{"id":265,"date":"2025-08-14T16:06:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-14T16:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gladjourney.com\/?p=265"},"modified":"2025-08-23T00:08:38","modified_gmt":"2025-08-23T08:08:38","slug":"izmir-the-complete-guide-to-this-underrated-mediterranean-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gladjourney.com\/index.php\/2025\/08\/14\/izmir-the-complete-guide-to-this-underrated-mediterranean-city\/","title":{"rendered":"Izmir: The complete guide to this underrated Mediterranean city"},"content":{"rendered":"

Head to the palm-lined promenade and you’ll find it’s a laid-back city perfect for a beach holiday, but there’s plenty of fun things to do in Izmir too. Heavily influenced by the West, Izmir is not as multicultural as vibrant Istanbul, but it is full of ancient ruins and deep-rooted hospitable locals.<\/p>\n

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Known as Smyrna in ancient times, Izmir is now the third largest city in Turkey. Its importance as one of the oldest settlements in the Mediterranean can still be witnessed by its magnificent monuments and sites covering more than 8,000 years of human history. Past residents of this important port city included Anatolian tribes, Romans, Persians, Greeks and Ottomans. Traces of these cultures can be seen in the city’s architecture, people, and cuisine, making Turkey a truly fascinating tourist destination.<\/p>\n

Visiting Izmir is a great option outside of Istanbul, with some amazing attractions nearby, making it a trip not to be missed. This guide covers some of the best things to do in Izmir, as well as when to go and where to stay.<\/p>\n

1 Smyrna Market<\/span><\/h4>\n

The arch of the ancient Izmir bazaar, also known as the Smyrna Bazaar, is one of the best things to do in Izmir.<\/p>\n

The ancient bazaar is part of the urban fabric and is one of the must-visit attractions in Izmir. The Romano-Greek market was once an important stop along the Silk Roads, a melting pot of trade, crafts and culture. Surprisingly, the complex waterways that maintain the market supply are still in play today, which is more than 2,000 years old.<\/p>\n

The site consists of three floors and has a beautiful cathedral, huge marble columns, and many gravity-defying arches to explore. Learn about the interesting history of the bazaar and discover some old graffiti.<\/p>\n

2 Ephesus<\/span><\/h4>\n

Ephesus receives over 200 million visitors each year and is undoubtedly one of the most visited attractions in Izmir and one of Turkey’s most important archaeological sites.<\/p>\n

This ancient Roman city was once an important port along the Silk Roads and a center of information and learning. It is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a day trip not to be missed when visiting Izmir.<\/p>\n

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Visit the great Library of Celsus, one of the largest libraries in the Roman world with over 12,000 scrolls; It remained largely intact thanks to the double-walled structure employed to protect the scrolls. There are also elaborate and colorful mosaics of Greek amphitheaters and Ephesian terraced houses.<\/p>\n

It’s worth taking a guided tour of Ephesus from Izmir and spending a full day exploring this ancient site. Visit other local attractions on a full-day tour and get the chance to taste authentic Turkish food.<\/p>\n

3 Konak Square and Clock Tower<\/span><\/h4>\n

The best starting point in Izmir is Konak Square. Not only is it a great place to see the people coming, but visitors can also find buses, trams and ferries to the rest of the city.<\/p>\n

Visitors will recognize the bell tower as a symbol of the city, a gift from the German Emperor Wilhelm II to the Ottoman King Abdelhamit II, and has since become a central meeting point for major events.<\/p>\n

4 Alsanjak and the promenade<\/span><\/h4>\n

The Alsancak neighbourhood is Izmir’s downtown area with plenty of amazing places to eat, shop, and relax.<\/p>\n

At sunset, head to the city’s promenade to hear locals share stories of the day, children play, and watch the sunset over the Aegean Sea.<\/p>\n

