2025 Izmir Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

Embark on a city walk in Izmir and explore the unique charm of this Turkish coastal city on foot—an unforgettable experience. Begin at the vibrant Konak Square, home to Izmir's iconic clock tower. As its hands tick, they seem to whisper tales of the city's past. The square bustles with activity, street performers play traditional instruments, and the surrounding architecture blends Ottoman and modern Turkish elements. Stroll along the seaside promenade, where the Aegean Sea unfolds before you. The gentle sea breeze carries a salty scent, and waves lap gently against the shore. On one side, the azure sea stretches out, dotted with boats; on the other, cafes and restaurants beckon. Settle into an outdoor cafe, sip Turkish tea, and soak in the tranquil sea views. Venture into Izmir's old town, where narrow streets wind past colorful houses adorned with climbing plants and blooming flowers. Time seems to slow down here. Browse the unique shops filled with handicrafts, from exquisite ceramics and handwoven carpets to exotic silver jewelry. Chat with the shopkeepers and uncover the stories behind these crafts, immersing yourself in Izmir's rich culture. At midday, find a traditional restaurant in the old town and savor Turkish kebabs. Juicy lamb pairs perfectly with fragrant rice and refreshing salad, igniting your taste buds. Don't miss the renowned Turkish pide—crispy flatbread served with flavorful sauces. After lunch, explore the Agora Open Air Museum, once a bustling commercial and social hub. Though only ruins remain, they evoke the site's former grandeur. Wander among the towering stone columns and ancient arches, remnants of a glorious past. Here, history comes alive. As evening approaches, ascend Kadifekale Castle for panoramic views of Izmir. The setting sun casts a golden glow over the city, and the Aegean Sea shimmers in the distance, creating a breathtaking scene. When night falls, Izmir's nightlife awakens. Step into a local bar where live music fills the air, and people sway to the rhythm. Order a Turkish cocktail and join the lively atmosphere, experiencing the city's evening energy. This Izmir city walk, from historical sites to coastal scenery, from unique shops to culinary delights, is full of surprises, immersing you in the city's captivating charm.

Don't know what to do in Izmir? Check out this two-day itinerary. 🌟 Two-Day Itinerary Recommendation Day 1: Explore Izmir City Morning: Start your journey from Konak Square, the heart of Izmir. The Konak Clock Tower on the square is a must-see landmark, surrounded by the town hall and mosque, full of rich historical atmosphere. Noon: Enjoy an authentic Turkish lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling traditional pastries like Boyoz and Turkish coffee. Afternoon: Head to Kemeraltı Bazaar, a colorful shopping paradise where you can find a variety of spices, jewelry, and handicrafts. Evening: Relax on the Kordon promenade, enjoy the sunset over the Aegean Sea, and then have dinner at a seaside restaurant, sampling fresh seafood. Day 2: Historical Sites Tour Morning: Head to the world-famous ancient city of Ephesus, one of Turkey's most important archaeological sites and a World Heritage Site. Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll need to walk around here, and you can explore the ancient Roman theater, library, and marble streets. Noon: Have lunch in the village of Sirince near Ephesus and experience the flavors of Turkish country cuisine. Afternoon: If time permits, you can visit Çeşme or Alaçatı, towns famous for their historic buildings and beautiful beaches. Evening: Return to Izmir 📸 Photo Spots Konak Clock Tower: As a symbol of Izmir, this is a photo spot you can't miss. Ancient City of Ephesus: The magnificent backdrop of ancient Roman ruins will give your photos a sense of history.

