Need to Know

Discover All About Izmir: Ultimate Guide 2023

A global citizen, eager to travel where she has not travelled yet.

Izmir, Turkiye’s city full of beauties that will not end with visiting since it has places to visit in Izmir, is a city that welcomes tourists in summer and winter. We hope that you will leave Izmir with good memories after your visit. Trip designers write about the cities they live in from their own perspectives, and we share local and up-to-date information with you.

We have compiled information that we think may be useful for your trip to explore things to do in Izmir. We wish you pleasant reading.

 

Here is some quick information:

  • Do not forget to take the hotel card which contains the name, address, and phone number of the hotel with you in case you get lost. Phones may run out of charge.
  • Do not forget to take the Turkish lira with you. In some places on the itinerary, a credit card does not pass. Even if they agree to buy dollars or euros, shopping in this way will be harmful to you.
  • Do not forget to take copies of the front pages of your passport and visa if necessary, but not the original one.

Things to do in Izmir

cesme

Discover all the coastlines and seaside within the city. Alsancak, Kordon is a great spot to discover how locals in Izmir like to enjoy the sun and fresh air.

As most locals do, you can download the Getir app to order food, groceries, taxi, and water. Now Getir is active in many countries around the world.

Eat kumru, bomba, gevrek and of course, boyoz! These are the local delicacies you should experience in Izmir. Urla is a gastronomic heaven that you will come across with many chef restaurants!

Places to Visit in Izmir

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Izmir is a well-known tourist attraction in Turkiye’s Aegean region. Some of the top places to see in Izmir are as follows:

  • Konak Square: A historic city center square ringed by cafes, shops, and historic structures.
  • Alsancak: A lively neighborhood noted for its nightlife, shopping, and gastronomy.
  • Karsiyaka: With a tourist and local bazaar, all the inhabitants enjoy shopping and strolling along the coast.
  • Kemeralti: A historic bazaar in the city center known for its street vendors, shops, and lively atmosphere.
  • Asansor: A historical elevator to see the city view, and drink coffee or eat.
  • Cesme is a beachside village west of Izmir known for its beaches, hot baths, and breathtaking Aegean Sea views.
  • Bergama: A northwestern Turkish city famous for its well-preserved ruins such as the Acropolis, and the Library of Pergamon.
  • Sirince, east of Izmir, is a lovely hillside community known for its vineyards, ancient buildings, and magnificent panoramas.
  • Ephesus: A well-preserved ancient city south of Izmir known for its ruins such as the Temple of Artemis, the Amphitheater, and the Roman Baths.
  • Kadifekale: A hilltop fortress in the city center that offers panoramic views of Izmir and its surrounds.

Plus, Phokaia, Urla and Seferihisar are famous neighborhoods the Izmir locals love to visit in weekends!

Shopping Areas in Izmir

izmirsouvenirs

Izmir is a western Turkish city recognized for its rich history, booming port, and bustling city center. Here are some of the greatest shopping areas in Izmir:

  • Konak Square: A bustling shopping district in the heart of the city, surrounded by traditional bazaars, cafes, and street vendors.
  • Kemeralti Bazaar: A traditional market in the city center that sells a variety of goods such as textiles, spices, and local handicrafts.
  • Shops in Alsancak: A fashionable shopping district in Izmir noted for its high-end shops, boutiques, and designer labels.
  • Alsancak Bazaar: A bustling outdoor market in the Alsancak area notable for its street sellers and small businesses selling a variety of goods such as textiles, spices, and jewelry.
    Karsiyaka Bazaar is also a popular one to shop.
  • Kulturpark: A big retail mall in the city center that houses a variety of stores, restaurants, and cafes.

Izmir is particularly recognized for its traditional handcrafted handicrafts, like as ceramics, textiles, and jewelry, which are available at local markets and bazaars across the city and surrounding area. These things are one-of-a-kind and authentic souvenirs that showcase the local culture and heritage.

Local Tip for Bargaining in Shopping

You can compare Izmir bazaars to a big store selling local products. Here you can find local products, especially souvenirs everywhere. Turks like bargaining and find it sincere. So feel free to bargain. Some Turks want to shake hands while bargaining with you. Shaking hands while bargaining means “agreement”. Shaking hands also tells us that the bargaining is almost over.

