15 best things to do in Izmir

A vibrant coastal hub on the Aegean Sea, İzmir is Turkey’s third-largest city. Known for its Mediterranean charm, youthful spirit and layered history, it’s a place where ancient ruins meet seaside promenades. Whether you're exploring bustling neighborhoods, sampling Aegean cuisine, or ferry-hopping across the bay, İzmir offers a fulsome flavor of the charms of the Turkish coast, as revealed in our guide to the best things to do in Izmir.

1. Stroll Konak Square

Located right on the seafront and framed by palm trees, Konak Square is İzmir’s symbolic heart, and the perfect base from which to start exploring the city.

Its most iconic landmark is the İzmir Clock Tower, which was built in 1901 to celebrate Sultan Abdülhamid II’s 25th anniversary on the throne. 

Other important buildings surround the square, including the Yalı Mosque with its tiled dome, the Governor’s Mansion, and the Konak Pier, a stylish shopping and dining arcade that was originally designed by Gustave Eiffel. 

The square is always buzzing, and for first-time visitors, it offers the quintessential introduction to İzmir.

Want wider pre-trip inspiration? Discover the best things to do in Turkey. 

2. Dive into Kemeralti Bazaar 

No visit to İzmir is complete without exploring the labyrinthine lanes of Kemeraltı Bazaar, a historic marketplace that dates back to the 17th century. 

Here, over 2000 shops are filled with everything from handmade jewelry and Turkish textiles to spices, antiques and local food. In fact, it’s the perfect place to sample some of the best Turkish cuisine.

Be sure to try boyoz, İzmir’s signature flaky pastry, and sip strong Turkish coffee in a shaded corner café. 

Wondering whether to visit Izmir or Istanbul? Cover them both on a well-curated Turkey itinerary, or else make your choice after reading up on the best things to do Istanbul, and the best places to stay in Istanbul.

3. Explore Agora Open Air Museum

History buffs wondering what to do in Izmir will want to spend time in the Agora of Smyrna.

Offering a powerful glimpse into the city's Greco-Roman past, and originally built in the 4th century BCE, it’s now an open-air museum in the center of İzmir.

Reconstructed by Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius after an earthquake, it once served as the civic heart of ancient Smyrna.

Today, the well-preserved ruins include colonnaded walkways, stone arches, vaulted chambers, intricate bas-reliefs, and a subterranean basilica.

Though surrounded by modern buildings, the site is peaceful and atmospheric. 

4. Take a trip up the historic Asansör elevator

The Asansör is one of İzmir’s most charming and unique landmarks. 

Built in 1907 by Jewish businessman Nesim Levi Bayraklıoğlu, it was created to solve the problem of connecting two neighborhoods separated by a steep cliff. 

Today, it still transports visitors between Karataş’s lower and upper quarters — for free — while offering spectacular panoramic views.

The top houses a terrace café and restaurant that overlooks the Gulf of İzmir, city skyline, and rolling hills beyond. 

While the ride itself is quick, the area around Asansör is also worth exploring. For example, Dario Moreno Street, named after the famous Turkish-Jewish singer, is a romantic cobbled lane of music bars, boutiques and cafes.

5. Wander Kordon Promenade

A scenic waterfront promenade stretching along the Aegean shoreline between Alsancak and Konak, Kordon is a meeting place for people of all ages. 

The promenade is lined with trendy cafes, bars and seafood restaurants offering opportunities to relax and enjoy the coastal scenery.

As such, heading to Kordon is among the best things to do in Izmir if you want to soak up local life.

As for when to visit, evenings see Kordon become a lively social space, against the backdrop of the sun setting over the Aegean.

For more context on when to visit, read up on the best time to visit Turkey.

6. Explore İzmir Archaeological Museum

A must-visit for history lovers, the İzmir Archaeological Museum showcases the region’s diverse heritage. 

Located in Bahribaba Park, just a short walk from Konak Square, the museum houses artefacts from some of the most important archaeological sites in western Turkey.

Highlights include bronze statues of Roman emperors, intricately carved sarcophagi and stelae, jewelry, pottery, and everyday items from ancient Anatolia.

