Izmir, Turkey - Travel

Described as a Princess by a celebrated French literary icon, Victor Hugo, İzmir is the city at the end of the Silk Road, where the "flowers bloom on the top of the mountain" and "the Golden Sun shoots the ray" (İzmir Marşı). Today, it is one of the favourite tourist destinations in Turkey. The 3rd-largest city in the country, with a population of around 4.5 million, Izmir is home to remarkable mosques, bazaars, ancient landmarks, and museums.

Formerly known as Smyrna, this ancient Turkish city was influenced by the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and predominantly Ottoman Empires. Usually described as "The Pearl of the Aegean", Izmir is situated west of the Anatolian peninsula, surrounded by the Aegean Sea and the UNESCO World Heritage city ruins of Pergamon and Ephesus (Efes).

Often referred to as Turkey’s San Francisco due to its cosmopolitan feel, Izmir is dotted with a myriad of goods, trendy cafes, lively street art, historic landmarks, bustling markets, and picturesque waterfronts. Among the top coastal cities across the Aegean, it remains one of the leading tourist attractions.

Izmir Tours

Exploring Izmir offers a delightful mix of history and modern life on Turkey's Aegean coast. While emerging with the bustling Kemeraltı Bazaar, visitors will experience lively markets and historic Ottoman buildings.

Touring the ancient Agora of Smyrna will give you a sense of the city's past. You will appreciate walking along Kordon Avenue for beautiful views of the Aegean Sea, and the historic Asansör will offer a great city view.

A little background on Izmir's history and local culture will help you get the most out of your visit.

Best Time To Visit Izmir

This Pearl of the Aegean cherishes a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and sun-soaked summers. The best time to visit Izmir is  from May to September, when temperatures range from 25 °C to 33 °C, and the city enjoys up to 14 hours of sunlight daily – perfect for exploring its historical sites and coastal charm.

For a cooler experience, October offers warm days and refreshing evenings, ideal for Izmir cultural events and outdoor activities. While winter brings increased rainfall, spring and early autumn are excellent times to enjoy Izmir’s beach weather and local festivals, making it a versatile  destination year-round.

History of Izmir

Among the significant trading cities in history, İzmir also played a crucial role in Turkey's struggle for independence. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk liberated it from the Greek occupation on September 9, 1922.

Originally known as Smyrna, the city's history dates back more than 8,000 years, with origins in Yeşilova and Bornova during the Neolithic period.

During the Ottoman period, İzmir's port grew in importance, particularly after the construction of the İzmir-Aydın railway in the 19th century. Despite setbacks during the Greek occupation and a devastating fire in 1922, the Republic of Turkey successfully rebuilt the city.

What to Do in Izmir

The Pearl of the Aegean, Izmir, is more than just lively beaches; it pulsates with vibrant energy, blending historical depth with modern allure. The major landmarks and attractions, including historical sites, parks, and busy districts, are spread across key areas like Konak Square, Alsancak, and Karşıyaka.

Start your visit at the iconic Izmir Clock Tower in Konak Square, the city's symbol, and then wander through the nearby Kemeraltı Bazaar.

Browse the ancient ruins of the Agora of Smyrna or climb up to Kadifekale (Velvet Castle) for a breathtaking, sweeping view over the city and the Gulf of Izmir.

The Konak Pier, designed in 1890 by the famous French architect and construction engineer Gustave Eiffel, was initially built as a Customs House.

For a unique experience, head to the Asansör (historical elevator) in the Karataş neighbourhood, affording charming panoramic coastline views. Alsancak and Kordon are perfect for a stroll along the waterfront and encountering the vibrant local culture.

For relaxation, head to Göztepe Park or İnciraltı Sea Park, both of which boast serene green spaces by the sea.

Finally, take a trip to Karşıyaka Waterfront and Bostanlı, where you can enjoy stunning sunsets and the exciting lifestyle of the city's northern districts.