【Izmir】 Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey. It is one of the important industrial, commercial, foreign trade and shipping centers. It is also a historical and cultural city, a tourist resort and a military fortress. The city has been the center of the agricultural area along the Aegean Sea since ancient times. Izmir also retains many historical sites, such as the ancient bell tower, the 15th-century Hisar Mosque and Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Temple ruins, etc. - Kunak Clock Tower Square Located on the Aegean Sea, it is an important central square in Izmir. The Kunak Bell Tower in the center of the square was built in 1901 and is an important landmark of Izmir. The buildings around the square include Izmir City Hall, Kunak Mosque, etc. - bergama Famous for housing the Temple of Asclepius. A town since the days of Troy, Bergama was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. The temple is at the top of the mountain. You can drive up the mountain by car or take a cable car up the mountain. - Alacati Also known as Arakat, Arakat is a unique Mediterranean town on Turkey's west coast, known for its architecture, vineyards and windmills and has been around for over 150 years. It is world-famous for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Alacati is one of the most authentic towns in Türkiye. - cesme Located west of Izmir, Türkiye, it is a traditional resort on the lively Aegean Sea coast. Cesme means "fountain" because great water sources were discovered in this area in the 18th and 19th centuries, and a large number of springs were named after them. This is one of the tourist attractions in the Aegean Sea. It is only 7 kilometers away from Greece. There is a direct ferry to the Greek island of Chios. - Selcuk Located in western Turkey, it is surrounded by historical heritage sites such as the ancient city of Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, one of the "Seven Wonders of the Ancient World", as well as the religious-related House of the Virgin Mary and the Cave of the Seven Holy Children. It attracts countless religious people, history lovers and tourists to come to pay homage and is one of the most visited tourist destinations. - Ephesus It was one of the most important Greek cities in the early classical period and one of the most famous tourist attractions in the world. The Temple of Artemis here is considered the largest building in the ancient world. The history of Ephesus can be traced back to the 7th century BC. It was a prosperous city second only to Rome during the ancient Roman period. It is also known as the "Pompeii of Turkey".

Izmir is a quiet and leisurely "slow" city located in the Aegean region of western Turkey. The most comfortable way to travel here is to visit local cafes, order a popular ice cream, jog or walk by the sea, and spend a leisurely day in the sea breeze~ In 2024, it was rated as one of the "Best Cities" in 2024 by the famous travel guide series "Lonely Planet". This city is born for life, with a beautiful coastline nearly two kilometers long, extending to the bustling Kemeraltı Bazaar. 🌟Recommended attractions in Izmir⬇️⬇️⬇️ 【Clock Tower】 The clock tower on Izmir Konak Square is very historical The exquisite and beautiful shape is a local landmark building. Izmir's banks, department stores, and opera houses are gathered here. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of Sultan Abdul Hamid II's accession to the throne. The clock tower was designed by French architect Raymond Charles Péré, who spent most of his life in Izmir. In front of the clock tower is the blue sea. Many pedestrians and tourists will stop to enjoy the scenery and take photos in front of the clock tower. 【Big Elevator】 This attraction has a history of hundreds of years. It was once built by a local tycoon for the surrounding residents. Now it has become a famous local attraction and an excellent view of Izmir's seaside! There are restaurant shops under the elevator, graffiti murals and many cute cats, which are very artistic There are also restaurants on both sides of the elevator, but there is a more exquisite sense of the scenic spot. Going forward is the first floor of the residential area. There is a sense of Chongqing's mountain city. It is very romantic to watch the sunset here in the evening! 【Seaside】 The seaside of Izmir is a lawn and promenade, and there are trams 🚃 three or two couples, romantic and romantic.

#europetrip Izmir, Turkey’s third-largest city, sits on the Aegean coast, known for its rich history, modern flair, and stunning waterfront. It's a perfect blend of ancient heritage and contemporary living. **Must-Visit Attractions:** - **Kordon Promenade 🌅:** Stroll along the picturesque waterfront, ideal for a sunset view and vibrant cafés. - **Kemeralti Bazaar 🛍️:** Dive into a bustling market with shops, street food, and historical charm. - **Ephesus Ruins 🏛️:** Explore nearby ancient ruins, including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater. - **Asansör 🏞️:** Enjoy panoramic city views from this historic elevator. **How to Reach:** Fly into Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, which is well-connected to major cities worldwide. From the airport, take a taxi or the shuttle bus to the city center. **Best Time to Visit:** Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. **Accommodation:** Choose from waterfront hotels or charming boutique stays in the city center. **Local Cuisine:** Savor local dishes like *börek*, *sucuk*, and fresh seafood. **Tips:** - Use public transport or rent a bike to explore. - Don’t miss trying *lokum* (Turkish delight). Izmir offers a delightful mix of history, culture, and relaxation, making it a must-visit destination in Turkey! #flowerlover #beachlife #themepark #cherryblossom2024 #songkran2024 #mytripvlog #memorable_trip #trip #turkey

