Blog | Visit İzmir

How to Spend a Day in Izmir?

Weeks are not enough to fully enjoy Izmir. However, what if you had limited time in this beautiful city? Here is a plan for you to live İzmir to the fullest in just one day. The first destination: Konak! If you came to Izmir by plane, you can reach Konak by taking a cab or İZBAN. If you're in the bus terminal, you can take bus...

Street Musicians of Izmir

While wandering around Izmir, it is possible to come across talented street musicians on almost every corner In Konak, Alsancak or Karşıyaka, you can see musicians playing alone or as a band at any time of the day or night. Headed among these names is Uncle Sado, who often makes you feel nostalgic and sometimes cheers you up with the...

Sports Clubs of Izmir

There are many sports clubs born in Izmir, one of Turkey’s healthiest cities, and made a name internationally Altay Sports Club Established in Izmir on January 16, 1914, under the name of Altay İdman Yurdu, the club achieved significant success, especially in football. Seven-times finalist and two-times winner of the Turkish Cup,...

Izmir's Firsts

İzmir has hosted many ‘firsts’ in many fields throughout history. Here are some of the ‘firsts’ associated with 'Beautiful Izmir' 1. The first bullet of the War of Independence was fired in Izmir The first bullet of the War of Independence was fired in Izmir by journalist Hasan Tahsin, whose real name...

Books About Izmir

Here are the most famous books that tell the history of Izmir or consist of stories that take place in Izmir On the Quai at Smyrna and Other Stories (Ernest Hemingway) In this book, which consists of the stories of one of the greatest novelists of the 20th century, Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winner Ernest Hemingway, the story “On...

Fizzy Drinks of Izmir

Although the local fizzy drinks are not as common as they used to be in Turkey, Izmir still continues with this tradition. Here are the local fizzy drinks of Izmir. Local sodas and fizzy drinks are still served in the traditional coffee shops or buffets in Turkey. The locals of each city are familiar and fond of consuming these sodas...

Food You Should Taste During Your Vacation in Izmir

When you are in Izmir, do not forget to try the magnificent flavors of the Aegean cuisine while enjoying the beautiful weather and the sea of the city. Boyoz İzmir’s boyoz, which has a history of almost 500 years, is also a registered trademark since 2017. It's made by baking round pieces of dough which consist of wheat...

10 Places to Discover in Winter

With its wonderful climate, İzmir is a destination that you can enjoy during the winter as well. Here are 10 places waiting to be discovered in Izmir during the winter. 1. Thermal Springs Turkey has great importance in terms of thermal springs and İzmir is a city with thousands of years of experience in thermal springs and therapy...

20 Best Things to Do in Izmir for Less than 50 TL

There is no need to spend a lot of money to enjoy Izmir. Here are 20 wonderful activities that can be done with a budget of 50 liras 1. See Izmir from the Historical Elevator The Historical Elevator is one of the places where the magnificent view of the Gulf can be enjoyed. Here you can have a nice time dining with a fascinating view...

Things You Didn’t Know About Izmir

Let’s talk about some features of the ‘Beautiful Izmir’ that are not known by many people. 'Beautiful Izmir' nickname goes back a very long time İzmir has been a city that has fascinated people since ancient times. "They founded their city in the most beautiful sky and the best climate in the world."...

Universities of Izmir

Izmir, one of the most modern and educated cities in Turkey, has 10 universities. 1. Dokuz Eylül University Founded in 1982, Dokuz Eylül University educates brilliant minds for the fields such as health, economy, arts, and engineering. As of today, the faculties within the university are as follows: Buca Faculty of Education,...

Forest Walk Routes in Izmir

For hiking enthusiasts, İzmir promises lush green routes in forests just outside the city center. Among the go-to areas for hiking are Ödemiş Bozdağlar, Gölcük Lake, Nif Mountain, Kozak Plateau, Karaburun Peninsula, Balçova-Narlıdere ridges, Buca and its villages, Güzelbahçe and its villages...

