Izmir
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At a glance
- Country
- Turkey
- Region
- Aegean
- Population
- 3 million
- Best time to go
- April to June, September to October
- Main airport
- Izmir Adnan Menderes (ADB)
- Coordinates
- 38.42°N, 27.14°E
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Overview
Izmir, the ancient Smyrna, curves around a deep bay on the Aegean coast. It is Turkey's third city and its most easy-going, a place of seafront promenades, ferries and long evenings over meze.
It makes an excellent base for Ephesus and the coast. Spend a day in the old bazaar and on the waterfront, then head out to the ruins and beach towns around it.
Things to see
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Photo: Olgunkin, CC BY-SA 3.0 Kemeraltı
A vast historic bazaar of lanes, mosques, han courtyards and old coffee houses.
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Photo: Mors et Vita, CC BY 4.0 Izmir Clock Tower
The ornate Ottoman clock tower in Konak Square, the symbol of the city.
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Photo: Unknown photographer, CC BY-SA 3.0 Agora of Smyrna
Columns and vaulted arcades of the Roman marketplace, close to the bazaar.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Mr. E. Unlu, CC BY 3.0 Kadifekale
A hilltop fortress on the site of ancient Smyrna's acropolis, with sweeping views of the bay.
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Photo: A.Savin, FAL Asansör
A historic lift climbing a cliff in the old Jewish quarter, with a café and views at the top.
Things to do
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Photo: A.Savin, FAL Walk the Kordon
The seafront promenade from Konak to Alsancak, best at sunset with locals picnicking on the grass.
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Photo: Benh LIEU SONG, CC BY-SA 3.0 Day trip to Ephesus
One of the greatest Roman cities in the Mediterranean, around an hour south.
Find tours -
Photo: Cüneyt Türksen, CC BY 3.0 Ride the ferries
Cross the bay to Karşıyaka on a commuter ferry for cheap views of the city.
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Photo: Write it Right UAE, CC BY-SA 4.0 Day trip to Alaçatı
A pretty stone village on the Çeşme peninsula, with boutique shops and windsurfing.
Where to stay
Alsancak
Lively streets of bars and restaurants near the Kordon.
Hotels in AlsancakKonak
Central, near the bazaar and clock tower.
Hotels in KonakKarşıyaka
A local, residential feel across the bay, linked by ferry.
Hotels in Karşıyaka
Getting around
The metro, trams, İZBAN trains and ferries all use the İzmirim card. The centre is flat and good for walking.
İZBAN suburban trains run from the airport to the centre in around 30 minutes.
When to go
Spring and autumn are warm and ideal for sightseeing. July and August are hot, while winters are mild and sometimes wet.
Plan your trip to Izmir
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.