5 Kadifikale and Ataturk stone carvings<\/span><\/h4>\n

Black-and-white photograph of a huge stone sculpture of Ataturk, founder of Turkey, located in the city of Izmir.<\/p>\n

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The “Velvet Castle” at the top of Pargos Hill is the best place to enjoy the magnificent views of the city and the Bay of Izmir.<\/p>\n

This ancient fortress was built around the time of Alexander the Great’s visit to ancient Smyrna. The Great Wall and towers are in ruins, but visitors can still explore the Byzantine underground cistern. Nearby are the monumental reliefs of Ataturk, the founder and leader of Turkey, as well as other aqueduct ruins and ancient ruins of Izmir.<\/p>\n

The walk to Cadi Fikkale is steep, so you can explore the rest of the area on foot by taxi or public bus.<\/p>\n

6 Hierapolis-Pamukkale<\/span><\/h4>\n

Hierapolis, Pamukkale, Turkey – The rocks and water formations of Pamukkale look like snowfall.<\/p>\n

Visit this Greco-Roman spa town with natural hot springs flowing down the hills. Pamukkale is often considered one of Turkey’s most beautiful natural wonders.<\/p>\n

The white travertine terrace looks otherworldly and is a popular posting spot on Instagram. Just like the Romans thousands of years ago, bathed in healing water.<\/p>\n

Nearby are the temples of Hierapolis, an ancient Roman spa city built around 190 BC. Explore the ancient theater, cemetery, and many sarcophagi. The less touristy old town of Laodika is also nearby.<\/p>\n

7 Kemaralti Bazaar<\/span><\/h4>\n

For the chance to taste the best of Izmir’s cuisine, head to the Central Bazaar. Full of markets, spices, and delicacies, Kemalalti is one of the best places to get to know the locals in Izmir.<\/p>\n

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The Turkish market is a miracle for the senses, but it offers more than just food. The nearby Ottoman Caravan Inn also has clothing stores, jewelry stores, and even antique shops. This is one of the best places to watch local artisans make crafts.<\/p>\n

Spend a few lira for a sweet Turkish delight or try a variety of green and black salted olives.<\/p>\n

8 Assansol<\/span><\/h4>\n

Izmir is a hilly city, but luckily some creative local merchants built convenient public elevators in the early 1900s. It is one of Izmir’s enduring landmarks and is still used by locals to travel and transport goods to this day.<\/p>\n

In addition to hiking up the mountain, you can also take advantage of Izmir Asans\u00f6r (from French for elevator “ascenseur”). The view from the top is well worth a visit! Take some photos and head to the caf\u00e9 at the top for a refreshing cup of Turkish coffee.<\/p>\n

Elevators are free, eliminating the hassle of crawling between the upper and lower floors of the city.<\/p>\n

9 \u015eirince Village<\/span><\/h4>\n

The beautiful village of \u015eirince is located about 8 km east of Ephesa and is worth combining the two villages on a day trip from Izmir. The best place to see the Turkish countryside, Izmir is at ease, and \u015eirince takes it to the next level.<\/p>\n

The owner was friendly and willing to chat, and the old lady dried her laundry in the winding narrow street, the smell of freshly baked bread filling the air.<\/p>\n

The crumbling buildings and whitewashed streets make it a photographer’s dream, and strolling through the crumbling houses can take hours.<\/p>\n

10 Acropolis of Pergamon and Bergama<\/span><\/h4>\n

Another of the best day trips from Izmir is the small town of Bergama. With its winding cobbled backstreets, it’s the perfect place to discover what rural life is really like in this part of the world.<\/p>\n

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But the main reason to travel here is the Acropolis of Pergamon overlooking the town. The towering Pergamon Altar and the world’s steepest ancient theater are must-see attractions near Izmir.<\/p>\n

11 Best time to go to Izmir<\/span><\/h4>\n

The best time to visit Izmir is from April to September as the weather is dry and hot. April, May and September are quieter and cooler than the tourist seasons of June, July and August, making them ideal months to visit the city and explore the surrounding area.<\/p>\n