Türkiye 🇹🇷 Ismail Clock Tower and Asansol Tower Walking from the bazaar to the Aegean harbor, you will come to a lively square. Here, you can take pictures of Ismail’s municipal landmark, the clock tower. As the third largest city, there are obviously more people than before. Even on Mondays, the square was packed with people. Afterwards, you can follow the perimeter to the Asansol Tower, a spot that locals call “the elevator.” Standing here, you can overlook the entire Ismail Bay. This is a romantic sunset spot. Turkey🇹🇷 Izmir Clock Tower and Asansör Walking from Bazza to the Aegean Sea harbor, you'll find a lively square. Capture Izmir's iconic Clock Tower here. As the third-largest city, it's busier than before, even on a Monday. Continue along the edge to reach "Asansör," a local spot. From there, enjoy a romantic sunset view overlooking Izmir harbor.

Türkiye 🇹🇷 Ismail Bazaar Ismail is located on the Aegean coast of Türkiye and is the third largest city in Türkiye. The market here has an abundance of fresh seafood. Although there was no cooking when we came, we could still feel that this is a great place to buy seafood. It was strawberry season at the time, and a kilogram of large strawberries and grapes cost only 18 liras, or about 29 Taiwan dollars, which was a great deal. There are many seafood restaurants in the restaurant area of ​​the market. We were particularly attracted by the small vendors on the roadside. They made a dish of mussels and rice. A large plate cost only 50 liras, about 80 Taiwan dollars. The portion was full and satisfying. This place is very lively and there are many mosques to visit. In addition, there is a special attraction nearby - the Church of St. Polycarp, which is one of the seven holy places recorded in the Bible. The church is well preserved and its interior is magnificent, forming a sharp contrast with its exterior. Turkey 🇹🇷 Izmir Izmir, Türkiye’s 3rd-largest city on the Aegean coast, offers a vibrant market with fresh seafood. We found great deals during strawberry season – a KG of strawberries or grapes for 18 lira (€0.9). Street vendors serve satisfying dishes like mussels wrapped in rice paper for 50 lira (€1.7). The area buzzes with activity and features mosques to explore. Nearby, the well-preserved St. Polycarp Church, one of the Seven Churches, stands out with its impressive interior.

The famous Anasor towers over the seaside town of Izmir turkey.. There are breathtaking views everywhere of the Aegean Sea. is me a turkey has a long history of being a favorite vacation spot for those living in the much colder Istanbul area of Turkey. over the last 30 years and it has become one of the most popular winter retreats for everyone around the world who sick sunshine in the winter months and warmer temperatures. there are countless resorts, spas, restaurants and a pretty exciting and wild nightlife. Accommodations bookings in this Aegean Sea escape town are still reasonably priced.  #travel #wanderlust #travelling #traveller #travelphotography #instatravel #adventure #journey #travelgram #travelpassion #travellifestyle #myjourney #wonderlust #trip #ilovetravel #tripblazers #traveling #traveladdicted #travelgoals #traveljournal #izmir #traveladdict #travelpics #bestvacations #travelphotos #traveler #tourist #travelblog #tourism #hiking

