing in Turkey
SEE ALSO: Digital Nomad Information to Residing in Turkey
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 totally different beast. This place is so wonderful and stunningly stunning, 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 necessary 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 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 may possibly get very crowded in the course of the summer season months. Click on right here for tour data.
In the event 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 season months fairly uncomfortable. That is such an exquisite 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 City is a High Vacation spot
5. Store at Discussion board Bornova
In the event you get the urge to splash the money a bit of, 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 every part you’re on the lookout for right here, and doubtless much more moreover.
That is an open-air shopping center, and it’s at all times adorned for varied occasions, together with New Yr. There are sometimes reveals working and many issues to do at any given time. It’s additionally filled with eating places and occasional retailers, so you may take your time shopping and revel in just a few pitstops alongside the way in which.
Handle: Kazımdirik, 372. Sk. No:75, 35100 Bornova/İzmir
6. Eat Avenue Meals in Alsancak
Attempting native road meals is certainly one of my favourite issues to do irrespective of the place I’m on this planet, however I discovered some unbelievable choices in Alsancak. This a part of the town is energetic and vibrant irrespective of the time of day, so that you’re certain to seek out a lot of totally different meals to fit your style.
Be sure you give the well-known Izmir bombası a strive; Çelebi Unlu Mamuller is one of the best place to go, (there’s at all times an enormous queue outdoors, which says loads!). And a phrase of recommendation: for those who 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. One of the enjoyable issues to do in Izmir is to take the Izmir Metropolis Connoisseur Tour the place you may fill your self up alongside the way in which. Click on right here for particulars.
Handle: 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 instances, this was the town’s largest mosque, and it nonetheless stands proud in the present day, stunningly stunning in its structure.
Above the primary door, you’ll see the well-known inscription in gold leaf: “Whoever goes in there shall be protected.” The mosque advanced is giant and intricately adorned. It’s a serene and calm place in the midst of the 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 accustomed to mosque etiquette, you’ll must put on respectable garments, (no shorts or vest tops). You’ll must cowl your head with a shawl or pashmina for those who’re a lady, and everybody must take off their sneakers, so ensure you’ve acquired 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 without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Izmir for households as a result of it’s so giant and simple to stroll round. Youngsters will love testing the ruins and hiding across the columns whereas studying one thing alongside the way in which.
I really like previous issues like this, and I significantly loved visiting this enormous museum. It’s conveniently situated too, in contrast to 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. Nonetheless, Roman Emperor Aurelius demanded it’s rebuilt and it grew to become one of the crucial necessary 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 may simply mix this with one thing else to replenish 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 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 definitely 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 for those who don’t need to cease to eat, it’s an amazing thought to simply 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.
Handle: Akdeniz, Pasaport İskelesi, 35210 Konak/İzmir
10. Izmir Historic Elevator Constructing
One of the distinctive issues to do in Izmir may also provide you with loads of wonderful views on the identical 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 individuals to maneuver from road to road with extra ease. Nowadays, the constructing gives essentially the most beautiful, sweeping view over the entire of Izmir, and on a transparent day, you may see for miles. It’s certainly one of my favourite views by far.
There’s a restaurant on the prime, and it’s an amazing spot to go for those who’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.
Handle: Turgut Reis, Şht. Nihatbey Cd. 76/A, 35000 Konak/İzmir
11. Izmir Archaeology & Ethnography Museum
I really 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, 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, 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 a superb two hours exploring this enormous museum and its items. I felt like I actually realized one thing too.
As one of many prime vacationer sights in Izmir, it may possibly 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. Get pleasure from Nature at İnciraltı Kent Ormanı
I stumbled upon İnciraltı Kent Ormanı, an exquisite pure house, accidentally however I’m so glad I did. In the event you’re visiting on a light 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! Nonetheless, you will have to stroll truthful 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 avoid wasting your ft.
İnciraltı Kent Ormanı is situated 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 sizzling days. There are small huts the place you may have a picnic and even BBQ areas to make the most of, though do learn the indicators and abide by the foundations to keep away from the danger of fireside.
For me, this is without doubt one of the best-hidden gem locations to see in Izmir, the place you may see proper over the town, all the way in which again to Alsancak. Take some snug sneakers for all of the strolling you’ll do, however inhaling that recent 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 be taught a lot about his life and significance to Turkish individuals.
This museum can 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. For 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 realized loads. The constructing itself can be necessary because it’s the place Ataturk himself stayed whereas in Izmir. Inside you’ll discover gadgets that not solely inform you who Ataturk was, but in addition private gadgets that enable you to be taught extra deeply about him.
Handle: Alsancak Mh.,, Gündüğdu Caddesi No:242, 35220 Konak/İzmir
14. Haggle at Kızlarağası Inn
Buying is at all times enjoyable, however when it’s a must 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 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 consider 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, they usually’re certain to boost your go to.
Handle: Tarihi Kızlarağası Hanı Han Yönetimi 871 Sokak No:19/106 Hisarönü, 35250 Konak/İzmir
15. Get pleasure from Izmir’s Vibrant Nightlife
It doesn’t matter 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 look at. If you would like one thing a bit of 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 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 at all times a superb 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! In the event you’re on the lookout for an epic day journey, Pamukkale is sort of presumably one of many most scenic locations in Turkey. This UNESCO World Heritage Website is legendary for a carbonate mineral that’s leftover from the flowing thermal spring water – it appears tremendous white!
On this journey from Izmir, you’ll go to Pamukkale and see the close by historic metropolis of Hierapolis. It’s a full day journey, however is value it for the views.
Issues To Do in Izmir: FAQs
Listed here 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 filled with unbelievable sights. The Konak space is legendary, because of 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 flawed time to go – it relies on what you need to do. If you wish to spend time outside and by the seaside, the months between Might and October are preferrred. Nonetheless, 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, nevertheless it additionally has a lot 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 most important sights. If you wish to go to sights across the space, reminiscent of close by Kuşadası and Ephesus, then 5 days could be higher.
Izmir is a protected metropolis to go to so long as you employ the identical frequent sense as you’d in another giant metropolis around the globe. Don’t stroll with extra quantities of money, and keep away from flashing valuables, significantly in crowded areas.
One of the common issues to do in Izmir is to stroll alongside the waterside Kordon, which stretches from Alsancak all the way in which 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 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. For extra data on the dishes to not miss in Turkey, take a look at this submit: Turkish Meals: 15 Conventional Dishes to Strive in Turkey.
Three days is sufficient to see a lot of the prime spots in Izmir, however if you wish to discover in a extra relaxed method, 5 days could also be a greater possibility.
You may 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 cheap, nevertheless it relies on the place you keep, eat, and spend your time.
Izmir’s nightlife is especially vibrant, and you’ll 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.
Town is lapped by the waters of the Aegean, nevertheless 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 may swim within the sea within the close by seaside resorts and additional away from the town middle itself.
Each Izmir and Antalya are stunning in their very own proper, and neither is best than the opposite. Nonetheless, if you’d like a extra cosmopolitan expertise, Izmir will serve you higher. Then again, Antalya has among the most stunning seashores in the entire of Turkey.
In Closing
Now you realize 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 exhausting to remain away.
The primary time I visited Izmir, I used to be shocked at how stunning it’s. I used to be so used to spending time in Istanbul that I didn’t assume one other metropolis may entice me fairly as a lot, however Izmir managed it. I’m fairly certain it is going to be the identical story for you.