Being a University Student in Izmir

When the quality of the universities and the quality of the living standards are considered together, Izmir is the most ideal city for university life in Turkey. Here are some of the numerous privileges enjoyed by those who spent their university life in Izmir... 1. Gorgeous Weather Being a student in Izmir, which is sunny for 300 days...

Cycling Routes in Izmir

In 2019, İzmir became a part of the European Cycle Route Network (EuroVelo) thanks to its efforts for the development of cycling tourism. If you want to explore the city in a fun and healthy way, you can try one of the numerous routes where you can take the wind behind you and ride your bike freely in the city center or in the...

Towns and Villages Where You Can Have An Isolated Vacation in Izmir

No matter what you expect from a vacation, there is a perfect option for you in Izmir. In addition to around the clock busy holiday resorts such as Alaçatı, many quiet spots appeal to those who want to spend a peaceful time in this beautiful city to feel rested and renewed. Here are the destinations where you can take an isolated...

Daily Attractions One Hour Away From Izmir City Center

İzmir is a paradise not only with its city center but also with its hidden beauties all around. Here are the 10 most beautiful destinations that you can reach in just one hour from Izmir city center to have a quiet and peaceful day. 1. Sığacık (Seferihisar) Sığacık is a fisherman village located in Seferihisar, Turkey's first...

Fish Species of Izmir Coasts

Countless fish species live in the waters of İzmir, which has a coastline of 629 kilometers. In Izmir, the pearl of the Aegean, which is richer than the Marmara and the Black Sea with the Mediterranean in terms of fish species diversity, there are over 200 fish species in the Gulf and its surroundings. Fishing in the bay, which is the...

10 Details Beautifying İzmir in Autumn

While the summer rush leaves its place to the calm and peaceful atmosphere of autumn, Izmir gets even more beautiful. Here are 10 details that make Izmir gorgeous in autumn. 1. Autumn means a quieter summer Even though the season turns from summer to autumn, summer does not end in September in Izmir. So much so that the average...

An Autumn Vacation in Izmir

Autumn is a great season to enjoy Izmir. On the one hand, you can still keep up with the most popular summer activities and feel like a tourist, on the other hand, you can enjoy the city like an Izmirian as the city life gradually returns to its original routine. Here are the activities that will liven up your autumn vacation in...

Top 10 Activities to Do in the Evening in Izmir

We have compiled the best 10 activities to do in Izmir in the evening to get ready for a pleasant night while relieving the tiredness of the day. 1. Lie down on the grass in Kordon When the sun starts to go down and the weather starts to cool, the people of Izmir love to lie down on the grass in Kordon. If you'd like to spend quiet...

What Precautions To Take While On Vacation

As the pandemic entered the decline period in Turkey, the tourism industry has awakened. Nevertheless, there are extra precautions we need to take while going on vacation during this period, which is called "the new normal". Let's talk about the necessary preparations for a peaceful holiday. If you are going to use any...

Vacation Preparations for Families with Children During the Pandemic

With the pandemic's spreading speed decreasing, families with children have also begun to make vacation plans. After talking about the Precautions To Take While On Vacation, let's talk about the things that families with children should pay attention to before going on vacation. First step: Health checks Pediatric Health and...

A Summer Vacation in Çeşme

Located just about 95 kilometers from İzmir, Çeşme is one of the most important tourism destinations not only in Izmir but in the whole Aegean region thanks to its easily accessible location, turquoise sea and golden beaches, beautiful bays reminiscent of paradise, healing waters, lush nature, colorful nightlife, and sports...

Best Places to Meditate in the Nature

The most important feature of Izmir that makes it a tourism paradise is that Izmir can meet all kinds of expectations for a perfect vacation. Other than the countless activities you can do in public at the beaches, shopping malls, restaurants, museums, and festival areas, there are also countless spots in Izmir where you can find peace...

