10 Best Things to do in Izmir, Turkey

Planning a trip to Izmir, Turkey? You’ve found the experts!

Izmir might be famous for its ancient sites and rich history, but there’s so much more to this beautiful coastal city than old ruins! Strolling through lively bazaars and along the Kordon waterfront is a treat on its own, not to mention sampling delicious local food or enjoying a rooftop nightcap with views of the city. And I can’t forget about the day trips to Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Pergamon!

We’ve explored the city, tried the local specialties, and discovered some lovely spots along the way. So, we’ve put together our favorite things to do in Izmir, along with our accommodation recommendations to help you plan a trip you’ll love. Let’s go!

Izmir At A Glance

Izmir is a fairly big city, but getting around is simple, thanks to its public transportation. Still, we’d recommend a few things if you’re visiting for the first time. Keep these in mind before you go!

Get an İzmirim Card: This reloadable card is the easiest way to use public transportation. It works on the metro, İZBAN trains, ferries, and buses.

Stay central: We recommend Alsancak or Konak if you want to be within walking distance of the Kordon waterfront and the main historic sights.

Wear comfortable shoes: This one might seem obvious, but some people need a little reminder! Izmir is a great city to explore on foot, and you’ll be doing quite a bit of walking, especially around Kemeraltı and the historic center.

Slow down: Izmir has a more relaxed pace than some of Turkey’s busier tourist destinations. There’s no need to rush around trying to see everything. Take your time, enjoy a long Turkish coffee break with some baklava, and don’t worry about squeezing too much into one day! 

How I Would Spend Three Days in Izmir

🏛️ Day 1: The Best of Izmir in One Day 
Start with a guided sightseeing tour of Izmir’s main attractions, spend the afternoon exploring the Kordon and Alsancak, and finish with a delicious local dinner followed by a cocktail or dessert. 

🏺Day 2: Ancient Ephesus & Waterfront Dining 
Spend the day exploring ancient Ephesus on a guided tour, then return to Izmir for a relaxed evening of delicious seafood, traditional meze, and a glass of rakı by the waterfront. 

🏖️Day 3: From Museum Halls to Beach Time 
Start with a traditional Turkish breakfast and a visit to the Izmir Archaeological Museum, enjoy a seafood lunch, then head to Çeşme and Alaçatı for some beach time and sightseeing before wrapping up with Italian food by the waterfront. 

Things to do in Izmir

1. See Izmir’s best city sights

What better way to start your trip than to see most of the city’s main sights in one go? This guided tour is a great way to get your bearings and see what the city is all about! You’ll spend four to five hours exploring with a local guide, but here’s what makes this tour a little different: you’ll be using public transportation to get around, just like the locals do!

You’ll meet your guide at 10 am by the famous Saat Kulesi (Clock Tower) in Konak Square, then head to Tarihi Asansör (Historic Elevator). This elevator is over a century old and was once used to transport people and goods up a steep cliff between two parts of the city. Today, you can ride it for free and enjoy some lovely views over Izmir Bay. Have your camera ready!

Lunch is around Konak Square, and your guide will be happy to suggest a few local spots, but it’s not included, so bring a little extra Turkish Lira. Kemeraltı Market is probably one of the nicest stops and definitely the longest. You’ll spend around two hours exploring its maze of narrow streets, so take your time checking out the stalls.

Last but not least is the Agora Open Air Museum, where you’ll see the remains of ancient Smyrna, which make for a unique contrast with the busy modern city. All in all, I’d say this is a fun way to get a glimpse into local life, explore some ancient history, and eat among the locals, without having to plan every stop yourself!

2. Discover Ephesus’ ancient ruins 

We’ve visited quite a few ancient archaeological sites over the years, but Ephesus is something else. It’s easily the most impressive ancient city we’ve ever visited, and this full-day tour gives you the chance to experience it all.

What we loved most was having a guide who knew exactly how to bring it all to life. Our guide, Alpi, was a big part of why we enjoyed this tour so much. He was friendly, easy to talk to, and clearly passionate about what he does. He also knew when to step back and let us explore on our own (and take approximately a hundred photos!).

There’s so much to see as you walk along the marble streets, with impressive ruins all around you. Some details are easy to miss, but luckily Alpi was there to point them out and tell us the stories behind them.

The iconic Library of Celsus was our favorite part. It’s one of the most beautiful libraries ever built, with carved columns, statues, and inscriptions, and it’s the most photographed spot in Ephesus. The Great Theatre was pretty incredible, too. We learned that it still hosts events and performances, thanks to its excellent acoustics and gorgeous setting on the side of Mount Pion.

Best of all, it’s an easy day trip from Izmir, about an hour’s drive. It’s not every day you can easily access centuries-old ruins – how cool is that!?

