Izmir travel guide
Izmir Tourism | Izmir Guide
You're Going to Love Izmir
The port city of Izmir is a hub for commerce and travel, and the mix of cultures and the Mediterranean climate makes the waterfront the main spot for activities. Check out the various cafes and restaurants that line the port, along with the many inland bazaars and local street markets.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Izmir
1. Izmir International Fair
Every year, the Izmir International Fair attracts tourists, merchants, and import-export businessmen and women. Enjoy the host of musical and cultural events that run alongside this commercial fair.
2. Vibrant Nightlife
Izmir's nightlife teems with global citizens at spots like Kıbrıs Şehitleri Caddesi in Alsancak or Öküz Lounge and Bar in Karsiyaka.
3. Water Tours and Cruises
See the city by boat! Tours like Gaziemir Dalis Merkezi have snorkeling and shallow-sea diving activities included.
4. Feast on Turkish Delights
Sample Kumru, a traditional sandwich made with Turkish sausage, grilled cheese, and tomatoes from street vendors.
5. Beautiful Bazaars and Local Markets
Head to Konak Square, where you can catch the Kemeraltı Bazaar, great for negotiating the price of souvenirs. Visit Tire on Tuesdays for Turkey's biggest open town market.
What to do in Izmir
1. İzmir Arkeoloji Müzesi: In-Depth Aegean History
Turkey's ancient past makes it the perfect place to explore some of the most unique artifacts from the Gulf of Izmir. The Archaeological Museum contains many statues, busts, and urban tools dating back to the Bronze age as well as the Greek and Roman eras. Located in the heart of the city center in the Konak district, it's easy to visit other notable sites in the area, including the Izmir Museum of Arts and Sculptures and the Ethnography Museum.
2. Kemeralti Çarşisi: Shop 'Till You Drop
Get your friends a souvenir that is authentically Turkish at the Kemeralti Bazaar. The long shopping street was first created in the 16th century, though much of the market was destroyed by the Great Fire of Smyrna in 1922. Today, the market is once again the heart of commerce in the city center, where visitors can buy everything from carpets to tea sets to colorful scarves. The Kemeralti area in which the bazaar is located is also home to the densest concentration of Jewish landmarks in all of Turkey, making it a popular pilgrimage destination.
3. Agora Open Air Museum: A Greek-Inspired Past
Before the Ottomans came to rule, Izmir was a thriving Greek city bustling with commerce. In ancient times, Izmir's center was a large marketplace, or "agora", where travelers and locals alike could gather, trade, and socialize. Today you can see the ruins of those past trading days dating to the Hellinistic, Roman, Byzantium, and Ottoman periods. Many of the artifacts excavated at the Agora Open Air Museum site are now on display at the Izmir Archeology Museum and the History and Arts Museum. The Agora Open Air Museum is currently undergoing reservations so that in future years it can be turned into an Archeology and History Park.
4. Izmir Ethnography Museum: The Heart of Culture
The Izmir Ethnography Museum is housed in a beautiful 18th-century stone building which was once a former hospital. These days the museum aims to capture the essence of the Aegean people and their rich history, showcasing many items excavated from the nearby Open Air ruins. Here you can find examples of clothing and pottery from the Seljuk time period as well as recreated depictions of the first Turkish pharmacy of the İzmir Province. Alongside the artifacts there are many informational placards describing the arts, crafts, and customs of the Izmir region. Plus, the museum is free to enter.
5. Saat Kulesi: The Perfect Time for a Photo Op
One of the most iconic monuments in Izmir, the Clock Tower is located right on the waterfront in the center of Konak square. The Clock Tower was given as a gift from German Emperor Wilhelm II at the turn of the 20th century and was created in the elaborate Ottoman architecture style prominent in the 14th and 15th centuries. The Clock is now a popular meeting point for locals within the city and serves as the setting for many outdoor markets and cultural celebrations.
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;1. İzmir Arkeoloji Müzesi: In-Depth Aegean History
Turkey's ancient past makes it the perfect place to explore some of the most unique artifacts from the Gulf of Izmir. The Archaeological Museum contains many statues, busts, and urban tools dating back to the Bronze age as well as the Greek and Roman eras. Located in the heart of the city center in the Konak district, it's easy to visit other notable sites in the area, including the Izmir Museum of Arts and Sculptures and the Ethnography Museum.
2. Kemeralti Çarşisi: Shop 'Till You Drop
Get your friends a souvenir that is authentically Turkish at the Kemeralti Bazaar. The long shopping street was first created in the 16th century, though much of the market was destroyed by the Great Fire of Smyrna in 1922. Today, the market is once again the heart of commerce in the city center, where visitors can buy everything from carpets to tea sets to colorful scarves. The Kemeralti area in which the bazaar is located is also home to the densest concentration of Jewish landmarks in all of Turkey, making it a popular pilgrimage destination.
