Things To Do In Izmir

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37 Things To Do In Izmir

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1. Ephesus

Ephesus
Top Attraction

36 km from city center

Historical Site

Highlights: House of Virgin Mary, The Temple of Artemis
The ancient city of Ephesus is located in the Aegean region alongside the coast of Lonia. Full of historical sites and ruins of temples and monuments from the Neolithic Age, Ephesus is home to one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, i.e. Temple of Artemis. It is a designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site has also opened a part of it for night viewing with illuminated streets and (Read More) ruins till midnight.

2. Kemeralti Market

Kemeralti Market
4.5 /5

1 km from city center

Shopping Market

Kemeralti Market is an old & mazy bazaar, a lively area of the city that is popular for its antiques & beautiful shops. The market is located at the curve of Anafartalar Street and spans from Konak Square to the ancient Agora. Established in the 17th century, the Kemeralti market houses various shops, cafes, local artisans' workshops, tea gardens, mosques, and other places of worship.

3. Ä°zmir Historical Elevator Building

Ä°zmir Historical Elevator Building
4.2 /5

6 km from city center

Landmark

İzmir Historical Elevator Building, or Asansör, is an old building and important landmark located in the Karatas quarter in Izmir. It offers sprawling views of the city and coastline of Izmir. There are two lifts that operate within the building, with a café, restaurant and viewing platform on top. It is located o at the end of the street name Dario Moreno Street, named after a popular Turkish sin (Read More)ger.

4. Seafront Promenade

Seafront Promenade
4.2 /5

2 km from city center

Beach

An icon of Ä°zmir, the Kordon is a famous seafront promenade that stretches south from the Konak Pier to Konak Meydani and north from Cumhuriyet Meydani to Alsancak. Fully grassed and featuring paths which are suitable for both walking and cycling it is also an ideal place for enjoying views of the gorgeous seafront and watching the sunset. Along the eastern edge of the promenade are cafes, restaur (Read More)ants and bars.

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5. Kizlaragasi Hani

Kizlaragasi Hani
4.2 /5

1 km from city center

Shopping Market

The Kızlarağası Hani is a well-preserved historic inn that is now a bustling bazaar in Izmir. Here you can shop for carpets, clothes, handicrafts, jewelry, rugs, leather items, antique stores, musical instruments, souvenir shops, and more. In the area of Halim Aga Carsisi, it is located inside the Kemeralti Bazaar. Do try Izmir’s traditional coffee baked in a cup sold in the many cafes here. It is (Read More) at walking distance from nearby attractions such as the Hisar Mosque.

6. Kulturpark Izmir

Kulturpark Izmir
4.1 /5

4 km from city center

Garden & Park

Kulturpark is a public park in the Konak district of Izmir. The lush-green space is home to various endemic and exotic flora with over 200 trees and plant species. It is enclosed by walls and has five entrance gates. In addition, Kulturpark houses an amusement park, a History and Art Museum, and a Parachute Tower, one of the 3 parachute towers in the world.

7. Izmir Wildlife Park

Izmir Wildlife Park
4.1 /5

1 km from city center

Zoo

Izmir Wildlife Park is one of the largest zoos in Izmir located at Tuzla, Ahmet Piristina Caddesi, Cigli. It is home to almost 120 distinct animal species, such as ostrich, deer, zebra, monkey, lion, tiger, meerkat, crocodile, hippo, etc. The animals here do not live in cages like any other zoo. They are free to roam & dwell in their natural habitat. It is an ideal weekend getaway or picnic spot.

8. House of Virgin Mary Izmir

House of Virgin Mary Izmir

59 km from city center

Historical Site

House of the Virgin Mary is a revered Catholic shrine located on Mount Koressos (also known as Bülbüldağı or "Mount Nightingale"), approximately 7 kilometers from Selçuk in İzmir Province, Turkey. This modest stone house is believed to be the final residence of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, and has become a significant pilgrimage site for both Christians and Muslims.

9. Agora Open Air Museum

Agora Open Air Museum
4.0 /5

1 km from city center

Historical Site

The Agora Open Air Museum or the Agora of Smyrna houses the ruins of an ancient Greek & Roman marketplace and city centre. Situated in İzmir, Turkey, it is one of the best-preserved agoras in the world. This historic site is known for its dilapidated structures, graffiti, drawings, and inscriptions. Bus routes 10, 157, and 253 can be use to reach the site. The nearest metro stops are Çankaya and K (Read More)onak stations.