3. Explore Kemeraltı Bazaar

If you haven’t explored Kemeraltı Bazaar yet, we’d definitely make time for it. Located in the heart of Izmir, this is one of Turkey’s largest open-air bazaars, dating back to the 17th century. Its narrow streets are lined with historic inns, sorbet shops, traditional coffee houses, goldsmiths, and handicraft stores. Does it sound fun yet? 

Plus, you’ll find the kind of vendors you’d expect in a buzzing market like this, ready to negotiate a bargain. You can haggle, of course. They expect it! The crowds and congestion can get a little tiring in some spots, but there are plenty of rest spots and yummy rewards along the way. 

Stop for a proper Turkish coffee (they really know how to make it here), try some Söğüş (a savory, spiced cold meat wrap) or Şambali (a sweet, syrup-soaked dessert), and don’t miss the black mulberry juice.

Once you’ve had your fair share of haggling and shopping, you’re already within walking distance of several of Izmir’s main sights. You can head towards Konak Square to see the famous Clock Tower or visit the nearby Konak Yalı Mosque.

There’s quite a bit of walking involved, even if you only explore the bazaar, so leave your uncomfortable shoes at the hotel. It’s a really unique experience, and we’d pick this historic bazaar over a modern shopping mall any day!

4. Take a day trip to Pamukkale terraced hot springs

We’re pretty sure you’ve seen Pamukkale’s terraced hot springs on a brochure about Turkey somewhere. Izmir is only about a 2.5-hour drive from this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and this full-day tour to “Cotton Castle,” as it’s also known, is a fantastic way to experience it all.

You’ll start at Hierapolis, one of the most important settlements of the Hellenistic and Roman periods. This place is massive, and there’s so much to see, from swimming in Cleopatra’s Antique Pool among ancient columns to exploring the recently restored amphitheater, all while learning the stories behind each place from your professional guide. And that certainly helps, because there are some fascinating stories to hear!

The pool isn’t included, so you’ll need to pay €16 (about $18 USD) on site (free for children under 7). But it’s worth it, especially with the water sitting at a relaxing 36°C (97°F) year-round.

You might also see women dressed in traditional Turkish clothing making gözleme from scratch. It’s a stuffed flatbread cooked on a large griddle, and watching them prepare is a lovely little bonus.

After that, you’ll have time to explore the famous white travertine terraces, with their mineral-rich thermal waters. Depending on when you visit, you probably won’t be the only ones there, so good luck getting a photo of just you and the terraces! Nevertheless, it feels out of this world, and you’ll feel grateful to be there.

The tour also includes lunch, followed by free time to visit some pretty unique stores selling everything from jewelry to Turkish rugs – perfect if you’d like to bring home a souvenir. We’re pretty sure you will!

5. Explore ancient Pergamon  

Turkey has more ancient sites than you can count, and Pergamon is definitely one worthy of your time. If you want to discover more, this day trip is one to keep on your radar. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014, Pergamon, or modern-day Bergama, is a historic ancient Greek and Roman city, just a 1.25-hour drive from Izmir.

This majestic site sits on a high ridge overlooking the Bakırçay (Caicus) Valley and is living proof of brilliant Hellenistic engineering. Some of the attractions here will make your jaw drop. Take the Hellenistic Theater, the steepest theater in the ancient world, which could accommodate up to 10,000 spectators. 

The Temple of Trajan (Trajaneum) is equally impressive, with its white marble and massive Corinthian columns. You’ll also visit the Asklepion, a renowned ancient healing center, where you can learn how healing and medicine worked in ancient times.

One thing to know: once you reach the base of the mountain in Bergama, you can take the Pergamon Acropolis Cable Car for an €18 (about $20 USD) round trip. The ride takes just five minutes and takes you straight up to the Upper Acropolis. It’s scenic, too, and saves you from a very steep uphill walk.

Pergamon is beautiful and much less crowded than some of Turkey’s other ancient cities. The tour also includes a delicious home-cooked lunch at a tucked-away complex in the countryside. There’s so much to love about this trip, and judging by the many five-star reviews, it’s clearly a popular choice!

6. Museum hop

Izmir has more than 30 museums, and you don’t need to visit them all, of course, but these five are worth considering. 

• Agora of Smyrna – If you’ve enjoyed visiting Ephesus or Pergamon, you’ll want to see the Agora, trust us! Once the heart of ancient Smyrna, this Roman-era site, built as early as the 4th century BC, has massive columns, arches, vaulted galleries, and cross vaults too. It’s actually pretty amazing to see so much ancient history right in the middle of modern Izmir! You can visit every day from 8:30 am to 6 pm. 

• Izmir Archaeological Museum – You’ll find all sorts of interesting things here, from sculptures, pottery, and coins to ancient cooking utensils, tableware, and jewelry. Many of the pieces come from Ephesus, Pergamon, and Smyrna, and date back to the Bronze Age, Greek, and Roman periods. The museum is open daily from 8:30 am to 5 pm. 