Izmir Museums

According to a renowned art critic, "museums are wormholes to other worlds," which is true for Izmir, given its long history. From museums dedicated to ancient times to those representing Turkey's recent history, Izmir invites you to deepen your cultural knowledge.

The best way to start your journey is from the top of the city downwards. Embarking on a visit to the Konak Municipality Radio and Democracy Museum (Konak Belediyesi Radyo ve Demokrasi Müzesi), established in 2013, would be the best idea. Once shortlisted for the European Museum of the Year Award, the Radio and Democracy Museum features radios, record players, and interactive exhibits covering decades.

In the KEY MUSEUM, you will find displays with a vast collection of restored vintage cars, motorcycles, and automated artefacts. At the same time, in the İzmir Journalists Association Press Museum (İzmir Gazeteciler Cemiyeti Basın Müzesi), you get the opportunity to learn about the history of the Turkish press.

Karşıyaka Belediyesi Haberleşme Müzesi (the Karşıyaka Municipality Communications Museum) displays historical devices, including magneto, rotary, and push-button telephones, telegraphs, Morse code equipment, and more.

Ümran Baradan Oyun ve Oyuncak Müzesi, a Game and Toy Museum, exhibits doll houses, real hair dolls, and Lehman Toys, featuring more than a thousand works and toys from the 1800s.

Built between 1875 and 1880, the Izmir Atatürk Museum is a free-entry must-see 19th-century neoclassical home where Atatürk lived while in Izmir.

With a special focus on transportation, the Ahmet Piriştina City Archive and Museum (Ahmet Piriştina Kent Arşivi ve Müzesi, APIKAM) offers an engaging look at the city's evolution.

The Izmir Women's Museum (İzmir Kadın Müzesi), the first women's museum in Turkey, celebrates the remarkable, often underrecognized heritage of Anatolian women, highlighting their creativity and strength.

The Arkas Marine Historical Centre (Arkas Deniz Tarihi Merkezi) plunges you deeply into maritime history from 3000 B.C. to today with a blend of legendary ships and stunning marine art.

The Izmir Mask Museum (Mask Müzesi) makes one marvel at an incredible collection of ritual masks and engaging workshops and educational programs.

Consider two of Izmir’s top museums with just one ticket. You can explore the Izmir Archaeological Museum (İzmir Arkeoloji Müzesi) and the Ethnography Museum (İzmir Etnografya Müzesi), and the Izmir Painting and Sculpture Museum (İzmir Resim Heykel Müzesi ve Galerisi), featuring stunning works by acclaimed Turkish artists.

Stepping into the newly opened Izmir Culture and Arts Factory (İzmir Kültür Sanat Fabrikası), where a historic 19th-century tobacco factory has been transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, is also a MUST.

Izmir Theatres

The theatre scene in İzmir has deep roots, tracing back to ancient Smyrna, where iconic venues like the Great Theatre of Ephesus (Efes Antik Kenti Tiyatro), the Pergamon Ancient Theatre (Pergamon Antik Tiyatro), and Kadifekale Theatre hosted classical stage works during the Greek and Roman eras.

Today, the theatre tradition is respectfully preserved within the city's cultural life. The İzmir State Theatre Konak Stage (İzmir Devlet Tiyatrosu Konak Sahnesi), located in the famous Konak Square, presents a diverse range of traditional and contemporary plays.

Meanwhile, İzmir Atatürk Kültürpark Open Air Theatre (Atatürk Açık Hava Tiyatrosu), located in the heart of the city within Kültürpark, offers concerts, theatrical performances, dance shows, and stand-up comedy.

At the İzmir City Theatre, you can enjoy plays for children and adults alike, with programming catering to various tastes.

Established in 2006, the Sahne Tozu Theatre is a small, private venue providing profound theatrical experiences.

With a dedication to artistic excellence, the İzmir State Opera and Ballet (İzmir Devlet Opera ve Balesi) inspires and captivates, contributing to the city's dynamic artistic landscape.

