Destination guideİzmir · Türkiye
28 Things to Do in İzmir (2026)
İzmir, located on the western coast of Turkey, contains archaeological evidence of settlement dating back 8,500 years, with recent excavations at Yeşilova Höyüğü identifying Neolithic communal living structures. Historically known as Smyrna, the city features the Agora Open Air Museum, a Roman-era marketplace rebuilt during the reign of Marcus Aurelius in 178 AD. The city's architecture includes the 1901 Clock Tower in Konak Square and the 1907 Asansör, a public elevator built to connect two coastal neighborhoods.
Updated September 24, 2026 · 28 places verified against live place data
- 28 spots
- 12 must-try dishes
- Researched September 2026
- 24 sources
The short answer
- Start with Tarihi Havagazı Fabrikası Kültür Merkezi (Alsancak), İzmir Historical Elevator Building (Turgut Reis) and İzmir Clock Tower (Konak), the places the research led with.
- For food, Boyoz and İzmir Kumru lead the must-try list; the full list of places to eat is on the İzmir food guide.
- The best time to visit İzmir is during the shoulder seasons of late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October), when the weather is warm and ideal for both sightseeing and coastal trips.
28 places worth your time in İzmir
Things to see and do
Tarihi Havagazı Fabrikası Kültür Merkezi
A restored 19th-century French gas factory that serves as a striking industrial-chic backdrop for photographers.
- Tarihi Havagazı Fabrikası Kültür MerkeziA restored 19th-century French gas factory that serves as a striking industrial-chic backdrop for photographers.
Umurbey Mahallesi, Alsancak, 35000 Konak/İzmir, Türkiye
İzmir Historical Elevator Building
Built in 1907 by Jewish businessman Nesim Levi Bayraklıoğlu, this historical brick and stone tower serves as a public elevator connecting the lower coastline to the steep hillside above.
- İzmir Historical Elevator BuildingBuilt in 1907 by Jewish businessman Nesim Levi Bayraklıoğlu, this historical brick and stone tower serves as a public elevator connecting the lower coastline to the steep hillside above.
Turgut Reis, Şht. Nihatbey Cd. 76/A, 35000 Konak/İzmir, Türkiye
İzmir Clock Tower
Located in the center of Konak Square, this ornate Ottoman-style clock tower is the definitive symbol of the city.
- İzmir Clock TowerLocated in the center of Konak Square, this ornate Ottoman-style clock tower is the definitive symbol of the city.
Konak, İzmir Saat Kulesi, 35360 Konak/İzmir, Türkiye
İnciraltı Kent Ormanı
A massive 620,000-square-meter urban forest located where the sea meets lush greenery at Yenikale Burnu.
- İnciraltı Kent OrmanıA massive 620,000-square-meter urban forest located where the sea meets lush greenery at Yenikale Burnu. It is a premier destination for active recreation, featuring extensive walking and bicycle paths, wooden bridges.
Bahçelerarası, Engelliler Mrk. İçi Yolu, 35330 Balçova/İzmir, Türkiye
Balçova Terapi Ormanı
A favorite for serious hikers and nature enthusiasts, this 'Therapy Forest' offers several trails of varying difficulty, including a popular route leading to a natural waterfall and another to ancient monastery ruins.
- Balçova Terapi OrmanıA favorite for serious hikers and nature enthusiasts, this 'Therapy Forest' offers several trails of varying difficulty, including a popular route leading to a natural waterfall and another to ancient monastery ruins.
Tırazlı, 35130 Karabağlar/İzmir, Türkiye
İzmir Kültür Sanat Fabrikası
This newly inaugurated cultural complex, housed in the historic Alsancak Tekel Factory, is the city's premier multidisciplinary art hub as of late 2026.
- İzmir Kültür Sanat FabrikasıThis newly inaugurated cultural complex, housed in the historic Alsancak Tekel Factory, is the city's premier multidisciplinary art hub as of late 2026.
Mimar Sinan, Atatürk Cd. No:5, 35220 Konak/İzmir, Türkiye
Bostanlı Kapalı Pazar Alanı
Known to locals as 'BOSPA,' this massive weekly open-air market is held every Wednesday and serves as a vibrant social and commercial heart of the city.
- Bostanlı Kapalı Pazar AlanıKnown to locals as 'BOSPA,' this massive weekly open-air market is held every Wednesday and serves as a vibrant social and commercial heart of the city.
Atakent, Bostanlı Kapalı Pazar Alanı, 35590 Karşıyaka/İzmir, Türkiye
Havra Sokak
A historic, narrow street within the Kemeraltı Bazaar district that has seen a recent resurgence as a hub for local food culture and historical exploration.
- Havra SokakA historic, narrow street within the Kemeraltı Bazaar district that has seen a recent resurgence as a hub for local food culture and historical exploration.
