15 Greatest Issues To Do in Izmir, Turkey

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 seaside resorts; it’s house to a variety of incredible 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, 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 frequently 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 wish to depart, and since there are such a lot of locations to see in Izmir, it by no means will get boring.

This complete 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 vital in style 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 concept of visiting Izmir, simply as a lot as I find it irresistible in actual life.

Greatest 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 apprehensive about that, nevertheless, because it’s all fairly straightforward to do. The very best 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 outdoors the town and with so many high issues to do in Izmir itself, you’re going to wish to slim down your selections. That’s the place my useful recommendation is available in helpful!

1. Konak Sq. & Izmir Clock Tower

One of the vital well-known locations to go to in Izmir is Konak Sq., which can also be house to the well-known Izmir Clock Tower, in-built 1901. The sq. itself is a vibrant spot the place folks meet to speak, youngsters play, and road 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 undoubtedly the most effective 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.

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 occurring round you. Nonetheless, you too can 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 high 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 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 too can rent a motorbike (there are cycle lanes), attempt 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 high issues to see in Izmir metropolis heart is Kemeraltı Çarşısı – an enormous open market the place you should buy just about every part you’ll be able to consider. That is additionally an amazing 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 youngsters in the event 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 greatest to be secure relatively 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 perfect bargains to take again house with you.

Handle: 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 completely completely different beast. This place is so superb and stunningly lovely, and it’s one of many high locations to go to close to Izmir. Courting again to the tenth century BC, this was some of the vital and busiest cities of its time, and the ruins nonetheless stand extraordinarily well-preserved at present.

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 all places, however I extremely advocate you are taking your time right here. It’s an enormous house, and it will possibly get very crowded through the summer time months. Click on right here for tour data.

When you 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

5. Store at Discussion board Bornova

When you get the urge to splash the money a bit of, 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 part you’re on the lookout for right here, and possibly much more in addition to.

That is an open-air shopping center, and it’s all the time embellished for numerous occasions, together with New 12 months. There are sometimes reveals working and many issues to do at any given time. It’s additionally filled with eating places and low retailers, so you’ll be able to take your time searching and luxuriate 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

Making an attempt native road meals is one in all my favourite issues to do irrespective of the place I’m on the earth, 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 lot of completely different meals to fit your style.

Ensure you give the well-known Izmir bombası a attempt; Çelebi Unlu Mamuller is the perfect place to go, (there’s all the time an enormous queue outdoors, which says rather a lot!). And a phrase of recommendation: in the event you 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 sorts of kebabs, sweetcorn, Börek, lahmacun, soup, toasties… the listing goes on. One of the vital enjoyable issues to do in Izmir is to take the Izmir Metropolis Connoisseur Tour the place you’ll be able to 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 likely one of the high 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 at present, stunningly lovely in its structure.

Above the principle door, you’ll see the well-known inscription in gold leaf: “Whoever goes in there can 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.

When you 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 in the event you’re a lady, and everybody must take off their sneakers, so be sure you’ve received 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 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 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 testing 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 enormous museum. It’s conveniently positioned too, not like Ephesus which you’ll 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. Nonetheless, Roman Emperor Aurelius demanded it’s rebuilt and it turned some of the 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’ll be able to simply mix this with one thing else to refill 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 high 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 might 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 undoubtedly a night to recollect. However, even in the event you don’t wish to cease to eat, it’s an amazing concept to only 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 digital camera.

Handle: Akdeniz, Pasaport İskelesi, 35210 Konak/İzmir

10. Izmir Historic Elevator Constructing

One of the vital distinctive issues to do in Izmir may also 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 the most effective issues to do in Izmir, palms 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. Nowadays, the constructing presents probably the most beautiful, sweeping view over the entire of Izmir, and on a transparent day, you’ll be able to see for miles. It’s one in all my favourite views by far.

There’s a restaurant on the high, and it’s an amazing spot to go in the event 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, nevertheless – once 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 filled with actually fascinating artifacts courting again so far as the Bronze Age. When 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 high issues to do in Izmir, come rain or shine. Barely older youngsters, maybe age 10 and above, will take pleasure in exploring this museum.

For me, probably 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 very good two hours exploring this enormous museum and its items. I felt like I actually discovered one thing too.

As one of many high vacationer sights in Izmir, it will 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.

Handle: Konak Mahallesi, Bahri Baba Parkı, Halil Rıfat Paşa Cd. No:4, 35260 Konak/İzmir

12. Take pleasure in Nature at İnciraltı Kent Ormanı

I stumbled upon İnciraltı Kent Ormanı, an exquisite pure house, by chance however I’m so glad I did. When you’re visiting on a light day and the solar is shining, this is likely one of the high issues to do close to Izmir, and so many individuals don’t even understand it exists! Nonetheless, you’ll need 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 toes.

İnciraltı Kent Ormanı is positioned 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 through the scorching days. There are small huts the place you’ll be able to have a picnic and even BBQ areas to reap the benefits 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’ll be able to 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 undoubtedly be in your listing 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 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. For example, you might 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 rather a lot. The constructing itself can also be vital because it’s the place Ataturk himself stayed whereas in Izmir. Inside you’ll discover gadgets that not solely let you know who Ataturk was, but additionally private gadgets that aid you study extra deeply about him.

Handle: Alsancak Mh.,, Gündüğdu Caddesi No:242, 35220 Konak/İzmir

14. Haggle at Kızlarağası Inn

Purchasing is all the time enjoyable, however when you must 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 buying alternatives.

Now, I’m not a haggling pure; it took me a while to construct my confidence, however now I can cut price 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 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, they usually’re positive to boost your go to.

Handle: Tarihi Kızlarağası Hanı Han Yönetimi 871 Sokak No:19/106 Hisarönü, 35250 Konak/İzmir

15. Take pleasure in 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. When you’re after a chilled-out time, head to the Kordon and easily take a stroll, to benefit from the calm vibe and examine. If you need 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 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 in all my favourite locations to go within the night and their bar snacks are scrumptious too. Cafe Del Mundo is one other high spot, and it’s all the time a very good night time at Molly Malone’s Irish Pub.

Handle: Alsancak, 35220 Konak/İzmir

Issues To Do in Izmir: FAQs

Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on the perfect issues to do in Izmir, Turkey:

In Closing

Now you understand 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 type of locations that grabs you, and makes it laborious 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 positive it will likely be the identical story for you.