A Delicious Start To The Day: Izmir Breakfast

What better way to start a wonderful day in the Pearl of the Aegean than with a delicious Izmir breakfast? Here are the best Izmir breakfast options. 1. Boyoz İzmir’s boyoz, which has a history of almost 500 years, is also a registered trademark since 2017. It's made by baking round pieces of dough which consist of wheat...

Historical Buildings to See in Izmir’s City Center

Thanks to its history of thousands of years, İzmir presents itself with a historical building in every corner. Some of these buildings are waiting for their visitors in the city center and some in the surrounding districts. Here are the famous historical buildings you can see in Izmir’s city center. Historical Kemeraltı...

Open-Air Museums of Izmir

With its thousands of years of history, Izmir has traces of countless different civilizations and conveys this heritage to its guests through museums spread all over the city. Some of the museums in Izmir are fully or partially open-air museums. After kindly reminding you that you can check the architectural sites in Izmir, which are...

10 Reasons to Visit Izmir In Summer

Welcoming guests for most of the year thanks to its suitable climate, The Beautiful İzmir is even more charming in summer. Here are 10 reasons to visit İzmir in summer. 1. Paradise of Beaches İzmir has a coastline of 629 kilometers in total! Add to that a climate that allows swimming during the majority of the year, İzmir becomes one...

New Normal's New Favorite Activity: Camping and Caravan Vacations

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many habits of ours. During this period which is called "the new normal", it is very natural that our vacation habits change as well. Nowadays, many people prefer camping in nature instead of staying in crowded hotels. Here are 10 addresses where you can stay in Izmir, either in your tent, by...

Holiday in Izmir in Post-COVID-19 Era

With the center of the Covid-19 pandemic shifting from Europe to North America and then to South America, Europe's leading tourism destinations are opening their doors to the visitors. Turkey, one of the countries which have managed the pandemic very well, has lifted the international and national travel bans and has started to...

How Did The Pandemic Affect Tourism?

The COVID-19 pandemic that has affected the whole world also has hurt tourism in Turkey. However, Turkey, and especially Izmir, have been amongst the countries and cities that have managed the pandemic very well, thanks to the precautions taken at the right time and in the light of the recommendations of the scientists, and its people...

The Orange Circle Era Starts in Izmir

To present healthy and reliable tourism in the city after the COVID-19 pandemic, The Orange Circle certification program has started for the restaurants, cafés, bars, and hotels in Turkey's paradise-like holiday destination, Izmir. Within the scope of the program, the Izmir Tourism Hygiene Board was established with the...

Motorcycle Routes of Izmir

For those who love to live life on two wheels, many motorcycle routes are waiting to be discovered in İzmir. 1. Ancient Cities Route This route, which starts from Çeşme Port, brings together the important ancient cities of İzmir. From the low traffic backroads of Çeşme, you can reach Urla Port and take a break at the...

Democracy and İzmir

Having met with democracy in the Ancient Age, İzmir is still one of the most democratic cities in Turkey. Emerging in the 9th century BC and composed of Macedonia, Thrace, Phrygia, Mysia, Lydia, Caria and Ionia, the Helen Civilization was a civilization that covered both sides of the Aegean Sea. With this civilization, not only...

The Historical Mansions of İzmir

Let's get to know the historical mansions of İzmir, which are the legacy of the Levantines. Aliotti Mansion The Aliotti family came from Florence to İzmir some 200 years ago and lived in Bornova, Buca, and Karşıyaka. It is known that the Aliotti Mansion, located opposite the Karşıyaka Wedding House at the exit of Reşadiye, was...

Atatürk and İzmir

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the modern Republic of Turkey loved İzmir very much and vice versa. Here is “İzmir in the life of Atatürk." According to the information compiled by Dr. Eren Akçiçek in his work titled "İzmir in the Life of Atatürk", Mustafa Kemal came t...