Havra Sk., 35360 Konak/İzmir, Türkiye
Lucien Arkas Sanat Merkezi
Located in a meticulously restored 19th-century French consulate building, this center is a cornerstone of the local art scene, hosting world-class temporary exhibitions.
- Lucien Arkas Sanat MerkeziLocated in a meticulously restored 19th-century French consulate building, this center is a cornerstone of the local art scene, hosting world-class temporary exhibitions.
Mistral Çarşı, Çınarlı, Ankara Asfaltı Cd D:1. Kat, 35170 Konak/İzmir, Türkiye
Izmir Archaeological Museum
This museum is essential for understanding the ancient history of Western Anatolia, housing an extensive collection of Hellenistic and Roman artifacts.
- Izmir Archaeological MuseumThis museum is essential for understanding the ancient history of Western Anatolia, housing an extensive collection of Hellenistic and Roman artifacts.
Bahri Baba Parkı, Konak Mahallesi, Halil Rıfat Paşa Cd. No:4, 35260 Konak/İzmir, Türkiye
Ege Üniversitesi Kağıt ve Kitap Sanatları Müzesi
Situated in the historic Ballian Residence, this specialized institution is the first of its kind in Türkiye, dedicated to the 2,000-year history of paper and bookmaking.
- Ege Üniversitesi Kağıt ve Kitap Sanatları MüzesiSituated in the historic Ballian Residence, this specialized institution is the first of its kind in Türkiye, dedicated to the 2,000-year history of paper and bookmaking.
Erzene, Gençlik Cd. No:4, 35040 Bornova/İzmir, Türkiye
İzmir Devlet Opera ve Balesi Elhamra Sahnesi
Set to be a defining modern landmark of the city in 2026, this contemporary structure in the Mavişehir district is designed with a 'biomimetic' approach inspired by the surrounding natural landscape.
- İzmir Devlet Opera ve Balesi Elhamra SahnesiSet to be a defining modern landmark of the city in 2026, this contemporary structure in the Mavişehir district is designed with a 'biomimetic' approach inspired by the surrounding natural landscape.
Konak, Milli Kütüphane Cd. No:37 D:39, 35250 Konak/İzmir, Türkiye
Kemeraltı Bazaar
This sprawling open-air market is one of the world's oldest and largest, operating since the 17th century.
- Kemeraltı BazaarThis sprawling open-air market is one of the world's oldest and largest, operating since the 17th century. It is a labyrinth of over 15.
Konak, Anafartalar Cd., 35250 Konak/İzmir, Türkiye
Arkas Sanat Göztepe
Çankaya Mah, Göztepe, Ayşe Mayda Sk. No:10, 35280 Konak/İzmir, Türkiye
Where to eat
See the full İzmir food guide: where to eat and what to order.
KORDONBOYU BALIK RESTORAN
This iconic seafront promenade is the social heart of the city, featuring a vast grassy expanse where locals gather for picnics and sunset viewing.
- KORDONBOYU BALIK RESTORANThis iconic seafront promenade is the social heart of the city, featuring a vast grassy expanse where locals gather for picnics and sunset viewing.
kordon, Alsancak, Atatürk Cd. No:174 B 1, 35220 Konak/İzmir, Türkiye
Zeynel Ergin Gevrek Fırını
Operating since the 19th century, this historic bakery is widely considered the gold standard for 'gevrek,' the İzmir version of a sesame-crusted bread ring.
- Zeynel Ergin Gevrek FırınıOperating since the 19th century, this historic bakery is widely considered the gold standard for 'gevrek,' the İzmir version of a sesame-crusted bread ring.
Alsancak, 1466. Sk. no: 2, 35220 Konak/İzmir, Türkiye
Urla Vino Locale
The first restaurant in İzmir to be awarded two Michelin Stars, this venue offers a high-gastronomy experience that harmonizes Aegean products with global influences.
- Urla Vino LocaleThe first restaurant in İzmir to be awarded two Michelin Stars, this venue offers a high-gastronomy experience that harmonizes Aegean products with global influences.
Kuşçular, 8037. Sk. No:3, 35430 Urla/İzmir, Türkiye
Alsancak Dostlar Fırını
An iconic bakery specializing in boyoz, a traditional Sephardic Jewish pastry that has become a staple of the city's identity.
- Alsancak Dostlar FırınıAn iconic bakery specializing in boyoz, a traditional Sephardic Jewish pastry that has become a staple of the city's identity.
Alsancak, Kıbrıs Şehitleri Caddesi 1469 Sok, Alsancak, Bornova Sokağı No:30, 35220 Konak/İzmir, Türkiye
Ayşa
A beloved local eatery specializing in authentic Bosnian-style pastries and home-cooked Balkan dishes.
