One of the most famous places to visit in Izmir is Konak Square, which is also home to the famous Izmir Clock Tower, built in 1901. The square itself is a vibrant spot where people meet to chat, children play, and street musicians perform. It\u2019s a busy part of the city, and the clock tower is always surrounded by many people taking photographs. <\/p>\n
I was shocked at how well-preserved the tower is, and the design is so intricate. This is definitely one of the best free things to do in Izmir, and the fact that there are so many delicious street food vendors around just adds to the attraction. <\/p>\n
If you\u2019re visiting Izmir on a sunny day, I recommend grabbing a coffee, sitting here, and just enjoying the hustle and bustle going on around you. However, you can also take an Izmir city tour which stops at the clock tower. Click here for details.<\/p>\n
Address: <\/strong>Kemeralt\u0131 \u00c7ar\u015f\u0131s\u0131, 35360 Konak\/\u0130zmir<\/p>\n2. Walk Along the Kordon <\/span><\/h2>\n\n
One of the top attractions in Izmir is the Kordon \u2013 a 1.5km long waterside promenade that originates from the 1850s, running from Alsancak all the way down past the city center. This is one of the coolest things to do in Izmir, especially on a sunny day. <\/p>\n
You\u2019ll see many locals just wandering around and enjoying the weather, but you can also hire a bike (there are cycle lanes), try street food, have a picnic on the grassed areas, or take the old-fashioned tram. This is such a picturesque area, so taking some snaps of your surroundings is a must. <\/p>\n
Address: <\/strong>Alsancak, 35250 Konak\/\u0130zmir<\/p>\n3. Visit Kemeralt\u0131 \u00c7ar\u015f\u0131s\u0131<\/span><\/h2>\n\n
One of the top things to see in Izmir city center is Kemeralt\u0131 \u00c7ar\u015f\u0131s\u0131 \u2013 a huge open marketplace where you can buy pretty much everything you can think of. This is also a great spot for traditional souvenirs, such as Turkish delight, spices, and textiles. <\/p>\n
From personal experience, this area is incredibly busy, and it\u2019s important to keep hold of your children if you\u2019re traveling as a family; the bazaar is narrow and winding, and it\u2019s very easy to get lost. <\/p>\n
Also, do keep hold of your bag here; it\u2019s not unsafe, but it is a hotspot for pick-pockets, and it\u2019s best to be safe rather than sorry, by taking precautions.<\/p>\n
Out of all the things to do in Izmir, this is one of the most authentic. You\u2019ll need to haggle, so start practicing now, and you\u2019ll grab the best bargains to take back home with you. <\/p>\n
Address: <\/strong>35360 Konak\/\u0130zmir<\/p>\nSEE ALSO: 15 Pros and Cons of Living in Turkey
4. A Day Trip to Ephesus<\/span><\/h2>\n\n
I\u2019ve been to a lot of places in Turkey, and most of them blew me away, but Ephesus was a totally different beast. This place is so amazing and stunningly beautiful, and it\u2019s one of the top places to visit near Izmir. <\/p>\n
Dating back to the 10th century BC, this was one of the most important and busiest cities of its time, and the ruins still stand extremely well-preserved today.<\/p>\n
Many day and half-day tours go to Ephesus from Izmir, and you\u2019ll typically have a guide with you to help you understand what you\u2019re seeing. If not, there are signs with information everywhere, but I highly recommend you take your time here. It\u2019s a huge space, and it can get very crowded during the summer months. Click here for tour information.<\/p>\n
If you can, head to Ephesus during the shoulder months or even the winter. There\u2019s very little shade, which makes visiting in the peak summer months quite uncomfortable. This is such a wonderful place, you don\u2019t want the weather to spoil it. <\/p>\n
Address: <\/strong>Acarlar, Efes Harabeleri, 35920 Sel\u00e7uk\/\u0130zmir<\/p>\nSEE ALSO: Why This Up-And-Coming Turkish Town is a Top Destination<\/p>\n
5. Shop at Forum Bornova<\/span><\/h2>\n\n
If you get the urge to splash the cash a little, a visit to Forum Bornova is one of the best things to do in Izmir. Packed with domestic and international stores, you\u2019ll find everything you\u2019re looking for here, and probably a lot more besides. <\/p>\n
This is an open-air shopping mall, and it\u2019s always decorated for various events, including New Year. There are often exhibits running and lots of things to do at any given time. It\u2019s also packed with restaurants and coffee shops, so you can take your time browsing and enjoy a few pitstops along the way. <\/p>\n
Address: <\/strong>Kaz\u0131mdirik, 372. Sk. No:75, 35100 Bornova\/\u0130zmir<\/p>\n6. Eat Street Food in Alsancak<\/span><\/h2>\n\n
Trying local street food is one of my favorite things to do no matter where I am in the world, but I found some fantastic options in Alsancak. This part of the city is lively and vibrant no matter the time of day, so you\u2019re sure to find lots of different foods to suit your taste. <\/p>\n
