15 Best Things To Do in Izmir, Turkey

There are many issues to do in Izmir, a metropolis that’s filled with historical past, superb meals, implausible surroundings, and vibrant nightlife. There’s extra to Turkey than simply seaside resorts; it’s residence to a spread 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 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 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. Some of the standard Izmir sights is nearby 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 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 frightened about that, nevertheless, because it’s all fairly straightforward to do. One of the 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 town and with so many high issues to do in Izmir itself, you’re going to need to slender down your selections. That’s the place my useful recommendation is available in helpful!

1. Konak Sq. & Izmir Clock Tower

Some of the well-known locations to go to in Izmir is Konak Square, which can also be residence to the well-known Izmir Clock Tower, inbuilt 1901. The sq. itself is a vibrant spot the place folks meet to talk, youngsters play, and road musicians carry out. It’s a busy a part of 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 finest 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.

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 occurring round you. Nevertheless, you may also take an Izmir city tour which stops on the clock tower. Click here for details.

Deal with: 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 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 may also rent a motorbike (there are cycle lanes), strive road 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 high 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, corresponding 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 slender 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 protected somewhat 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 the perfect 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 quite a lot 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 lovely, and it’s one of many high locations to go to close to Izmir.

Courting again to the tenth 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 tours 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 all places, however I extremely suggest you’re taking your time right here. It’s an enormous area, and it will probably get very crowded throughout the summer season months. Click here for tour information.

If you happen to can, head to Ephesus throughout 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 a beautiful 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

If you happen to get the urge to splash the money slightly, a go to to Forum Bornova is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Izmir. Full of home and worldwide shops, you’ll discover every little thing you’re on the lookout for right here, and possibly much more apart from.

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 reveals working and many issues to do at any given time. It’s additionally filled with eating places and low outlets, so you may take your time shopping 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

Making an attempt native road meals is one among my favourite issues to do regardless of the place I’m on the earth, however I discovered some implausible choices in Alsancak. This a part of town is full of life and vibrant regardless of the time of day, so that you’re positive to seek out a number of totally different meals to fit your style.

Ensure you give the well-known Izmir bombası a strive; Çelebi Unlu Mamuller is the perfect place to go, (there’s at all times an enormous queue outdoors, which says so much!). 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 offer you a sugar rush.

You’ll discover doner kebabs, amongst different varieties of kebabs, sweetcorn, Börek, lahmacun, soup, toasties… the record goes on. Some of the enjoyable issues to do in Izmir is to take the Izmir City Gourmet Tour the place you may fill your self up alongside the way in which. Click here for details.

Deal with: 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 town middle. Again in Ottoman occasions, this was town’s largest mosque, and it nonetheless stands proud as we speak, stunningly lovely in its structure.

Above the primary door, you’ll see the well-known inscription in gold leaf: “Whoever goes in there will probably be protected.” The mosque complicated is massive and intricately embellished. It’s a serene and calm place in the course of town and a beautiful 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 the event you’re a girl, and everybody must take off their sneakers, so be sure you’ve acquired some socks with you. As soon as inside, spend a while in quiet contemplation and admire the gorgeous structure.

Deal with: 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 massive 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 really like previous issues like this, and I significantly loved visiting this enormous 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 probably the most 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 replenish your day.

Deal with: 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 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 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 positively a night to recollect. However, even in the event you don’t need to cease to eat, it’s an incredible concept 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.

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 superb views on the identical time. The Historic Elevator Building won’t sound like a lot, however belief me, it’s among the finest issues to do in Izmir, arms down.

The constructing itself dates again to 1907, when a Jewish businessman called Nesim Levi determined to create the elevator to permit folks to maneuver from road to road with extra ease. Lately, the constructing affords probably the most beautiful, 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 high, and it’s an incredible spot to go in the event you’re on the lookout for a romantic night together with your companion. 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.

Deal with: 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 courting again so far as the Bronze Age. If you happen to occur to get a wet day throughout your go to, positively 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 get pleasure from exploring this museum.

For me, probably the most fascinating 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 superb 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 probably get fairly busy right here, particularly throughout the weekends and public holidays. I like to recommend you go early after which spend the remainder of the day exploring the encompassing 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, a beautiful 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 high issues to do close to Izmir, and so many individuals don’t even comprehend it exists! Nevertheless, you will want to stroll honest 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 save lots of your toes.

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 throughout 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 fireside.

For me, this is likely one of the best-hidden gem locations to see in Izmir, the place you may see proper over 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.

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 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 explicit museum helps you study 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 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 let you know who Ataturk was, but additionally private objects that enable you to study extra deeply about him.

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

14. Haggle at Kızlarağası Inn

Buying is at all times enjoyable, however when you need 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 discount with the perfect 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 consider 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.

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. 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 consider. If you’d like one thing slightly 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 among 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 at all times a superb 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! If you happen to’re on the lookout for an epic day journey, Pamukkale is kind of presumably probably the most scenic locations in Turkey. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for a carbonate mineral that’s leftover from the flowing thermal spring water – it seems tremendous white!

On this trip from Izmir, you’ll go to Pamukkale and see the close by historical metropolis of Hierapolis. It’s a full day journey, however is price it for the views.

Issues To Do in Izmir: FAQs

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

In Closing

Now you recognize 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 may entice me fairly as a lot, however Izmir managed it. I’m fairly positive will probably be the identical story for you.