Entertainment, Parks, and Shopping in Izmir

Parks of Izmir

With many parks, gardens, and green spaces, Izmir is recognised as one of Turkey's greenest cities. The city is committed to protecting and enhancing its natural environment, making it a welcoming spot for nature lovers.

From exhibitions to theatres, from concerts to film screenings, from festivals to trade shows, you may attend every possible event in Kültürpark.

Thanks to its central location and proximity to shopping options, Güzelyalı Parkı is a family-friendly destination. Surrounded by cafes and tea houses, the park’s palm trees and fountains occasionally splash water onto the benches, providing a refreshing summer experience.

Awarded for excellence in landscape and environmental services, Izmir Natural Life Park, also known as Izmir Doğal Yaşam Parkı, is Turkey's premier wildlife park. Spread across 425,000 m2 in Çiğli Sasalı, this unique sanctuary houses over 2,700 animals from 134 species in habitats that resemble their natural environments.

Perfect for families and nature lovers alike, Izmir Natural Life Park is a must-see destination.

Shopping in Izmir

The Pearl of the Aegean, Izmir, became an important silk trading city in the 16th century. As an international commercial centre and a busy port, the city began facilitating silk exports to Europe. Establishing itself as one of the region's leading commercial centres centuries ago, Izmir still maintains its status as a city of commerce, with exhilarating shopping malls, cosy markets, and the organised chaos of bazaars.

İzmir Optimum AVM enjoys the status of the largest shopping mall in both Izmir and the entire Aegean Region, showcasing an unparalleled variety of goods. Here, you can stroll through the extensive selection of stores, including top national and international fashion brands.

Designed in 1890 by the renowned French architect Gustave Eiffel, Konak Pier was once a customs building. Located on the waterfront of Izmir, this iconic structure now serves as a modern shopping and entertainment complex, set against the backdrop of the stunning Aegean Sea.

The first open-air shopping centre in Izmir, Forum Bornova, features 128 shops, a wide range of national and international brands, and restaurants and cafes.

İzmir Agora Mall, a contemporary, two-story shopping destination with a blend of renowned retail brands, a diverse food court, and family-friendly amenities, comprises 178 stores.

Westpark Shopping Centre will grant you an energetic urban shopping experience with an array of amenities, including a diverse food court, a modern cinema, and an impressive aquarium.

MaviBahçe is a pure hustle and bustle of a shopping hub featuring a mix of local brands, various dining options, and an IMAX cinema. The upbeat environment and selection of casual restaurants make it a favourite destination for shopping and leisure.

An important aspect of shopping in Turkey is bargaining, a central part of the beautifully chaotic bazaars. The largest one in Izmir, Kemeraltı Bazaar, will introduce visitors to the world of countless goods.

Izmir Food Bazaar exposes visitors to sustainably sourced and organic products, while New Jewellery Bazaar presents the highest quality jewelry shops.

Food in Izmir

To truly understand Izmir, you must taste the cuisine of the Pearl of the Aegean, as it will tell you a lot about its history, current lifestyle, and sociocultural landscape. Fifteen restaurants in İzmir are recommended in the MICHELIN Guide, with two of which were awarded MICHELIN stars. While Izmir provides additional savoury delights, the delectable buttery odour of baking boyoz will captivate your senses. Izmir is a city that harmonises local tastes with world cuisines, rooted in Aegean culture and enriched by Ottoman, Greek, Jewish, Italian, and French influences.

Turkish Cuisine

From luxurious gourmet restaurants to budget-friendly street food, each meal in Izmir will narrate a peculiar story about the city.

Essentially associated with the Çeşme district, Kumru is one of the most distinctive Turkish dishes here. Made with sesame-like bread loaded with grilled sausage, salami, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, ketchup, and mayonnaise, this is an exclusively Turkish sandwich, a flavorful and delightful dish.

