There are many issues to do in Izmir, a metropolis that’s full of historical past, wonderful meals, implausible surroundings, and vibrant nightlife. There’s extra to Turkey than simply seashore resorts; it’s residence to a variety of implausible cities to discover, and one among 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 sometimes.
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 vacation spot.
This complete a part of Turkey is like an open-air museum, with loads of Greek-era historical past to take a look at. Some of the fashionable Izmir points of interest is close by Ephesus, one among 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.
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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 simple to do. One of the best sightseeing in Izmir is within the Alsancak/Konak space, however there are lots of different areas price 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 slim down your decisions. That’s the place my helpful recommendation is available in helpful!
1. Konak Sq. & Izmir Clock Tower
Some of the well-known locations to go to in Izmir is Konak Sq., which can also be residence 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 probably the greatest 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.
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. 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 way in which down previous the town heart. This is likely 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 may as well 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 heart is Kemeraltı Çarşısı – an enormous open market the place you should purchase just about all the pieces you may consider. That is additionally an awesome spot for conventional souvenirs, comparable to Turkish delight, spices, and textiles.
From private expertise, this space is extremely busy, and it’s necessary to maintain maintain of your kids if you happen to’re touring as a household; the bazaar is slim 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 greatest to be secure quite than sorry, by taking precautions.
Out of all of the issues to do in Izmir, this is likely one of the most genuine. You’ll have to haggle, so begin working towards now, and also you’ll seize the very best bargains to take again residence with you.
Deal with: 35360 Konak/İzmir
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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 completely completely 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 vital necessary and busiest cities of its time, and the ruins nonetheless stand extraordinarily well-preserved right this moment.
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 suggest you are taking your time right here. It’s an enormous area, and it may possibly get very crowded through the summer time months. Click on right here for tour data.
For those who can, head to Ephesus through 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 an exquisite place, you don’t need the climate to spoil it.
Deal with: Acarlar, Efes Harabeleri, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir
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5. Store at Discussion board Bornova
For those who get the urge to splash the money a bit, a go to to Discussion board Bornova is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Izmir. Filled with home and worldwide shops, you’ll discover all the pieces you’re in search of right here, and doubtless much more apart from.
That is an open-air shopping center, and it’s all the time embellished 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 full of eating places and occasional retailers, so you may take your time searching and revel in just a few pitstops alongside the way in which.
Deal with: Kazımdirik, 372. Sk. No:75, 35100 Bornova/İzmir
6. Eat Avenue Meals in Alsancak
Attempting native avenue meals is one among my favourite issues to do regardless of the place I’m on this planet, however I discovered some implausible choices in Alsancak. This a part of the town is full of life and vibrant regardless of the time of day, so that you’re certain to search out a number of completely different meals to fit your style.
Be sure you give the well-known Izmir bombası a attempt; Çelebi Unlu Mamuller is the very best place to go, (there’s all the time an enormous queue outdoors, which says rather a lot!). And a phrase of recommendation: if you happen to order it heat, be affected person – don’t be like me and burn your mouth! It’s full of 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 checklist goes on. Some 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.
Deal with: 35220 Konak/İzmir
7. Go to Hisar Mosque
Constructed between 1592 and 1598, Hisar Mosque is likely one of the prime locations to go to in Izmir, and it’s proper within the coronary heart of the town heart. Again in Ottoman occasions, this was the town’s largest mosque, and it nonetheless stands proud right this moment, stunningly stunning in its structure.
Above the primary door, you’ll see the well-known inscription in gold leaf: “Whoever goes in there will probably be secure.” The mosque complicated is giant and intricately embellished. 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.
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 if you happen to’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 full of historical past, and a lot of it’s open to discover. Visiting Agora Open Air Museum is likely 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 trying out 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 large museum. It’s conveniently situated too, in contrast to Ephesus which it’s essential 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 necessary Roman websites thereafter.
This is likely 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.
Deal with: 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 can 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 if you happen to don’t need to cease to eat, it’s an awesome thought to simply sit and watch the wonderful present from Mom Nature. By way of 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 digicam.
Deal with: Akdeniz, Pasaport İskelesi, 35210 Konak/İzmir
10. Izmir Historic Elevator Constructing
Some of the distinctive issues to do in Izmir may also offer you loads of wonderful views on the similar time. The Historic Elevator Constructing may not sound like a lot, however belief me, it’s probably the greatest issues to do in Izmir, arms 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 avenue to avenue with extra ease. Lately, the constructing presents essentially the most gorgeous, sweeping view over the entire of Izmir, and on a transparent day, you may see for miles. It’s one among my favourite views by far.
There’s a restaurant on the prime, and it’s an awesome spot to go if you happen to’re in search of a romantic night along 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 full of 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 prime 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, essentially 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 two hours exploring this large museum and its items. I felt like I actually realized one thing too.
As one of many prime vacationer points of interest in Izmir, it may possibly get fairly busy right here, particularly through 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, by chance however I’m so glad I did. For those who’re visiting on a gentle day and the solar is shining, this is likely one of the prime issues to do close to Izmir, and so many individuals don’t even understand 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 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 through the scorching 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 principles to keep away from the danger of fireplace.
For me, this is likely 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 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 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 be taught a lot about his life and significance to Turkish folks.
This museum can also 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 rather a lot. The constructing itself can also be necessary 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 in addition private objects that assist you to be taught extra deeply about him.
Deal with: 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 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 the very best of them. The advantage of this explicit 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 by chance, and I imagine that simply strolling round this place is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Izmir. You discover so many issues that appear hidden away, and so they’re certain 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
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 think about. If you would like one thing a 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 one among 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 night time at Molly Malone’s Irish Pub.
Deal with: Alsancak, 35220 Konak/İzmir
BONUS!
Itemizing simply 15 enjoyable issues to do in Izmir was too laborious – right here’s an additional for you! For those who’re in search of an epic day journey, Pamukkale is kind 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 seems 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 price it for the views.
Issues To Do in Izmir: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on the very best issues to do in Izmir, Turkey:
Izmir is understood 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 need to return time and time once more.
Izmir is open all 12 months round, so there isn’t essentially a proper or flawed time to go – it will depend on what you need to do. If you wish to spend time open air and by the seashore, the months between Might and October are ultimate. Nevertheless, 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 checklist. Izmir is a really picturesque metropolis, nevertheless it additionally has a number of historical past and modern-day enjoyable to dive into.
Three days is sufficient to get overview of the town and to see the key sights. If you wish to go to sights across the space, comparable 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 every other giant metropolis around the globe. Don’t stroll with extra quantities of money, and keep away from flashing valuables, notably in crowded areas.
Some of the fashionable 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 attempt. For extra data on the dishes to not miss in Turkey, take a look at this submit: Turkish Meals: 15 Conventional Dishes to Attempt 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 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 will depend on the place you keep, eat, and spend your time.
Izmir’s nightlife is especially vibrant, and you’ll find all the pieces 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 heart, as a result of sheer variety of boats that use the waters, however you may swim within the sea within the close by seashore resorts and additional away from the town heart itself.
Each Izmir and Antalya are stunning in their very own proper, and neither is best than the opposite. Nevertheless, if you’d like a extra cosmopolitan expertise, Izmir will serve you higher. Alternatively, Antalya has a number of the most stunning seashores in the entire of Turkey.
In Closing
Now you already know all the very 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 12 months after 12 months; it’s a kind of locations that grabs you, and makes it laborious 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 may entice me fairly as a lot, however Izmir managed it. I’m fairly certain it will likely be the identical story for you.