Make sure you give the famous Izmir bombas\u0131 a try; \u00c7elebi Unlu Mamuller is the best place to go, (there\u2019s always a huge queue outside, which says a lot!). And a word of advice: if you order it warm, be patient \u2013 don\u2019t be like me and burn your mouth! It\u2019s packed with chocolate and will definitely give you a sugar rush. <\/p>\n
You\u2019ll find doner kebabs, among other types of kebabs, sweetcorn, B\u00f6rek, lahmacun, soup, toasties\u2026 the list goes on. One of the most fun things to do in Izmir is to take the Izmir City Gourmet Tour where you can fill yourself up along the way. Click here for details.<\/p>\n
Address: <\/strong>35220 Konak\/\u0130zmir<\/p>\n7. Visit Hisar Mosque<\/span><\/h2>\n\n
Built between 1592 and 1598, Hisar Mosque is one of the top places to visit in Izmir, and it\u2019s right in the heart of the city center. Back in Ottoman times, this was the city\u2019s largest mosque, and it still stands proud today, stunningly beautiful in its architecture. <\/p>\n
Above the main door, you\u2019ll see the famous inscription in gold leaf: \u201cWhoever goes in there will be safe.\u201d The mosque complex is large and intricately decorated. It\u2019s a serene and calm place in the middle of the city and a wonderful place to explore, whether you\u2019ve been to a mosque before or not. <\/p>\n
If you aren\u2019t familiar with mosque etiquette, you\u2019ll need to wear respectable clothes, (no shorts or vest tops). You\u2019ll need to cover your head with a scarf or pashmina if you\u2019re a woman, and everyone needs to take off their shoes, so make sure you\u2019ve got some socks with you. Once inside, spend some time in quiet contemplation and admire the beautiful architecture. <\/p>\n
Address: <\/strong> Konak, 904. Sk. No:52, 35250 Konak\/\u0130zmir<\/p>\n8. Agora Open Air Museum<\/span><\/h2>\n\n
The area in and around Izmir is packed with history, and so much of it is open to explore. Visiting Agora Open Air Museum is one of the best things to do in Izmir for families because it\u2019s so large and easy to walk around. Children will love checking out the ruins and hiding around the columns while learning something along the way. <\/p>\n
I love old things like this, and I particularly enjoyed visiting this huge museum. It\u2019s conveniently located too, unlike Ephesus which you need to travel to. <\/p>\n
It was originally built in the 4th century by the Greeks but, like many buildings of its time, it was devastated by an earthquake. However, Roman Emperor Aurelius demanded it be rebuilt and it became one of the most important Roman sites thereafter.<\/p>\n
This is one of the quicker things to see in Izmir; around 1.5 hours is enough time to spare, so you can easily combine this with something else to fill up your day. <\/p>\n
Address:<\/strong> Yeni, Tarik Sari Soka\u011f\u0131 No:16, 35240 Konak\/\u0130zmir<\/p>\n9. Check Out the Sunset from Pasaport <\/span><\/h2>\n\n
As you\u2019re walking along the Kordon, one of the top things to do in Izmir for couples is to stop around sunset and check out the golden hues from Pasaport Pier. There are lots of small cafes and restaurants around here, so you could combine it with your evening meal, but the view is certainly something special.<\/p>\n
I had a delicious meal at Margaux Restaurant while watching the sun go down, and it was definitely an evening to remember. But, even if you don\u2019t want to stop to eat, it\u2019s a great idea to just sit and watch the amazing show from Mother Nature. In terms of what to see in Izmir, I\u2019d highly recommend this as a stop-off point, and it\u2019s another place where you\u2019ll need your camera. <\/p>\n
Address: <\/strong>Akdeniz, Pasaport \u0130skelesi, 35210 Konak\/\u0130zmir<\/p>\n10. Izmir Historic Elevator Building <\/span><\/h2>\n\n
One of the most unique things to do in Izmir will also give you plenty of amazing views at the same time. The Historic Elevator Building might not sound like much, but trust me, it\u2019s one of the best things to do in Izmir, hands down. <\/p>\n
The building itself dates back to 1907, when a Jewish businessman called Nesim Levi decided to create the elevator to allow people to move from street to street with more ease. These days, the building offers the most stunning, sweeping view over the whole of Izmir, and on a clear day, you can see for miles. It\u2019s one of my favorite views by far.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a restaurant at the top, and it\u2019s a great spot to go if you\u2019re looking for a romantic evening with your partner. It\u2019s a good idea to reserve a table ahead of time, however \u2013 when I went it was extremely busy, and I was lucky to get a table. <\/p>\n
Address: <\/strong>Turgut Reis, \u015eht. Nihatbey Cd. 76\/A, 35000 Konak\/\u0130zmir<\/p>\n11. Izmir Archaeology & Ethnography Museum <\/span><\/h2>\n\n
I love museums, and this one is packed with really interesting artifacts dating back as far as the Bronze Age. If you happen to get a rainy day during your visit, definitely head to the Izmir Archaeology & Ethnography Museum as it\u2019s one of the top things to do in Izmir, come rain or shine. Slightly older children, perhaps age 10 and above, will enjoy exploring this museum.<\/p>\n