We had just taken an early morning flight from the airport and were transferring to another flight. We couldn't check in at the hotel yet, so we needed to find a place to have a good meal. The first meal was the most famous kebap in Türkiye! The name of the restaurant is ERDOGAN KEBAPP. Doner is German, meaning rotating, and Kebab comes from Arabic, referring to grilled meat on skewers. Turkish grilled meat is called Kebap or kebab. Together, it means: rotating grilled meat. We tried chicken and beef, both tasted good and very fragrant, but the butter milk was actually a drink similar to yogurt, which we didn't like very much. -Chicken Kebab -Beef -Butter Milk Price: 195 TL (£9.75/HKD83.9) ERDOGAN KEBAPP 📍Etiler, Anafartalar Cd. No:787/A, 35210 Basmane/İzmir, Turkey #Turkey #Overseas Travel #Tourism #Travel Notes #izmir #travel #See the Earth in an Instant

I was a bit tired after walking around the market, so I wanted to eat something. I saw this restaurant, and although it was not big, it looked very authentic, so I went in to try it! The price is 35TL for a big plate of rice. The kebab chicken on top is super delicious, and the rice underneath is fried very fragrant, with a hint of turmeric, very appetizing! Price:35TL (£1.75/HKD15) Kızlarağası Hanı 📍Tarihi Kızlarağası Hanı Han Yönetimi 871 Sokak No:19/106 Hisarönü, 35250 Konak/İzmir, Turkey #Turkey #Overseas Travel #Tourism #Travel Notes #izmir #travel #See the Earth in an Instant #Septembervlog

Midye dolma, which has two names on the Internet, is mussels stuffed with rice, also known as mussels stuffed with rice. It is a highly recommended Turkish street snack! You can eat rice with mussels, which should be fried with oil and onions and then added to rice and stirred. You can taste the flavor of salt and spices. A small mussel stuffed with rice can give you multiple layers of flavor. In fact, they are sold in many places, especially on the streets of the market, but I only ordered it at the station. It is still delicious even when it is cold! The seafood flavor is not very strong because it will be covered by the flavor of the spiced rice. Remember to add lemon juice when eating it in one bite, it is very appetizing. İzmir Otobüs Otogarı 📍Karacaoğlan İzmir Şehirler Arası Otobüs Terminali, Mustafa Kemal Sahil Blv. No:285/2, 35210 Konak/İzmir, Turkey #Turkey #Overseas Travel #Tourism #Travel Notes #izmir #travel #See the Earth in an Instant #Septembervlog

Izmir's Konak Pier is located on the seaside. In addition to different shops, there are also restaurants and coffee shops. You can sit inside and enjoy the scenery while eating, which is very relaxing! You can also choose to stroll and walk along the beach. Many people also choose to rent a bicycle or scooter to travel around here, which is a great activity! Konak Pier 📍Konak, Pier AVM, Atatürk Cd. No:19, 35260 Konak/İzmir, Turkey #Turkey #Overseas Travel #izmir #travel #See the Earth in an Instant #Septembervlog

On our first night in Turkey, we went for a walk on the beach, read the reviews online, and finally chose this restaurant with good reviews. The service attitude of the waiter is very good, there are many choices on the menu, and there are outdoor and indoor seats. We ordered a steak, fish, grilled squid and shrimp pasta. The overall food quality is good! ❤️T-Bone Steak (400-450 gr) - 205 TL. ❤️Homemade pasta with shrimp and mushroom - 150TL ❤️Grilled Calamari- 165 TL ❤️Sautded sea bass with onion and pep 150 TL 📍Akdeniz, Atatürk Cd. No:158/A, 35210 Konak/İzmir, Turkey #Turkey #Overseas Travel #izmir #travel #See the Earth in an Instant #Septembervlog

The name of this shop is Küncü Fırın Çankaya, it is opposite our hotel. In fact, it has many branches throughout Türkiye. It not only sells ice cream, but also other buns and desserts. The price is super cheap, an ice cream costs only 5TL (£0.25/HKD2), so we patronized it a few times. There are many flavors to choose from. I tried the caramel flavor and pistachio flavor, which were also very good! 📍Yenigün, Fevzi Paşa Blv No:152 D:c, 35240 Konak/İzmir, Turkey #Turkey #Overseas Travel #Tourism #izmir #travel #See the Earth in an Instant #Septembervlog

Beautiful, nice place to sit and enjoy the view.