- AyşaA beloved local eatery specializing in authentic Bosnian-style pastries and home-cooked Balkan dishes. Its signature 'Boşnak böreği' features thin, hand-rolled layers of dough stuffed with savory fillings like spinach or meat.
Güneş, Anafartalar Cd. Abacioglu Hanı No: 228 Z-15, 35250 Kemeralti/İzmir, Türkiye
İzmir Deniz Restaurant
A legendary waterfront establishment on the Kordon that has defined İzmir's seafood scene for decades.
- İzmir Deniz RestaurantA legendary waterfront establishment on the Kordon that has defined İzmir's seafood scene for decades. It is the definitive location for fresh daily catches, expertly prepared mezes, and a panoramic view of the Aegean Sea.
İzmir Palas Oteli, Kültür, Atatürk Cd. No: 188/B Zemin Kat, 35220 Konak/İzmir, Türkiye
Çelebi Unlu Mamuller
The birthplace of the 'İzmir Bombası,' a viral dessert consisting of a thin, crispy dough shell filled with warm, flowing chocolate hazelnut cream.
- Çelebi Unlu MamullerThe birthplace of the 'İzmir Bombası,' a viral dessert consisting of a thin, crispy dough shell filled with warm, flowing chocolate hazelnut cream.
Alsancak, Kıbrıs Şehitleri Cd. 185/A, 35220 Konak/İzmir, Türkiye
Kokorecci Asim Usta
Consistently ranked as the best spot for kokoreç in the city, this no-frills institution is where locals go for perfectly grilled, spiced lamb intestines.
- Kokorecci Asim UstaConsistently ranked as the best spot for kokoreç in the city, this no-frills institution is where locals go for perfectly grilled, spiced lamb intestines.
Rafet Paşa, Burak Reis Cd. No:226A, 35500 Bornova/İzmir, Türkiye
TERUAR URLA
Kuşçular, 8028. Sk. No:16, 35430 Urla/İzmir, Türkiye
OD Urla
A Michelin-starred 'farm-to-table' pioneer where the kitchen is centered around a massive open wood fire.
Süt Pınarı Mevkii, Rüstem, 2018/9 Sokak No:28, 35430 Urla/İzmir, Türkiye
FARO7 Bistro
Bahçelerarası, Ay Sk. No:3, 35330 Balçova/İzmir, Türkiye
Shops and markets
Konak Pier
Originally designed in 1890 by the legendary French engineer Gustave Eiffel to serve as a customs house, this building is a significant example of 19th-century industrial metalwork.
- Konak PierOriginally designed in 1890 by the legendary French engineer Gustave Eiffel to serve as a customs house, this building is a significant example of 19th-century industrial metalwork.
Pier AVM, Konak, Atatürk Cd. No:19, 35260 Konak/İzmir, Türkiye
İstinyePark İzmir
A premier modern shopping destination that combines a sleek glass-domed interior with a lush outdoor lifestyle street.
- İstinyePark İzmirA premier modern shopping destination that combines a sleek glass-domed interior with a lush outdoor lifestyle street. It hosts a curated mix of over 300 international luxury fashion houses and high-end Turkish designers.
BAHÇELERARASI MH ŞEHİT BİNBAŞI ALİ RESMİ TUFAN SOK. NO:3, Bahçelerarası, 35330 Balçova/İzmir, Türkiye
Hilltown Shopping Mall
Awarded for its innovative design, this hybrid shopping center blends closed retail spaces with sun-lit open-air squares and pergolas.
- Hilltown Shopping MallAwarded for its innovative design, this hybrid shopping center blends closed retail spaces with sun-lit open-air squares and pergolas.
Yalı, 35550 Karşıyaka/İzmir, Türkiye
Researched by Varedelo
Planning notes for İzmir
Must-try foods in İzmir
- BoyozThe quintessential İzmir breakfast pastry with Sephardic Jewish roots. It is a flaky, unleavened bun made from flour, water, and plenty of oil, typically served with a side of hard-boiled eggs heavily seasoned with black pepper. While plain is traditional, modern versions in 2026 often feature fillings like eggplant, spinach, or chocolate.
- İzmir KumruA unique sandwich made with a chickpea-fermented sourdough bread shaped like a dove (kumru). The classic version is served cold with İzmir tulum cheese, tomatoes, and green peppers, while the popular 'Çeşme' style is grilled hot with sucuk (spicy sausage), salami, and melted kaşar cheese.
- Gevrekİzmir’s answer to the simit. Unlike its Istanbul cousin, gevrek is dipped in boiling molasses (pekmez) before being coated in sesame seeds and baked, resulting in a significantly crunchier, 'crispier' (hence the name) texture. Locals are famously protective of the name 'gevrek' over 'simit'.