Cittaslow Philosophy and Izmir

The Seferihisar district of İzmir is the first Turkish member of the Cittaslow network The Slow City (Cittaslow) movement, which emerged upon the chaos brought by consumption-oriented modern life, creating unhappiness and restlessness instead of happiness and peace in our lives, is a philosophy that advocates that life should be lived...

10 Interesting Facts about İzmir

Here are 10 facts about the beautiful İzmir which not many people are aware of. 1. The oldest clock tower in İzmir is not the one you think The Clock Tower in Konak is the most important symbol of Izmir, but it is not the oldest one in the city. The oldest of the four clock towers you can find in the city is the Alsancak Railway...

Cats of Izmir

The hospitable, tolerant and modern people of İzmir live in peace and harmony with all the creatures of the city. Especially with the cats! Compared with many Western countries, Turkey is an extraordinary place where stray animals roam freely and live side by side with people. In every corner of the country, apart from the...

Famous Philosophers who lived in İzmir

Did you know that some of the most important philosophers of the Ancient Age lived in İzmir? Homer Homer, one of the most famous names who lived in Izmir, is the author of important epics, the first great works of Western literature such as Iliad and Odyssey. According to the English scientist George Thomson’s book,...

10 Best Selfie Spots in İzmir

The background of some photos means everything. Here are the 10 best selfie spots in İzmir that will make everyone envy you. 1. The Clock Tower The first structure that comes to mind when it comes to İzmir is undoubtedly the Clock Tower, which is located in Konak Square, the heart of İzmir. Therefore, if you had a chance to take only...

Extreme Sports Destinations in İzmir

If you are an extreme sports enthusiast, there are many options for you in İzmir. Surfing When it comes to surfing, İzmir is one of the best destinations in the World. Çeşme is the capital of surfing in Turkey. Çeşme Bays, especially Alaçatı, Ilıca, and Pırlanta, look like as if they were created for surfing. They...

A Summer Vacation in Alaçatı

If you have never been to Alaçatı, one of the most popular vacation spots in Turkey, it means you have never had a true holiday experience. People say "its fame exceeds the borders of Turkey" for many places. However, not many of them live up to this reputation. However, when it comes to Alaçatı, we can easily...

Enjoy İzmir After a Business Trip

If you came to İzmir for business, you can enjoy this magnificent city by extending your trip even for one day. Even if your time in İzmir is limited, there are countless joyful activities in the city. Since some of these activities are in the city center and some in the surrounding districts, you may have to decide on only one option....

İzmir for Couples

İzmir is an ideal destination also for couples. Here are 5 activities you can do to refresh your love with your significant other in this Aegean paradise. Enjoy the wine in a stone mansion in Şirince Şirince (which means “cute” in Turkish) village of Selçuk district lives up to its name thanks to its nature,...

10 Reasons to Visit İzmir in the Spring

Although many people prefer summer to visit İzmir, this city is very beautiful in the spring as well. Here are 10 reasons to visit İzmir in the spring. Nature wakes up and calls you Spring is the season when nature awakens in İzmir. If you are a nature lover, you can come to İzmir in the spring to go hiking in nature and camping. You...

A Day in Gümüldür

We have 5 suggestions for those who want to have a great day in Gümüldür, the trending town of Menderes district. Enjoy the Sea The land of Satsuma with the great smell, Gümüldür combines the green with the blue. With a 7 kilometer coastline, blue flagged beaches, and hotels that cater for all budgets, it...

Where to do Tent Camping in İzmir

If you want to spend a peaceful time in nature, there are many paradise spots in Izmir where you can set up your tent. Here are 10 great routes where you can do tent camping in Izmir. Çanak Bay Camping Area This camping area in Foça is free. You can use the local businesses to meet your basic needs in this camping area,...