Like to dig deeper into your vacation destinations? Find out some fun facts about Turkey.

7. Ramble the ruins of Kadifekale 

Kadifekale, or the Velvet Castle, is a Byzantine-era fortress that rises above the city on Mount Pagos.

Built on the orders of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BCE and later expanded by the Romans and Byzantines, it sits at the highest vantage point in İzmir, offering sweeping views over the Gulf of İzmir, city skyline, and distant mountains.

Although the original structure is largely in ruins, you can still walk the massive stone ramparts, explore the old watchtowers, and imagine how this stronghold once guarded ancient Smyrna. 

Planning a broader Turkey itinerary? Read up on getting around Turkey.

8. Enjoy arty Alsancak 

Alsancak is İzmir’s trendiest neighborhood — a lively blend of historic mansions, street art, hip cafes, boutique shops, and seaside nightlife. 

The area’s streets are lined with colorful late-Ottoman houses, many of which have been converted into stylish eateries, vintage clothing shops and art galleries. 

Stroll down Kıbrıs Şehitleri Street, the main pedestrian drag, to discover bookstores, coffee roasters, Turkish dessert bars, and cool craft beer spots.

9. Take a ferry to Karşıyaka 

For a scenic experience, hop on a ferry to Karşıyaka, located on the northern shore of the bay. 

The ferry ride takes only 15–20 minutes, and offers beautiful views of İzmir’s skyline and seafront as you cross.

On arrival, stroll the palm-lined waterfront promenade, shop in Bahariye Street, and stop by the Karşıyaka Bazaar for fresh produce, and street snacks.

Fewer tourists venture here, so it offers a more genuine slice of daily life.

10. Visit İzmir Wildlife Park 

Traveling to Turkey with kids? You’ll want to consider including İzmir Wildlife Park in your itinerary.

Located about 30 minutes from the city center in Çiğli, it’s one of Turkey’s most impressive animal conservation parks. 

Spanning 425+ acres, it’s home to 120+ species, including elephants, lions, zebras, monkeys, flamingos, and Anatolian wolves, with walking trails, a petting zoo and open green spaces making it an enjoyable day-trip destination for all ages. 

11. Soak up sun on the Çeşme Peninsula

An hour west of İzmir, the Çeşme Peninsula in the Central Southern Aegean area is known for its crystal-clear beaches, thermal springs, luxury resorts and laid-back coastal charm. 

While the town of Çeşme is centered around a Genoese castle, with a picturesque marina, open-air restaurants, and elegant boutique hotels, the real draw here is the sea.

Head to Ilıca Beach for shallow turquoise waters and therapeutic mineral-rich sands, or try Pırlanta and Altınkum for windsurfing and kitesurfing.  

Çeşme is especially lively in summer, attracting Turkish and international travelers with its beach clubs and festivals. 

Seeking a sun-soaked coastal vacation? Read up on the best beaches in Turkey.

12. Be charmed by Alaçatı 

A short drive from Çeşme, Alaçatı is one of Turkey’s most photogenic towns, thanks to its whitewashed stone houses, blue shutters, blooming bougainvillea and cute boutiques. 

Alaçatı is also known for its windmills, which once powered local flour mills, and now serve as romantic icons of the town. 

If that wasn’t enough, from April to October, the town becomes a hub for windsurfers, thanks to the steady winds of Alaçatı Bay. 

13. Explore Ephesus 

Located about 1.5 hours south of İzmir near Selçuk, Ephesus is one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world — a once-glorious Greek and Roman 

Home to the Temple of Artemis, this was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and served as a major center of commerce and early Christianity. 

The ruins are extensive — allow at least 2–3 hours to explore them — and best visited early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat, and peak crowds.

14. Soak up Şirince 

Tucked into the hills above Selçuk, Şirince is a charming, hillside village with Greek-Turkish architecture, vineyards and a bohemian atmosphere. 

It name means “pleasant,” and it more than lives up to that promise Think cobbled streets lined with artisan stalls selling local wines handmade soaps, spices and jams.