27 Marvelous Things to Do in Izmir - The Aegean Gem

Standing marvelously on the western edge of Anatolia where once the Silk Road met the Aegean Sea, today Izmir is Turkey’s (Türkiye) third largest city, with more than 4.5 million people residing. Usually promoted as the Pearl of the Aegean, the city is full of Hellenistic foundations, Roman markets, Byzantine fortifications, and Ottoman neighbourhoods.

Within the city are landmarks such as Konak Square with its 1901 clock tower, the Kemeraltı Bazaar that has operated for centuries, and the Agora of Smyrna, one of the best-preserved Roman agoras around the globe. Overlooking it all is Kadifekale, the hilltop fortress first built by Alexander the Great’s successor Lysimachos. Surrounding districts hold historic synagogues, mosques, and churches.

27 Amazing Places to Visit in Izmir

Izmir’s location makes it an easy base for day trips to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Ephesus and Pergamon, as well as smaller ancient centres like Teos. The nearby Urla Peninsula is known for its vineyards and olive groves, while day trips to coastal towns such as Alaçatı and Çeşme attract visitors with narrow streets, beaches, and seafood restaurants. Modern attractions such as the restored Konak Pier, the Izmir Culture and Arts Factory Museum, and the Balçova Cable Car add further variety to the city’s appeal.

Konak Square & Izmir Clock Tower

Constructed in 1901 to mark the 25th year of Sultan Abdul Hamid II's rule, Konak Square serves as the city's primary meeting spot and is home to the Izmir Clock Tower. The marble and stone building, which is 25 meters high, has four fountains and Ottoman-era accents that have since been replaced with crescents and stars. The Governor's Mansion, the Yalı Mosque, Izmir City Hall, and the Ege University Cultural Center, housing an opera house and a modern art museum, are all located around the Konak. Because of its convenient location near Kemeraltı Bazaar, it is a popular destination for photography and sightseeing and a convenient stop on Izmir city tours.

Kemeraltı Bazaar & Kızlarağası Hanı

This vast historic marketplace stretching from Mezarlıkbaşı to Konak Square, is another top place to visit in Izmir where visitors can shop for traditional Turkish handicrafts, ceramics, carpets, leather goods, and spices. It remains one of the busiest Izmir attractions, combining modern shops, cafes, and cinemas with centuries-old trading streets. The 18th-century Kızlarağası Hanı stands within the bazaar as a restored Ottoman inn with a central courtyard, shops selling souvenirs, carpets, and jewellery, and an open-air tea garden.

Agora of Smyrna (Open-Air Museum)

One of the biggest and most intact Roman agoras in the world is the Agora of Smyrna, which was established in the second part of the fourth century BC following the city's relocation by Alexander the Great. With its porticos, altars, statues, and basilica, it functioned as the commercial, political, and administrative hub of ancient Smyrna. Emperor Marcus Aurelius reconstructed it after it was destroyed in an earthquake in 178 AD. A west portico, a mosaic hall, a Roman bath, a bouleuterion, and structures from the Ottoman era have all been discovered during excavations. Today, it is a prominent centre for cultural events in Izmir and a significant historical site. The entry to the agora is available with Museum Pass Turkey.

Asansör (Historical Elevator) & Dario Moreno Street

The Historical Elevator, built in 1907 by Jewish industrialist Nesim Levi, connects Mithatpaşa Street at sea level with Halil Rıfat Paşa Street 58 meters above, replacing a difficult 155-step climb. The tower used to be powered by water, but now it has a cafe-restaurant and a viewing deck with views of the Gulf of Izmir. This makes it a popular place to visit in Izmir at night. At its base, Dario Moreno Street, named after the famous singer, is lined with historic houses, cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops, and hosts live music. The area combines family-friendly daytime activities with entertainment options for night-time visitors.

Kadifekale (Velvet Castle)

Kadifekale, also known as a Velvet Castle, is 186 metres above the city on Pagos Mountain, with panoramic views of the city, it is an important stop on Izmir city tours. It was built by Lysimachos, a general of Alexander the Great, and it has ruins from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods. Visitors can walk among the remaining five towers, parts of the southern walls, and Byzantine cisterns. This site is part of Izmir historical heritage and is a perfect free thing to do in Izmir, especially for people who like ancient fortifications and photography.