10. Hisar Mosque

Hisar Mosque
4.2 /5

1 km from city center

Mosque

Hisar Mosque (Hisar Camii or the Fort Mosque) is an ancient mosque in Izmir and the largest & oldest place for Islamic gatherings in the city. It is known for elegantly designed interiors and has an Ottoman style of architecture. There are separate galleries for males and females, and both galleries embrace beautiful motifs of grapes and roses.

11. Konak Square

Konak Square
4.2 /5

1 km from city center

Things To Do

Konak Square or Konak Meydani is a busy public square located in Konak district of Izmir. It is the city’s busiest part as it’s a common meeting place for many. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, the square is known for government buildings, shops, restaurants and cafes. One can also feed birds here. The nearby Kemeralti Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest bazaars in Turkey.

12. Izmir Clock Tower

Izmir Clock Tower
4.2 /5

2 km from city center

Landmark

Ä°zmir Clock Tower (aka Ä°zmir Saat Kulesi in Turkish) is a classical clock tower situated in Konak Square. It is the focal landmark of the city and boasts Ottoman architecture. The tower stands next to the sea and the bazaar and is well-known for walking in the late evening. The area has a clean ambiance and is splendid for taking photographs.

13. Izmir Ataturk Museum

Izmir Ataturk Museum
4.3 /5

1 km from city center

Museum

Ataturk Museum exhibits paintings, artifacts, furniture, clothes, and other personal items associated with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. He stayed in this building during his visits to İzmir, particularly in the early years of the Turkish Republic. It is located in Alsancak in downtown Izmir in a four-story neoclassic building that fuses Ottoman and Levantine architecture. I (Read More)t is a free museum.

14. Izmir Archaeological and Ethnography Museum

Izmir Archaeological and Ethnography Museum
4.3 /5

2 km from city center

Museum

Izmir Archaeological and Ethnography Museum is a museum complex containing Archaeoogical museum and Ethnography Museum. It is situated on a hillside in the Bahribaba Park in Konak. It displays artifacts from key archaeological sites in and around Ä°zmir, such as Ephesus, Smyrna, and Pergamon. Ethnography Museum house rich collection of traditional textiles, household items and handicrafts demonstra (Read More)ting the domestic life of past centuries.

15. Arkas Art Center

Arkas Art Center
3.9 /5

1 km from city center

Museum

Arkas Sanat Merkezi is an art museum located in Kordonboyu, Izmir. It is the first artistic center in Izmir to exhibit the works of international painters. The museum boasts a diverse permanent collection that includes works from both Turkish and international artists. It is also known for its dynamic temporary exhibitions, which change regularly to showcase different themes, periods, and artists. (Read More)

16. Day Trip to Pamukkale

Day Trip to Pamukkale

Hot Spring

Pamukkale is very famous for its travertines (hot water springs) which is a magical site with turquoise pools and snow-white cliffs. It is one of the most photogenic places in the world. There are 17 hot springs in the area, known are known for their healing properties. Even Cleopatra is believed to have bathed here!

17. Nightlife in Izmir

Nightlife in Izmir

2 km from city center

Nightlife

Nightlife in Izmir offers a mix of lively clubs, cozy bars, and fine dining restaurants. Popular areas like Alsancak and Kordon are bustling with nightclubs and bars. For live music and a student-friendly atmosphere, head to Bornova and venues like Ooze Venue. The Kemeraltı Bazaar is also perfect for a relaxed evening with traditional Turkish tea and live music. Upscale options like Tac Mahal in B (Read More)ayraklı offer stunning bay views and premium entertainment.

18. Kadifekale

Kadifekale
3.7 /5

3 km from city center

Forts & Palaces

An ancient hilltop fortress, Kadifekale Castle, also locally known as Kadifekale overlooks the beautiful Gulf of Izmir. Located at 186m above sea level, on Mt Pago, Kadifekale offers some splendid views of the calm waters and bustling city below. The insides of the castle today are relatively empty, though there are a mosque and cistern ruins. It has free entry and can be reached on a dolmus or us (Read More)ing private vehicles. 

