Forget Istanbul’s crowds and Cappadocia’s tourist buses. İzmir is where savvy travelers are heading in 2025, and for good reason. This Aegean stunner serves up 8,500 years of history without the queues, Michelin-starred dining at half the price, and beaches that rival the Greek islands just an hour away.
Whether you’re hunting for the Library of Celsus at sunrise (before the cruise ships arrive), haggling for spices in a 17th-century bazaar, or sipping wine in a hilltop village, the countless things to do in İzmir deliver authentic Turkish magic minus the tourist traps.
This insider’s guide unveils 25 experiences that will make your Instagram followers think you hired a local fixer. Still debating between cities? Check our Istanbul vs İzmir comparison to see why İzmir wins.
Historical Things to Do in İzmir: Time Travel Without the Crowds
Ephesus: The Crown Jewel of Ancient Cities
One of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, featuring the Library of Celsus, Ephesus stands as İzmir’s most iconic historical attraction. Located just 80 kilometers from the city center, this UNESCO World Heritage site attracts nearly 2 million visitors annually.
The Library of Celsus, with its intricately carved facade, once housed 12,000 scrolls. The Great Theatre, where St. Paul preached, seats 25,000 spectators. Walking the marble streets feels like stepping back 2,000 years.
Practical Tips:
- Visit early morning (8 AM) to avoid crowds
- Allocate 3-4 hours minimum
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Entrance fee: 200 TL (approximately $7 USD)
- Hire a licensed guide for deeper insights
For unique experiences beyond the main tourist trail, explore our hidden gems section.
Agora of Smyrna: Roman Legacy in the City Center
Historic square featuring the iconic Clock Tower, symbol of İzmir, the ancient Agora offers a glimpse into Roman urban planning. The Agora Open Air Museum or the Agora of Smyrna houses the ruins of an ancient Greek & Roman marketplace and city centre.
This archaeological site features:
- Three-story colonnaded galleries
- Ancient water systems
- Preserved basilica foundations
- Fascinating graffiti and inscriptions
House of Virgin Mary: A Sacred Pilgrimage Site
House of the Virgin Mary is a revered Catholic shrine located on Mount Koressos (also known as Bülbüldağı or “Mount Nightingale”), approximately 7 kilometers from Selçuk in İzmir Province, Turkey. This modest stone structure draws both Christian and Muslim pilgrims seeking spiritual connection.
Best Markets and Shopping Things to Do in İzmir (Where Bargaining is an Art Form)
Kemeraltı Bazaar: The Heart of Traditional Commerce
Kemeraltı Market (Kemeraltı Çarşısı), which has been the trading center of İzmir since at least the 17th century, is one of the most renowned landmarks of the city with nearly 2000 registered historical buildings. This labyrinthine marketplace offers an authentic Turkish shopping experience.
What to Buy:
- Handwoven carpets and kilims
- Turkish delight and spices
- Leather goods
- Traditional jewelry
- Ceramic items
Hidden Gems Within Kemeraltı:
- Kızlarağası Han: Historic caravanserai with artisan workshops
- Hisar Mosque: İzmir’s oldest mosque (1597)
- Traditional coffeehouses serving Turkish coffee
Battle of the Bazaars: İzmir’s Top Shopping Districts Compared
| Shopping Area | Best For | Price Range | Atmosphere | Tourist-Friendly |
| Kemeraltı Bazaar | Traditional goods, spices | Budget-friendly | Authentic, bustling | High |
| Alsancak | Designer boutiques | Mid to high | Modern, trendy | Very High |
| Karşıyaka | Local brands | Moderate | Residential, relaxed | Medium |
| MaviBahçe Mall | International brands | Moderate to high | Contemporary | High |
| Konak Pier | Luxury shopping | High-end | Waterfront elegance | Very High |
Coastal Attractions: Best Beach Things to Do in İzmir (Greek Islands Who?)
Çeşme Peninsula: Beach Paradise
With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, golden stretches of sand, and a laid-back Aegean vibe, Çeşme is a coastal gem that offers something for every kind of beach lover.
Just an hour from İzmir center, Çeşme transforms summer vacations into Mediterranean dreams. After a day at the beach, don’t miss exploring the local seafood restaurants and cuisine that make this coastal region famous.
Top Beaches:
- Ilıca Beach: famed for its warm, thermal-rich waters and powdery white sand
- Altınkum Beach: Perfect for families with calm, shallow waters
- Alaçatı Beach: World-renowned windsurfing destination
Kordon: İzmir’s Scenic Waterfront Promenade
Beautiful seaside promenade perfect for walking and enjoying Aegean views, the Kordon stretches for kilometers along İzmir’s coastline. This palm-lined boulevard serves as the city’s social hub.
