Izmir Turkey Tourism (2024) Travel Guide Top Places

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15 Days / 14 Nights

Grand Turkey Tour Package: 14 Nights 15 Days

Istanbul(2N) → Canakkale(1N) → Izmir(2N) → Bodrum(2N) → Pamukkale(1N) → Antalya(2N) → Cappadocia(2N) → Ankara(1N) → Istanbul(1N)

$1,746/person

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Izmir Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1 day

Best Time: October to June Read More

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"Pearl of the Aegean"

Izmir Tourism

Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey (after Istanbul and Ankara) and the second biggest port. It is a modern metropolitan with a developed and busy city center surrounded by a large bay. With its mounds and settlements, a part of the city is an open-air museum that gives a historical touch to its modern side. Located on the coast of the Aegean sea, Izmir is known for its beaches and watersports.

Izmir is one of the cities which has almost 4000 years of history. It is one of the oldest cities, continuously inhabited since 8500 years. Previously called Smyrna, the main centre of Izmir is Konark Square. It is lined with modern buildings and shopping centres intermingling with traditional red-tiled roofs, old mosques and churches. Considering how old the city is, Izmir does not have a lot of historical sites due to the great fire of the 1920s.

Izmir is a gateway into a world of modernity and traditions. It has more of a European style of living and tends to give a very little impression of being one of the prime cities of Turkey. Izmir is decorated like a painting during the spring, with blooming hyacinth flowers and lush trees. It is also known as the city where the sun never sets because it receives ample sunshine throughout the year.

Must Know Before You Travel to Izmir

Airport Metro: The most economical way of travelling to the city from the airport is by metro. However, it is located at the national (domestic) terminal, which is a 5-minute walk away. It costs around TL 15 to the city centre. To reach Izmir city center from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, you can take a taxi for around €4 (43 TL) or the Havas bus for €1.50 (16 TL).
Izmir kart: It is a public transport smart card costing 10-15 TL + additional topup that can be purchased from vending machines outside major metro stations, bus stands, some selected shops, and kiosks.
Bilet 35: It is a pre-loaded Izmir public transportation ticket, valid for 35 days from first use. Available in options of 2, 3, 5, or 10 credits, it offers seamless travel across the city's buses, ferries, and rail systems. Puchase and top up at major transportation hubs, including ferry terminals, subway stations, and the airport.
Taxis: Taxis are identifiable by their yellow color and 'TAKSI' lights. They can be booked using apps like BiTaksi.
Rental Bike"Bisim": Use a credit card at kiosks along the seaside from Sahilevleri to Bird Paradise to rent Bisim. With a security of TL 30 per bike rental charges are TL 3 per hour.
Apps: Use the Trafi app since Google Maps may not provide the most convenient access to public transport options.

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Things To Do In Izmir

Kemeralti Market

Kizlaragasi Hani

Agora Open Air Museum

Konak Square

Izmir Clock Tower

İzmir Historical Elevator Building

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Language of Izmir

While mostly around the city you will find people speaking Turkish, there are some who known Arabic as well. Since it is a major tourist place, you will find English speaking people as well.

History of Izmir

Izmir is a city which is known to be the source of modernisation among most of the ancient civilisations. This place was previously called Smyrna and was located on an island in the bay. Izmir is inhabited by humans since 3000 B.C. and is one of the few cities established during the bronze age.

Nightlife in Izmir

Izmir is located near the bay and is known to be full of parties as well as celebrations going on all through the night. One of the common places which is appreciated by many is the Kordor pub and cafe. The interior is amazing the parties as well as the sound is wonderful. You would also find other cafes which offer this exquisite as well as cheerful environment.

Shopping in Izmir

There aren't much of artifacts as well as craft sold in Izmir and you would normally find people shopping in the two famous malls located in the city, one being Forum, the other one being Konak Pier. Incase you are looking for some souveniers, then the Kemaretti centre is pretty famous in and around this area.

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How to Reach Izmir

How to Reach Overview

The most convenient way to reach Izmir from international destinations is by flying into Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport. While Izmir has some direct international flights, especially from Germany during summer, most international travelers will need to connect through Istanbul.

How to reach Izmir by flight

You can reach this place through any of the nearby cities located in the country of Turkey. There are regular flights from Istanbul, Antalya to the Adnan Menderes Airport which is located at a distance of 16 k.m from the city. Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and Sun Express are the most common airlines and take approx. 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes from Istanbul. Upon arrival in Izmir, you can take the Havas shuttle bus (runs every 30 minutes) or a taxi to reach the city center.

How to reach Izmir by road

Driving from Istanbul to Izmir is another option. With approximately 479 km. it takes around 5 hours and 10 minutes. Take the O-5 main road, which includes the Osmangazi Bridge.

How to reach Izmir by train

Traveling by train is a slower but scenic option. You can take the high-speed train from Istanbul to Ankara(4.5 hours), then a bus to Izmir(5 hours), or opt for the overnight train from Istanbul to Izmir(15.5 hours). Intercity trains are available from Ankara and Denizil, and you can take any one of them to reach this location. Trains depart from Yenikapi Station in Istanbul and arrive at Basmane Station in Izmir.

How to reach Izmir by bus

You can take inter city buses from Instanbul after reaching here by plane. From there it would be a 7.5 to 9 hour journey to this place. Three main bus companies, Pamukkale, Metro, and Kamil Koc, operate daily services between Istanbul and Izmir.

How to reach Izmir by waterways

No routes through water available

Local transport in Izmir

Most parts of this city can be enjoyed by walking; however, you would find some ferries for easy commute. There are other options, such as taxis and metros, which allow you to move around easily. Here, you would also find bicycle renting facilities, which you can also opt for to move around the city.

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FAQs on Izmir

What is the best time to visit Izmir?

May to August is the best time to visit Izmir. The place has got a Mediterranean climatic condition most of the year. During the peak season, the weather is warm and great to roam around the places. October is warm in Izmir and not hot, with cooler evenings. This makes the evening strolls excellent too. The average temperature from mid-September and October ranges between 18°C to 23°C. The hottest month is July, and the temperature gets an average high of around 33°C. Summers are all about plentiful of sunrays with approximately 14 hours of broad daylight. There’s a lot of rainfall during autumn months, and the average precipitation range is of about 40 mm. However, the wettest of all months are December and January, which gets more than 13 days of rain and an average of 137 mm of precipitation every year.
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What is the local food in Izmir?

Turkish people normally consume fried vegetable such as eggplant, potatoes alongwith yogurt and sauce. Some of the famous dishes of this place are Menemen and cilbir. Tomatoes, Sheep Cheese etc, are also consumed here on regular basis.
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What are the places near Izmir?

The top places near to Izmir are Pamukalle which is 181 km from Izmir, Istanbul which is located 327 km from Izmir, Antalya which is located 357 km from Izmir, Kas which is located 331 km from Izmir, Mykonos which is located 192 km from Izmir

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Grand Turkey Tour Package: 14 Nights 15 Days