Free Izmir Travel Guide & Mobile App

Plan your Izmir trip with Evendo. Get free guides to top attractions, restaurants, hotels, and bars. Web access or download the mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Izmir
Izmir photo 2
Izmir photo 3
All photos

Discover Izmir, the vibrant Pearl of the Aegean, where ancient ruins meet modern charm, offering a rich blend of history, culture, and stunning seaside views.

Izmir, located on the western coast of Turkey, is a city where ancient history and modern life blend seamlessly. Known as the Pearl of the Aegean, Izmir is the third-largest city in Turkey and offers a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. From its bustling bazaars to its tranquil seaside promenades, Izmir has something for everyone.
Read more about Izmir
Explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Eastern Mediterranean, and marvel at the grandeur of the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. A short drive from the city center, these archaeological wonders provide a glimpse into the lives of the ancient Greeks and Romans.
Stroll along the Kordon, Izmir's famous waterfront promenade, and enjoy the stunning views of the Aegean Sea. Lined with cafes, restaurants, and bars, this area is perfect for a leisurely walk or a relaxing meal with a view. Don't miss the vibrant Kemeralti Market, where you can shop for local crafts, spices, and fresh produce while soaking in the lively atmosphere.
For a taste of local culture, visit the Agora Open Air Museum, which houses remnants from the Roman period, or take a ferry to the charming village of Alacati, known for its stone houses, windmills, and vineyards. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or a nature lover, Izmir promises an unforgettable experience.

When is the best time to visit Izmir?

Best: May, September–October · 25–29°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January13108
February1487
March1775
April2155
May (best)2632
June3214
July347
August347
September (best)2927
October (best)2567
November1994
December15114

Getting to and around Izmir

How to get there

Izmir is served by Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB), which is located approximately 18 kilometers south of the city center. The airport has frequent domestic and international flights. From the airport, you can take a taxi, airport shuttle, or the Izban suburban train to reach the city center. Alternatively, buses and rental car services are also available.

Transportation

Izmir has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses, trams, ferries, and the Izban suburban train. The city also has a metro system that connects various districts. For ease of travel, consider purchasing an Izmirim Kart, a reloadable card that can be used on all forms of public transport. Taxis are readily available but ensure the meter is running to avoid overcharging. Biking is becoming popular, and there are bike rental stations throughout the city.

Best attractions in Izmir

Izmir, a vibrant city on the Aegean coast of Turkiye, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world, and marvel at the stunning architecture of the Izmir Clock Tower. Take a stroll along the picturesque Kordonboyu promenade, lined with cafes and shops, or visit the bustling Kemeralti bazaar to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of a traditional Turkish market. For a taste of the local cuisine, be sure to try the famous Izmir kumru sandwich or indulge in fresh seafood at the Konak Pier. With its rich history, warm hospitality, and stunning landscapes, Izmir is a must-visit destination for any traveler.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Izmir

Izmir offers visitors a blend of ancient history and modern charm, with iconic landmarks such as the ancient Agora, the historic Clock Tower, and the impressive Kadifekale Castle overlooking the city. Visitors can stroll through the bustling Kemeralti Bazaar, explore the ruins of Ephesus nearby, and relax on the beautiful beaches along the Aegean coast. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning views, Izmir is a must-visit destination for any traveler looking to immerse themselves in Turkish heritage.

Show more landmarks

Explore Izmir on the map

Plan your Izmir trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Neighbourhoods in Izmir

Best restaurants in Izmir

Izmir offers a vibrant dining scene that caters to all tastes and preferences. From traditional Turkish cuisine served in charming local eateries to trendy cafes and international restaurants, visitors can indulge in a culinary journey like no other. Fresh seafood dishes, flavorful kebabs, and mouthwatering desserts are just a few highlights of Izmir's diverse food landscape. With its lively markets, bustling food stalls, and cozy restaurants with stunning views of the Aegean Sea, dining in Izmir is not just a meal, but an experience that will leave visitors craving for more.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Izmir

The nightlife scene in Izmir offers a vibrant and diverse experience for visitors, with a mix of traditional Turkish music venues, trendy bars, and lively nightclubs. From the bustling streets of Alsancak to the scenic Kordon waterfront, visitors can enjoy a variety of entertainment options that cater to all tastes. Whether you're looking to dance the night away at a popular club, sip cocktails with a view of the Aegean Sea, or immerse yourself in the local music scene at a cozy bar, Izmir has something for everyone to enjoy after dark.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Izmir

The nightlife scene in Izmir offers a vibrant and diverse experience for visitors, with a mix of traditional Turkish music venues, trendy bars, and lively nightclubs. From the bustling streets of Alsancak to the scenic Kordon waterfront, visitors can enjoy a variety of entertainment options that cater to all tastes. Whether you're looking to dance the night away at a popular club, sip cocktails with a view of the Aegean Sea, or immerse yourself in the local music scene at a cozy bar, Izmir has something for everyone to enjoy after dark.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Izmir

