Turkey is packed with tourist hotspots and highlights. To see them all would take a long time, yet people often stick to popular places like Istanbul and the sunny resorts on the south coast. But there’s so much more to Turkey, including Izmir, one of its largest cities that’s gaining attention in the tourism world.
Izmir is a lively and vibrant city recently featured in Lonely Planet’s “Best in Travel” list. As Turkey’s third-largest city, it has plenty to keep even the most restless travelers entertained for several days.
Izmir is nestled by the warm waters of the Aegean, and even when you’re in the city center, the sea is never too far away. Unlike some of Turkey’s fast-paced cities, Izmir has a relaxed and slow pace of life. Despite its large population of over 3 million, it never feels rushed.
The city is full of history, beaches, great food, lively nightlife, and shopping, and the photo opportunities with the Aegean in the background are fantastic. Izmir blends the old and the new seamlessly. You can explore ancient ruins from Greek times, visit modern skyscrapers, shop in huge malls, or enjoy cocktails in trendy bars.
For families, Izmir offers fun activities like Lunapark and the long promenade in Alsancak (Kordon), which has plenty of green space for kids. The stunning ruins of Ephesus, about an hour away, are a must-see and can be explored through guided tours.
There are many notable sites in Izmir, including the Agora Open Air Museum, Historic Elevator Building, Hisar Mosque, and Kemeraltı Market. The city has an outdoorsy vibe due to its seaside location and youthful energy. The waterfront promenade is always buzzing with people walking or enjoying the fresh air.
Inciraltı Kent Ormanı is a beautiful spot to visit on sunny days for a BBQ, picnic, or hike. The main highlight, however, is the waterside promenade stretching from Alsancak to Kemeraltı, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes!
Izmir’s nightlife caters to everyone. For nightclubs, head to Alsancak or Bornova; for a relaxed cocktail vibe, Konak is the place to be. The waterside restaurants are packed with seafood eateries, perfect for enjoying the freshest catch with a glass of raki.
Local cuisine lovers should try Izmir köfte and kumru, popular street foods. Kemeraltı is one of the best places for traditional kebabs, and the staff are always eager to help you choose.
While the city center lacks a full beach, nearby options like Inciraltı Kent Ormanı’s small, rocky beach and the beautiful resorts of Çesme and Alaçatı are just an hour away, offering a perfect escape from city life.
Izmir has great beach weather, especially in July when temperatures reach around 32°C (90°F) with little chance of rain. Even in January, which is the coldest month with highs around 11°C (52°F), there are still around four hours of sunshine daily.
The area around Izmir boasts several high-quality wineries. İsabey Bağları & Bağevi, a famous winery dating back to 1942, is close to the city and offers wine tours. Nif Bağları in Manisa, about 45 minutes away, has a sprawling winery with a fantastic on-site restaurant. Many high-quality restaurants in Izmir feature a large wine list with local brands, offering a great chance to try them.
For shoppers, Izmir has everything from modern malls to traditional bazaars. The Kemeraltı Bazaar in the city center is perfect for finding bargains on textiles, spices, souvenirs, and handmade jewelry. Modern malls like Optimum Mall Izmir, Forum Bornova, and Mavibahce offer countless shops, bars, restaurants, cinemas, and play areas. Comfortable shoes are a must as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
Turkey offers many fantastic cities to visit, and Izmir should be high on your list. With its mix of ancient and modern, it offers something for everyone and is more westernized than some cities further east. It’s no wonder Izmir is gaining more attention, so perhaps it’s time you planned a visit.