Some other endemic specialties are Boyoz, recommended with boiled eggs and tea; Söğüş, made with onion, parsley, sumac, and offal; Izmir Bombası (İzmir Bomb), chocolate and dough; Şambali, a street delicacy produced with semolina, milk, and sugar; İzmir Meatball with tomato sauce served with potato slices; midye, mussels steamed, stuffed with a spiced rice mixture, and briefly cooked again; Kopanisti Cheese, typically served peppery and spicy.

Although not originally from Izmir, Kokoreç has its own preparation style in this city. Cooked directly over the embers, Izmir's version of Kokoreç stands out for being tomato-free and featuring a distinct flavour profile. Be sure to add this local twist to your must-try list when exploring Izmir.

In Izmir, locals generously share lokma on both celebratory and mourning occasions. Embrace the opportunity to taste these syrup-soaked, crispy treats, which are rooted in Ottoman culinary tradition, as it is an experience that should not be missed.

Vegetarian Restaurants

In İzmir, healthy eating is not just a trend, but a way of life. The city overflows with diverse culinary options that cater to vegetarians and vegans alike. From the freshest herbs and tempting appetisers to hearty vegetable dishes, all elevated by the region's famous olive oil, İzmir’s cuisine is a haven for plant-based diets.

Veggie-friendly cafes and restaurants are easily found throughout the city, particularly in hectic districts like Alsancak, Karşıyaka, and Bostanlı, where a variety of choices await at every turn.

Enjoy the crispy goodness of spinach and feta gözleme at Gözlemecim, or a vegan twist on traditional Turkish fare at Yaşam Vegan Kafe, located in the heart of the bustling market area.

For those seeking a more casual atmosphere, Cute Gastropub on Bornova Street serves up vegan-friendly fast food and desserts, along with a selection of alcoholic beverages. Additionally, Etyok provides a fully vegan fast-food experience with Mediterranean and Turkish-inspired kebabs and sandwiches.

Coffee Houses, Bakeries, and Patisseries

Izmir’s coffee culture thrives in its many traditional cafes, where the focus is on local delights such as boyoz, a flaky pastry unique to the city, and kumru, a sesame-crusted sandwich filled with cheese, tomatoes, and sausage. While baklava and börek are available, Izmir is particularly celebrated for these regional pastries, which reflect its distinctive culinary heritage. These cafes and bakeries are popular gathering spots where people come together to enjoy flavours that are synonymous with the city's rich history and vibrant social life.

City Transport in Izmir

Public Transport

In İzmir, getting around the city is seamless, with a comprehensive, integrated public transportation network that ensures effortless travel across its vibrant neighbourhoods. From the well-connected İzban suburban train system to ferry services offering scenic views of the Aegean coast, İzmir's transit options make exploring the city both efficient and pleasant.

To navigate İzmir, you will need an İzmirim Kard, a rechargeable electronic card that provides access to various transportation modes, including buses, ferries, the metro, and trams. The card can be purchased at the Konak and Karşıyaka Ferry Terminals, major subway stations such as Konak, Fahrettin Altay, and Halkapınar, and at the airport station, among other locations. You can also top up your card at these points or use the convenient charging machines available at all stations and ferry terminals. Additionally, the card can be used for services such as parking garages, the Izmir Natural Life Park, and rental bikes.

For foreigners, the Bilet 35 ticket may serve as a temporary solution, but it does not offer the same interchange rights or discounts as the İzmirim Kard. Whether you commute daily or are visiting, İzmir's public transportation system will make your journey as smooth as possible.

Buses and Shuttles

In İzmir, buses and shuttles are crucial to the city's transportation network, providing convenient access to various districts, with an average wait time of 10-15 minutes.

The İzmirim Kard enables seamless transfers across multiple routes, with fares starting at approximately 7.50 Turkish lira (0.25 USD). At the same time, services such as airport shuttles and the nighttime Owl Tariff are priced separately. Although bus interchange options are not available to remote districts, a "pay as you go" system ensures fair pricing based on distance travelled.

