7 Best Things to do in Izmir, Turkey in 2024

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Looking for the best things to do in Izmir? Here are some of the top attractions, including one of the top historical sites in Turkey!

When I originally planned my second trip to Turkey, I hadn’t actually included any time in Izmir at all. I’d just skipped the city completely and visited Istanbul and Ephesus instead.

However, due to finding a very conveniently priced flight, I decided to change my plans and spend a day exploring Turkey’s third largest city. As it turns out, I’m very glad I did because there are lots of great things to do in Izmir.

7 Amazing Things to Do in Izmir, Turkey

So, let’s dive into some of the wonderful things to do in Izmir, from wonderful museums to little slices of history hidden down the city’s streets.

1. Explore Izmir’s Agora

The Izmir Agora is an ancient Roman marketplace. It is one of the most well-preserved ancient agoras in the Mediterranean region and a must-see attraction for history and culture enthusiasts visiting the city.

The Agora was built in the 2nd century AD during the Roman period. Back then, it was the city’s main marketplace and centre of commerce. It’s around 40,000 square meters large and contains a variety of structures, including a temple of Zeus and a library. 

It also used to be the place where the Roman government made important announcements and held public gatherings. Today, the Agora is an open-air museum, one of the best things to do in Izmir, and an important example of Roman urban planning and architecture.

It took us about an hour and a half to explore the Agora and it’s an absolute must-see on any itinerary.

Top Tip: There’s virtually no shade here, so I recommend bringing suncream and wearing a hat when you’re out in the sun. Also, bringing a bottle of water with you is a good idea, especially if you’re visiting during the summer months.

2. Visit Konak Square and See the Izmir Clock Tower

Whereas the Agora was the historical meeting place, Konak Square is the modern-day version. Situated at the heart of the city, it is surrounded by a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. 

The square is also home to several historic buildings and ancient monuments, including the Konak Clock Tower. Built in 1901, it stands at a height of 25 meters and is considered one of the city’s most important landmarks.

The square is also a popular spot for locals to gather and relax. We grabbed a coffee and pastry while we were here and some of the surrounding cafes are very good. It’s also a great place to people-watch.

There are several benches and seating areas where you can sit and take in the sights and sounds of the city. You may also see street performers here.

3. Visit the Izmir Archeological Museum

The Archeological Museum is dedicated to the history and local culture of the ancient city of Smyrna, the predecessor of modern-day Izmir, and the surrounding region.

The museum contains a wide range of artefacts from the Neolithic to the Ottoman period, including ceramics, sculptures, and inscriptions. You’ll also find a collection of artefacts from the ancient city of Ephesus.

The museum was founded in 1927 and is housed in a beautifully restored Ottoman-era building. Open daily, as well as walking around the exhibits, you can also go on a guided tour.

It’s considered one of the best things to do in Izmir for history and culture enthusiasts. If you want a deeper dive into the history of Ephesus, I also recommend a visit.

4. Wander Down Konak Pier

Once you’ve explored Konak Square, walk down towards the ocean and then turn to your right. Keep walking along the seafront and eventually, you’ll reach Konak Pier.

This large boardwalk stretches along the coast of the Gulf of Izmir. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the Aegean Sea and the city’s beautiful coastal views.

The pier is a pretty popular spot and it is lined with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. We went for a stroll along the pier, enjoyed the ocean views and the fresh sea breeze, and watched the boats as they came and went.

It’s also a great place to grab a bite to eat. After we’d finished exploring we grabbed dinner on the pier overlooking the ocean. It was very tasty and a wonderful way to spend an evening in the city.

5. Ride the Izmir Elevator

The Elevator or Asansör is located in Karataş quarter near Konak Square. The elevator was built in 1907, during the Ottoman period, and it’s one of the oldest public elevators in the world.

The elevator is effectively a funicular railway that connects the upper part of the city with the lower part. It was built to ease the steep climb up the hill, and it’s an excellent way to reach the top of the hill to see the Turkish city from a different perspective. It’s a short ride, and the views from the top are quite impressive, especially at sunset. 

At this time of day especially, it’s one of the best things to do in Izmir. But at any time of the day, it will give you beautiful views of the city and the sea.

6. Visit Kemeraltı Bazaar

Turkish markets are somewhat famous. You only have to look at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul to know just how famous they can be.

And whilst Kemeralti Bazaar isn’t quite on that scale, it’s Izmir’s equivalent. The historic market dates back to the 17th century and is a maze of narrow streets and alleys stretching from Konak Square to the ancient Agora.

The streets are lined with shops selling everything from textiles and clothing to jewellery, spices, sweets, and traditional Turkish cuisine.