• T.C. Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı İzmir Kültür Sanat Fabrikası – Housed in a restored former tobacco factory, this cultural complex is worth a look even if you’re not planning a full museum visit. You’ll find exhibition spaces, libraries, workshops, and plenty of interesting architecture. It’s great to see an old factory turned into something so different and interesting! 

• Izmir Culture and Arts Factory Archaeology and Ethnography Museum – This museum is easy to combine with the visit above. Alongside archaeological finds, you’ll see traditional clothing, textiles, handicrafts, and household objects. It’s a chance to see what life was like for ordinary people, not just ancient civilizations. 

• Maritime Museum – At the Maritime Museum in İnciraltı, you can actually step aboard two former naval vessels, the Aegean frigate and the Piri Reis submarine. Talk about a fun museum! Keep in mind it’s outside the city center, in Balçova. 

A little tip: The Culture and Arts Factory and the Archaeology and Ethnography Museum are in the same complex, so you can easily visit both in one go. 

7. See the stunning seaside towns of Çeşme & Alaçatı 

If you want a break from ancient ruins or simply need to escape busy Izmir, this small-group guided tour to the seaside comes as a breath of fresh air. And since it’s only a short ride to Çeşme and then on to Alaçatı, there’s more time to venture off on your own and explore.

Çeşme has a relaxed seaside vibe and an impressive castle that offers both a bit of history and great views. On the other hand, Alaçatı is full of charm, with its cobblestone streets, colorful stone houses, boutique shops, and lively cafés, which you can visit after a swim at the nearby beach. It was definitely our kind of place!

We appreciated the very chill and relaxed vibe from the beginning. Our guide, Faruk, really let us go at our own pace, and the fact that there were only two couples in the group made the trip even more enjoyable. He even pointed us toward one of his favorite lunch spots.

The highlight for us was definitely Ilıca Beach. We got to swim for a bit and cool off from the heat. Once we dried off, we strolled around a lovely area with a mix of shops and restaurants. This is your chance to grab a bite or do some souvenir shopping to take home.

Let’s not forget that Faruk took so many photos of us, and they turned out way better than our selfies (he is a wedding photographer, after all!). The backdrops were already lovely and colorful, so he certainly had plenty to work with. All in all, we’d say don’t overthink this one if you love the seaside! We’d happily do it all over again! 

8. Taste your way around Izmir  

If there’s one thing we can happily spend an entire day doing, it’s eating! Turkish cuisine has been shaped by centuries of Mediterranean influences, including Greek, Armenian, and Levantine traditions, so you can imagine how excited we were to sign up for this food tour. We had 14 stops ahead of us, and there was something new to try at every one.

We started in an Ottoman-era tea garden with boyoz, a local savory pastry, slow-cooked eggs, and tulum cheese. Next, we stopped by a third-generation helva maker, tried traditional soups, and watched lokma being made fresh (think little Turkish doughnuts!). In between all that eating, we also strolled through the old streets of Izmir, hearing some interesting stories about the city’s Roman and Ottoman past.

And we weren’t done eating yet! We then visited a neighborhood market and stopped at a fish restaurant, a Bosnian-Turkish café, a pide bakery, and a traditional lokanta serving home-cooked dishes. If you want to try a real Izmir specialty, this is your chance to taste the famous söğüş, made with poached sheep’s head. Trust us, it tastes better than it sounds!

To finish, we had şambali, a sweet semolina dessert, and Turkish coffee made from freshly ground beans. I enjoyed every sip of mine (sugar-free!) and even bought some to take home.

Our guide deserves a mention, too. He seemed to greet people like old friends at almost every stop, which made the whole experience feel even more personal. We also picked up some interesting details about local customs, like showing respect to elders by kissing their hands.

Just make sure you arrive hungry. You’ll need the space for all that food!

9. Stroll along the Kordon 

The Kordon Promenade is the quintessential Izmir experience. It runs along the shore of the Gulf of İzmir, from Konak Pier through Cumhuriyet Square and Gündoğdu Square, all the way up to the Alsancak district. If you ask us, a walk here is one of those things you shouldn’t miss (or rush!) in Izmir.

You can come in the afternoon and stay until sunset, watching the views get better as the light changes over the bay. Ferries cross the water, yachts come and go, and there’s a constant flow of people and positive energy everywhere you turn. You’ll see locals sitting by the water with their fishing rods, kids playing in the distance, and people chatting and enjoying the view.

By sunset, the bay takes on these beautiful golden-orange colors, with the mountains in the distance completing the picture. It also makes a lovely backdrop for photos! It can get busy, especially in the evening, but not uncomfortably crowded. You can still find a spot to sit and unwind.

