by Al Khail Real Estate Broker
Merhaba! Welcome to Izmir, the third-largest city in Turkey. Are you planning to invest in or visit the beautiful metropolitan city of Izmir, which is located on Turkey’s stunning Aegean coast? If so, this is your guide to the best things to do in Izmir to enjoy your time and money. From feasting with the locals or just lounging on the beach… Izmir is always full of surprises for tourists and investors.
What to do in Izmir? This article will gather practical and useful advice about what to do in Izmir… in short; you can easily find your way in Izmir using these valuable tips. Stay tuned and enjoy reading, because you’re going to identify top spots to visit when you travel to Izmir. In addition, if you are looking to invest and buy villas for sale in Izmir, rest assured that you are on the right track.
Why visit or invest in Izmir?
Izmir in Turkey is considered one of the oldest most historical settlements in the Mediterranean Sea region. Therefore, this city not only boasts many fascinating cultural heritage sights, but also a lovely coastal climate and unique local gastronomy.
Izmir’s multi-layered history has been shaped by cross-cultural influences of the local Anatolian tribes, Ionians, Romans, Persians, Greeks, Turks and Ottomans, Armenians and Levantines (Europeans of British, Italian and French descent). Therefore, this city is full of surprises and excitement. Izmir has something to offer for every taste. If you love historical places and centuries-old civilization in these buildings, or if you are just looking for fun by the beach, Izmir is the best choice for you. There are many beautiful things to see in Izmir.
If you are also interested in visiting or investing in Izmir, consider these 17 MUST DO things when in Izmir!
The most magnificent places to see in Izmir
Flanked by both mountains and some lovely beaches and many fascinating cultural and historical sites, Izmir is one Turkish city that should not be crossed off your list until after you’ve visited. Izmir offers tourists a lot of picturesque places to visit and many fun things to do. Therefore, even if you have entered Izmir as an investor, you can rest assured that you have invested your money in a city that is full of tourists in all four seasons of the year.
Izmir is actually a popular university town; most of the city’s population is young, giving the city a youthful and vibrant atmosphere. Thus, if you want to enjoy Turkish culture and unique history, let’s dive into the best things to do in Izmir.
1. Konak Square and the Clock Tower in Izmir
Are you still asking “what to do in Izmir?” why don’t you start with Konak Square? The clock tower is the official symbol of Izmir and one of the best places to visit in Izmir. The clock tower was built in 1901 in Konak Square to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Abdul Hamid II’s accession to the throne.
This tower was a gift from German Emperor Wilhelm II to Ottoman King Abdulhamit II and soon it became a symbol of the city. Konak Square is also a popular rest stop and one of the top spots to visit when you travel to Izmir.
2. Visit the magnificent and glorious blue mosque of Izmir
Turkey has attracted a lot of fame among tourists because of its beautiful and magnificent mosques. Some of these beautiful mosques are located in Izmir. There may be many mosques in Izmir, but the Blue Mosque is definitely very different from other mosques in Izmir.
Its beautiful color and impressive panoramic view of the city attract many tourists every year! Wherever you live in the city, try to reach this beautiful Masjid and visit it. Blue Mosque is one of the best places to visit in Izmir.
3. Do not forget to buy from Kemeraltı Bazaar
The third best things to see in Izmir is Kemeraltı Bazaar. You can easily walk from Konak Square to Kemeraltı Bazaar. Walking through the streets of this market and shopping in its shops will easily remind you of the Egyptian Bazaar of Istanbul. You will enjoy walking along the streets of this Bazaar because of the coziness and local atmosphere.
Venture into one of the small stands selling dried vegetables, colorful spices or try local teas and various traditional Turkish foods. In addition, please remember to check out the jewelry and antique shops in Kızlarağası Hanı. Shopping in this Bazaar is one of the best things to do in Izmir.
4. Visit the magnificent Ephesus (Efes) in Izmir
Are you looking for one of the best historical places to visit in Izmir? The ancient Roman city of Ephesus was once a popular stop on the Silk Road. Today, this place is one of the greatest ancient sites in the Mediterranean, which attracts 2 million visitors a day. So do not miss to visit this fascinating historical space!