For me, the most interesting piece was The Marble Statue of Androklos, which is said to have belonged to the founder of nearby Ephesus. There are lots of statues that were salvaged from shipwrecks around the area, and I spent a good two hours exploring this huge museum and its pieces. I felt like I really learned something too.<\/p>\n
As one of the top tourist attractions in Izmir, it can get quite busy here, especially during the weekends and public holidays. I recommend you go early and then spend the rest of the day exploring the surrounding area. <\/p>\n
Address: <\/strong>Konak Mahallesi, Bahri Baba Park\u0131, Halil R\u0131fat Pa\u015fa Cd. No:4, 35260 Konak\/\u0130zmir<\/p>\n12. Enjoy Nature at \u0130nciralt\u0131 Kent Orman\u0131<\/span><\/h2>\n\n
I stumbled upon \u0130nciralt\u0131 Kent Orman\u0131, a wonderful natural space, by accident but I\u2019m so glad I did. If you\u2019re visiting on a mild day and the sun is shining, this is one of the top things to do near Izmir, and so many people don\u2019t even know it exists! However, you will need to walk fair distance or get a taxi to find it \u2013 it\u2019s at the very end of the Kordon, so I recommend a taxi to save your feet. <\/p>\n
\u0130nciralt\u0131 Kent Orman\u0131 is located in Bal\u00e7ova, where you\u2019ll find a small, pebbly beach here too, so take your swim gear. The forest itself is lush and green, with plenty of shade during the hot days. There are small huts where you can have a picnic and even BBQ spaces to take advantage of, although do read the signs and abide by the rules to avoid the risk of fire. <\/p>\n
For me, this is one of the best-hidden gem places to see in Izmir, where you can see right over the city, all the way back to Alsancak. Take some comfortable shoes for all the walking you\u2019ll do, but breathing in that fresh forest air is a real treat. <\/p>\n
Address: <\/strong>Bah\u00e7eleraras\u0131, Engelliler Mrk. \u0130\u00e7i Yolu, 35330 Bal\u00e7ova\/\u0130zmir<\/p>\n13. Visit Ataturk Museum<\/span><\/h2>\n\n
A visit to the Ataturk Museum should definitely be on your list of things to do in Izmir. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, is the most important figure in Turkey\u2019s history. You\u2019ll find monuments dedicated to him across the country, but this particular museum helps you learn so much about his life and importance to Turkish people. <\/p>\n
This museum is also centrally located in Konak, so it\u2019s easy to combine a trip here with several spots for one full day in Izmir. For instance, you could walk along the Kordon, go to this museum, visit Konak Square and the Clock Tower in a day, and still have time to roam.<\/p>\n
I really enjoyed this museum, and I learned a lot. The building itself is also important as it\u2019s where Ataturk himself stayed while in Izmir. Inside you\u2019ll find items that not only tell you who Ataturk was, but also personal items that help you learn more deeply about him. <\/p>\n
Address: <\/strong>Alsancak Mh.,, G\u00fcnd\u00fc\u011fdu Caddesi No:242, 35220 Konak\/\u0130zmir<\/p>\n14. Haggle at K\u0131zlara\u011fas\u0131 Inn<\/span><\/h2>\n\n
Shopping is always fun, but when you have to haggle for your purchases, it\u2019s even better. Who knows what souvenirs you\u2019ll come away with? K\u0131zlara\u011fas\u0131 Inn dates back to Ottoman times, in 1744, and the exterior architecture is pretty impressive, but inside is where you\u2019ll find the treasure trove of shopping opportunities. <\/p>\n
Now, I\u2019m not a haggling natural; it took me some time to build my confidence, but now I can bargain with the best of them. The good thing about this particular spot is that it\u2019s really easy to follow and once inside, you\u2019ll know you\u2019re somewhere atmospheric and historic. <\/p>\n
This is another spot I found by accident, and I believe that just walking around this place is one of the best things to do in Izmir. You find so many things that seem hidden away, and they\u2019re sure to enhance your visit. <\/p>\n
Address: <\/strong>Tarihi K\u0131zlara\u011fas\u0131 Han\u0131 Han Y\u00f6netimi 871 Sokak No:19\/106 Hisar\u00f6n\u00fc, 35250 Konak\/\u0130zmir<\/p>\n15. Enjoy Izmir\u2019s Vibrant Nightlife <\/span><\/h2>\n\n
No matter what kind of evening you\u2019re after, there are so many things to do in Izmir at night. If you\u2019re after a chilled-out time, head to the Kordon and simply take a walk, to enjoy the calm vibe and view. If you want something a little more vibrant, head to either Alsancak or Bornova. In these areas, you\u2019ll find bars, restaurants, cafes, cocktail bars, and nightclubs aplenty.<\/p>\n
I always stay in Alsancak because it\u2019s so central, but equally because the nightlife is so good. Eko Pub is one of my favorite places to go in the evening and their bar snacks are delicious too. Cafe Del Mundo is another top spot, and it\u2019s always a good night at Molly Malone\u2019s Irish Pub.<\/p>\n
Address: <\/strong>Alsancak, 35220 Konak\/\u0130zmir<\/p>\n
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