Map of İzmir, Turkey

🏖️ What to do in Izmir

Explore the beauty of Izmir through a myriad of exciting activities, from exploring ancient ruins to relaxing on stunning beaches along the Aegean coast.

• Best Budget Activity in Izmir:

  Kemeralti Bazaar: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Izmir's historic bazaar where you can shop for local crafts, spices, and souvenirs.

• Best Mid-Range Activity in Izmir:

  Asansör: Take a ride in the historic Asansör elevator for panoramic views of the city and enjoy a cup of tea at the top overlooking Izmir's skyline.

• Best Luxury Activity in Izmir:

  Ephesus Tour: Join a guided tour to the ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at well-preserved ruins of this once grand Roman city.

🍽️ Where to eat in Izmir

Indulge in the culinary delights of Izmir, a city known for its fresh seafood, delicious street food, and vibrant markets. Don't miss out on trying local favorites like kumru sandwiches and boyoz pastries.

• Best Budget Restaurant in Izmir:

  Köfteci Yusuf•$-$$:

  Cuisine specialty: Turkish meatballs (köfte)

• Best Mid-Range Restaurant in Izmir:

  Mavra Kasap Lahmacun•$$-$$$:

  Cuisine specialty: Lahmacun (Turkish pizza)

• Best Luxury Restaurant in Izmir:

  Mitani Meyhane•$$$-$$$$:

  Cuisine specialty: Traditional Turkish mezes and seafood dishes

• Best Budget Bar in Izmir:

  Homeros Meyhanesi•$-$$:

  Raki (Turkish aniseed spirit)

• Best Mid-Range Bar in Izmir:

  Leman Kültür•$$-$$$:

  Craft cocktails and local wines

• Best Luxury Bar in Izmir:

  Vue Rooftop Bar & Restaurant•$$$-$$$$:

  Signature cocktails with a view

🏰 What to see in Izmir

Discover the rich history and culture of Izmir by visiting its iconic landmarks that showcase the city's past and present vibrancy.

• Konak Square and Clock Tower:

  The heart of Izmir, Konak Square is home to the iconic Clock Tower, a symbol of the city's history and a popular meeting spot for locals and tourists alike.

• Kadifekale (Velvet Castl:

  Perched atop a hill, Kadifekale offers panoramic views of Izmir and the Aegean Sea, with ancient ruins and a glimpse into the city's past.

• Asansör:

  A historic elevator built in the early 20th century, Asansör provides stunning views of Izmir's bay and offers a unique perspective of the city.

• Izmir Agora Open Air Museum:

  Explore the ruins of the ancient Roman Agora, where you can wander through the well-preserved columns, monuments, and learn about Izmir's historical significance.

• Kordonboyu Promenade:

  Stroll along the waterfront promenade of Kordonboyu, lined with palm trees, cafes, and picturesque views of the sea, offering a perfect spot for leisurely walks and enjoying sunsets.

🛍️ Where to go shopping in Izmir

Indulge in a delightful shopping experience in Izmir, where you can explore bustling markets, modern malls, and charming boutiques offering a variety of goods to suit every budget and style.

• Best Budget Shopping Place in Izmir:

  Kemeraltı Bazaar: Dive into the maze of narrow streets in Kemeraltı Bazaar, where you can find a treasure trove of authentic Turkish goods, from spices and textiles to handicrafts and jewelry, all at affordable prices.

• Best Mid-Range Shopping Place in Izmir:

  Forum Bornova: Head to Forum Bornova, a popular shopping mall with a mix of international and Turkish brands, offering clothing, accessories, electronics, and more, ideal for those seeking quality products without breaking the bank.

• Best Luxury Shopping Place in Izmir:

  Alsancak: Stroll through Alsancak, a chic neighborhood dotted with upscale boutiques, designer stores, and fashionable cafes, perfect for indulging in luxury shopping and experiencing the city's trendy side.

🚇 Getting Around Izmir

• Public Transport

  Izmir offers a variety of public transportation options to help visitors navigate the city efficiently. The most commonly used modes of public transport include buses, trains, and the metro. Buses are the primary mode of transport, with a vast network covering the city and its surrounding areas. The fare for buses is affordable, typically ranging from 2 to 5 Turkish Lira, depending on the distance traveled. Buses operate from early morning until late at night, providing convenient transportation throughout the day. The Izmir Metro also offers a quick and reliable way to travel within the city, with frequent services and air-conditioned trains.

• Main Transportation Hubs

  In Izmir, the main transportation hubs include Basmane Train Station, serving both domestic and international routes. The Izmir Bus Terminal (Otogar) is another key hub, connecting the city to various destinations across Turkey. Additionally, Adnan Menderes Airport is the main airport serving Izmir, located about 18 kilometers from the city center, offering both domestic and international flights.

• Rental Services

  🚗 Car Rental: Visitors can easily rent a car from reputable providers like Avis, Hertz, or Enterprise at the airport or within the city. Prices usually start at around 100 Turkish Lira per day. 🚲 Bicycle Rental: For a more eco-friendly and scenic way to explore Izmir, bicycle rentals are available at various locations in the city. Providers like Izmir Bisiklet offer bikes for rent starting at 20 Turkish Lira per day.