Top Things to Do in Izmir

Izmir, formerly known as Smyrna, is one of the top tourist destinations in Turkey. It is the third largest city in Turkey and one of the oldest settlements in the Mediterranean. With its many cultural, historical and archaeological sites, Izmir is a great place to visit if you want to explore Turkish culture and enjoy its unique history. The city has many fascinating cultural attractions, a coastal climate, outdoor activities and famous local cuisine. More than any other Turkish city, Izmir has a European flair, a rapidly growing young population, a strong economy, a well-developed technological infrastructure and a strategic location.

When you are planning a trip to İzmir, get ready for a fantastic experience, as the city has some of the best places for sightseeing and relaxation! We recommend you to visit Izmir during summer to enjoy the best beach holidays and great weather. If you like places with fewer people, plan for spring or fall. Let's see how to make your trip to Izmir memorable.

Is Izmir worth visiting?

Izmir is the exact opposite of Istanbul. It's a quiet town, but definitely worth a visit. Travelers looking for international cuisine, beaches and a vibrant nightlife may not be interested in Izmir. Are you a sun and sand person? Drive to Bodrum or Antalya. Interested in historic Ottoman mosques? Travel to Bursa and Istanbul.

The city of Izmir gives you a better idea of ​​what a modern and nationalistic Turkish city looks like. This is a reflection of "Turkey's Türkiye". Izmir, the third largest city in Türkiye, is full of history and memories. You could easily spend a few days exploring this dazzling city, then Cappadocia and Greece.

Izmir offers you fascinating museums. You want to spend quality time with your family in the Aegean region and stay in a great resort to spend quality time with your loved ones. The best thing to do in Izmir is to visit museums. There are 13 museums here, covering everything from modern art to archaeological discoveries.

Tourists love to eat and drink in Izmir. Traditional food is delicious, especially in summer. Not only is there delicious meat, but there are also many vegetarian options. There are also countless bars in the city for you to linger in.

You have to go to Izmir to see a "real" Turkish city. Only a few go to work every day, educate their children, plan for retirement, discuss politics with their neighbors. If you want to see what Turkey looks like away from tourism, go to Izmir!

What to do in Izmir

Kemeralti Bazaar and surrounding markets

If you enjoy seeing the crowds and chatter in a busy market, this market is not to be missed. A visit to Kemaralti Market is a delicious affair. Friendly marketers smile and call to invite tourists and locals alike. Invite your children to taste local sweets rolled on sticks just for you. This sweet and sticky Turkish delicacy comes in a variety of colors, as well as salty sour olives from black to green. You can spend hours wandering the markets and find dried herbs, dried vegetables, traditional foods, local teas, colorful spices, clothes or bric-a-brac. A good idea is to have traditional Turkish coffee and some snacks near the Hisar Mosque. Also, don't forget to visit Kizlaragasi Hani's jewelry and antique shops. Havra Street is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with plenty of sights to be seen along the way to the Kestanepazari Mosque (chestnut bazaar). A visit here can be combined with a visit to Konark Square. Bazaars offer wonderful smells, tastes, comfort and local atmosphere.

Explore Konark Square and Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi)

Konark is the historic center of Izmir, known for its lively squares filled with pigeons. The bell tower is the landmark here. Konark Square with its picturesque Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi) is a famous meeting place. This place is great for a quick visit before exploring the streets and markets of the city. Saat Kulesi, built in 1901, is Izmir's most photographed monument. The place is full of pigeons, so here are some great photos and dramatic videos. Aside from the Clock Tower, it's also a great place to walk, dine or shop at Konark Quay or just enjoy the fresh sea air.

Trip To Pamukkale

Begin your journey through Pamukkale Hot Springs. If you're visiting in the off season, it doesn't get any better than this! You'll also visit Hierapolis and its theaters, an important stop on many travellers' wish lists. Hierapolis is a Greco-Roman spa town with white travertine terraces formed by natural hot springs flowing down hillsides. The Pamukkale Basin consists of mineral water deposits. There are seventeen hot springs with temperatures ranging from warm to extremely hot! After exploring the ancient temples of Hierapolis and walking the Pamukkale Trail, bathe like the Romans in the thermal mineral pools.

