22 Best Things To Do in İzmir

Izmir, Turkey’s third-largest city, is among the oldest settlements in the Mediterranean Sea region. Home to multiple archaeological sites and monuments, including some that were reconstructed by Alexander the Great, it boasts an array of cultural heritage attractions, as well as a pleasant coastal climate, outdoor activities and local gastronomy. If you plan to visit the stunning Aegean city of Izmir, this guide will help you discover the best things to do in İzmir as a first-time traveler.

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Konak Meydani: Famous Square

Located in the heart of the city of Izmir, along the gulf, extends the immense place of Konak Meydani. This is where you will see the clock tower, the emblem of the city. It is a very lively square, from where you can see the town hall as well as the Yali mosque (also called Konak mosque). Not far from there is the main market of Izmir: the Kemeralti Market.

Kemeralti Market: Do Some Shopping

Who says Turkish city, says “bazaar”! A must-see in Izmir, the Kemeralti Market encompasses several streets of the pedestrian center. Don’t be afraid to get lost in the maze of cobbled streets, that’s the charm of the place! You will find a multitude of stalls that sell a bit of everything: clothing, leather crafts, jewelry, food, etc. Open your eyes wide, let yourself be guided by the smells and enjoy! An ideal walk to bring back some souvenirs in your suitcases.

Asansör, Take to the Skies

An emblematic place to see in Izmir, the Asansör (“elevator” in English) will allow you to have an exceptional view of the city. Climb into the cabin for free and take advantage of the climb to admire the panorama. Arrived at the top, you can stop at the restaurant for lunch in an enchanting setting! Built at the beginning of the 20th century for practical reasons (to facilitate the transport of goods from the bottom to the top of the city), it is now one of the main tourist attractions of Izmir.

Sail on the Bay of Izmir

Want to enjoy a sunny day on the Aegean Sea? Let yourself be tempted by a cruise on the bay of Izmir. You will then have the opportunity to see magnificent landscapes and swim in beautiful turquoise waters.

Karagöl Park, A Place for Trekking and Camping

A magical place to see in Izmir, about fifteen kilometers from the city: Karagöl National Park. With your picnic, set off for a day to cool off. In Turkish Karagöl means “black lake”, yet nothing to worry about: this outing can be a very pleasant bucolic break between two visits, especially in the middle of summer! Put on your sneakers to stroll along the forest paths and enjoy a good grape ice cream while strolling around the lake!

Agora of Smyrna

A true open-air museum, the Agora is the main archaeological site under excavation to see in Izmir. You can discover the remains of the ancient city of Smyrna, which dates from the 4th century BC. Partially destroyed in 178 by an earthquake, it was rebuilt by the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Even if a large part of the site is closed to the public, the visit is worth a look, especially for the water channels which are very well preserved.

Ephesus

Ephesus is an important site in more ways than one, but mostly because it was one of the great centers of early Christian times. The remains of the Roman era are perfectly well preserved, which will allow you to see baths, several theaters, a triumphal arch, a Trajan fountain or even a Domitian square, not to mention a Hadrian temple. An exceptional site to discover if you are staying in Izmir!

5 Must See Temples in Turkey

The Site of Pergamon

If Ephesus is a Roman city, Pergamon dates from the Hellenistic period. You will discover in particular the famous acropolis on which you will find the foundations of the royal palaces, the temple of Trajan or the library of Pergamon. Also take a tour of the side of the arsenals from which you will have superb views of the Roman aqueducts. Finally, the ruins of Asclepeion are simply magnificent to see with the sacred way, the small theater or the marble swimming pool.

House of the Virgin Mary 

A holy shrine to the supposed place of death of St. Mary, the House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi) in Ephesus is a permanent testimony to the home of the beloved mother of Jesus (Meryem Ana in Turkish). Many believe the house was indeed where she spent her last days, and today you can visit the restored stone house, which now serves as a chapel. Serving as sacred territory to Christians and Muslims alike, the House of the Virgin Mary has called hundreds of thousands of visitors and pilgrims since its discovery in the 19th century. The remains of the chapel date back to the 6th century and serve as a place where its guardians, the Lazarist Fathers, conduct mass every day. Despite the altar placed inside, the house still contains a bedroom and a kitchen, decorated with pictures of Mary and candles. Many believe that the spring that flows beneath St. Mary’s House is blessed and has the power to heal, and once you enter the house you can see crutches and other devices that were apparently left behind in the middle. miracles.

Archaeological Museum of Izmir

All around Izmir are many archaeological sites, such as Ephesus or Miletus. The results of these excavations are presented in this museum: sarcophagi, Roman busts, bronze or terracotta objects, etc. A cultural place to see in Izmir to understand the historical richness of this region!

