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

Plan Your Travel To Izmir

Places To Visit In Izmir

Konak Square

Konak Square or Konak Meydani is a busy public square located in Konak district of Izmir. It is the city’s busiest part as it’s a common meeting place for many. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, the square is known for government buildings, shops, restaurants and cafes. One can also feed birds here. Some of the notable structures at Konak Square include the City Hall of the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, the İzmir Clock Tower, Yali Mosque and the Central Bus Station. The Konak Pier, which lies at the eastern end of the Square and overlooks the Aegean Sea, is a popular attraction to board a ferry for amazing views of the coast and İzmir. At the southern end of the Square is Ege University’s Cultural Centre, which comprises a music academy, opera house, and modern art museum. Located nearby is Kemeraltı, İzmir’s historic market district, home to several stalls, mosques, and synagogues. One can get Turkish food here along with handmade souvenirs and clothes. Read More

The Saint Polycarp Church located in Izmir is one of the oldest churches in Turkey. St. Polycarp is the patron saint of this Catholic Church who was the bishop of Smyrna and was burnt alive at the stake by the Romans as he refused to renounce his faith. The church looks elegantly subtle and simple from the outside. However, its interiors are richly decorated and expressively beautiful. The colorful murals, frescos, and the architecture of the walls, and pillars make it both marvelous and peaceful. The small beige white entrance door can be easily missed at times contrary to the splendour and quietude of the church. Saint Polycarp Church was built in 1625. However, over the years, it has been damaged and restored, first by the Symrna earthquake and then by fire. King Louis XVI of France restored the church, yet again, the church survived another massive fire in 1922. Later in the 20th-century chapels and frescoes based on the life of St. Polycarp were added by architect Raymond Charles Pere. Read More

The Salepcioglu Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in Izmir with baroque-style architecture. It is located in Ugur, Dr. Faik Muhittin Adam Cd, beside Konark Square. With green-colored marbled exteriors, it has a single minaret and a large main dome alongside three smaller domes. The mosque has a basement or lower level for the madrasa or schooling of children. The main entrance leads to the prayer area with splendid interiors. There is a white and grey mihrab or a niche in the wall from where the prayers are led. The inside of the dome looks rich in carvings and myriad colors. The mosque also has an upper level that can be reached through two narrow stairs.There is a garden or courtyard adjoining the mosque which has information boards written in English and Turkish to give an insight into its history and architecture. With trees to provide shade, the garden also has benches for seating. The mosque is usually crowded on Fridays for prayers. The Salepcioglu Mosque was built in 1905 and had been named after Salepcizade Haci Ahmet Efendi. Read More