In Izmir, visitors can immerse themselves in a vibrant shopping scene that offers a mix of traditional Turkish markets and modern shopping centers. From the bustling Kemeraltı Bazaar where you can haggle for carpets, spices, and ceramics, to the upscale boutiques along Alsancak's seaside promenade, there is something for every taste and budget. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the local handicrafts at the Kızlaragasi Han, where you can find unique souvenirs to take home. Whether you're looking for authentic Turkish goods or international brands, Izmir's shopping scene has something for everyone to enjoy.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Izmir, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Izmir essentials

Currency and Payment
The official currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash, especially in smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful throughout Izmir, and many offer the option to withdraw cash in different currencies.
Safety
Izmir is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any major city, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places such as markets and public transportation. Neighborhoods like Kadifekale and certain parts of Basmane are known for higher crime rates and should be avoided, especially after dark.
Emergency Situations
In case of emergency, dial 112 for medical emergencies, 155 for police, and 110 for fire services. Most operators speak English. Major hospitals in Izmir include Ege University Hospital and Dokuz Eylul University Hospital, both of which have emergency services. Pharmacies (Eczane) are widely available for minor health issues, and some are open 24 hours.
Do's and Don'ts
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; remove your shoes and cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do stand on the right side of escalators to let others pass. Don’t speak loudly or play music on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. It’s polite to address older individuals with titles like 'Bey' (Mr.) and 'Hanım' (Ms.). Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and street food. Don’t leave food on your plate as it can be seen as wasteful.
Local Tips
To experience Izmir like a local, visit the Kemeralti Market, where you can find everything from spices to souvenirs. Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast at one of the cafes along the Kordon promenade. Take a ferry ride across the bay for a scenic view of the city. Lastly, engage with locals; they are often friendly and happy to share insights about their city.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloMerhaba[Mer-ha-ba]
GoodbyeHoşça kal[Hosh-cha kal]
YesEvet[Eh-vet]
NoHayır[Ha-yuhr]
Please/You're welcomeLütfen[Loot-fen]
Thank youTeşekkür ederim[Te-she-kur eh-deh-reem]
Excuse me/SorryÖzür dilerim[O-zur dee-leh-reem]
How are you?Nasılsınız?[Nah-suhl-suh-nuhz]
Fine. And you?İyiyim. Ya siz?[Ee-yee-eem. Yah siz]
Do you speak English?İngilizce konuşuyor musunuz?[Ing-ee-leez-jay ko-noo-shoo-your moos-oo-nooz]
I don't understandAnlamıyorum[An-luh-muh-your-um]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenüyü görmek istiyorum, lütfen[Men-oo-yoo germ-ek ees-tee-yor-um, loot-fen]
I don't eat meatEt yemem[Eht yeh-mem]
Cheers!Şerefe![Sheh-reh-feh]
I would like to pay, pleaseÖdemek istiyorum, lütfen[O-deh-mek ees-tee-yor-um, loot-fen]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Yardım edin![Yar-duhm eh-deen]
Go away!Uzaklaş![Oo-zak-lash]
Call the Police!Polisi arayın![Poh-lee-see ah-ryun]
Call a doctor!Doktor çağırın![Dok-tor cha-ih-run]
I'm lostKayboldum[Kai-bol-doom]
I'm illHastayım[Hah-stah-yum]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Satın almak istiyorum...[Sat-uhn al-mak ees-tee-yor-um]
I'm just lookingSadece bakıyorum[Sah-deh-jeh bah-kuh-your-um]
How much is it?Ne kadar?[Neh kah-dar]
That's too expensiveBu çok pahalı[Boo chok pah-ha-luh]
Can you lower the price?Fiyatı indirebilir misiniz?[Fee-yah-tuh in-deer-eh-bee-leer mees-ee-neez]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Saat kaç?[Saht kach]
It's one o'clockSaat bir[Saht beer]
Half past (10)On buçuk[On boo-chook]
MorningSabah[Sah-bah]
AfternoonÖğleden sonra[O-leh-dehn ah-soh-rah]
EveningAkşam[Ahk-shahm]
YesterdayDün[Doon]
TodayBugün[Boo-goon]
TomorrowYarın[Yah-run]
1Bir[Beer]
2İki[Ee-kee]
3Üç[Ooch]
4Dört[Durt]
5Beş[Besh]
6Altı[Ahl-tuh]
7Yedi[Yeh-dee]
8Sekiz[Seh-keez]
9Dokuz[Doh-kooz]
10On[On]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?...nerede?[Ne-reh-deh]
What's the address?Adresi ne?[Ad-reh-see neh]
Can you show me (on the map)?(Harita üzerinde) gösterebilir misiniz?[(Ha-ree-tah ooz-eh-reen-deh) ger-steh-reh-bee-leer mees-ee-neez]
When's the next (bus)?Sonraki (otobüs) ne zaman?[Son-rah-kee (o-to-boo-s) neh zah-mahn]
A ticket (to ....)Bir bilet (....ya)[Beer bee-let (yah)]