In the distant past, people from all over the world sailed to this port to buy special spices and exotic fruits. Many reconstructed structures, including the Temple of Artemis, can be seen here.
5. Spend time in Culture Park in Izmir
When traveling, parks are always one of the first areas in the city that attract the attention of every tourist. If you are searching for concerts, festivals and book fairs throughout the year, you should definitely visit Culture Park. In this park, you can enjoy a walk through the lush green spaces and easily escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The park hosts the Izmir Book Fair over a course of 10 days in the spring, so do not attend this event if you travel to Izmir in spring. Spending a night in Culture Park is one of the fun things to do in Izmir.
6. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Pergamon Acropolis in Izmir
Pergamon Acropolis was an ancient Greek city. This city was once a seat of power in the 2nd Century BC. This place is a colossal construction with soaring pillars and is known as the location of the Pergamon Altar. This place was once a hotbed for learning, culture, and invention and one of the top spots to visit when you travel to Izmir. From this city, only the Acropolis, the Red Basilica, aqueducts, a major medical center and a historically important library remain.
7. Walking on the docks is one of the best things to do in Izmir
Is there anything more enjoyable than walking along the Aegean Sea? It may not be a tourist activity, but it certainly brings relief and enjoyment after a tiring day. In every corner of this dock, you can see many anglers who are fishing with a lot of patience. Here is one of the top spots to visit when you travel to Izmir.
8. Remember to visit the House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi) in Izmir
This place has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors since its discovery in the 19th century. Many believe that the mother of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, spent her final days in St. Mary’s House in Ephesus. Below this building is a spring that attracts the attention of pilgrims every year and they are all looking for the healing properties of this spring.
Therefore, this historical and sacred monument is very valuable and I suggest you visit this place. Visiting this place and spending moments in this old building will give you a mystical atmosphere. Visiting this place is one of the best things to do in Izmir.
9. Kadifekale & the Atatürk Stone Sculpture in Izmir
Are you looking for the old atmosphere of the days when Alexander the Great revived ancient Izmir? So do not miss visiting Kadifekale Castle on Pagos Hill. At the top of the castle, you can see stunning views of the city and the Gulf of Izmir. Do you know the meaning of the name of this castle? It means “velvet castle”.
Today, there is not much space left in this castle, but you can still see the walls of this castle, towers and some Byzantine underground reservoirs. In the area, there are a few other interesting sites to see. These areas are a series of aqueducts called Vezirsuyu and the huge relief of Atatürk.
10. Discover Smyrna or in other words, Izmir!
For me, there is nothing more enjoyable than searching through the history books and civilization of a country. Are you also interested in the history and past of each city? Therefore, I suggest you to visit the historical monuments of the city.
Modern-day Izmir has an ancient history just like every other city in the world. The present-day city of Izmir was first founded by the Greeks and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Izmir was formerly known as Smyrna.
If you are interested in learning more about Izmir’s past, I suggest you visit the archaeological museum of Izmir. This museum has a large display of artefacts from the Greek and Roman periods.
11. Enjoy visiting Hierapolis-Pamukkale in Izmir
Are you one of those people who are looking for natural hot springs in every city? Therefore, This Greek-Roman spa-town should be at the top of your bucket list. This place has travertine terraces, created by the natural hot springs that flow down the hillside. Pamukkale is famous for its thermal pools nestled within layers of white limestone.
Bathing in the amazing hot mineral pools of this space gives you an imaginative sense of life in the style of the ancient Romans. Don’t you think that a pleasant bath in this hot spring is the best way to get rid of the stress of daily life?
12. Adaland Aqua park in Izmir
If you are looking for fun and entertainment in Izmir, do not miss Adaland Aqua Park. It does not matter if you are young or old, when you enter this Aqua Park; you will be overwhelmed with joy and happiness. Large and small water slides, freefall and boomerang rides, all of these exciting sports make this Aqua park one of the best places to spend time alone and with family. Visiting this Aqua Park is one of the top things to do in Izmir.
