Izmir, Turkey: travel guide
An Aegean port city of seafront promenades, bazaars and the road to Ephesus
Turkey's third-largest city and Aegean jewel, Izmir pairs a lively waterfront promenade (Kordon) with the ancient ruins of Ephesus an hour away. Its cosmopolitan bazaars, fresh seafood, and liberal atmosphere make it irresistibly livable.
About Izmir
Izmir is a large Aegean port city built around a wide bay, and its easygoing waterfront is the heart of daily life. The Kordon promenade is made for evening strolls, with the old Konak Pier and cafés looking out over the water.
Behind the seafront, the Kemeraltı bazaar is a long market district of lanes, small mosques and tea houses, and Kadifekale castle gives a view over the city. Izmir is also the practical base for the ruins of Ephesus and the hilltop site of Pergamon, both within day-trip distance.
It suits travellers who like a real working city with good seafood and a relaxed pace, and anyone planning the Aegean coast. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit.
- Country
- Turkey
- Currency
- TRY
- Time zone
- Europe/Istanbul
- Nearest airport
- ADB
Last updated
Top places to visit in Izmir
Ephesus Ruins
Heritage · 4.8 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
The best-preserved ancient city in the Mediterranean and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World in its heyday, Ephesus astonishes with two kilometres of intact marble streets, the Library of Celsus (a 2nd-century masterpiece), a…
Kordon Promenade
Viewpoint · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Izmir's elegant waterfront boulevard stretches 3 km along the Aegean bay, lined with palm trees, horse-drawn carriages, seafood restaurants and café terraces. At sunset the bay turns golden and locals pack the promenade for their evening…
Kemeraltı Bazaar
Market · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Izmir's sprawling historic bazaar dates to the 17th century and covers dozens of covered lanes with over 3,000 shops trading in textiles, spices, jewellery, street food and housewares. The centrepiece is the 17th-century Kızlarağası Han…
Kadifekale Castle
Fort · 4.2 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Perched on Mount Pagos above the city, this Hellenistic fortress built by Alexander the Great's successors around 300 BC commands sweeping panoramas over Izmir Bay and the Aegean. The walls date to the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. The…
Izmir Konak Pier
eiffel-pier · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Konak Pier — Izmir's spectacular Gustave Eiffel-designed 1890 pier building (now an upscale shopping mall), with the iconic French architecture and the seafront atmosphere.
Pergamon Acropolis
ancient-greek · 4.8 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
A day trip from Izmir to Pergamon — the spectacular ancient Greek city with the historic 2nd-century BC Pergamon Acropolis, the famous Asclepion, and the iconic UNESCO heritage.
Izmir Sirince Wine Village
wine-village · 4.7 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
A day trip from Izmir to Şirince — the spectacular hilltop Ottoman-Greek wine village near Ephesus, with the historic stone houses, the famous fruit wines, and the iconic atmosphere.
Izmir Cesme Beach Day
aegean-resort · 4.7 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
A day trip from Izmir to Çeşme — the spectacular Aegean resort town with the historic 1508 castle, the famous Ilıca beach, the thermal springs, and the iconic Turkish Riviera.
Izmir Saint John Basilica
byzantine-basilica · 4.7 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
A day trip from Izmir to the Basilica of Saint John in Selçuk — the spectacular 6th-century Byzantine basilica believed to contain the tomb of Saint John the Apostle.
Izmir Alacati Village Day
stone-village · 4.7 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
A day trip from Izmir to Alaçatı — the spectacular Aegean stone village famous for windsurfing, the iconic stone houses, the historic Greek heritage, and the boutique hotels.
Izmir Bostanli Sunset Beach
sunset-spot · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Bostanlı Sunset — Izmir's spectacular sunset viewpoint on the Aegean with the iconic Reclining Sunset Bench sculpture, the famous Karşıyaka promenade, and the panoramic bay views.
Izmir Asansor Historical
historical-elevator · 4.5 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The Historical Asansör (Elevator) — Izmir's spectacular 1907 elevator built by Jewish banker Nesim Levi connecting the Mithatpaşa Caddesi to the Halil Rıfat Paşa Caddesi above.
Things to do
- Ephesus Guided Tour from Izmir Cultural · 4 h · from TRY 1,600 per person
- Kemeraltı Bazaar & Clock Tower Walking Tour Cultural · 2.5 h
Day trips and tours
- Ephesus & Virgin Mary House Full Day 9 h · from TRY 1,600
- Pergamon & Asklepion Day Trip 9 h · from TRY 1,400
Where to stay in Izmir
- Kordon & Alsancak about TRY 80 per night
Izmir's most vibrant and desirable neighbourhood — a wide seafront promenade backed by Levantine mansions, palm trees, fish restaurants and lively bars. The liveliest evening scene in the city; great transport links and…
- Konak & Kemeraltı about TRY 45 per night
The historic commercial heart of Izmir, centred on the iconic Konak Clock Tower and the sprawling Kemeraltı Bazaar. More authentic and budget-friendly than Alsancak, with excellent street food and a genuine…
Hotels
- Swissôtel Grand Efes Izmir 5-star · TRY 4,000 to TRY 14,000 per night
- Key Hotel Izmir 4-star · TRY 1,800 to TRY 4,500 per night
- Izmir Marriott Hotel 5-star
- Wyndham Grand Izmir Ozdilek Thermal & Spa 5-star
Where to eat
- Kordon Balık Seafood, Turkish · about TRY 500 per person
- Kemeraltı Çorba ve Kelle Turkish, Street Food · about TRY 80 per person
- 1888 Alsancak Turkish, Meyhane, Aegean · about TRY 900 per person
- Kordon Yengeç Restaurant Seafood, Turkish · about TRY 450 per person
- Sakız Alsancak Turkish, Meze, Aegean · about TRY 450 per person
- Hacıbey Turkish, Kebab · about TRY 165 per person
Getting to Izmir
Airport: Izmir, Adnan Menderes (ADB)
Getting around
- Ferry
- Metro
- Taxi
- Transit Pass
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Street Money-Exchange Scam
Kemeraltı Bazaar, Konak Square
Unofficial money changers offer exceptionally favourable rates. They use sleight-of-hand to shortchange you, substituting lower-denomination notes or returning the wrong amount in the distraction of counting a thick stack.
How to avoid it: Exchange currency only at licensed PTT bank kiosks, official exchange offices (döviz bürosu) with posted rates, or bank ATMs. Never exchange money on the street.
Overpriced Bazaar Goods
Kemeraltı Bazaar
Vendors quote prices in USD or EUR (unfavourable exchange rate) instead of TRY, targeting tourists unfamiliar with local prices. Leather goods, spices and saffron are frequent targets.
How to avoid it: Ask for prices in TRY and cross-check saffron prices (genuine Turkish saffron is expensive worldwide). Compare across multiple stalls before buying. A little bargaining is expected and acceptable.
More in Turkey
Frequently asked questions about Izmir
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Izmir?
- The highest-rated places in our Izmir guide are Ephesus Ruins, Pergamon Acropolis, Izmir Sirince Wine Village, Izmir Cesme Beach Day, Izmir Saint John Basilica.
- Where should I stay in Izmir?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Izmir: Kordon & Alsancak, Konak & Kemeraltı.
- How do I get around Izmir?
- Ways to get around Izmir covered in our guide: Ferry, Metro, Taxi, Transit pass.
- What scams should I watch out for in Izmir?
- Scams reported to us for Izmir include Street Money-Exchange Scam; Overpriced Bazaar Goods. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Izmir?
- The nearest airport to Izmir has the code ADB.