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 seaside resorts; it’s house to a spread of unbelievable cities to discover, and one in every of my favorites is Izmir. Because the third largest metropolis in 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 need 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 widespread Izmir sights is close by Ephesus, one in every of my favourite locations in the entire world. By the tip 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.

Best Things 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 frightened about that, nonetheless, because it’s all fairly straightforward to do. The perfect sightseeing in Izmir is in the Alsancak/Konak space, however there are lots of different areas value exploring.

There are some nice day journeys simply exterior 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 useful recommendation comes 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 house to the well-known Izmir Clock Tower, constructed in 1901. The sq. itself is a vibrant spot the place individuals meet to talk, kids play, and avenue musicians carry out. It’s a busy a part of town, and the clock tower is all the time 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 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.

Should 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, you may as well 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, operating from Alsancak all the best way down previous town middle. This is among 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 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 little thing you may consider. That is additionally an incredible spot for conventional souvenirs, equivalent 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 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 reasonably than sorry, by taking precautions.

Out of all of the issues to do in Izmir, this is among the most genuine. You’ll must haggle, so begin practising now, and also you’ll seize the most effective 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 very totally 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 10th century BC, this was probably the most vital and busiest cities of its time, and the ruins nonetheless stand extraordinarily well-preserved as we speak.

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 all over the place, however I extremely suggest you’re taking your time right here. It’s an enormous area, and it could actually get very crowded in the course of the summer season months. Click on right here for tour data.

Should 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 in the height 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

5. Store at Discussion board Bornova

Should you get the urge to splash the money a little bit, a go to to Discussion board Bornova is among the greatest issues to do in Izmir. Full of home and worldwide shops, you’ll discover every little thing you’re searching for right here, and possibly much more moreover.

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 displays operating and plenty of issues to do at any given time. It’s additionally full of eating places and low retailers, so you may take your time shopping and luxuriate in a couple of pitstops alongside the best way.

Handle: Kazımdirik, 372. Sk. No:75, 35100 Bornova/İzmir

6. Eat Road Meals in Alsancak

Making an attempt native avenue meals is one in every of my favourite issues to do regardless of the place I’m in the world, however I discovered some unbelievable choices in Alsancak. This a part of town is full of life and vibrant regardless of the time of day, so that you’re certain to search out a lot of totally different meals to fit your style.

Ensure you give the well-known Izmir bombası a attempt; Çelebi Unlu Mamuller is the most effective place to go, (there’s all the time an enormous queue exterior, which says so much!). 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 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 Gourmand 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 among the prime locations to go to in Izmir, and it’s proper in the guts of town middle. Again in Ottoman instances, this was town’s largest mosque, and it nonetheless stands proud as we speak, stunningly stunning in its structure.

Above the primary door, you’ll see the well-known inscription in gold leaf: “Whoever goes in there might be protected.” The mosque complicated is massive and intricately embellished. It’s a serene and calm place in the center of town and an exquisite place to discover, whether or not you’ve been to a mosque earlier than or not.

Should you aren’t conversant in 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 in case you’re a lady, and everybody must take off their footwear, so be sure you’ve obtained 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 full of historical past, and a lot of it’s open to discover. Visiting Agora Open Air Museum is among the greatest issues to do in Izmir for households as a result of it’s so massive and simple 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 big museum. It’s conveniently positioned too, in contrast to Ephesus which it’s essential to journey to. It was initially constructed in 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 probably the most vital Roman websites thereafter.

This is among 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. Verify 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 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 in case you don’t need to cease to eat, it’s an incredible thought to only sit and watch the superb 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.

Handle: Akdeniz, Pasaport İskelesi, 35210 Konak/İzmir

10. Izmir Historic Elevator Constructing

One of the crucial distinctive issues to do in Izmir may 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 top-of-the-line 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 individuals to maneuver from avenue to avenue with extra ease. Today, the constructing affords 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 every of my favourite views by far.

There’s a restaurant on the prime, and it’s an incredible spot to go in case you’re searching for a romantic night together with your associate. 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 like museums, and this one is full of actually attention-grabbing artifacts courting again so far as the Bronze Age. Should 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 take pleasure in 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 big 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 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 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. Should you’re visiting on a gentle day and the solar is shining, this is among the prime issues to do close to Izmir, and so many individuals don’t even understand it exists! Nevertheless, you will have to stroll honest 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 avoid wasting your ft.

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 in the course of 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 foundations to keep away from the danger of fireplace.

For me, this is among the best-hidden gem locations to see in Izmir, the place you may see proper over town, all the best way again to Alsancak. Take some snug footwear for all of the strolling you’ll do, however respiration in that contemporary 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 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 explicit museum helps you be taught a lot about his life and significance to Turkish individuals.

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 illustration, 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 so much. 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 additionally private objects that allow you to be taught extra deeply about him.

Handle: 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 instances, in 1744, and the outside structure is fairly spectacular, however inside is the place you’ll discover the treasure trove of purchasing alternatives.

Now, I’m not a haggling pure; it took me a while to construct my confidence, however now I can discount with the most effective of them. The benefit 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 among 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

Nomatter what sort of night you’re after, there are such a lot of issues to do in Izmir at night time. Should 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 little 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 in every of my favourite locations to go in 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 night time at Molly Malone’s Irish Pub.

Handle: Alsancak, 35220 Konak/İzmir

Things To Do in Izmir: FAQs

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

In Closing

Now you recognize all the most effective 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 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 is going to be the identical story for you.