Izmir Culture and Arts Factory Museum

Housed in the restored 19th-century Alsancak Tekel Factory, the Izmir Culture and Arts Factory Museum is one of the best places to visit in Izmir for archaeological finds such as gold, marble, terracotta, and glass artifacts, as well as ethnographic items and historical manuscripts. The Izmir Painting and Sculpture Museum, also on site, exhibits works from leading Turkish artists from the Tanzimat era to the present. The complex also includes libraries, workshops, and landscaped outdoor areas, making it a versatile stop for family activities in İzmir.

Hisar Mosque

The largest mosque in Izmir from the Ottoman era, Hisar Mosque was constructed in the late 16th century and is a must-see Izmir's historical site. Its main dome, which is supported by eight pillars, is encircled by several smaller domes and is richly decorated with geometric and floral stucco. The courtyard has remnants of a former library, a rococo-style pool, and fountains from the 19th century. It is situated in the energetic Hisaronu district and provides a tranquil respite from the nearby marketplaces.

Konak Pier

Designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1890, Konak Pier is an essential Izmir tourist spot near Konak Square and the Clock Tower. Originally a customs building, it now functions as a stylish shopping centre with cafés, restaurants, and boutique stores. Its architecture harmonises historic stone masonry with modern steel structures, delivering both shopping and Izmir sightseeing opportunities. The location, by the waterfront, makes it a pleasant place for things to do in Izmir at night, with views of the Aegean Sea and nearby landmarks.

Bet Israel Synagogue

The biggest and most elaborate synagogue in Karataş is Bet Israel Synagogue. It was finished in 1907 and has large arched windows with Star of David designs, Italian-style mahogany woodwork, and a unique seating arrangement. A small display of historical records and religious artefacts can be found in the second-floor women's gallery. It is necessary to make plans to visit the synagogue because it is only open for services on Friday evening and Saturday morning, as well as for special ceremonies. It is an important location for visitors taking Izmir's historical and religious sites.

St. Polycarp Church

The oldest surviving Christian place of worship in Izmir is St. Polycarp Church, which was constructed in 1625 at the request of King Louis XIII of France and with permission from Sultan Suleiman I of Necati Bey Bulvarı in Konak. While nearby structures were destroyed in the Great Fire of 1922, the church, which was dedicated to the city's patron saint,  martyred in AD 155, survived. The three-nave basilica has an octagonal bell tower and colourful frescoes that were restored in the 19th century by architect Raymond Charles Péré, who also added his own image. To gain entry, guests can ring the white doorbell.

Synagogue Street in Kemeraltı

Nine synagogues, some of which were constructed side by side, line Kemeraltı's Synagogue Street, symbolising the centuries-old Jewish heritage of Izmir. The First Juderia is a small neighbourhood that includes traditional cortejos, the home of Hayim Palachi, and rabbinical structures. Walking here is one of the more unusual and distinctive things to do in Izmir because it gives visitors a chance to see a special aspect of the city's multicultural history. Guided Izmir tours often include this street for its cultural and architectural significance.

St. John’s Cathedral

The Catholic Cathedral Basilica of St. John in Alsancak was completed in 1874 and serves as the spiritual centre for Catholics in the region. Constructed with financial support from Sultan Abdülaziz and Pope Pius IX, it is notable for its high altar gifted by the Pope and rich interior paintings depicting biblical figures and early Christian bishops of Smyrna. Side chapels are dedicated to St. Joseph and Our Lady of Sorrows, and memorial tombs of past bishops are located in the garden. The cathedral remains a key stop for Izmir attractions.

Yalı Mosque

Also called Konak Mosque or Ayşe Hanım Mosque, Yalı Mosque was built in 1748–1749 in classical Ottoman style with a single dome and minaret. Situated near Konak Square, it has undergone multiple restorations, the most notable in the National Architecture style after World War I. Its exterior is decorated with glazed tiles from three different restoration periods, created by local masters. The mosque’s central location makes it an easy addition to Izmir sightseeing routes.

