Best Places to Visit in Izmir

Izmir is the third-largest city in Türkiye. Thanks to its location (Izmir is based on the coast of the Aegean Sea), the city offers tourists a lot of picturesque landscapes and breathtaking views. We should also not forget about the numerous architectural objects and entertainment points that every guest of the city should visit.

There are so many places to see in Izmir, but we’ve created this list of the best places to visit in Izmir to give you an idea of where to start.

Also, before planning your visit to Izmir, we suggest you check out this link, where you can find useful information for your visit to Izmir.

1. Izmir Clock Tower (İzmir Saat Kulesi)

We would like to open our list of the best Izmir places to visit with the Izmir Clock Tower. If you have already looked at the photos of Izmir sightseeing places, then you have probably seen some pictures of the elegant Clock Tower.

The tower became a hallmark of Izmir and is definitely worth a visit while you’re in the city. The tower is located in the central square of Izmir, Konak. It was built in 1901 in honor of the 25-year reign of Sultan Abdul-Hamid II as a gift from the German King Wilhelm II. The 121 years-old tower built of marble stretches 25 meters up.

View on Google Maps

2. Izmir Natural Life Park

Izmir Natural Life Park is amongst the best Izmir tourist attractions.This is not an average zoo, it’s unique in its kind. The open-air cages are huge, the animals walk there imposingly and completely ignore curious tourists. It allows the guests of the park to get closer to the life of animals and their habitats. Here you can feel the incomparable delight of observing animals in the wild.
The vast territory of the zoo is densely filled with beautiful greenery that provides shade from the warm Izmir sun. There are also many playgrounds and a petting zoo with rabbits, donkeys, horses, and goats for children.

Try to catch a nice shot if an animal poses in front of your camera.

Tickets cost 10 TL (Student Price: 5 TL)

3. Genoese Fortress

The Genoese Fortress is located in the very center of Cesme, the touristic heart of Izmir. The fortress was built in the 14th century during the reign of Sultan Bayazet II. It was constructed to protect the city against the Rhodes Knights.

After the storming of the Venetians, in the 17th century, the fortress was destroyed, but, fortunately, was restored later.

Now it is home to the Archaeological Museum.

4. Kemeralti Market

Kemeralti is one of the main attractions of Izmir. It was built back in the 17th century and is not only the main place for shopping but also a point where you can see ancient architectural monuments, such as the Khizar Mosque, and the ancient building of the caravanserai. Many tourists claim that Kemeralti is a smaller version of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.

Here you can find goods for every taste, including clothes, souvenirs, leather goods, watches, etc. Despite the fame of the market, the prices here are quite moderate. If you are wondering where to go in Izmir, be sure to visit the Kemeralti Market!

5. Alsancak

Alsancak is the liveliest district of Izmir, where you can plunge headlong into the magical atmosphere of the city. It’s a mixture of a business center, historical places, and entertainment venues. The atmosphere in the evening is incredible.

There are numerous cafes and restaurants with an amazing sea view.

6. Key Museum

If you are a fan of cars, then you should definitely visit the Key museum founded by three Turkish collectors who, have managed to add 130 unique exhibits to the collection since 2001.

There is also a collection of motorcycles that includes 40 exhibits. If you are fond of collection items, the KEY Museum should be definitely on your list of things to do in Izmir.

7. Arkas Art Center

If you are fond of art, then you should include the Art Center ARKAS in your list of places to go in Izmir. The two-story art center consists of 9 exhibition halls and a studio, where you can see a permanent exhibition of paintings of the 19th-20th century and temporary art and archaeological exhibitions.

The Arkas Art Center is a 10-minute walk from the Ataturk Museum.

The art center is temporarily closed due to an exhibition installation. Be sure to check out their Website for current information.

Entrance is free of charge.

8. Ataturk Museum

Our next location is the Izmir Atatürk Museum. The construction of the majestic white building was finished in 1880. It was used as a hotel. After Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s first visit to Izmir, it was restored and transferred to his use.

In the museum’s library, you can find the original books that were part of the Ataturk collection.

Entrance is free of charge.

9. Asansör

An old elevator that connects the lower and upper parts of the city is one of the main attractions of Izmir. On a 58 m height, there is a beautiful terrace with spectacular views of the Aegean Sea and coastal urban areas.

There is also a nice restaurant that serves national cuisine. Prices are very moderate. If you are looking for a place where you can take beautiful photos of Izmir, then Asansör is just the right place. At the same time, everyone can use the elevator for free.

10. Ephesus Ancient City

Ephesus is the most famous region of Izmir. No trip would be complete without a visit to the famous ancient city of Ephesus. Thus, if you are wondering what to see in Izmir, be sure to add this magical ancient city to your list.

The ruins of the ancient settlement keep the secrets of the past. This amazing city was built in the 10th century BC. Ephesus includes many attractions, but there are a few main ones that are definitely worth exploring. These are the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of Earth), the Library of Celsus, the Odeon, and the Temple of Domitian.