For most travelers, Izmir is a stopover: you land at the airport, then head to Çeşme, Ephesus or the resort towns to the south. In our video we wanted to break that habit a little, because Izmir itself deserves at least a day or two. In this guide we cover the city center first, then two big destinations you can easily reach from Izmir: Alaçatı and Ephesus.
A day in the city center
Morning: Konak Square and Kemeraltı
The Clock Tower in the video’s opening shot is Izmir’s symbol and the ideal place to start your day. After seeing the Yalı Mosque right next to it, dive into Kemeraltı Bazaar. The heart of trade for centuries, this bazaar is a maze of caravanserais, courtyards, synagogues and small shops. A Turkish coffee break at Kızlarağası Han is the market’s classic stop.
Midday: Kadifekale and the Historic Elevator
Kadifekale, on the hill above the city, is one of the places we highlighted in the video for its panoramic view of the entire bay. You can also go at sunset, but taking public transportation or a taxi up the hill is easier. The Historic Elevator (Asansör) building in the Karataş neighborhood offers a short but enjoyable stop, with great views and the nearby Dario Moreno Street.
Evening: The Kordon and Alsancak
The place that best captures Izmir’s spirit is the Kordon, the seafront promenade. Strolling here in the late afternoon and sitting on the grass to watch the sunset is an Izmir ritual. The streets of Alsancak just behind it, full of restaurants and cafés, are a great place to continue your evening. Taking the ferry across to Karşıyaka to see the bay from the water is another must.
If you have one more day: Pergamon or Urla
About a two-hour drive north, Pergamon (Bergama), with its acropolis, Asklepion and Red Basilica, is an ancient city on the UNESCO World Heritage List. For a quieter day, Urla, on the road to Çeşme, has become a rising star in recent years with its wine route, art street and local restaurants.
Day trip 1: Çeşme and Alaçatı
About an hour’s drive west of central Izmir, at the tip of the peninsula, lies Çeşme. Alaçatı, which you see in the video, is known for its stone houses, windmills and narrow streets, and it’s one of the best-known windsurfing spots in Türkiye. Alaçatı’s streets get very crowded in summer; mornings are better for photos. Çeşme Castle and Ilıca Beach fit into the same day.
Day trip 2: Ephesus and Şirince
The ancient city of Ephesus, in the district of Selçuk south of Izmir, is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is one of the best-preserved ancient cities of the Mediterranean world. The façade of the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater and the Terrace Houses are the most-visited sections. After Ephesus, you can add the nearby House of the Virgin Mary and Şirince, a mountain village known for its wineries, to the same day.
- There’s little shade at Ephesus; in summer, arriving close to opening time is the best way to avoid the midday heat.
- Remember that the Terrace Houses require a separate ticket; entry fees and hours change, so check official sources.
To compare guided Ephesus tours and other activities: tours departing from Izmir.
Getting to Izmir and getting around
Adnan Menderes Airport is connected to the city center by the İZBAN commuter train and buses. To compare flights: flights to Izmir. Within the city, the metro, trams, İZBAN, buses and ferries all use the same card system. You can reach Selçuk on İZBAN; for Çeşme, a bus or rental car is more practical.
Where to stay
- Alsancak: Walking distance to the Kordon and restaurants; the center of city life.
- Konak: Close to Kemeraltı and transit connections.
- Çeşme or Alaçatı: If your focus is a beach vacation.
- Selçuk: A quiet base for a trip centered on Ephesus and Şirince.
To compare options: hotels in Izmir.
When to go
Izmir’s summers are hot; spring and fall are far more pleasant for city sightseeing and ancient sites. For swimming, June to September is ideal. The wind blows hard in Alaçatı most days; that’s a plus if you surf, but for beach time, choose sheltered coves.
Practical tips
Some shops in Kemeraltı may be closed on Sundays, so visiting the bazaar on a weekday is a livelier experience. If you’re putting Ephesus and Çeşme in the same week, add a city day between them so the long drives don’t come back to back.
Who we recommend Izmir for
Izmir is a very convenient base if you want to stay in one place and get city life, the sea and history all at once. If you like being part of local life rather than crowded resort towns, you’ll love evenings on the Kordon and the bustle of Kemeraltı. If you only want a beach vacation, though, heading straight to Çeşme or the resort towns of the southern Aegean may suit you better.
Our video shows Izmir’s most popular spots together. Decide which neighborhood feels right for you while watching, then round out your plans with the day-trip suggestions in this article.
Don’t leave without trying
Izmir’s own boyoz pastry with a hard-boiled egg is a breakfast classic. Add the kumru sandwich, gevrek (Izmir’s name for simit) and the Aegean’s olive-oil-braised wild greens to your list. The esnaf lokantası (tradesmen’s restaurants) in Kemeraltı are among the best options for both flavor and budget.