A wave pool, lazy river, Jacuzzi, little kids’ zone, and lively poolside disco make Adaland Aqua Park one of the top spots to visit when you travel to Izmir. Do you think spending a full day at Adaland Aqua Park is enough to enjoy all its water sports?
13. Have you ever heard of Historical Asansör in Izmir?
Did you know that the name Asansör is derived from the French name “ascenseur” in the early 1990s, a local businessperson built an elevator to facilitate the transportation of goods and people to the sloping hills of Izmir, and today the elevator has become one of Izmir’s historic elements and the best place for photography.
Use of the elevator is completely free and you can enjoy delicious Turkish food in the restaurants around the elevator or buy from the boutiques on the streets leading to the elevator. If you are looking for fantastic and national food in Izmir, you must remember to try a delicious Turkish meal at the restaurant above this Asansör.
14. The amazing Atatürk Museum in Izmir
This museum is dedicated to the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Atatürk and it is completely free. Atatürk was the one who gave women the right to vote and replaced the Arabic alphabet with the Latin alphabet. If you want to learn more about the founding father of modern Turkey, do not miss visiting this museum.
The building of this museum may not be very special and unique, but it will definitely give you useful information. Therefore, one of the best things to do in Izmir is to visit this museum.
15. Enjoy Shopping & Eating in Alsancak in Izmir
This cultural and entertainment center is located in the heart of the city and is an ideal place to embrace Turkish culture. You have access to a variety of bars, restaurants, shops and hotels in this area and you can easily spend happy moments in this cultural center. All this has made this area a safe and excellent environment for buyinghomes for sale in Izmir Turkey.
If you also enjoy delicious and local Turkish food, congratulations! Because in this place you can try the best and most delicious Turkish food. If you are still searching for the answer to the question: “what to do in Izmir?” I would answer, “Enjoy eating Turkish local food”.
16. Kizlaragasi Han Bazaar in Izmir
If you are looking for a historical and cultural place in Izmir, Kizlaragasi Han Bazaaris one of the best choices. The history of this market dates back to 200 years ago and is located in the city center. This market is very large and there are many shops on two floors on top of each other.
Shopping is one of the enjoyable and unavoidable pastimes in every trip. Do you know when this purchase becomes more hearty and better? When you travel to a city like Izmir where the prices and cost of living are affordable and suitable. If you are looking to buy clothes, shoes, souvenirs, jewelry, and food items, be sure to visit this market.
17. Do not forget to eat delicious sweets in Izmir!
If you love delicious food and new flavors like me, then you know very well that eating Turkish food is one of the fun things to do in Izmir. Gevrek is one of the most traditional Turkish pastries covered in sesame seeds. It is interesting to know that each city offers a different model of this sweet and best of all, Izmir always has the best and most delicious kind of this sweet. Enjoy eating this delicious sweet in Izmir. In general, the best time to visit Izmir is in the summer or even spring or autumn for the best beach holidays. Izmir always has pleasant weather and brings you pleasant moments. All these historical and attractive places and even the pleasure of walking in the streets of Izmir are among the best reasons to migrate to Izmir
Is it worth investing and buying property in Izmir?
In this article, we introduced the 17 best things to do in Izmir. Therefore, you already have all the information and knowledge you need to travel or live in Izmir.
In general, Izmir may not be known as the most beautiful city in Turkey, but despite that, you would enjoy living in this beautiful city. Izmir is quiet and the people are very friendly. So if you are looking to buy apartments for sale in Izmir Turkey, apply now and do not waste time!
As a team of Istanbul experts, we can help you to find the best places for investing in Izmir regarding your money and needs. Please simply write or call us whenever you want! Moreover, please mention every detail about your dream property! We help you to find the best property in no time. We will be happy to help. Do not forget with 24/7 customer service, you will get the support you need whenever you have questions. Obtaining Turkish citizenship and starting a new life are among the best reasons to invest and buy property in Turkey.
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