Kordon, Lie on the Grass and Watch the Sunset

Kordon, one of the places where you can feel Izmir best, is another meeting point of Izmir residents. Kordon, which is full of people who bring their pets, guitar, children, lover, spouse or friend, is a place you can stop by after visiting Kıbrıs Şehitleri Caddesi. It is the most popular stop where you can often see people enjoying the light breeze, picnicking in the spreading covers, young people playing the guitar and having fun, picking crocus, walking and stretching out on the grass. Covering the coastline between İzmir Harbor and Cumhuriyet Square, Kordon is known for being lively, especially in spring and summer. In Kordon, which hosts a view of the bay where you can see the whole city from end to end, there are also cafes, bars, restaurants, fish restaurants, stylish shops, green grass areas and parks. Consisting of a long coastline, Kordon may be the most beautiful thing to do in Izmir on a really hot summer evening. Don’t miss out! You will enjoy watching the sunset with your loved ones among the deep blue sea and lush green grass. The coastline, which is quite crowded on weekends, appeals to people of all ages and fascinates everyone. Take a tour of the cordon, whether by bike or hiking! But no matter what happens, enjoy the lively atmosphere of Kordon and breathe the view of Izmir! Also, don’t forget to take lots of photos.

Izmir Bird Sanctuary

Located in Çamaltı Saltpan of Çiğli district, İzmir Bird Sanctuary (İzmir Bird Paradise) is 30 km away from İzmir city center. İzmir Bird Sanctuary, the number one address for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts, is located on an area of 8 thousand hectares. More than 50 thousand birds visit this area, which is among the migration routes of birds, every year. In addition, the bird sanctuary, which hosts 205 bird and 314 plant species, has observation towers, binoculars and bicycle paths for you. In İzmir Bird Sanctuary, which includes reed beds, small islands, peninsulas and salty pools on an area of approximately 40 thousand hectares; You can come across many bird species such as crested pelican, silver gull, little tern, pink-winged flamingos, gray and black storks, muddy, little owl, kingfisher, heron and red hawk. The bird sanctuary, which is protected by the state as an archaeological site, is also known for hosting the Çamaltı Saltworks, which meets a significant part of Turkey’s salt needs.

Gündoğdu Square, Enjoy Mussels and Beer

Gündoğdu Square, one of the other important squares of İzmir, is located in the Alsancak district of Konak district. The square, which hosts many events such as rallies, concerts, celebrations and parades throughout the year, was put into service in 2000. The Republic Tree Statue, made by sculptor Ferit Özşen in 2003, is one of the structures that attract attention in the square. If you come during the summer months, you can participate in fun and lively activities. Let’s also add that it is one of the best spots to enjoy mussels and beer.

Homer’s Valley: Best Picnic Area

Homer’s Valley, named after Homer, was put into service in 2008. It is rumored that Homer, who is accepted to have lived in Izmir in the 8th century BC, was born here and it is believed that he lived in a cave in this valley. Let’s leave the rumors aside, let’s continue to tell about the valley… In the valley spread over an area of five hundred thousand square meters; In addition to 18 ponds, mini amphitheater, picnic areas, cycling, jogging and walking tracks, there are 103 different bird species. Spreading over a 7 km long valley with its weirs, wooden sitting groups and ponds, Homer Valley Picnic Area is one of the great alternatives you can choose especially on the weekend.

Buca Pond

Buca Pond, which was put into service by Buca Municipality in 1999, fascinates the visitors with its lake view and entertains everyone with its concerts and theater activities. Inside; restaurant, lake lounge, picnic area, cruise cafe, delicatessen, barbecue area, amphitheater, island cafe & pub, viewing terraces, market, children’s playgrounds, masjid, parking lot and baby care room. Buca Pond, which contains everything you need, also enchants the visitors with its concerts, theater plays, animations and dance performances.

Ride the Cable Car in Balçova

Balçova Cable Car Facilities, located in Balçova, just across from İzmir University of Economics, is the perfect opportunity for you to have a panoramic view of İzmir. There are also restaurants and cafes in this place, which is a recreation area with observation terraces, a walking path and a playground. Balçova Cable Cars, with a height of 316 meters, move for 810 meters and can carry 1200 passengers per hour. After the tour, which takes 2-3 minutes, you will have a very different experience and you will love this place, which is covered with forests on one side. Perhaps you will experience the best journey of your life. You will have fun, rest, spend pleasant moments, be satisfied with the view and benefit from the opportunities in the area.