3. Agora Open Air Museum: A Greek-Inspired Past
Before the Ottomans came to rule, Izmir was a thriving Greek city bustling with commerce. In ancient times, Izmir's center was a large marketplace, or "agora", where travelers and locals alike could gather, trade, and socialize. Today you can see the ruins of those past trading days dating to the Hellinistic, Roman, Byzantium, and Ottoman periods. Many of the artifacts excavated at the Agora Open Air Museum site are now on display at the Izmir Archeology Museum and the History and Arts Museum. The Agora Open Air Museum is currently undergoing reservations so that in future years it can be turned into an Archeology and History Park.
4. Izmir Ethnography Museum: The Heart of Culture
The Izmir Ethnography Museum is housed in a beautiful 18th-century stone building which was once a former hospital. These days the museum aims to capture the essence of the Aegean people and their rich history, showcasing many items excavated from the nearby Open Air ruins. Here you can find examples of clothing and pottery from the Seljuk time period as well as recreated depictions of the first Turkish pharmacy of the İzmir Province. Alongside the artifacts there are many informational placards describing the arts, crafts, and customs of the Izmir region. Plus, the museum is free to enter.
5. Saat Kulesi: The Perfect Time for a Photo Op
One of the most iconic monuments in Izmir, the Clock Tower is located right on the waterfront in the center of Konak square. The Clock Tower was given as a gift from German Emperor Wilhelm II at the turn of the 20th century and was created in the elaborate Ottoman architecture style prominent in the 14th and 15th centuries. The Clock is now a popular meeting point for locals within the city and serves as the setting for many outdoor markets and cultural celebrations.
;;1. İzmir Arkeoloji Müzesi: In-Depth Aegean History
Turkey's ancient past makes it the perfect place to explore some of the most unique artifacts from the Gulf of Izmir. The Archaeological Museum contains many statues, busts, and urban tools dating back to the Bronze age as well as the Greek and Roman eras. Located in the heart of the city center in the Konak district, it's easy to visit other notable sites in the area, including the Izmir Museum of Arts and Sculptures and the Ethnography Museum.
2. Kemeralti Çarşisi: Shop 'Till You Drop
Get your friends a souvenir that is authentically Turkish at the Kemeralti Bazaar. The long shopping street was first created in the 16th century, though much of the market was destroyed by the Great Fire of Smyrna in 1922. Today, the market is once again the heart of commerce in the city center, where visitors can buy everything from carpets to tea sets to colorful scarves. The Kemeralti area in which the bazaar is located is also home to the densest concentration of Jewish landmarks in all of Turkey, making it a popular pilgrimage destination.
Where to Eat in Izmir
Dine on classic Turkish cuisine for ₺30 - ₺80 at Meşhur Tavacı Recep Usta in Alsancak, where roasted meat and desserts like Baklava are favorites.
When to visit Izmir
Izmir experiences a classic Mediterranean climate: hot and sticky in the summers with windy and rainy winters. During the summer months, heat can be searing, but the evenings are cooled with a sea breeze known as "meltem".
How to Get to Izmir
Plane
10 miles south of the city center is the Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB), that connects Izmir to Istanbul and Ankara for international flights. To get to the city center, you can use the airport shuttle HAVAŞ for ₺10 or public buses for ₺4.70.
Train
Traveling to Izmir by train, you'll arrive at either the Basmane Station or Alsancak. From Basmane, you can connect with the subway to get into town.
Car
Izmir's waterfront location means you must rely on ferry service, which docks at Alsancak Ferry Terminal, 1.2 miles north of the city. The ferry connects Izmir to Istanbul and even Venice.
Bus
The main bus station or the "otogar", is 3.7 miles from the center. Buses from Istanbul have a journey time of 9 hours (including a ferry trip).
Airports near Izmir
Airlines serving Izmir
Where to stay in Izmir
Karsiyaka - located on the other side of the Gulf of Izmir, this district is home to Izmir's shopping streets with beautiful waterfront views of neighboring cities and a vibrant and colorful nightlife.
Popular Neighborhoods in Izmir
Alsancak - Alsancak's charm is in its small streets and Ottoman-era bars and houses.
Konak - this district is at the heart of Izmir, and is home to the Izmir Clock Tower, Konak Yali Mosque, and Kemeraltı Bazaar.
Where to stay in popular areas of Izmir
Most booked hotels in Izmir
How to Get Around Izmir
Public Transportation
Fares for Izmir's train line cost ₺2.4 for adults and ₺1.35 for students. There are two travel cards, which cover bus, subway, İzban rail, and ferry trips. These are rechargeable at stations, piers, and shops, with a ₺7 initial deposit.
Taxi
Taxis are reliable and fares start with a flat rate of ₺3 and ₺1.86 for each mile thereafter.
Car
You can rent cars in Izmir using Elite Car rental services for ₺72 a day and visit other port cities and beaches along the Aegean such as Çeşme and Tire.
The Cost of Living in Izmir
Shopping Streets
Besides Karsiyaka's pedestrian shopping, check out the Forum mall in Bornova or Konak Pier, a small mall with a cinema and clothing stores.
Groceries and Other
Living in Izmir is comparable to other Turkish cities. You can get a quart of milk for ₺2.66 and ₺5.20 for a dozen eggs.