There are many issues to do in Izmir, a metropolis that’s full of historical past, superb meals, unbelievable surroundings, and vibrant nightlife. There’s extra to Turkey than simply seashore resorts; it’s dwelling to a spread of unbelievable cities to discover, and one in all my favorites is Izmir.
Because the third largest metropolis within the nation, Izmir has a laid-back, student-like vibe, but it surely’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 couple of days or perhaps a month there often.
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. 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 crucial common Izmir sights is close by Ephesus, one in all 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 like it in actual life.
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Finest 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 fearful about that, nevertheless, 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 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 useful 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, inbuilt 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 the 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 top-of-the-line 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.
If you happen to’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, you can too 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 best way down previous the town middle. 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 can too rent a motorbike (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.
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 thing you may consider. That is additionally an ideal 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 in case you’re touring as a household; the bazaar is slim and winding, and it’s very straightforward to get misplaced.
Additionally, do preserve 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 moderately 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 practising now, and also you’ll seize one of the best bargains to take again dwelling with you.
Handle: 35360 Konak/İzmir
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4. A Day Journey to Ephesus
I’ve been to a whole lot of locations in Turkey, and most of them blew me away, however Ephesus was a completely completely different beast. This place is so superb 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 vital and busiest cities of its time, and the ruins nonetheless stand extraordinarily well-preserved at the 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 info in every single place, however I extremely suggest you are taking your time right here. It’s an enormous area, and it could actually get very crowded through the summer time months. Click on right here for tour info.
If you happen to 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.
Handle: Acarlar, Efes Harabeleri, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir
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5. Store at Discussion board Bornova
If you happen to get the urge to splash the money somewhat, 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 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 at all times embellished for numerous occasions, together with New 12 months. There are sometimes displays working and plenty of issues to do at any given time. It’s additionally full of eating places and occasional outlets, so you may take your time searching and revel in a couple of pitstops alongside the best way.
Handle: Kazımdirik, 372. Sk. No:75, 35100 Bornova/İzmir
6. Eat Avenue Meals in Alsancak
Making an attempt native avenue meals is one in all my favourite issues to do regardless of the place I’m on the earth, however I discovered some unbelievable choices in Alsancak. This a part of the town is energetic and vibrant regardless of the time of day, so that you’re certain to seek out a number of completely different meals to fit your style.
Be sure to give the well-known Izmir bombası a attempt; Çelebi Unlu Mamuller is one of the best place to go, (there’s at all times an enormous queue exterior, which says quite a bit!). And a phrase of recommendation: in case you order it heat, be affected person – don’t be like me and burn your mouth! It’s full of 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 listing goes on. One of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in Izmir is to take the Izmir Metropolis Connoisseur Tour the place you may fill your self up alongside the best way. Click on right here for particulars.
Handle: 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 middle. Again in Ottoman occasions, this was the town’s largest mosque, and it nonetheless stands proud at the moment, stunningly stunning in its structure.
Above the principle door, you’ll see the well-known inscription in gold leaf: “Whoever goes in there will likely be protected.” The mosque advanced 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.
If you happen to aren’t conversant in 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 in case you’re a girl, and everybody must take off their footwear, so be sure to’ve bought 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 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 straightforward 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 previous issues like this, and I notably loved visiting this large museum. It’s conveniently situated too, in contrast to Ephesus which it’s worthwhile 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 or not it’s rebuilt and it turned one of the crucial vital 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 refill your day.
Handle: 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 may mix it together 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 undoubtedly a night to recollect. However, even in case you don’t wish to cease to eat, it’s an ideal concept to only 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
One of the crucial distinctive issues to do in Izmir may even provide you with loads of superb views on the identical time. The Historic Elevator Constructing may not sound like a lot, however belief me, it’s top-of-the-line issues to do in Izmir, arms 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. As of late, the constructing provides probably the most gorgeous, sweeping view over the entire of Izmir, and on a transparent day, you may see for miles. It’s one in all my favourite views by far.
There’s a restaurant on the prime, and it’s an ideal spot to go in case you’re on the lookout for a romantic night together with your accomplice. It’s a good suggestion to order a desk forward of time, nevertheless – 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 like museums, and this one is full of actually attention-grabbing artifacts courting again so far as the Bronze Age. If you happen to 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 take pleasure in exploring this museum.
For me, probably the most attention-grabbing 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 great two hours exploring this large museum and its items. I felt like I actually discovered one thing too.
As one of many prime vacationer sights in Izmir, it could actually 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 encompassing 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 area, by chance however I’m so glad I did. If you happen to’re visiting on a light 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 comprehend it exists! Nevertheless, 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 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 benefit from, though do learn the indicators and abide by the principles to keep away from the chance of fireside.
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 best way again to Alsancak. Take some comfy footwear 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 undoubtedly be in your listing of issues to do in Izmir. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founding father of the Turkish Republic, is an important 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 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 may 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 quite a bit. 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 let you know who Ataturk was, but in addition private objects that show you how to be taught extra deeply about him.
Handle: Alsancak Mh.,, Gündüğdu Caddesi No:242, 35220 Konak/İzmir
14. Haggle at Kızlarağası Inn
Purchasing is at all times enjoyable, however when it’s important 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 procuring alternatives.
Now, I’m not a haggling pure; it took me a while to construct my confidence, however now I can cut price with one of the best of them. The advantage of this specific 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 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.
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 type of night you’re after, there are such a lot of issues to do in Izmir at evening. If you happen to’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 need 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 all 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 great evening at Molly Malone’s Irish Pub.
Handle: Alsancak, 35220 Konak/İzmir
BONUS!
Itemizing simply 15 enjoyable issues to do in Izmir was too laborious – right here’s an additional for you! If you happen to’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 seems to be 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 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 depends upon what you wish to do. If you wish to spend time outside and by the seashore, the months between Might and October are perfect. 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 undoubtedly make it onto your must-visit listing. Izmir is a really picturesque metropolis, but it surely additionally has a number of historical past and modern-day enjoyable to dive into.
Three days is sufficient to get a great overview of the town and to see the main 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 employ the identical widespread sense as you’ll in some other giant metropolis world wide. Don’t stroll with extra quantities of money, and keep away from flashing valuables, notably in crowded areas.
One of the crucial common 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. For extra info on the dishes to not miss in Turkey, try this submit: Turkish Meals: 15 Conventional Dishes to Attempt in Turkey.
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 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 cheap, but it surely depends upon 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, but it surely 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 may swim within the sea within the close by seashore 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. Nevertheless, if you need 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 understand 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 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 assume 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.
