Izmir, Turkey: Things to Do, Beaches & Day Trips

Izmir is Turkey’s third-largest city and one of the country’s most relaxed Aegean destinations. Set around a wide bay, the city combines a lively waterfront, historic neighbourhoods, ancient sites and a strong food culture.

It is also a useful base for exploring western Turkey, with destinations such as Ephesus, Çeşme, Alaçatı and Pergamon within reach.

Where Is Izmir?

Izmir sits on Turkey’s Aegean coast in western Anatolia, around 480 km southwest of Istanbul.

Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) is the city's main international airport, with connections to destinations across Turkey and Europe.

How to Get from Izmir Airport to the City

Izmir Airport is around 18 km south of the city centre.

You can reach the city by İZBAN train, bus, taxi or private transfer. The journey time depends on your destination and traffic.

A private transfer can be convenient if you are travelling with luggage or heading directly to your hotel.

Best Things to Do in Izmir

1. Visit Ephesus

Ephesus is one of the most important ancient sites in Turkey and one of the main reasons travellers visit the Izmir region.

The ancient city contains the famous Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, marble streets and remains of Roman-era buildings.

Allow several hours if you want to explore the site properly.

2. Walk Along the Kordon

The Kordon waterfront is one of Izmir's favourite meeting places.

The promenade is lined with cafés, restaurants, grass areas and places to sit overlooking the bay. Visit around sunset and you will see locals gathering for an evening walk or meal.

3. Explore Kemeraltı Bazaar

Kemeraltı is Izmir's historic market district and one of the best places to experience the city's everyday atmosphere.

The streets contain shops, cafés, traditional restaurants, historic buildings and religious sites. It is much more than a place to shop, so give yourself time to wander without a fixed route.

4. See Kadifekale

Kadifekale, or Velvet Castle, sits on a hill overlooking Izmir.

The remains date back to the Hellenistic period and the elevated position provides impressive views across the city and bay.

5. Visit the Agora of Smyrna

The Agora of Smyrna is an ancient Roman marketplace in the centre of modern Izmir.

The surviving columns, arches and underground vaulted areas offer an interesting glimpse into ancient Smyrna.

6. Explore Çeşme & Alaçatı

The Çeşme Peninsula is one of the most popular coastal areas near Izmir.

Çeşme is known for beaches, clear water and its historic castle, while Alaçatı is famous for stone houses, boutique hotels, restaurants and windsurfing.

The area makes an excellent day trip or an alternative place to stay.

7. Visit Kuşadası

Kuşadası lies south of Izmir and is a popular Aegean resort town.

It has beaches, a marina, restaurants and easy access to Ephesus, making it possible to combine the two destinations in one trip.

8. Discover Izmir's Food Scene

Food is a big part of experiencing Izmir.

Try local favourites such as boyoz, a flaky pastry traditionally eaten for breakfast, and kumru, a toasted sesame bread sandwich associated with the Aegean region.

The Kemeraltı area is also a good place to look for traditional Turkish dishes and small local restaurants.

Best Beaches Near Izmir

• Ilıca Beach, Çeşme – Shallow water and a long sandy beach, popular with families.
• Altınkum Beach – Known for clear water and golden sand.
• Alaçatı – Particularly popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
• Mordoğan – A quieter coastal area away from the busiest resorts.
• Özdere – A long coastal area south of Izmir with several beaches and resorts.

Where to Stay in Izmir

Alsancak & Kordon – Best for restaurants, cafés, nightlife and the waterfront.

Konak – Convenient for historical sights, Kemeraltı and central Izmir.

Alaçatı – Ideal for boutique hotels, restaurants and a smaller village atmosphere.

Çeşme – Better suited to a traditional beach holiday and resort-style accommodation.

Where to Eat in Izmir

Izmir has a strong Aegean food culture, with plenty of seafood, vegetables, olive oil-based dishes and local specialities.

Try:

• Boyoz for breakfast
• Kumru for a quick local meal
• Fresh seafood along the Kordon
• Traditional lokantas around Kemeraltı
• Aegean cuisine in Alaçatı

One of the best ways to eat in Izmir is to follow where locals are eating rather than only looking for the most famous restaurants.

Best Time to Visit Izmir

April–May: Pleasant temperatures and excellent for sightseeing.

June: Warm and increasingly suitable for beach trips.

July–August: Hot and busy, particularly along the coast.

September–October: Warm weather and comfortable conditions for exploring.

November–March: Cooler and quieter, with occasional rain.

For sightseeing and day trips, April–June and September–October are particularly comfortable.

Getting Around Izmir

Metro – Useful for travelling around the city.

İZBAN – Connects the airport with Izmir and several surrounding areas, including Selçuk for Ephesus.

Ferries – Connect different parts of Izmir Bay and are a pleasant way to travel.

Taxi – Widely available and metered.

Car rental – Useful if you plan to explore destinations outside the city.

Private transfer – Convenient for airport journeys and longer day trips.

Best Day Trips from Izmir

Ephesus – Around 80 km south of Izmir and one of Turkey's most important archaeological sites.

Çeşme & Alaçatı – Beaches, restaurants, windsurfing and historic streets.

Kuşadası – A lively coastal town and useful base for visiting Ephesus.

Pergamon – An important ancient city north of Izmir with impressive archaeological remains.

Pamukkale – Famous for its white travertine terraces and ancient Hierapolis, although it is a considerably longer day trip.

Izmir Travel Tips

• Get an İzmirim Kart if you plan to use public transport regularly.
• Try boyoz in the morning when it is fresh.
• Spend an evening around the Kordon to experience the city like a local.
• Start early when visiting Ephesus during the summer.
• Consider combining Ephesus with Şirince or Selçuk if you have extra time.
• If you plan to explore Çeşme, Alaçatı and other coastal areas, renting a car can give you more flexibility.

Getting to Izmir Airport

When it is time to leave, allow enough time for your journey to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, particularly during busy periods.

If you prefer to arrange your airport journey in advance, TTTurs offers private transfers to and from Izmir Airport and destinations across western Turkey.