Best Places to Enjoy the Sea in İzmir

Thanks to its total coastal length of 629 kilometers, İzmir has countless beaches, 49 of which are blue-flagged. Here are the top 5 destinations in İzmir where you can enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. Çeşme The first address that comes to mind when talking about enjoying the sea in İzmir is Çeşme, of course. There are...

Things to Do in İzmir for Free

You don't need a huge budget to enjoy İzmir. Here are some of the activities you can do for free in the city. See the landmarks of İzmir A majority of the landmarks of İzmir can be visited for free, including the Clock Tower, The Historical Elevator, Kordon, Kemeraltı Bazaar, Kızlarağası Inn, Kadifekale, and Konak Pier. Follow free...

Products Growing in Izmir

With its fertile soil and suitable climate, İzmir is also an agricultural and animal husbandry city. Here are the most famous products grown in the fertile nature of Izmir. 48% of İzmir's food production consists of vegetables, 47% of animal products and 5% aquaculture. Some of these products (such as olives, grapes, tobacco, and...

10 Things to Do in İzmir on a Rainy Day

İzmir is heavenly beautiful in the rain. Here are 10 activities you can do in İzmir on a rainy day. Visit the Kızlarağası Inn Kızlarğası Inn, located in Halim Ağa Bazaar in Kemeraltı, is one of the most popular inns in the city with its Ottoman-style architecture. With its 300 years of history and traces of Ottoman architecture, this...

Nightlife in İzmir

İzmir is a different kind of beautiful after the sunset. Here are the most popular places where you can have fun until late in this beautiful city. Like many big cities, fun in İzmir doesn’t go to sleep. If you want to continue to have fun after spending your day on the beaches of Izmir or where you can enjoy the nature of...

Top 10 Parks and Gardens in İzmir

We have listed the parks and gardens where you can spend a quiet and peaceful day in nature. Karagöl Natural Karagöl Natural Park is a place for an escape from the city. It is on Yamanlar Mountain in Karşıyaka district. There is a rural bar, toilets, buffet, picnic units, camp facilities in the park, which is 26...

The Castles of İzmir

Ayasuluk Castle - Selçuk Ayasuluk Castle is in Selçuk, which is regarded as one of the largest open-air museums in the world. It is located on the Ayasuluk Hill, which was the first place of settlement of Ephesus, one of the most famous cities of antiquity. The castle is also famous for its view overlooking Selcuk. It is...

Islands of Izmir

Many islands that look like paradise are waiting for their guests in İzmir, the Pearl of the Aegean. Having many extraordinarily beautiful bays and beaches, İzmir also has many islands that those who say “I cannot live without the sea” will fall in love with. Here are the most famous islands of...

A Weekend in Izmir

You can have a great time in Izmir on a weekend without having to take a day off from your work. Here is how to make most of a weekend visit to Izmir! Izmir is the perfect destination for weekend getaways. There are many reasons for this. First, thanks to Adnan Menderes Airport, which is located very close to the city center, you...

Ferries of İzmir: See İzmir from the Sea

Visiting the world-famous beaches is not the only way to enjoy the sea in Izmir. The ferries of İzmir also offer you a peaceful time, even with the shortest journey. One of the countless beauties that make İzmir an ideal route for those who say “I cannot live without the sea” are the ferries. You can travel between many...

Places You Can Do Caravan Camping in İzmir

For those who'd like to bring their home with them on holiday, we have listed the places that you can enjoy with your caravan in İzmir. One of the best ways to enjoy the heavenly nature of İzmir is to go camping. Some of these campsites that are located in many corners of the city also accept caravans. Hipocamp Located in the town...

İzmir's Local Flavors

Izmir, which is a member of the World Gourmet Cities Network (DELICE), deserves its title of “the capital of Aegean cuisine” to the fullest. Here are the 10 most famous flavors of İzmir. Kumru Sandwich Kumru, whose history dates back to 150 years ago and was registered as İzmir Kumrusu by the Ministry of Culture and...

İzmir In Winter Is Something Else!