And if you want to linger a little longer, there are tons of cafés, pastry shops, bars, and traditional fish restaurants where you can grab a coffee or dine with views. If you come a little earlier, you’re also within easy reach of famous sights, including the Atatürk Museum, Arkas Art Center, and Zübeyde Hanım Museum Ship, so you can squeeze in a little sightseeing, too.

10. Take a private tour of Ephesus, including the House of the Virgin Mary & farm lunch

If you’re going to spend a day exploring Ephesus, why not do it your way? This private tour means you won’t have to keep up with a big group, rush through the sights, wait for others, or waste time at shopping stops you aren’t really interested in.

Better yet, you’ll be accompanied by a local guide who will show you around the ancient city, including the Terrace Houses, where wealthy Romans once lived, and the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be where she spent her final years. And trust us, it’s so much better when someone points out the little details and tells you the stories behind them. You’d be surprised how much you’d miss wandering around on your own! 

But what really makes this tour different is the visit to a small farm and handicraft center. You’ll sit down for a traditional Turkish lunch prepared by local women, then get to see them weaving rugs on traditional looms. You can even watch how silk thread is made from silkworm cocoons. 

It’s fascinating to see the process up close, especially when you realize how much work goes into those beautiful handmade carpets. And, of course, there’s Turkish coffee and baklava afterward (because when in Turkey, right?).

We love this tour because it offers a great mix of ancient history, delicious food, and local traditions without making you watch the clock all day. But don’t just take our word for it. Check HUNDREDS of amazing reviews here and see for yourself! 

Where to Stay in Izmir, Turkey

There are over 1,300 neighborhoods in Izmir. Yes, mind-blowing, we know! But don’t worry, you don’t need to look at all of them when choosing where to stay. 

We recommend Alsancak or Konak if you want to be right in the middle of things, close to nightlife, and within walking distance of the Kordon waterfront and the main historic sights. Here are some of our favorite hotels in these areas:

Luxury – $$$ 

If you’re going to splurge on a hotel in Izmir, Key Hotel is perfect! For starters, it’s housed in a former bank building right on the Kordon waterfront, so the location and the building itself are already two pretty good selling points. The interiors are modern, like many of the newer hotels along the promenade, and the rooms are spacious and beautifully designed, with some overlooking the bay. 

The restaurant sits right by the water and serves international dishes with an Aegean twist. You’ve also got a bar with a fine wine selection, so choosing just one might be a challenge! Breakfast is included, which is always nice. 

And when you’re ready to explore, Konak Square, the Clock Tower, and Kemeraltı Bazaar are right at your doorstep. Prices start at around $245 USD per night, so it’s certainly a splurge, but one you might be happy to make!

Check availability and book Key Hotel here!

Mid-range – $$ 

If you want to stay somewhere central without blowing your entire travel budget, Renaissance Izmir Hotel is definitely worth a look. It’s just a short walk from the Kordon waterfront, so you’re never far from cafés, fish restaurants, freshly baked pastries, or little souvenir shops. The rooms are modern and comfortable, with marble bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows offering some lovely views over the city or bay.

But the highlight has to be the rooftop restaurant and bar. Just imagine enjoying a cocktail up there after a long day of sightseeing, especially around sunset! You can also unwind at the indoor pool, Turkish bath, sauna, or spa. All in all, we think this is a great option if you want a little extra comfort and 5-star amenities without paying luxury-hotel prices.

Prices start at around $130 USD per night, which is pretty good value for everything you get!

Browse current rates and book Renaissance Izmir Hotel here!

Budget – $ 

If you’d rather spend your money exploring Izmir than on an expensive hotel, Mira Otel Alsancak is a great choice. You’re right in the middle of Alsancak, surrounded by cafés, bars, and shops, and the Kordon waterfront is just a stone’s throw away-perfect for a lovely stroll.

Breakfast is served every morning (included in some room rates, or just $11 USD if it’s not). You’ve also got a bar and a wellness area with a Turkish bath, sauna, and massage services. So, if you fancy some downtime (and, after a long day out and about, you probably will), you don’t even have to leave the hotel. Oh, and there’s free parking, which is a nice extra in this part of town!

Prices start at around $90 USD per night, making it one of the more affordable stays in the area. Not bad considering the location and all the extras!

Check your dates and book your budget stay at Mira Otel Alsancak here!

Related Read: See our guide on Where to Stay in Izmir for a complete breakdown of the best areas and hotels!

Thanks for reading!

We loved Izmir because it blends history, scenic waterfront views, amazing food, and friendly locals. There was so much to explore, but this list is a great spot to get you started!

Before you go, check out the rest of our Turkey blogs. We have tons of resources to help you plan a great trip, from choosing where to stay to picking out the best activities. Here are a few related blogs to inspire your next destination – cheers!

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