The Kemeralti Bazaar is a great place to bargain with the vendors, sample local food and drink, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the market. It’s open every day except Sundays and it’s easily accessible by public transportation.

7. Take a Day trip to Ephesus

Okay, it’s time for more honesty. The main reason I came to Izmir in the first place was for easy access to Ephesus. As one of the ancient Wonders of the World, it’s been pretty high on my bucket list for a while and I couldn’t wait to see it in person. 

It completely lived up to my expectations.

Ephesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most well-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean region. Seeing it in person was amazing. It was actually one of the highlights of that trip to Turkey.

But, if you’ve never been before, getting to this ancient wonder can seem a little complicated. 

But don’t worry. Visiting Ephesus from Izmir was relatively easy. 

✅ Book a guided tour to Ephesus from Izmir, here

Getting to Ephesus

The city is located around 85 km from Izmir and there are several ways to get there. The most popular option is to take a guided tour.

This is arguably the easiest way to visit the city as it usually includes return transportation, as well as the tour itself. Many tour companies offer day trips to Ephesus, which usually include pick-up and drop-off from your hotel. If you’d like to go for this option I recommend booking online.

Another option is to take a bus or a train to the nearby town of Selçuk, from where you can take a local bus or taxi to Ephesus. The journey takes between 1-2 hours and, once you’re there, you can explore the ancient city on your own or take a guided tour.

The final option is hiring a taxi driver. This was what we opted for in the end because of the convenience and freedom it gave us. Plus it was much quicker to drive than take public transport and we wanted to see as much of the city as possible during the day.

It was pretty easy to do. We simply spoke to our hotel reception and booked the cars. The taxi driver waited with us all day and also took us to the House of the Virgin Mary.

However you decide to get there, Ephesus is, without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Izmir. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that it’s one of the best places to visit in Turkey!

✅ Book a guided tour to Ephesus from Izmir, here

Is Izmir worth visiting?

This depends on what you want to do. For a classic beach break, popular destinations like the beautiful Antalya, Fethiye, or the town of Oludeniz might be more up your street.

They’ve certainly got better beaches, especially Oludeniz which is famous for its gorgeous blue lagoon. However, for a taste of authentic Turkish culture intertwined with a chance to see incredible history, Izmir is certainly worth it. 

Where to stay in Izmir

There are plenty of options for a reasonably priced and comfortable stay in Izmir. This was actually the cheapest place we stayed throughout our whole second trip to Turkey. It was also one of the nicest hotels and located right in the city centre. If you’re looking for places to stay, here are a few options:

• Alsancak: This is a lively and central neighbourhood, known for its picturesque streets, trendy cafes, and nightlife. It’s a great option for those who want to be close to the city’s main attractions and enjoy the city’s cultural scene.
• Konak: The Konak District of Izmir is effectively the city centre. It’s home to Konak Square, Alsancak, and Kemeralti Bazaar, and is a great option if you want to be close to the city’s main attractions.
• Cesme: This is a seaside town located west of Izmir. It’s a great option for those who want to relax on the beach and enjoy the sea.
• Alacati: This is a charming village located north of Izmir. With traditional architecture and trendy boutiques, it’s a great option for those who want to escape the city and enjoy a slower pace of life.

You can find a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, in all of these areas. We stayed in Emens Hotel in the Konak area. It was a lovely but affordable hotel and was within easy walking distance of many of the things we wanted to see.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Izmir

Is Izmir better than Antalya?

If I’m being brutally honest, then no, I don’t think Izmir is better than Antalya. There is a lot to do in Antalya from beaches to the beautiful old town. There’s also lots to do in the surrounding area, such as the Phaselis ruins, taking a trip to Olympos, or heading down the coast to the stunning town of Side. 

In comparison, while Izmir is within great proximity of the ancient ruins of Ephesus, there’s not quite as much in the vicinity to keep you busy for as long. We were able to see many of the sights (excluding museums) in the old town within a couple of days. Plus, Antalya definitely has better beaches!

While Izmir is certainly an ideal gateway to Ephesus, if I were to compare the two, I think Antalya is a more rounded destination with a lot more to do. However, I still don’t think Izmir is worth visiting as the city is a goldmine for cultural experiences.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Izmir, Turkey

Overall, Izmir is a pretty varied city. There’s stunning history in the city itself, and it’s a great place to soak up traditional Turkish life and culture.

Plus, it’s an ideal place to visit if you want to see Ephesus and is definitely the easiest place to stay to reach the incredible site. Even though I didn’t really have any expectations, the city surprised me and I enjoyed my time there.

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