Abacıoğlu Inn

The early 18th-century Abacıoğlu Inn is a restored caravanserai with two-story arcaded rooms encircling a central courtyard. Originally a produce market and a tourist destination, it now has cafés, eateries, and handicrafts stores. After being restored in 2007 and receiving architectural awards, it now provides a window into Izmir's business history, making it a suitable destination for tourists interested in the city's culture and history.

Pasaport Ferry Terminal

Developed in 1884, Konak's Pasaport Ferry Terminal is a historic transportation junction on the Gulf of Izmir. With up to 75 daily departures, it currently runs commuter ferry services connecting terminals like Alsancak, Karşıyaka, Bostanlı, and Üçkuyular, having been rebuilt in the 1920s in the Seljuk-Ottoman style. Travellers looking for both cultural activities in Izmir and picturesque coastal excursions will find it convenient due to its proximity to Cumhuriyet Square.

Kültürpark

The 420,000-square-metre Kültürpark, the largest national park in Izmir, in the city centre was established in 1936 and serves as a major location for festivals, exhibitions, and cultural events such as the International Izmir Festival and the Izmir International Fair. It has theatres, museums, jogging routes, sports facilities, and more than 8,000 trees. The Izmir History and Art Museum, the Painting and Sculpture Museum, the Atatürk Open Air Theatre, and conference rooms are among the attractions located within the park. With free admission to many of its public spaces and year-round events, it is the perfect place for family activities in Izmir.

Balçova Cable Car

With an overall length of 810 meters, the Balçova Cable Car travels 3 minutes from the Balçova district to a hilltop 418 meters above sea level. It can accommodate 1,200 passengers per hour in its 20 cabins, each of which can accommodate up to eight passengers. Binoculars, observation terraces, and leisure spaces perfect for family outings in Izmir are among the amenities. It is conveniently accessible by private vehicle or public transport and is located across from the Izmir University of Economics. The cable car is a fantastic option for Izmir sightseeing in any season as it runs all year round.

Izmir Naval Museum

Showcasing decommissioned naval vessels including the frigate TCG EGE, submarine TCG PİRİREİS, attack boat TCG KASIRGA, and AB-212 helicopter, in Izmir Naval Museum, visitors can explore original living quarters, weapon systems, and operation rooms preserved as they were in active service. Guided explanations and exhibitions provide Izmir cultural activities for all ages. Over 1.2 million people have visited since 2007, making it a major Izmir tourist spot for maritime enthusiasts. The museum is accessible via Balçova and has nearby parking.

Bostanlı Viewing Terrace & Ataturk Mask

Karşıyaka's Bostanlı Viewing Terrace is a set of wooden platforms that stretch out towards the sea and provide wide-spread views of the Gulf and sunset. Constructed in 2016, it has chess, table tennis, and picnic tables, making it a great family-friendly activity in Izmir. From the viewing terrace, you can also see the famous Ataturk Mask, a stunning large-scale portrait of Turkey's founding father formed by the illuminated structure of the Bostanlı Peace Bridge. This modern tribute is especially spectacular at night when the lights create a powerful and recognizable silhouette against the dark sky.

Gediz Delta’s Flamingo Road

The first stop on the Flamingo Road in Gediz Delta is Flamingo Nature Park in Mavişehir, where guests can go birdwatching and learn about the delta's wildlife. From Sasalı, guided bus and boat tours allow up-close views of flamingos, pelicans, and other birds through on-site binoculars. This ecotourism activity, which combines nature exploration with city proximity, is a highlight of Izmir's unique things to do list. The tours run all year round and are suitable for families.

Teos Archaeological Site

50 kilometres southwest of the city in Seferihisar’s Sigacik, Teos Archaeological Site preserves remains from the 11th century BC through the Hellenistic period. Highlights include the Dionysus Temple, ancient harbour, theatre, agora, bouleuterion, and city roads. Known in antiquity as a centre for philosophers and artists, Teos is a key location for Izmir historical sites. Entry costs 3 Euros, and it is accessible by car or bus, making it a recommended option for Izmir day trips in cultural tourism itineraries.