Address: Agora Caddesi, Izmir Atmosphere/Facilities: Remains of the market in the ancient city of Smyrna. Recommended points: It's interesting to look around and imagine the glittering trade of the time. Evaluation: This is a valuable place in Izmir, where there are few ancient ruins due to earthquakes and wars. #Historical sites

#Amusement park Do you like amusement parks? I really really like them~ I also like scary rides~ So I'm introducing you to an amusement park with free admission! It's Luna Park in Izmir, Turkey~ Which ride do you like the most? Please tell us about your rides in the comments! #Ho-kang-seu #Unique accommodation #Hot place #Hotel recommendation #Cafe recommendation #Amusement park #Amusement ride #Turkey travel #Turkey #Izmir

Izmir is a big and beautiful city of Turkey beside Aegean sea . its modern city . anyway it has old and modern places . i lived there for 8 months. Izmir has modern transport system . metro , tramvay , izban , bus and Ferry . for example you can go from airport to city center by izban easily. ride a ferry from a port of the city and go to another part of the city in 15 to 20 minutes and enjoy watching the sea and birds . one place that you should visit is old bazar in Konak region. there you can also have Turkish food. izmir has many modern shopping centers like 'Optimum' . Karshiaka district is nice place also to visit. if you rent a car , you can visit Cheshme and Alachati region , very beautiful places and there are beautiful beaches also. #izmir #staycation #turkey #travelinspiration #beachlife #trip #madewithtrip

The TAV airport hotel is located in the terminal at Izmir airport before security so it's especially great for those who have an early morning flight. The rooms are quite large, very adequate and the price is very affordable. The hotel's main attraction is that it is directly in the airport, meaning you won't have to worry about transport to the airport in the morning. The lobby area is also very large with many sofas to relax on. The rooms are quite large for an airport hotel and there's even a desk in the room. Another great thing about the room was that they all featured windows albeit of the street but it was still nice to have. On the flip side, you tended to hear the passing vehicles since you were so close to the street. The soundproofing between rooms was also an issue as you could hear the conversations of your neighbors. The hotel also serves breakfast for an extra charge so that's also nice, although I personally didn't opt for it. Overall, an excellent option for an early morning flight with a spacious and clean room and an outstanding location. #hotel #airport #izmir #turkey

Do you have to go to Athens, Greece to see the romantic Aegean Sea? Wrong, wrong, wrong. You can also see the clear blue and bright Aegean Sea in Izmir Bay in Türkiye, just across the Aegean Sea. Compared to Istanbul, Izmir is more cost-effective and has no noisy crowds. The rest is as quiet, elegant, intellectual and noble as the goddess in mythology. The terrain here is flat, which is more suitable for environmentally friendly travel. It is also suitable for strolling through the streets and alleys to appreciate the ancient civilization and modern progress. If you feel tired, there are park benches all over the city. If you feel hungry, you can taste Eastern and Western delicacies and seasonal fresh fruits. You can go to the ancient castle of Kadifekare to overlook the entire bay and watch the sunrise and sunset🌄, or you can go to the pier to take dozens of domestic and international ferries to ride the wind and waves🌊 #Hot summer destination

Bergama, Pergamon, (Pergamum), Turkey 🇹🇷 #TrueTrip The meaning is a plateau. It is an amazing place of the beauty of the past. It is an ancient city of Greece that is rich and important. Located in the highlands of the Aegean coast, Izmir Bergama Acropolis is a ruined temple made of stone. In the past, it was an important city. It is both an acropolis temple, a temple that is known as a land of fairy tales. And the theater that is known as the highest in the world, can accommodate up to 10,000 people. Traveling to the place You can travel by bus, van from the city of Izmir #palace #truetrip #waiting for the day to travel