- SöğüşA cold street food delicacy made from boiled tongue, cheek, and brain (kelle). The meat is finely chopped and mixed with plenty of parsley, onions, tomatoes, and a heavy dusting of cumin and red pepper, then wrapped in a fresh lavaş. The Kemeraltı Bazaar remains the spiritual home for the best söğüş masters.
- İzmir KöfteA comforting, traditional dish of oblong-shaped meatballs baked in a tray with potato wedges, green peppers, and tomatoes in a rich tomato-based sauce. Unlike many other Turkish köfte varieties, this one is defined by its juicy, oven-braised texture rather than being grilled.
- ŞambaliA dense, semolina-based cake soaked in syrup, often topped with a single almond or peanut. It is a staple of İzmir’s street dessert culture, typically sold from glass-fronted carts. Locals often enjoy it with a layer of 'kaymak' (clotted cream) sandwiched in the middle.
Trip guide
Visit İzmirVisit İzmirThe official tourism portal for İzmir and its districts, including Konak, providing comprehensive guides to historical sites, culture, and local attractions.
Where to eat in İzmir: the dishes and their linked places.
When to visit İzmir
- The best time to visit İzmir is during the shoulder seasons of late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October), when the weather is warm and ideal for both sightseeing and coastal trips. Summer (July and August) can be intensely hot with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F), while winters are mild but frequently rainy. To avoid the high prices and heavy crowds of the peak summer tourism rush, aim for May or September for the best balance of pleasant swimming temperatures and manageable foot traffic.
Getting around İzmir
- İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) Located 18km south of the city, this major international hub connects İzmir to global destinations. Travelers can reach the city center via the IZBAN commuter rail, HAVAŞ shuttle buses, or the 24-hour public bus lines 200, 202, and 204.
- İzmir Metro and İZBAN Rail Network The city features an efficient underground metro line running east-west and the İZBAN suburban train which spans 136km from north to south. Both systems require an 'İzmirim Kart' for payment and provide rapid transit across major districts.
- İzmir Ferry Services (İzdeniz) Public passenger and car ferries offer a scenic and practical way to bypass traffic between coastal hubs like Konak, Karşıyaka, Alsancak, and Bostanlı. They operate frequently throughout the day and accept the standard İzmirim Kart for boarding.
Things to know before you go
- Purchase an İzmirim Kart at the airport or major stations to access the integrated network of ferries, trams, and metro lines, as most vehicles do not accept cash.
- Take advantage of the 120-minute free transfer window on public transport, which allows you to switch between different modes like the ferry and tram for a single fare.
- When dining, it is customary to order several small meze plates to share with the table rather than individual main courses for each person.
- Always use your right hand for eating and passing shared dishes, as the left hand is traditionally reserved for personal hygiene.
- Maintain general safety by keeping valuables secure in crowded areas like the Kemeraltı Bazaar and using official yellow taxis with active meters.
What’s new in İzmir (September 2026)
- Vino Locale: Recently elevated to Two Michelin Stars, becoming the first restaurant in İzmir to achieve this distinction in the 2026 Guide.
- İzmir Book Expo (İZKİTAP): A major literary event currently running at Kültürpark from September 19 to 27, 2026.
- Rooftop Festival İzmir: A multi-venue music and lifestyle festival taking place across various city terraces on September 26, 2026.
- Future Fish Eurasia: The 13th International Fair for Fisheries and Aquaculture, running at Fuar İzmir from September 24 to 26, 2026.
Research receipt
How this İzmir guide was researched
- Live web search, 14 of 14 research areas completed.
- Places verified against real place data — address, hours and coordinates come from the place record, not the article.
- Researched September 2026. A newer build for İzmir replaces this page automatically.
Sources checked
Planning questions
What is İzmir known for?
İzmir, located on the western coast of Turkey, contains archaeological evidence of settlement dating back 8,500 years, with recent excavations at Yeşilova Höyüğü identifying Neolithic communal living structures. Historically known as Smyrna, the city features the Agora Open Air Museum, a Roman-era marketplace rebuilt during the reign of Marcus Aurelius in 178 AD.
What should I eat in İzmir?
Start with Boyoz, İzmir Kumru, Gevrek, and Söğüş. Each dish on this page lists the places known for it.
When is the best time to visit İzmir?
The best time to visit İzmir is during the shoulder seasons of late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October), when the weather is warm and ideal for both sightseeing and coastal trips. Summer (July and August) can be intensely hot with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F), while winters are mild but frequently rainy.
How do I get around İzmir?
Located 18km south of the city, this major international hub connects İzmir to global destinations. İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB); İzmir Metro and İZBAN Rail Network; İzmir Ferry Services (İzdeniz).
How many places are on this İzmir map?
28 places, each with an address, hours where known, and a line on why it was picked. The map in the app shows them by status so you can walk to the nearest one.
How was this İzmir guide researched?
Live web research across 14 research areas, cross-checked against real place data, citing 24 sources. Researched September 2026.