Izmir
Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asia · Turkey
Did you know?
- Kumru is a warm sesame-bread sandwich filled with sausage and cheese.
- Kordon promenade, Ottoman bazaars, and ancient ruins anchor a varied city day.
- The Gediz Delta site hosts 250+ bird species, including flamingos.
See also
Overview
Izmir is a relaxed Aegean port with a long Smyrna history, a lively waterfront, layered bazaars, and easy access to beaches and ruins. Its food scene rewards grazing on kumru, boyoz, local cheese, and fresh fish between museum and ferry stops.
Languages: Turkish
Why Go
Izmir is Turkey's third-largest city and principal Aegean port, known in antiquity as Smyrna. It offers a more relaxed alternative to Istanbul with a waterfront promenade (Kordon), ancient ruins, Ottoman bazaars, and access to beach suburbs 20+ km west. The city has a population of 3.12 million in 2024.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting In
Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (IATA: ADB) sits 16 km south, with frequent flights from Istanbul IST/SAW, Ankara, and Antalya, plus European routes via Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, Ajet, and SunExpress. Basmane railway station handles long-distance trains, while the huge Otobüs Terminali in Bornova (6 km east) serves intercity buses with left luggage, car hire, and dolmuş connections downtown.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting Around
The city has metro access from Basmane, Alsancak, and Bornova stations. Ferry piers at Alsancak, Karşıyaka, Bostanlı, Pasaport, Göztepe, and Üçkuyular connect across the bay. Dolmuş minibuses serve local routes, and you can take a 19th-century fayton (horse-drawn carriage) ride along Kordon.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to Go
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are ideal: warm 20-26°C weather without summer's 30-35°C humidity that feels like 40°C. Beach holidays work best in fall when sea temperature reaches a balmy 20°C. Winters are mild at 12-16°C with occasional rain but no snow accumulation. The Izmir Jazz Festival runs in March and the Izmir Marathon in April.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to Stay
Budget options near Basmane station include Hotel Baylan (B&B double 1500 TL) and hostels like Shantihome and Titan House. Mid-range choices include Ibis Izmir Alsancak (2500 TL), Doubletree by Hilton (4000 TL), and Karaca Hotel (4000 TL). Upscale waterfront properties include Swissotel Buyuk Efes (4000 TL), Key Hotel (6000 TL), and Renaissance Izmir (6000 TL). Alsancak and Konak Pier areas are most convenient for sightseeing.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and Drink
Local specialties include grilled sea bass, kumru (warm sesame-bread sandwich with Turkish sausage and cheese, available at street stalls), tulum peyniri (local cheese), and boyoz (oily local pastry for breakfast with tea). Budget eateries include Sultan Yemek Evi (1441st Sk) and Piraye Ev Yemekleri for home-style cooking. Çarşı Balık near Başdurak Mosque serves quality fish and shellfish. Kordon waterfront and 1448th Sk in Alsancak have bars and cafes with outdoor seating.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to Do
Konak Square features the 1901 Saat Kulesi (clocktower) and 1755 Konak Mosque with Kütahya tiles. Smyrna Agora (Adult 200 TL) preserves the Hellenistic marketplace. Kadifekale hilltop fortress (free, 24 hours) dates to 330 BC. The Asansör lift (free) offers panoramic views from its 1907 structure. Museums include the Archaeological Museum (90 TL), Atatürk Museum (free), History and Art Museum (400 TL), and Railway Museum (free, Tu-Su). Izmir Bird Paradise (Kuş Cenneti) in Gediz Delta, 32 km northwest, hosts 250+ bird species including flamingos.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Buy
Kemeraltı bazaar (M-Sa 08:00-19:00) is the atmospheric main market east of Konak Square, with nearby Kızlarağası Hanı caravanserai (1745) now housing shops. City-center shopping centers include Konak Pier and Kemer Plaza. Turkish Lira is the local currency.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Safety
Take usual care of valuables and beware traffic. A police post is located on Konak Pier; serious matters (like missing passport) go to headquarters on 1365th Sk near Basmane Station. There is no longer a separate tourism police unit.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
4G coverage is available from all Turkish carriers throughout Izmir and approach highways. As of 2025, 5G is limited to city center only. Free WiFi can be accessed on public squares.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day Trips
Çeşme is a 30-minute drive west with ferries to Chios. Selçuk is the hub for Ephesus. Şirince is a wine-producing village inland. Tire has a large open-air market; Ödemiş and Birgi are traditional towns. Bergama north has Pergamon ruins. Manisa northeast provides access to ancient Sardis and Mount Sipylus.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go Next
Major routes from Izmir: north via E87 to Çanakkale and Bergama; south via E87 to Denizli (Pamukkale) and Selçuk; west via D300 to Çeşme and Alaçatı; east via D550 to Afyonkarahisar and inland routes. EuroVelo cycling route EV8 passes through, connecting Dikili and Foça to the south.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Doubletree by Hilton
Small rooms, usually clean, central.
Recorded price: B&B double 4000 TL
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Ege Palas
Clean and efficient, great views from the upper rooms.
Recorded price: B&B double 5000 TL
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Baylan
Basic central place, okay for a short stay.
Recorded price: B&B double 1500 TL
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Ibis Izmir Alsancak
Pleasant budget chain, rooms are small but clean.
Recorded price: B&B double 2500 TL
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Alsancak Pide
Simple cafe for pizza and similar.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Ayşa
Good Bosnian / Montenegro cuisine with veggie options.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
BigChefs Alsancak
Upscale dining on the waterfront.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Komposto
Bright modern place for Turkish and Aegean cuisine, with vegetarian options.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
4G available citywide; 5G limited to city center as of 2025. Free WiFi on public squares.
Culture
Izmir was one of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor mentioned in Revelation. The city has Jewish, Greek Orthodox, and Muslim heritage sites.
Food
Local specialties: kumru sandwich (sesame bread with sausage and cheese), tulum peyniri cheese, boyoz pastry, and fresh Aegean sea bass.
Money
Turkish Lira (TRY) is the local currency. ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Safety
Standard urban precautions apply. Police post at Konak Pier; main headquarters near Basmane Station. No tourism police exists.
Transport
Basmane metro connects to Alsancak and Bornova. Ferry piers cross the bay to Karşıyaka and Bostanlı. Dolmuş minibuses serve local routes.
Weather
Mediterranean climate: hot humid summers (30-35°C, feels like 40°C), mild winters (12-16°C). Spring and fall are ideal; beach season peaks in September-October when sea is 20°C.