Agora Archaeological Site

The Smyrna Bazaar is an open-air museum in Namazga. It is one of the few bazaars in the world built within a metropolis, featuring a three-story structure, cathedral, marble columns, arches and ancient graffiti. Izmir Bazaar is just part of the daily landscape for most residents. Surrounded by hilly residential areas, bustling market streets and towering commercial buildings. On the bazaar floor, the ruins of the Roman-Greek market will take you back to the time when Izmir was an important stop on the Silk Road. The arches in the basement are still intact, and the fresh water that reaches the old market still gushes from the fountains along the canal.

Arsancak District

In the city center lies the bustling Alsancak district, a center of culture and entertainment. This is the ideal place if you want to immerse yourself in the local Turkish culture. There are many interesting restaurants, bars, shops, hotels and nightclubs where you can have a good time. Recommend you come here to taste different delicious local dishes! Alsancak has something for everyone. The port area has a variety of dining and leisure venues. Here you'll find small boutiques, cool hangouts and some great bars to keep you entertained. Spend an evening at La Puerta with a variety of drinks. Head to Alsancak Dostlar Firinio Bakery for snacks and tea, and have breakfast at one of the local restaurants.

Visit Ephesus

Ephesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. A must for history and archeology buffs. A very popular tourist attraction, it is home to the famous Library of Celsus (one of the largest in the Roman world), the amphitheater, the Temple of Hadrian and the nearby Temple of Artemis. Ephesus was once considered the most important city in Greece and the most influential trading center in the Mediterranean. Ephesus has survived many attacks throughout its history, but what really makes this place special is how well preserved the ruins are. Here you can still find old toilets, a library, a theater and many other things. A few kilometers away is my mother's 5th century house, where she spent her final years. Now it has become a place of pilgrimage.

Turkish cuisine

Exploring Turkish cities is not complete without tasting Turkish cuisine. Dishes begin with shared olive plates and slices of crusty bread as snacks. In no time, the table was filled with beautiful grilled eggplants, grilled fish, hearty sour cream vegetables, potatoes, lamb stew, salads, cheeses, fresh peppers and radishes, and there was more to eat. There are 12-15 authentic flavors that you can taste at the local market. Digest the delicious meal with some raki (anise-based clear alcohol) before tucking into a plethora of tempting Turkish desserts. In Izmir, it is almost impossible to leave the table without experiencing a painful feeling of fullness.

Pergamom

The majestic hilltop city of Pergamum dates back to the 5th century BC. And known as the cradle of learning, culture and invention. Only the remains of the city's most important monuments have been preserved, such as the Acropolis, the Red Cathedral, the aqueduct, the large medical center, the amphitheater and the library of historical value. Among the ruins are the remains of Pergamon's great library, which contained more than 200,000 manuscripts. The ruins of Trajan's temple still have magnificent white columns, and the colossal heads of Hadrian and Trajan tower over the ruins of the library.

Izmir Cable Car

The Izmir Teleferik (Cable Car) is located on Sakarya Street and offers stunning 360-degree views of the city and the Aegean Sea. The starting point of the cable car is opposite the Izmir Barkova University of Economics. The 20 colorful gondola cars can accommodate up to 8 people. The cable car can carry about 1,200 passengers per hour. Each new ride takes just three minutes to arrive. There are many nice cafes, restaurants and benches at the top of the cable car to sit and relax, take pictures and enjoy the scenery. If you're a meat lover, don't miss the grilling service at the Meat House.

Living in Izmir as a foreigner

Those who prefer a smaller but more pleasant city often choose Izmir. The climate here is mild and pleasant all year round, the residents are peaceful and friendly, and their lives are civilized and comfortable.

The cost of living in the city is very low and it is easy to find work. Doing business in Izmir is relatively easier. Due to the low cost of living, the number of immigrants in Izmir is increasing every day.

If you are planning to buy a property in Izmir, you will be happy to know that the total cost of living including all personal, social, entertainment, cultural and related expenses is very reasonable and acceptable.

Don't forget: just like any other city in Turkey, you can easily get Turkish citizenship when you buy a property in Izmir.