I don’t think there’s much explanation needed here… I’ll just leave you with some evidence. See you next year?! If you still aren’t convinced, check out our Yacht Getaways Photo Journal here! Yacht Getaways offers many different sailing routes around the world— you can read abut our experience sailing through the Greek Isles last here by clicking here! It’s an incredible, affordable way to have a unique and unforgettable holiday and we couldn’t recommend it more highly. Bon Voyage!! #themeparks#nationalpark#lakes#beaches#infinitypool

Yacht Getaways goes above and beyond to make sure that every last detail has been accounted for on the trip so you don’t have to. Breakfast and lunch are cooked on the boat by your lovely host with close attention to any and every dietary restriction. Daily itineraries are set and full of activities such as snorkeling, paddle boarding, hiking, etc. You can sit actually back, relax, and enjoy the ride on your much needed vacay! If you haven’t already heard of a Hammam, it is the famous Turkish bath experience where you are scrubbed, bubbled and thoroughly cleaned in a traditional bath house. It is an amazing experience and can be followed up by a massage at most spas. When in Turkey…! This type of bathhouse can be found in almost any town along the route, so make sure to experience this on your trip— you’ll thank us later! #themeparks#nationalpark#lakes#beaches#infinitypool

#国外游 Santorini is a romantic paradise on the Aegean Sea😍The blue and white cottages full of Mediterranean style, facing the endless sea, encountering the picturesque sunset of the Love Sea🌄The top 3 places I must travel in my life #Overseas Travel

📍- İsmet Kaptan, 1364. Sk. No:13, 35210 Konak/İzmir, Turkey 💕-  Received a complimentary wine for our anniversary 🏷Price per Person - 100TL Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Celebrated our Anniversary here and intended to stay 2 nights originally but eventually extended as the hotel was everything we wanted it to be. Close to the metro and coast of Izmir. Walking distance to shops and restaurants as well. Staff were nice and we were welcomed with free wine as an anniversary treat. Thank you! Will stay here again for sure. #summervacation#beachvacation

If you are in Izmir you must visit agora very impressed city above and under the ground. Agora is the main market place of ancient Greeks and Romans. One of the oldest historical places in Izmir, when you have time you should visit Agora Open Air. Easy to reach even on foot #nationalpark

Located on the northern side of the Cyclades group of islands, Tinos is one of the most enchanting Greek islands. Beautiful sandy beaches, traditional villages and minimal Cycladic architecture create a unique atmosphere that never fails to captivate the visitors. But there's a reason in particular why Tinos Greece stands out. It’s because it is where the spiritual heart of Greece beats! The reason? Panagia Megalochari church, which is visited by thousands of worshipers every year! Apart from its religious significance, Tinos island Greece rewards the traveler with lots of surprises. Picturesque villages, Cycladic dovecotes, stone-made houses, little squares, and churches set the scene of this charming island... As for things to do in Tinos, there’s a whole heap of activities, from trekking to water sports! Tinos Greece sits in the heart of the Aegean sea and belongs to the Cyclades island group. The overall effect of Tinos island is deeply calming, probably due to its spiritual aura. Tinos island Greece is home to the popular among the worshipers, Panagia Megalochari church. People from all over Greece visit this imposing church every year, to worship the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, which is hosted there. Every summer, on August 15th, when the Virgin Mary is celebrated, there are lots of festivities taking place all over the island- from feasts to culinary festivals! So, if you want to experience the island’s spiritual side, try planning your trip around one of those religious feasts! Tino's villages are the gems of the island, which every visitor worth exploring! Scattered on mountains all around Tinos, the little whitewashed villages keep the tradition of the island alive. During your Tinos holidays make sure you visit Pyrgos, Ktikado, Kardiani, Loutra, and Tripotamos to wander around the beautiful squares, taste the local delicacies and escape the heat lazing under the sycamore trees! #mynovgetaway #mynovgetaway

This is a serious resort on the coast of Aegean Sea but this time in #turkey and exactly at the small town of Selcuk. Plenty of tourists spends their summer vacation in this region. The whole area on the Aegean sea of Turkey is famous with its so-called all-inclusive tourism. I managed to spent my New year's Eve here so my stay was out of season but it was still amazing. #happynewyear