Places to Visit in Izmir - History, Culture and City Routes

26.08.2026

Izmir; with its location on the Aegean coast, thousands of years of history, vibrant city life and important cultural destinations in its surroundings, is a city that is difficult to fit into just a few days. While discovering historic Izmir in Konak and Kemeralti, you can experience the city's modern life in Alsancak and along the Kordon; when you venture outside the city centre, you can reach important destinations such as Ephesus, Sirince and Bergama. If you are visiting Izmir for the first time, instead of planning your trip solely around a list of places to see, grouping nearby attractions on the same day will help you use your time more efficiently. Here are the main places you should definitely see in Izmir:

1. Konak Square and the Clock Tower

One of the best places to start your Izmir trip is Konak Square. The Izmir Clock Tower, the symbol of the square, was built in 1901 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Sultan Abdülhamid II's accession to the throne and is now one of the city's most recognisable landmarks. As you walk from Konak Square towards Kemeralti, you will encounter the Government House, Yali Mosque and the historic bazaar atmosphere. For this reason, rather than treating the Clock Tower as a standalone stop, it is more meaningful to plan it as a walking route covering Konak Square – Kemeralti – Kizlaragasi Han. Traveller's Note: This area is best explored on foot rather than simply passing through it by car. If you are heading towards Kemeralti, leaving your car at a suitable car park and continuing on foot will be more convenient.

2. Kemeralti Bazaar

Stretching from Konak Square to Mezarlikbasi, Kemeralti is Izmir's historic commercial centre. Centred around Anafartalar Street, the bazaar remains one of the city's liveliest areas with its inns, arcades, shops, places of worship and traditional dining spots. Kemeralti is worth visiting not only for shopping but also for experiencing Izmir's urban culture, which has continued from the past to the present. Taking a coffee break at Kizlaragasi Han, exploring the area around Havra Street and wandering through the bazaar's side streets will help you experience the atmosphere of the area more fully. Traveller's Note: Do not plan Kemeralti as a quick stop. It is better experienced as a walking route of several hours together with Konak Square, Kizlaragasi Han and the surrounding historic buildings.

3. Kadifekale and the Agora

Located on a hill in the south of Izmir, Kadifekale is one of the city's important sites, bringing together the history of ancient Smyrna and views of modern Izmir. The city, founded in the 4th century BC, contains traces from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods. One of Kadifekale's most striking features is its view extending towards Izmir Bay. After visiting the historic fortress, you can descend and also visit the Agora Archaeological Site. This allows you to see both the defensive structure and the archaeological remains associated with urban life in ancient Smyrna as part of the same trip. Traveller's Note: Do not consider Kadifekale only as a viewpoint. If you are interested in history, visiting Kadifekale and the Agora as part of the same itinerary will provide a more meaningful experience.

4. Alsancak and the Kordon

Alsancak and the Kordon are among the areas to visit if you want to experience Izmir's modern and social side, in contrast to its historic centre. You can walk along the Kordon, relax on the grassy areas by the sea or spend time in the cafés and restaurants in Alsancak's side streets. The area has a different atmosphere at different times of the day and becomes particularly lively after sunset. Traveller's Note: Alsancak and the Kordon are much more enjoyable to explore on foot rather than by car. Starting from Konak and walking along the Kordon towards Alsancak creates a pleasant route for experiencing Izmir's urban atmosphere.

5. Ephesus Ancient City

Located in Selçuk, Izmir, the Ancient City of Ephesus is one of the most important historic destinations to visit around Izmir. Structures such as the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, the Temple of Hadrian and the Terrace Houses reveal the scale and richness of Ephesus during the Roman period. Ephesus is also an important archaeological site included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Rather than allowing only a few hours for the ancient city itself, you can create a more comprehensive Selçuk itinerary combining Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary and Sirince. In the 2026 summer season, Ephesus also offers night museum visits. According to the current information from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, night visits take place on certain days between 19:00 and 23:00; it is advisable to check the current visiting hours and applicable days before your visit. Traveller's Note: Ephesus is a large archaeological site, so do not rush your visit. Especially in summer, choosing the cooler hours of the day can make the experience more comfortable.

6. Sirince

Sirince, a village in Selçuk, is a beautiful stop to consider after visiting Ephesus, with its stone houses, narrow streets, local products and village atmosphere. You can walk among the old Greek houses and streets that form the village's historic character, explore local products and enjoy the views of the surrounding landscape. Visiting Sirince on the same day as Ephesus can be time-efficient, especially for those visiting Izmir for only a few days. Traveller's Note: The streets in Sirince's historic centre are narrow and steep. Instead of trying to drive into the village centre, it may be more convenient to park in a suitable location and explore the village on foot.

7. Bergama and the Ancient City of Pergamon

Located in northern Izmir, Bergama is an important cultural destination that preserves the heritage of the ancient city of Pergamon. With significant sites such as the Acropolis, Asclepion and the Red Basilica, Pergamon sheds light on the history of science, culture and medicine in the ancient world. It is better to plan Bergama as a separate day trip rather than trying to fit it into the same day as other attractions in central Izmir. Because of the Acropolis's elevated location, it is also important to take walking and steep sections into account during your visit. Wearing comfortable shoes is particularly advisable when exploring the archaeological sites. Traveller's Note: Although it is possible to travel from central Izmir to Bergama and return in a day, planning Bergama as a destination in its own right rather than squeezing it into a short city trip will provide a more relaxed experience.

8. Karsiyaka and Bostanli

Karsiyaka offers a different experience for those who want to see Izmir's urban life and coastal culture. You can shop in Karsiyaka Carsi, walk along the waterfront and continue towards Bostanli to spend time by the sea. Bostanli Coast is particularly popular for walking, cycling and watching the sunset. A few hours may be enough to experience Karsiyaka's atmosphere, which differs from that of the city centre. Traveller's Note: Although it is possible to include Karsiyaka in the same day as Konak and Alsancak, exploring the two sides of the bay separately allows for a more relaxed pace. Bostanli waterfront can be a particularly pleasant option in the evening.

9. Goztepe and Guzelyali

Located along Izmir's southern coastline, Goztepe and Guzelyali are good alternatives for those who want to experience a quieter seaside atmosphere away from the city centre. You can walk along the waterfront, relax in the seaside parks and watch the sunset. The area offers a different experience from the city's main tourist centres and provides an opportunity to observe Izmir's everyday life and coastal culture more closely. Traveller's Note: There is no need to prepare a long itinerary for Goztepe and Guzelyali. Unlike a visit to the Kordon and Alsancak, you can consider this area for a more relaxed seaside walk.

Discovering Izmir

Izmir is a city that appeals to different interests with its historic heritage, waterfront neighbourhoods, cultural richness and natural attractions in and around the city. In addition to the options stretching from historic districts in the city centre to seaside neighbourhoods, important destinations around Izmir can also add different experiences to your travel itinerary. When visiting Izmir, instead of trying to fit every attraction into a short schedule, creating a route according to the length of your trip and your interests will provide a more enjoyable travel experience.

Car Rental in Izmir To explore Izmir according to your own itinerary, you can explore car rental options in Izmir.