19. Alsancak

Alsancak

2 km from city center

Neighborhood

Alsancak is a lively, laidback neighborhood in Izmir, starting near the historic Konak Square, and stretches along the 3,200-meter-long seaside street and promenade known as "Kordon." it features numerous restaurants, bars, cafes, and entertainment venues especially in restored traditional buildings within the inner streets. Kibris Sehitleri Caddesi is the most popular street here known for its v (Read More)ibrant atmosphere and shopping opportunities.

20. Dario Moreno Street

Dario Moreno Street

3 km from city center

Commercial Street

Dario Moreno Street is a picturesque and historic street leading to the Historical Elevator. It features chic cafes, cozy restaurants, and quaint shops housed in old-world buildings. It is also known for its beautiful graffiti of Dario Moreno-a famous turkish singer, which gives an artistic feel to the street. It transforms into a nightlife hub by night and is located near the Hasan Bey bus stop, (Read More)within a short walking distance from the KarataÅŸ tram stop.

21. Fatih Camii Izmir

Fatih Camii Izmir

8 km from city center

Mosque

Located in the Konak district, Fatih Camii is located high on a hill in Izmir. The mosque is known for a its unique appearance of blue tiles and for its view from its minarets. The lower floor offers gardens and a tea cafe while second floor is perfect to take in panoramic views of the city. Interior of the mosque, although small, is a visual delight with its multi-coloured columns and red-and-whi (Read More)te stylised arches, giving it a Moorish flavour.The mosque gardens are equally beautiful and offer a relaxed space.

22. MaviBahçe

MaviBahçe

8 km from city center

Shopping Mall

MaviBahçe is a prominent shopping mall located in Karşıyaka, Izmir. One of the main attractions of MaviBahçe is its variety of dining options and charming outdoor spaces, such as small ornamental pools surrounded by greenery on the ground floor. Apart from offering shopping experience, it is a place for entertainment with a cinema on top floor and kids playing area.

23. Izmir Teleferik

Izmir Teleferik
4.2 /5

10 km from city center

Cable Car

The Izmir Cable car or Izmir Teleferik is situated on Sakarya Street, in Balcova district. It offers stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the city and Agean Sea below. The cable car's starting point is situated opposite Izmir Economy University Balcova. It consists of 20 colorful cable car cabins that can accommodate a maximum of 8 people.

24. Saint Polycarp Church

Saint Polycarp Church
4.1 /5

1 km from city center

Church & Cathedral

The Saint Polycarp Church located in Izmir is one of the oldest churches in Turkey. St. Polycarp is the patron saint of this Catholic Church who was the bishop of Smyrna and was burnt alive at the stake by the Romans as he refused to renounce his faith. The church looks elegantly subtle and simple from the outside. However, its interiors are richly decorated and expressively beautiful. The colorfu (Read More)l murals, frescos, and the architecture of the walls, and pillars make it both marvelous and peaceful.

25. Kara Lake

Kara Lake
4.1 /5

16 km from city center

Lake

Kara Lake is a crater lake situated in the Menemen district of Izmir. It is set at an 810 m height and has an area of 35 ha. The lake is a loved spot for camping, hiking, and walking due to its natural features. Also, photography and bird watching are popular here.

26. Yali Castle Aquapark

Yali Castle Aquapark
4.3 /5

63 km from city center

Amusement & Theme Park

Gumuldur Yalı Castle Aquapark is a medieval-themed amusement & waterpark in Izmir. It is situated in Gümüldür, around 35 km from the city. It houses water sliders with boat slides, cauldron slides, and multi-slides. There is also a swimming pool with sunbed.

27. Izmir Museum of History & Art

Izmir Museum of History & Art
4.0 /5

0 km from city center

Museum

Izmir History and Art Museum is an art museum set amidst the beautiful Kültür Park in Mimar Sinan. It exhibits unique works of Turkish culture & art and features Greek statues, sculptures, primaeval artefacts, & vintage coins.

28. Salepcioglu Mosque

Salepcioglu Mosque

1 km from city center

Mosque

The Salepcioglu Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in Izmir with baroque-style architecture. It is located in Ugur, Dr. Faik Muhittin Adam Cd, beside Konark Square. With green-colored marbled exteriors, it has a single minaret and a large main dome alongside three smaller domes.