Metro

The metro is the heartbeat of the city. It pulses, carries, and connects people in the rhythm of urban life. Thus, Izmir Metro reflects the city's stance. Opened in 2000, the Izmir Metro is a modern, efficient rail system spanning 43 kilometres around scenic Izmir Bay, offering a convenient way to explore the city. With the first 11.5-kilometre phase completed in under four years, it stands as a model of engineering excellence and international collaboration. Managed by the Izmir Transportation Company, the metro has safely transported over 150 million passengers since its inception.

Taxis

Taxi Izmir reflects the city's social logic, where quality meets affordability. Though flagging a taxi on the street can sometimes be challenging, especially for newcomers, a range of convenient options is available.

Local apps like BiTaksi and international services such as Uber facilitate easy ride-hailing.

Car Rental

In Izmir, car rental is available at highly competitive prices. Car rental services are available at key locations, including airports, popular hotels, and downtown areas, making it easy to pick up a vehicle upon arrival.

While the minimum age to rent a car in Izmir is typically 21, some agencies may require a minimum age of 25. If your driver's license is not in English or written in the Latin alphabet, make sure to bring an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Other Modes of Transport

Like many modern cities, Izmir prides itself on a diverse transportation network that enhances the city's charm and accessibility. Among these, ferries provide not just a mode of transport but a must-do attraction in their own right.

Sailing across the Gulf of Izmir, these ferries connect key neighbourhoods such as Konak, Karşıyaka, Bostanlı, and Alsancak. Stunning views and a refreshing break from road traffic are guaranteed. The ferry ride is a serene and scenic way to explore the city, offering visitors a unique perspective on Izmir's coastline and urban landscape.

In addition to ferries, they can choose other convenient and scenic options such as trams, shared taxis (dolmuş), bicycles, e-scooters, funiculars, and even nostalgic horse-drawn carriages.

How to Get to Izmir

The most conventional way of reaching Izmir is by flying into Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB), the city's primary airport located approximately 18 kilometres south of the city centre. With numerous domestic and international flights, ADB is the swiftest option for travellers.

For those coming from the nearby Greek Islands, however, a ferry ride would be the best choice and a unique opportunity to experience the scenic beauty of the Aegean Sea.

Taking a bus or driving is an equally enriching journey, with routes winding through picturesque Turkish landscapes, quaint villages, and rolling hills. Each transportation mode to Izmir provides a distinct experience, but flying remains the top choice for convenience, while ferries and road trips offer memorable adventures.

Languages Spoken in Izmir

Turkish is the primary language spoken by nearly the entire population. Yet the city's history and diverse influences uniquely shape the linguistic landscape. A distinctive Western Turkish dialect is prevalent here, reflecting the city's proximity to Greece and its historical Greek presence.

This dialect carries Greek influences, and you can still hear Greek being spoken in some areas with historic Greek ties. Additionally, due to the steady flow of international arrivals, English is widely spoken in tourist hotspots, markets, restaurants, and hotels, making communication easy for visitors.

Currency in Izmir

Izmir's official currency is the Turkish lira (TRY), available in multiple denominations in both coin and banknote form. Exchanging currency in the city is straightforward, with numerous banks, ATMs, and specialised exchange offices readily available. Travellers can easily exchange major foreign currencies like U.S. dollars, Euros, and British pounds. In tourist areas, some businesses may accept foreign currencies directly, but paying in Turkish lira usually offers better value.

Security in Izmir

Izmir is considered a safe and inviting city known for its warm hospitality and laid-back coastal ambience. The local authorities work diligently to maintain public safety, making the area secure for residents and newcomers.

As with any major city, it is advised to stay vigilant, particularly in busy spots, like markets and public transportation hubs, and opt for licensed taxis or reputable ride-sharing services. While tap water in Izmir is treated and safe, many Izmir visitors still choose bottled water for added peace of mind. Overall, Izmir provides a relaxed and pleasant environment where adventurers can scrutinise its vibrant neighbourhoods, historical sites, and scenic coastline with confidence.