Transportation in Izmir

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One of the best ways to get to know a city is to use public transport to discover Izmir tourist attractions. It gives the feeling of living there and adds an air of originality. Istanbul is a crowded city and traffic can often be heavy, so planning your trip is extremely important. As in any cosmopolitan city, there are rush hours, and these are best avoided whenever possible. If you are coming with your own vehicle, you can find many parking spaces, including municipal car parks.

You can access Izmir Public Transport Map, Izmir Night Bus Lines, and Izmir Tourist Map on the municipality’s website. You can find the fares and prices here.

There is currently an active metro line and two metro lines under construction in İzmir. You can browse all lines on this map. The metro line, which you can connect to Izban from Halkapınar and Hilal stations, goes on the Fahrettin Altay – Evka 3 route. You can check the number of trips via this link.

Izban, the longest suburban line of Izmir, reaches Selcuk on the North-South line with the latest extensions. You can check the Izban times from this link, you can also take a look at Halkapınar, Alsancak, and Hilal transfer stations in advance. After getting off from Izban, don’t forget to scan your card into the orange machines at the station and get your refund. A separate tariff is calculated for each stop. You can check the departure times and stops via this link.

There are two tram lines for transportation in Izmir. Depending on the place you want to visit, you can consider using the tram lines from various transportation options. You can check the routes, timetables, and stops of Izmir Tram Lines via this link.

There are buses that you can take with your Izmirimkart. Bus routes cover all parts of Izmir, but you should avoid using them between 08:00 – 09:30 in the morning and 17:00 – 18:30 in the evening as they can be very crowded. If you are travelling by bus, you can use ESHOT’s website to find the best route.

Even though Izmir is close, the most enjoyable way to go from one end to the other is by ferry. You can also use the car ferry to avoid heavy traffic on the roads. For detailed information about the lines, visit the website.

You need Izmirimkart to use public transportation. You can get your Izmirim Card from all sales points and toll booths in the city. According to the latest news, the first transfer fee in İzmir within 120 minutes is less than 10 cents, and the second is even less. Third and upcoming transfers will be free.

Museum Pass Programs in Izmir

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With Museum Pass The Aegean, you can visit more than forty museums and archaeological sites that belong to the Republic of Turkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism in Izmir attractions, Aydın, Muğla, and Denizli for 7 days and enjoy your trip through time.
The price of Museum Pass the Aegean which is valid for seven days starting from your first museum and archaeological site entrance is around 37€.

Please click for Museum Pass The Aegean sales points.

Museum Pass provides one entrance to each museum.

Click to see all museums and archaeological sites belonging to the Republic of Turkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism you can visit with Museum Pass The Aegean.

If you are going to travel around Turkiye, you may need Museum Pass Turkiye. With Museum Pass Turkiye, you can visit more than three hundred museums and archaeological sites that belong to the Republic of Turkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Directorate of National Palaces for fifteen days and enjoy your trip through time.
The price of Museum Pass Turkiye which is valid for fifteen days starting from your first museum and archaeological site entrance is around 50€.

Please click for Museum Pass Turkiye sales points.

Click to see all museums and archaeological sites belonging to the Republic of Turkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism you can visit with Museum Pass Turkiye.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Izmir?

Izmir is best visited between March and October, when the weather is mild and bright.

What are the top tourist attractions in Izmir?

The Konak Square, the Alsancak district, the Kemeralti Bazaar, Ephesus Ancient City, Bergama, and the Kadifekale are among the prominent tourist attractions in Izmir.

What is the currency used in Izmir?

The Turkish Lira is the local currency of Izmir (TRY).

How to get around Izmir?

Public transit (bus, tram, and metro), taxis, and vehicle rentals are all options for getting around Izmir.

What is the cost of visiting Izmir?

The cost of visiting Izmir varies according to personal expenses such as lodging, food, and entertainment. However, a daily budget of roughly 50€ can be envisaged.

What visas are required to visit Izmir?

Citizens of most nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, can enter Turkiye without a visa for short stays (up to 90 days). However, before traveling, check the Turkish government's visa requirements for your specific nation.
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