Everyone knows the summer of İzmir well, but what about İzmir in the winter? All four seasons are great here, so we wanted to tell you a little bit about the winter of İzmir. Maybe after reading this article, you will prepare your suitcases and hit the road. Maybe İzmir is not covered with snow in the winter, but it doesn’t sleep...

Best 10 places to take photographs in İzmir

From sunset to the fishing towns, from nature to the historic streets, İzmir has many beauties to photograph. Here are the top 10 locations to do so. Kordon Kordon is the place to watch the most spectacular sunset in İzmir. If the weather is warm and sunny, you can spend a pleasant day in Kordon and take the best photographs of the...

Turkish Baths in İzmir

İzmir has many baths from the Ottoman period that have managed to survive until this day. Some of these baths can only be visited as historical buildings, while over 20 of them are still in operation. Just like the thermal springs, these baths are also popular among the visitors. The baths that are still in operation include Ali Bey...

Best Jogging and Running Trails in İzmir

İzmir is rainy for only 80 days a year, which means it is like a paradise for those who like to run. It is possible to find long running trails in almost every corner of the city. If you prefer to run in the fresh air rather than getting stuck in a gym, you can take a look at our list of the best jogging and running trails i...

GoGreen Project

The GoGreen project is a 24-month environmentalist initiative co-funded by the European Commission, under the Directorate Education and Culture. The project is developed and implemented by an international consortium, which the İzmir Chamber of Commerce is a part of. The main objective of the project is to raise the environmental...

5 Hills with the Best view of İzmir

The joy of watching the Gulf from the hills is something! We have listed the places where you can enjoy the sunset and take awesome photographs. 1. The Historical Elevator The Historic Elevator is one of the symbols of the city. The unique 100-year-old building built by Nesim Levi Bayraklıoğlu in order to facilitate transportation...

20 Reasons to Visit İzmir

Just a Step Away from You! Besides its remarkable features, its geographical location is one of the most important reasons for choosing İzmir. It can easily be reached with a few hours of flight from many places. It’s also very close to the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey. It doesn't matter which country in the...

The Best 10 Places to Watch the Sunset in İzmir

Here are the best 10 places where you can watch the iconic sunset in İzmir. 1. Kordonboyu Just sit on a bench by the sea. The time will slow down and you’ll feel refreshed while watching the amazing sunset. 2- The Historical Elevator No wonder the famous singer Dario Moreno was in love with İzmir. The terrace at the end of...

10 Reasons to Visit İzmir in Autumn

Autumn in İzmir is beautiful in a different way with dozens of streets waiting to be discovered, food to be tasted, festivals and feasts, and villages getting prepared for winter. 1. An autumn like the summer The average temperature in İzmir in autumn is around 23 degrees Celsius. In the first half of the season, this average...

10 Iconic Places in İzmir

İzmir has countless iconic destinations. Here are 10 of them: 1. İzmir Clock Tower The first place that comes to mind when you mention İzmir is The Clock Tower, located in Konak Square, the heart of the city. The 25-meters high and 4-story tower was built in 1901 as a tribute to the 25th anniversary of the succession of the throne of...

One Afternoon at Kordon

“Let’s meet at Kordon” When you’re at Kordon, one of the meeting points of the locals in İzmir, you can visit the Kıbrıs Şehitleri (Cyprus Martyrs’) Street, the most popular street in the city, to see the cafés, restaurants, bookstores, and shops. Then you can go to Kordonboyu, the view and the...

Autumn in İzmir

İzmir is one of the most beautiful coastal cities in the world, which means the autumn in the city celebrates the end of the languor of the summer. The city awakens with music and art, its streets are covered with the smell of coffee, and nature embraces its new colors while the migratory birds say goodbye. The autumn in İzmir...

ARCHIEVES

2020

more less

Highlights of the week

One Day Trip Efes - Selçuk

A Day Full of History