29. Key Museum

Key Museum
4.3 /5

30 km from city center

Museum

Key Museum is the largest automobile museum in Turkey, situated in Torbalı Izmir. Established in 2015, this museum has an expansive collection of restored classic cars & bikes along with automotive artefacts. It displays more than 165 classic and modern British, American, and German cars from 1930 to 1960.

30. Basilica of St. John Izmir

Basilica of St. John Izmir
3.2 /5

29 km from city center

Historical Site

The Basilica of St. John is an evangelist basilica situated close to the centre of Selçuk in İzmir. Originally a chapel built over the grave of St. John in the ancient city of Ephesus, it was converted into a magnificent Byzantine-style basilica under the rule of Emperor Justinian. One of the main attractions here is the tomb of St. John. Owing to numerous earthquakes, it is mainly in ruins today.

31. Day Trip to Cesme

Day Trip to Cesme

82 km from city center

City

Located on the western tip of the Izmir Peninsula, Cesme is approximately an hour’s drive from Izmir city. It is home to some of the best beaches in Turkey with great surfing opportunities. You can also visit Cesme Castle, Alacati village, try seafood and enjoy vibrant nightlife, if visiting in summer. Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore the city, but there are regular buses from I (Read More)zmir’s main bus station as well.

32. Day Trip to Alacati

Day Trip to Alacati

73 km from city center

Village

Located just an hour’s drive from Izmir, Alacati is renowned for its picturesque streets, historic stone houses, and vibrant culinary scene. You can reach the village by car or take a bus from the main bus station in Izmir. Main things to do here include exploring village’s historic streets with narrow, cobblestone alleys and beautifully preserved stone houses with colorful doors and vibrant bouga (Read More)invillaea. You can also visit Alacati beach, Windmills, and Herb Garden.

33. Day Trip to Bergama

Day Trip to Bergama
Day Trip

77 km from city center

City

Bergama is a historical town located in the Ä°zmir province. The town is built on the site of the ancient city of Pergamum or Pergamon, renowned for its significant archaeological ruins. Pergamon ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage site including Pergamon Acropolis, the Temple of Trajan, the Theatre of Pergamon, and the remains of the Altar of Zeus. Other things to explore are Archaeological Mu (Read More)seum, Red Basilica, Asklepion and the town's historic mosques.

34. Seven Sleepers' Cave

Seven Sleepers' Cave

Historical Site

Seven Sleepers' Cave, or Eshab-ı Kehf Mağarası, is a significant historical and religious site located approximately 14 kilometers north of Tarsus and 40 kilometers from Mersin. It lies at the base of a modest hill. The cave is renowned for its association with the legend of the Seven Sleepers, a story shared by Christian and Islamic traditions.

35. Nazarköy

Nazarköy
Day Trip

25 km from city center

Village

Known as the "Evil Eye Bead Village," Nazarköy is famous for its production of the iconic blue glass beads believed to ward off evil spirits. You can observe the bead-making process firsthand. Workshops are open to the public, where skilled craftsmen demonstrate the meticulous art of creating these protective amulets. Local shops offer a variety of handcrafted items, including jewelry, souvenirs, (Read More)and decorative pieces.

36. Karaburun

Karaburun
Day Trip

62 km from city center

City

Karaburun, a captivating peninsula located near Izmir, is easily accessible via the Çeşme highway. It is known for its pristine, turquoise bays and serene yet uncrowded beaches. Some of the most popular bays include Dolungaz, Boyabağı, Ayibaligi, Bodrum, Kuyucak, İncirli, Badembükü, Kumbükü, Dikencik, and Kocadere. You can enjoy swimming, camping, and dining at local cafes around these bays and be (Read More)aches. From April to November, mountaineering clubs in the area frequently organize hiking tours to explore nearby trails, too.

37. Urla

Urla
Day Trip

36 km from city center

City

Nestled in the center of the peninsula with the same name, Urla features a mix of mountainous and hilly terrain, with its plains and coves. With a nearby 40-kilometer coastline and pristine beaches, it is also known for thermal springs in Icmeler. home to significant ancient sites like the Klazomenai Ancient City, one of the twelve Ionian cities, and Limantepe, the oldest port in the Aegean Sea. I (Read More)t is half and hour drive away from Izmir and is a perfect day trip.

FAQs on Izmir

How can I commute within Izmir?

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