Top Things to Do in the Izmir | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Plan Your Travel To Izmir

Places To Visit In Izmir

Izmir Museum

Izmir Museum houses artefacts belonging to ancient civilisations. This place contains the highest number of artefacts and items dating back to the 15th century. The presentation of these artefacts is somewhat ordinary. However, there are coins as well as other currencies which belong to the ancient species.

Kemeralti Market is an old & mazy bazaar, a lively area of the city that is popular for its antiques & beautiful shops. The market is located at the curve of Anafartalar Street and spans from Konak Square to the ancient Agora. Established in the 17th century, the Kemeralti market houses various shops, cafes, local artisans' workshops, tea gardens, mosques, and other places of worship. The Kemeralti market is known for hundreds of shops and stalls selling food, spices, sweets, clothes, shoes, jewellery, local handicrafts, electronics, and other items. There are also several fine seafood restaurants here. The highlights of the Kemeralti market include the coffee shops between the Kızlarağası Han and the Hisar Mosque. These coffee shops serve the city's famous coffee fincanda pişen Türk kahvesi (Turkish Coffee boiled in the cup). Read More

An icon of İzmir, the Kordon is a famous seafront promenade that stretches south from the Konak Pier to Konak Meydani and north from Cumhuriyet Meydani to Alsancak. Fully grassed and featuring paths which are suitable for both walking and cycling this promenade is also an ideal place for enjoying views of the gorgeous seafront and for watching the stunning sunset. Along the eastern edge of the promenade are cafes, restaurants and bars. Visitors can sip on Turkish coffee and beer while soaking in the views of the beautiful coast. Apart from walking, explore the Kordon and enjoy its views from a horse-drawn carriage. Situated here are a few other tourist attractions including the Arkas Art Centre, the Atatürk Museum and the Zübeyde Hanım Museum Ship where one can go and see exhibitions. There are often impromptu live concerts and music shows here on the weekends. Read More

The Agora Open Air Museum or the Agora of Smyrna houses the ruins of an ancient Greek & Roman marketplace and city centre. Situated in İzmir, Turkey, it is one of the best-preserved agoras in the world. This historic site is known for its dilapidated structures, graffiti, drawings and inscriptions. Dating back to the 4th century BC, it served as the central marketplace of the Greeks and Romans and is in ruins today owing to several earthquakes. It has been made a part of the Tentative World Heritage Site list. The Agora features remain three of the four main gates, several classical arches, Corinthian columns, waterways and even a basement. There are also ruins of several statues of Greek Gods and Goddesses and those of regular people scattered around the site. The Agora was initially built by Alexander the Great and later restored under the rule of Marcus Aurelius. Next to the Agora are the remains of a Muslim cemetery with some gravestones. Read More

Arkas Sanat Merkezi is an art museum located on Kordonboyu, Izmir. It is the first artistic center in Izmir that exhibits the works of international painters. A splendid 2 storied building that has survived the ravages of time, it has nine exhibition rooms and one atelier. The exhibits include the Arkas Collection formed through personal and professional interactions with artists and art-lovers, by Mr. Lucien Arkas (President of the Board of Directors of Arkas Holding). Today, the Arkas Sanat Merkezi has more than 900 artistic creations and works. Formerly the French Consulate, the Arkas Sanat Merkezi building was handed by the French government in 2010 to Arkas Holding for a period of 20 years. Read More

Asansör is an old building and important landmark located in the Karatas quarter in Izmir. It offers sprawling views of the city and coastline of Izmir. There are two lifts that operate within the building, with a café, restaurant, and viewing platform on top. Asansör means an ‘elevator’, and this city landmark was built as one, to help in the passage of goods and people from the lower narrow coastline to the upper hillside part of the town. Asansör was built in 1907 by a wealthy banker named Nesim Levi Bayraklioglu as a public service. The small street beside Asansor in due time came to be known as Asansor Sokagi or Street. However, today this street is called Dario Moreno Street, named after the popular singer. There are several cafes and restaurants below and around Asansor. Read More

The Izmir Ataturk Museum exhibits paintings, artefacts, furniture, and other personal items associated with Ataturk, the first president of Turkey. Located at Ataturk Ave. No. 24, Alsancak in downtown Izmir, it is set in a neoclassic style four-storey building, which is a fusion of Ottoman and Levantine architectures. All the rooms in the Ataturk Museum are decorated with vases, bronze statues, and oil paintings. The high doorways and windows allow plenty of daylight to enter. The museum exhibits some marble statues, a precious stone mirror, a bust of Ataturk, and more. The 19th-century fireplaces are remarkable. The floors are adorned with costly carpets from Usak and Isparta provinces. The museum was established by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, a Turkish field marshal and a revolutionary statesman. It was opened for the general folks on the 19th anniversary of Atatürk’s arrival in Izmir, i.e., 11 September 1941. Later, it was officially named the Izmir Atatürk Museum on 13 May 1988. The museum is close to the sea, surrounded by apartments, restaurants, and cafes. Read More

The Basilica of St. John is an evangelist basilica situated close to the centre of Selçuk in İzmir. Originally a chapel built over the grave of St. John in the ancient city of Ephesus, it was converted into a magnificent Byzantine-style basilica under the rule of Emperor Justinian. One of the main attractions here is the tomb of St. John. Owing to numerous earthquakes, it is mainly in ruins today. The tomb lay under the central dome and is now surrounded by the four columns that formerly held it. In addition, there are columns in the courtyard which feature the monograms of Emperor Justinian and Theodora, his wife. The basilica serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of İzmir. To the north of the nave lies the baptistery, shaped like a keyhole, and there are beautiful frescoes in the chapel that represent St. John, Jesus and a Saint. There were rampart walls surrounding the church built to protect from invasions, but they no longer exist. Read More

The ancient city of Ephesus is located in the Aegean region alongside the coast of Lonia. Full of historical sites and ruins of temples and monuments from the Neolithic Age, Ephesus is home to one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, i.e. Temple of Artemis. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ephesus also houses the Gospel of John, one of the seven churches in Asia mentioned in the Book of Revelation.

Gumuldur Yalı Castle Aquapark is a medieval-themed amusement & waterpark in Izmir. It is situated in Gümüldür, around 35 km from the city. It houses water sliders with boat slides, cauldron slides, and multi-slides. There is also a swimming pool with sunbed. The entrance fee of the Aquapark is inclusive of food & refreshment. It includes the welcome treats, snacks (Pita varieties), and light lunch (12:00 – 3:30 PM). Carbonated soft drinks are served with lunch. There is unlimited access to non-alcoholic refreshments throughout the day, including water, soda, tea, instant coffee, & concentrated juice varieties. Besides, guests can also do some shopping. This Aquapark has many exciting activities that attract guests from all age groups. Read More