Inciraltı: Cycle from Mavişehir to İnciraltı

How about going to İnciraltı, one of the most interesting and touristic areas of İzmir? By bike too! Are you ready to do a challenge? You have a route that will take approximately 40 km from Mavişehir to İnciraltı. However, you should consider that this route covers the entire bay and guess that it will be worth the journey! On this journey you will make with Bisim, the new trend of Izmir, you will travel along the gulf and take a break from time to time, rest and enjoy the view. I think you should try this once.

Take the ferry from Alsancak to Karşıyaka

Located within the borders of Konak district, Alsancak is a very well-known district especially with its football team. Alsancak, which has a long coastline, is a place where the action never ends with a small ferry port, cafes, restaurants, shops, markets and resting areas. Karşıyaka, on the other hand, is one of the most famous districts of İzmir and is one of the first places you will stop by when you arrive. Karşıyaka Bazaar, Hamza Rüstem Photography House, Zübeyde Hanım Mausoleum and many other places to visit are definitely a must-see route. Take the ferry from Alsancak İskele or Karşıya İskele and explore these two rival cities up close. You will have very enjoyable moments and you will hang out wherever you want as you wish. While shopping in Karşıyaka Bazaar, you can sip a beer at Alsancak Beach. In addition, you should click to find out the ferry timetable in more detail!

Seyir Tepesi, Watch the Panoramic View of Izmir from

We can say that Seyir Tepesi (Seyir Hill), located in the Bayraklı district of Izmir, dazzles the visitors with its magnificent view. The hill, which is one of the important tourism centers of the city, takes on a different beauty during the day and at night. Seyir Tepesi, which is a place preferred by those who are tired of the heat especially in summer, is located at a point where nature meets the perfect gulf view. You can reach the hill, which is the address of both nature and photography lovers with its nature park, observation terrace, restaurant, organizations and resting areas, by shuttles departing from Karşıyaka and Konak.

Kültürpark: Join the İzmir International Fair

Kulturpark, one of the most famous parks of Izmir, was established in 1936. Located in Konak district, this park hosts İzmir’s best-known fair. Kulturpark, which includes many activities, is located on an area of 420 thousand square meters and consists of more than 8 thousand trees and around 200 plant species. Inside; jogging track, indoor sports hall, swimming pool, astroturf and tennis courts, conference halls, indoor exhibition halls, Atatürk Open Air Theatre, İzmir Art, Fair Marriage Office, İsmet İnönü Art Center, Celal Atik Sports Hall, Zoo, amusement park, Parachute Tower, Izmir History and Art Museum, Painting and Sculpture Museum and Youth Theater. When you come to the park, you will be in touch with nature and participate in many different activities, and you will experience the fun of the fair to the fullest. Organized every year in August and September, the Izmir International Fair, or Izmir Fair, has the distinction of being the country’s most rooted, most well-known and most comprehensive fair. The fair, which is generally organized to include September 9, the liberation day of Izmir, first started in 1923 with the guidance of Atatürk. The fair, which has been taking place for almost 100 years without any problems, is a very active and lively festival with theatres, concerts, exhibitions, street performances, movie screenings and jazz nights.

Alaçatı Herb Festival

Alaçatı Herb Festival is a unique festival where various herbs of İzmir and the Aegean Region are exhibited and you can taste delicious olive oil dishes made with these herbs. In this festival, where a different herb theme is held every year, for example, the Chard theme was exhibited last year. For four days, meals prepared by local women and famous chefs with chard were presented at the stands in Alaçatı streets, restaurants and taverns. If you like olive oil dishes and are curious about Aegean cuisine, you should follow this festival and not miss it. This festival not only introduces Aegean herbs to the world and Turkey, but also includes fun competitions. In this festival, where herbs such as şevketibostan, radish, sea cowpea, thyme and artichoke are introduced every year, you will taste delicious food, attend cooking workshops and weed and plant nutrition seminars, and have fun at concerts.

Dario Moreno Street: Journey to Memories 

Located on Mithatpaşa Street in Konak district, Dario Moreno Street is named after Dario Moreno, a Turkish guitarist, pianist and film actor of Italian-Jewish origin. The famous artist, whose real name is David Arugete Moreno, is one of the greatest artists to have lived in Izmir. Dario, who is also known as an artist in love with İzmir, is known by almost everyone because he reflects this love in all his works. This street, which includes the house where Moreno lived with his family, was designed to honor the esteemed artist. 

Dario Moreno Street, which has been arranged, attracts attention with its Italian style gum houses. At the entrance of the street, there is a bust of Dario Moreno and a bust of Enrico Macias, an artist from Izmir, who also depicts Izmir in his works. One of the most wonderful streets you can see, Dario Moreno Street sometimes hosts small celebrations and fun events.