History of Izmir

Ancient Smyrna: Origins and Early History

The city of Izmir, known in antiquity as Smyrna, dates back to the 3rd millennium BCE. The early settlers were part of the Anatolian civilization, and the city was later influenced by the Greeks around 1000 BCE. Smyrna became a significant member of the Ionian League, a confederation of Greek city-states, and flourished as a major port and trading hub.

The Hellenistic Period: Alexander the Great's Influence

In 334 BCE, Alexander the Great captured Smyrna and initiated a new era for the city. Under his rule, Smyrna was relocated to a more strategic position on Mount Pagos, which is modern-day Kadifekale. This move marked the beginning of the Hellenistic period, during which the city experienced substantial growth and prosperity.

Roman Smyrna: A Flourishing Hub

Smyrna became part of the Roman Empire in 133 BCE and continued to thrive. The city was known for its impressive architecture, including the Agora, an ancient marketplace that became a center of social and commercial activity. The Roman period also saw the construction of aqueducts, theaters, and other public buildings that highlighted the city's significance.

Byzantine Era: Transformation and Continuity

During the Byzantine era, Smyrna maintained its importance as a regional center. The city underwent several transformations, including the construction of new churches and fortifications. Despite facing numerous challenges, such as earthquakes and invasions, Smyrna remained a vital part of the Byzantine Empire until the arrival of the Seljuks in the 11th century.

Seljuk and Ottoman Periods: A Cultural Melting Pot

In the 11th century, the Seljuks took control of Smyrna, marking the beginning of a new chapter. The city's strategic location made it a focal point for trade and cultural exchange. By the 15th century, Smyrna became part of the Ottoman Empire. Under Ottoman rule, the city evolved into a cosmopolitan hub, attracting merchants, artists, and scholars from various backgrounds, which enriched its cultural fabric.

The Great Fire of Smyrna: A Turning Point

One of the most tragic events in Izmir's history is the Great Fire of Smyrna in 1922. Following the Greco-Turkish War, the fire devastated much of the city, leading to significant loss of life and property. This event marked the end of a multicultural era and had lasting effects on the city's demographic and architectural landscape.

Modern Izmir: Rebirth and Modernization

In the years following the Great Fire, Izmir underwent a period of reconstruction and modernization. The city emerged as a key economic center in the newly established Republic of Turkey. Today, Izmir is known for its vibrant culture, modern infrastructure, and rich historical heritage, making it a unique blend of the ancient and the contemporary.

Izmir in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Cities near Izmir

The closest cities to Izmir, if you have time for more than one stop.

Explore more

Turkiye
More of the region

Explore more of Turkiye

Discover Turkiye: Where ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture come together to create an unforgettable travel experience.

Explore Turkiye
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Izmir, Turkiye

Discover Izmir like never before with Evendo, your 100% free travel guide app covering Izmir's top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and activities
  • Rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location
  • Easy booking of hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Plan the perfect trip to Izmir with Evendo, the free app-based travel guide providing detailed insights on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and experiences.

  • History of Izmir and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips to experience the city like a local
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near me' feature
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases
  • Covers over 7,000 destinations worldwide

Imagine strolling down the vibrant streets of Izmir, with the ancient ruins of Agora on one side and the picturesque Kordon waterfront on the other. Welcome to Evendo, your ultimate travel companion for discovering the wonders of Izmir. From the iconic Clock Tower in Konak Square to the bustling Kemeralti Bazaar, Evendo provides detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and activities. Each location comes with rich descriptions, stunning images, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it effortless for you to plan and organize your trip.

Fancy a taste of local cuisine? Evendo guides you to the best eateries in town, whether you're craving traditional Turkish dishes at Deniz Restaurant or looking for a chic dining experience at 1888. Planning to explore Izmir's vibrant nightlife? Our app has you covered with top recommendations for bars and nightclubs, ensuring you have an unforgettable evening.

With Evendo, booking hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences is a breeze. No more endless searching or logistical nightmares; our app consolidates everything in one convenient place. Featuring an intuitive interface, travel essentials, and curated local tips, Evendo ensures you experience Izmir like a local. The 'Near me' feature highlights nearby attractions, so you never miss out on the hidden gems around you.

And the best part? Evendo is 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs. Plus, it covers over 7,000 destinations worldwide, making it your go-to travel guide wherever you go. Download Evendo today and unlock a world of adventure in Izmir and beyond.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.