Activities Along Kordon:
- Morning jogging or cycling
- Sunset watching from cafés
- Ferry rides across the bay
- Street food sampling
Cultural Things to Do in İzmir: Museums Without the Snooze
İzmir Archaeological Museum
Housing artifacts from Smyrna, Ephesus, and Pergamon, this museum chronicles the region’s rich history. Notable exhibits include:
- Roman statues from ancient Agora
- Byzantine mosaics
- Hellenistic pottery
- Ottoman-era artifacts
Arkas Art Center
This is a must see gallery for art lovers visiting İzmir. A medium sized, two storey gallery, yet the curation always packs a punch equal to much larger galleries. The center showcases rotating exhibitions featuring both Turkish and international artists.
Culinary Things to Do in İzmir: From Street Food to Michelin Stars
Traditional İzmir Dishes You Must Try
İzmir’s cuisine reflects its cosmopolitan heritage and coastal location. Local specialties include:
- Boyoz: Sephardic Jewish pastry, perfect for breakfast
- İzmir Köfte: Spiced meatballs in tomato sauce with potatoes
- Kumru: Sesame sandwich with cheese, tomato, and sucuk
- Midye Dolma: Stuffed mussels with spiced rice
- Şambali: Semolina dessert soaked in syrup
For the best local food products and spices to take home, explore Kemeraltı Bazaar where vendors have been selling authentic ingredients for centuries.
Michelin-Starred Dining Experiences
Four restaurants in Izmir were awarded a Michelin Star, elevating the city’s culinary status:
- OD Urla: led by Chef Osman Sezener, which stands out with its deep-rooted and authentic culinary approach
- Teruar Urla: Italian-Mediterranean fusion with local ingredients
- Vino Locale: Seasonal menus with exceptional wine pairings
- Narımor: Intimate setting with Turkish cuisine reinterpretation
Eat Like a Local, Pay Like a Student: İzmir Food Price Guide
| Food Experience | Average Cost | Location | Best Time |
| Street Food Tour | $10-15 | Kemeraltı | Lunch hours |
| Fish Sandwich | $3-5 | Kordon | Evening |
| Traditional Breakfast | $8-12 | Alsancak | Weekend mornings |
| Meyhane Night | $20-30 | Pasaport | Dinner time |
Day Trips: Epic Things to Do Near İzmir (Worth the FOMO)
Pergamon (Bergama)
Ancient Greek city featuring:
- Spectacular Acropolis with steep theater
- Temple of Trajan
- Red Basilica
- Asclepion healing center
Distance: 110 km north Duration: Full day trip
Şirince Village: Wine and Charm
Tucked away in the hills just 8 km from Selçuk, Şirince Village is a postcard-perfect escape that blends rustic charm with old-world allure. This former Greek village offers:
- Fruit wine tasting (blackberry, pomegranate, peach)
- Ottoman architecture
- Artisan crafts
- Panoramic valley views
Pamukkale and Hierapolis
Though farther (3 hours), these thermal terraces merit the journey:
- White travertine pools
- Ancient Roman bath ruins
- Cleopatra’s Pool
- Hierapolis Theatre
Practical Travel Tips for Things to Do in İzmir (Read This or Regret It)
Best Time to Visit İzmir
| Season | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Recommended |
| Spring (Apr-May) | 18-25°C | Moderate | Medium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 28-35°C | High | High | ⭐⭐ |
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | 20-28°C | Low | Low | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Winter (Dec-Mar) | 10-16°C | Very Low | Lowest | ⭐⭐ |
Getting Around İzmir
Getting around Izmir is very easy! There are buses, subways and tram lines. Transportation options include:
- İzmirimKart: Rechargeable card for all public transport
- Metro: Connects airport to city center (15 TL)
- Ferry: Scenic bay crossings
- Dolmuş: Shared minibuses for short distances
Where to Stay: Neighborhood Guide
İzmir offers distinct neighborhoods each with unique character, quite different from Istanbul’s more tourist-concentrated areas. Here’s how to choose:
Alsancak: Trendy area with nightlife and restaurants
- Proximity to Kordon
- Modern hotels
- Shopping options
Konak: Historical center
- Near major attractions
- Traditional atmosphere
- Budget-friendly options
- Easy access to day trip destinations
Karşıyaka: Residential charm
- Local experience
- Ferry connections
- Family-friendly
Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path Things to Do in İzmir (Shhh!)