Portuguese Synagogue

Set up in 1569 by Jews of Portuguese origin, the Portuguese Synagogue is notable for its role in Izmir’s Jewish history and the events surrounding Sabetay Sevi’s messianic movement in the 17th century. Once the largest synagogue in the city, it became the movement’s centre before falling into decline. Today, only the front wall remains after a fire in 1976, but it continues to be a significant stop for those interested in Izmir historical sites and cultural activities.

Urla Vineyard Route

A picturesque drive through olive groves, boutique wineries, and vineyards that produce award-winning wines from both native grapes like Bornova Misketi and Urla Karası and international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, and Chardonnay is the Urla Vineyard Route. The region has a 6,000-year wine history that began in ancient Klazomenai, the site of the oldest olive oil workshop in the world. The iodised air and moderate climate of the peninsula make it perfect for viticulture. It's a great place for cultural activities in Izmir and a leisurely day trip because it brings forward wine tastings, vineyard walks, gourmet dining, horse farm visits, and boutique hotel stays.

Ancient City of Ephesus

An important Silk Road terminal and Roman provincial capital with a busy harbour and booming trade, the Ancient City of Ephesus is another popular destination for day trips from Izmir. Grand archaeological remnants like the State Agora, the Odeum, the Great Theatre, the Library of Celsus, and bathhouses are open to visitors. Under Emperor Tiberius, the city's marketplace was constructed as a commercial centre that was stocked by ships and caravans. It is also closely associated with early Christianity and the missions of St. Paul, making it one of the most significant historical sites in Izmir.

Day Trip to Alaçati

During a day trip to Alaçatı (77 kilometres from Izmir), one can find charming cobblestone streets with stone houses, vibrant bougainvillaea, boutique hotels, and fashionable stores. Known for its lively dining scene, tourists can savour international cuisine, fresh seafood, and Turkish breakfasts. Windsurfing is very popular there because of the windy shore. With delightful coastline and quaint local cafés close by, Alaçatı is the perfect destination for tourists looking for unusual things to do in Izmir, family outings, or a laid-back vacation.

Pergamon Ancient City

Ancient City of Pergamon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 120 kilometres north of Izmir, was the capital of a Hellenistic kingdom and a major heart for learning with a library holding 200,000 volumes. The city is known for its Asklepium healing centre, the Red Basilica, and the well-preserved Acropolis with temples, theatres, and markets. Visitors can also explore the Bergama Museum to see artefacts from the site. Pergamon is a must for Izmir tourist spots with deep cultural and historical value.

Izmir Ataturk Museum

Housed in a Neo-Classical building from the late 19th century, Izmir Ataturk Museum preserves Ataturk’s personal rooms and belongings from his visits between 1930 and 1934. Exhibits include a study room, bedroom, reception areas, and meeting room with period furnishings. Entry is free, making it one of the best free things to do in Izmir for history enthusiasts and families interested in the city’s modern heritage. It is conveniently located on Ataturk Street, making it an easy addition to Izmir sightseeing plans.

What to Do in Izmir for a Day

Start your Izmir sightseeing at Kulturpark, a vast green space built after the Great Fire of Smyrna. With its shaded walkways, fountains, statues, and a kid-friendly Luna Park fairground, it's the perfect place for family excursions in Izmir. Proceed to the Agora of Smyrna, a Greek marketplace that was reconstructed by the Romans in the 4th century BC. Discover its stone arches, underground cisterns, and enigmatic water channels that continue to flow from an unidentified source.

From here, it’s a short stroll to Kemeralti Bazaar, one of the best places to visit in Izmir for shopping and local cuisine. Explore the fish market's fresh seafood, tea houses, artisan workshops, and spice stalls along its winding lanes. Try street food like boyoz and kumru, or have lunch at a traditional lokanta.

Take a walk downhill towards Konak Square, which is home to two of Izmir's most famous landmarks: the tiny but picturesque Konak Mosque and the elaborate Izmir Clock Tower. One of the greatest places to visit in Izmir at night, when the tower is exquisitely illuminated, is this square, which is lively all day and night.

Head toward the waterfront and visit Konak Pier, designed by Gustave Eiffel. Browse boutique stores or enjoy a coffee overlooking the Aegean. Then follow the promenade to Kordon Alsancak, a scenic strip perfect for sunset views, picnics, and family activities in Izmir. Street musicians, open lawns, and seaside cafés make it a great spot for both fun things to do in Izmir and relaxing cultural activities.