In summer, average temperatures range from 21\u00b0C\/70\u00b0F to 34\u00b0C\/93\u00b0F, with little rainfall from June to August. Winter temperatures average between 4\u00b0C\/39\u00b0F and 12\u00b0C\/54\u00b0F, with about 7 days of rain per month.<\/p>\n

Due to its coastal location, Izmir usually has a light breeze, but even then it can get wet in summer.<\/p>\n

12 Best ways to visit Izmir<\/span><\/h4>\n

The best way to explore Izmir is on foot, as many of the main attractions are within walking distance. For long trips, taxis are a reliable option, but for short trips, prices can go up.<\/p>\n

Izmir’s public transport system is excellent, with more than 400 routes, while the metro and commuter rail system also connects the larger areas of the city. To explore some of the nearby islands, plan to cross the bay with a regular ferry.<\/p>\n

For day trips, tours are a good option, as they usually include a guide and entrance fees. While it is possible to rent a car, driving in Turkey can be very different from the West, and the signs are usually not in English.<\/p>\n

13 Where to eat in Izmir<\/span><\/h4>\n

Head to Tuzu Biberi opposite Alsancak Ferry Station for breakfast. They offer “serme kahvalti”, a full Turkish breakfast with unlimited \u00e7ay (Turkish tea).<\/p>\n

For vegan and vegetarian lunches, Team Hummus is one of the best places to eat in Izmir. Order a shawarma, a falafel and, of course, a healthy piece of hummus. Or taste Izmir’s famous pastry “boyoz” at Alsancak Dostlar F\u0131r\u0131n\u0131, a family-run bakery in the Alsancak district.<\/p>\n

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For dinner, enjoy a feast at the world-famous Tavac\u0131 Recep Usta restaurant. With a mouth-watering selection of grilled meats, kebabs, and skewers, this is one of the best restaurants in Izmir to try Turkish cuisine.<\/p>\n

14 Where to stay in Izmir<\/span><\/h4>\n

Travelers can find affordable accommodation in Izmir, but there are also luxury hotels.<\/p>\n

Budget-friendly: Vivara Vita Boutique Hotel<\/h5>\n
    \n
  • Address: Can Y\u00fccel Sokak, Izmir 35220<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Price per night: $72<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Amenities: Adults only, Bar\/Lounge, Free Wi-Fi, Flat-screen TV, Free toiletries, Laundry facilities, Soundproofed rooms.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
    Middle floor: Park Hotel by Radisson Izmir<\/h5>\n
      \n
    • Address: Cumhuriyet Bulvari No 124 Konak, Izmir 35210<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Price per night: $156<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Amenities: Sustainable tourism hotel, fitness center, restaurant and bar, free Wi-Fi, coffee shop, valet parking, business center.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
      High-end: Izmir Marriott Hotel<\/h5>\n
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      • Address: Akdeniz Mahallesi Gazi Bulvari No 1 Alsancak, Konak, Izmir 35220<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Price per night: $217<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Facilities: 5-star Izmir hotel, free internet access, all-day dining restaurant, lobby bar and rooftop bar. Gym, spa, indoor pool and infinity pool.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        Head to the palm-lined promenade and you’ll find it’s a laid-back city perfect for a beach holiday, but there’s plenty of fun things to do in Izmir too. Heavily influenced by the West, Izmir is not as multicultural as vibrant Istanbul, but it is full of ancient ruins and deep-rooted hospitable locals. Known as Smyrna […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":266,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-265","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-guide"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gladjourney.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/265","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gladjourney.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gladjourney.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gladjourney.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gladjourney.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=265"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.gladjourney.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/265\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":273,"href":"https:\/\/www.gladjourney.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/265\/revisions\/273"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gladjourney.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/266"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gladjourney.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=265"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gladjourney.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=265"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gladjourney.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=265"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}