Asansör (Historical Elevator)
Built in 1907, this historical elevator connects the waterfront with the hillside district. The top offers:
- Panoramic city views
- Romantic restaurant
- Perfect sunset spot
- Free entrance
İzmir Wildlife Park
Izmir Wildlife Park is one of the largest zoos in Izmir located at Tuzla, Ahmet Piristina Caddesi, Cigli. Spanning 425,000 square meters, it houses:
- 1,500 animals
- 120 species
- Natural habitats
- Educational programs
Kadifekale (Velvet Castle)
Perched on Mount Pagos, this Byzantine fortress provides:
- 360-degree city views
- Ancient cisterns
- Historical significance
- Photography opportunities
Annual Events and Festivals (Party Like a Local)
İzmir International Fair (September)
Turkey’s oldest trade fair featuring:
- Cultural exhibitions
- Concerts
- International pavilions
- Local crafts
İzmir European Jazz Festival (March)
Renowned festival hosting:
- International jazz artists
- Multiple venues
- Workshop opportunities
- Free performances
Conclusion
Here’s the truth: İzmir is what Istanbul was 20 years ago – authentic, affordable, and absolutely magical. From wandering through Ephesus without fighting for photo ops to discovering Michelin-starred restaurants in converted olive oil factories, the things to do in İzmir prove that Turkey’s third city deserves first place on your itinerary.
The locals have a saying: “İzmir is different” (İzmir başka). After exploring ancient ruins without queues, swimming in thermal beaches, and paying half what you’d spend in Santorini for twice the experience, you’ll understand why. This isn’t just another Mediterranean city – it’s Turkey’s best-kept secret, and it won’t stay that way for long.
Ready to beat the crowds to İzmir? Lock in those fall dates (September-November for perfect weather and minimal tourists) before travel bloggers ruin it.
Download our free 15-point checklist below, book that surprisingly cheap flight, and prepare for the Turkey trip that’ll actually surprise you. Still have questions?
Our FAQ section has you covered. Your İzmirimKart and adventure await – see you at sunset on the Kordon!
FAQs About Things to Do in İzmir (Quick Answers for Impatient Travelers)
What are the must-see attractions in İzmir for first-time visitors?
First-time visitors should prioritize Ephesus ancient city, Kemeraltı Bazaar, and the Kordon waterfront promenade. These three attractions showcase İzmir’s historical depth, traditional culture, and modern coastal lifestyle. Plan at least 3 days to experience these highlights properly.
How many days do I need to explore İzmir properly?
A minimum of 4-5 days allows you to explore İzmir’s main attractions comfortably. This timeframe includes one day for Ephesus, one for city sights, one for Çeşme beaches, and one for shopping and dining. Add extra days for day trips to Pergamon or Pamukkale.
Is İzmir suitable for family travel with children?
İzmir offers excellent family-friendly attractions including beaches with calm waters at Çeşme, the Wildlife Park with 1,500 animals, and interactive experiences at Kemeraltı Bazaar. Many restaurants welcome children, and public transportation is stroller-accessible in most areas.
What’s the best way to get from İzmir Airport to the city center?
The metro provides the most economical option, costing just 15 TL per person and taking 30 minutes to reach the center. Taxis cost approximately 250-300 TL but offer door-to-door convenience. The metro runs from 6 AM to midnight daily.
When is the best time to visit İzmir for good weather and fewer crowds?
April-May and September-November offer ideal conditions with temperatures between 20-28°C, fewer tourists, and lower accommodation prices. Fall months (September-November) are particularly perfect, combining the best weather with the lowest crowds and prices. These seasons provide perfect weather for sightseeing and beach activities while avoiding summer’s peak heat and crowds.
Suggested Internal Links
- Complete Guide to Turkish Cuisine and Food Tours
- Best Beaches in Turkey: Aegean and Mediterranean Coast Guide
- Istanbul vs İzmir: Choosing Your Turkish City Break
Suggested External References
- UNESCO World Heritage – Ephesus
- Official İzmir Tourism Board
- Turkish Archaeological Institute – Ancient Smyrna Research
İzmir Insider’s Checklist: 13 Hacks for the Perfect Trip
✓ Purchase İzmirimKart at the airport for easy transportation
✓ Try at least 3 traditional İzmir dishes (boyoz, köfte, kumru)
✓ Allocate one full day for Kemeraltı Bazaar exploration
✓ Visit Kordon promenade at sunset for best photos
✓ Plan beach day at Çeşme (1-hour drive from center)
✓ Download offline maps for navigating the bazaar
✓ Book restaurants in advance for weekend dining
✓ Pack comfortable walking shoes for archaeological sites
✓ Bring swimwear even in spring/fall for thermal beaches
✓ Exchange currency at official exchanges, not hotels
✓ Keep copies of important documents in cloud storage
✓ Reserve guided tours for historical context at ancient sites
✓ Consider visiting in fall (Sep-Nov) for best weather and lowest crowds