Finish your day with dinner along Alsancak’s dining street, where you can choose from meyhanes with live music, seafood restaurants, or international bistros.

What to Do in Izmir for 2 Days

Start your first morning in Alsancak with a Turkish breakfast that includes tea and the local boyoz pastry, or menemen. From there, proceed towards Konak Square along the Kordon promenade, stopping at the Konak Mosque and Clock Tower. Crossing the bay to Karsiyaka for a walk along the waterfront and its market, which serves delicious street snacks like lahmacun or simit, is made simple by the nearby ferry terminal. Once you're back in Konak, enter the Kemeralti Bazaar, a tangle of stores full of antiques, textiles, and spices. Proceed to Hisar Mosque and Havra Street, then pause for lunch at a lokanta that serves meze in the Aegean style. In the afternoon, head to the Agora Open Air Museum, with Roman-era columns and basilica ruins. End the day back on the Kordon for sunset, then have dinner in Alsancak, where seafood restaurants serve grilled fish, octopus, and meze.

Begin the second day with a trip to Kadifekale, the ancient hilltop fortress with views of the city and the gulf. Walk through its fortifications and then make your way to Asansör Historical Elevator by car or bus. Continue with a short bus ride to the Umran Baradan Toy Museum, then have lunch in the area. In the afternoon, take a ferry or drive to Cesme for a day trip. Explore Cesme Castle and the Cesme Archaeology Museum before trying a kumru sandwich and mastic ice cream in the town centre. Those visiting in warmer months can add water sports activities at Altinkum Beach, while in December or cooler seasons, strolling the old streets and harbour is an alternative. Conclude your trip with dinner in one of the waterfront restaurants in Cesme.

Explore Izmir in 3 Days

Before exploring the city's historic centre, you can start the first day in Alsancak with a traditional Turkish breakfast that includes simit with olives, white cheese, fresh tomatoes, and strong Turkish tea. The Velvet Castle, Kadifekale, is a great place to start your Izmir sightseeing because it is situated high above the bay and presents wide-ranging views that are ideal for taking pictures. Go on to the Izmir Archaeological Museum, where you’ll find elaborate sarcophagi, Roman statues, and friezes. The Agora Open Air Museum, a Roman marketplace rebuilt following a second-century earthquake, is accessible by a short walk.

By midday, make your way to Kemeralti Bazaar, an essential stop in any Izmir travel guide. Here you can shop for spices, textiles, antiques, and handmade jewelry, and pause at Kizlaragasi Han for Turkish coffee in a restored Ottoman caravanserai. Lunch could be a hearty plate of pide or grilled köfte at a traditional lokanta. In the afternoon, head to Konak Square, where the iconic clock tower stands beside the charming Yali Mosque. Evening is perfect for wandering through Kordon Promenade, one of the most popular things to do in Izmir at night, stopping for meze and fresh seafood at a seaside restaurant before sampling the nightlife in Alsancak’s lively bars.

The second day is perfect for day trips to the ancient world in Izmir. Depart early for Ephesus and discover the great theatre, the Library of Celsus, the Roman baths, and terraced homes that still have vibrant mosaics and frescoes. Visit the Isa Bey Mosque and the Basilica of St. John in nearby Selçuk.

After exploring the city, unwind in a traditional Turkish bath at Şifalı Lüks Hamam in Izmir. You can have dinner at a restaurant on the roof with a view of the bay, where you can sample Aegean mezes and local wine.

Start your third day with a coastal walk along the Aegean waterfront, where olive groves and fishing boats and yachts line the shore. If you're looking for family-friendly activities in Izmir, a morning ferry to Karşıyaka guarantees a change of scenery with boutique shops, pastry cafés, and parks. Stop by a nearby café for lunch and sample kumru, a sesame-crusted sandwich stuffed with cheese and sucuk. Tours of Izmir's modern attractions, such as Konak Pier, where high-end stores and restaurants overlook the marina, can be done in the afternoon. In Izmir, you can enjoy the public art installations along the promenade and the seaside gardens for free. With its great street performers, lively music, and outdoor dining options, the historic Alsancak district is the ideal place to say goodbye to this Aegean city.