Places to Visit in İzmir

The touristic places in İzmir are one of the question marks of tourists that come to the city from around the world. Also known as ‘’The Pearl Of The Aegean’’, İzmir is very rich in terms of the places that can be visited. In the city, there are lots of historical places and natural beauties. In this aspect, it is safe to say that İzmir has lots of secret paradises. That's why we wanted to show you the most beautiful places to visit in İzmir.

Along with the places that can be seen, there are lots of ancient cities and their ruins. The places that we mention are mostly the places that locate in the city center.

In the end, we listed a few places that are near to İzmir. You should consider these places, and definitely go and see them.

General Information About İzmir

Let’s start with some information about the city, İzmir. İzmir locates in the Aegean region of the country and it is the third most-populated city in Turkey. In terms of socio-cultural and historical background, it is one of the prominent cities in the region. Aydın, Manisa, and Balıkesir are its neighbors and these cities also have the same features as İzmir.

In terms of the weather, it has a Mediterranean climate. That's why tourism is highly advanced in the city.

We can divide our list of the places that should be visited in İzmir into 4 categories:

The places you can visit in İzmir
The Touristic places in the İzmir
The places you can visit in the city center
The places you can visit near to İzmir

While we are listing, we should highlight the most important places to visit in İzmir because there are lots of places you must see before you go back. In this term, we noted a few important and well-known places down below:

1- Kordon

While we are preparing the places to visit in İzmir list, Kordon is the first place that comes to our mind. It is one of the important centers in the city. In fact, Kordon is the first place that comes to mind when someone mentions İzmir.

It locates in the province of Konak, Alsancak. It is almost 2 km away from the city center. Going to Kordon by transportation is very easy. People usually prefer Plevne Boulevard to get there. Also, it is safe to say that Kordon is one of the popular promenades in Turkey.

Kordon is also one of the first destinations for tourists. With its green grass and long promenade, it is always crowded with people. In addition, there are many great hotels around the area.

2- Historical Kemeraltı Bazaar

Historical Kemeraltı Bazaar is one of the most beautiful places in İzmir. You can find indigenous goods in this bazaar. This place locates between Agora and Konak. In the bazaar, you can find anything you want; from cloth to spices. We advise you that you should see the nostalgic shops before you leave. 😊

You should check: What to Eat in İzmir?

3- Tarihi Asansör (Historical Elevator)

Among the places to visit in Izmir, one of the symbolic places of the city is the Historical Elevator. The structure was built by Nesim Levi in 1907. Did you know that before the elevator was built, a staircase with 155 steps had to be climbed to reach the surrounding districts?

The Historic Elevator was restored in 1985. Since then, it has been operating only with electricity. There is no charge to reach the top of the elevator. In addition, you can enjoy the bars on the way to the elevator and have a meal with a view of the city after the elevator goes up.

4- Seven Sleepers Cave

The Cave of the Seven Sleepers is located in the ancient city of Ephesus. It is a very sacred and precious heritage for both Islam and Christianity. It is rumored that this is the cave in the narrative of Ashab-ı Kehf. According to the narrative, it is stated that 7 people slept here for 309 years without interruption.

Be sure to add the Cave of the Seven Sleepers to the list of places to visit in Izmir. In order to visit this place, you must first go to Selçuk district. You can reach here by train going to Aydın province from Basmane Train Station. After reaching Selçuk district, you can reach the cave by minibusses departing from the district center.

5- İzmir Clock Tower

Have you heard that the clock in Izmir Clock Tower was a gift from German Emperor Wilhelm II? When it comes to places to visit in Izmir, be sure to visit the Clock Tower, one of the important symbols of the city. If you are looking for places to visit in Izmir for a day trip, we definitely recommend the Clock Tower!

The Clock Tower was damaged in the earthquake in 1974. The clock stopped at 02:04, the exact time of the earthquake, and stayed like this for a while. We definitely recommend you to stop by when you are in Izmir! You can also easily pass to Kemeraltı Bazaar from here.

6- Ephesus

Ephesus is one of the most important ancient cities not only in Turkey but also in the world. The city is one of the must-see places for those who will visit Izmir. With 127 columns, we recommend you to check out the Temple of Artemis.

The Temple of Artemis, which was completed in 550 BC, is today a popular destination for many local and foreign tourists. This is just one of the rare buildings in our country.

7- House of the Virgin Mary

According to the belief, Mary came to this region after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and she lived here with the Apostle John until the end of her life. The House of the Virgin Mary is located in the Selçuk district of Izmir. In this sense, it is one of the most important buildings in terms of places to visit in Izmir.

Uncovered in 1891, the house was restored in 1950. After the restoration works, this place was declared as a holy place by the Vatican. It was also announced as a place of pilgrimage to Christendom by the Vatican in 1952.

Suggestion article: Izmir Vacation Destinations

8- Şirince Village

Recently, you can often see Şirince Village among the places to visit in Izmir. According to the belief, it is stated that the apocalypse will never visit this village. Although the village hosts many local and foreign tourists every year, it preserves its naturalness.

When you come here, be sure to try Şirince breakfast. If you are interested in organic products, be sure to shop. Finally, we recommend you try the tasting wines of Şirince. It is possible to come across tasting shops on every corner here. 😊

The Touristic Places in İzmir

When it comes to places to visit in Izmir, you can find many touristic structures and regions. We can even say that many of the places to visit can also be considered as tourist attractions. Please consider the following regions and structures for Izmir tourist attractions;

1- Agora

Agora can be considered as one of the touristic places to visit in İzmir. It is also one of the most important historical places in the city. Agora, one of the oldest points you can visit in the city, is protected as a protected area in the heart of the city.

It is stated that this place was a meeting center in ancient times. In fact, the word Agora was used in Ancient Greece to mean meeting. While adding this place to your list of places to visit in Izmir, we also recommend you to watch the sunset in Agora!

2- Bergama

There is a district that you should not skip while creating a list of places to visit in Izmir. Bergama… Here, there are many historical buildings, temples, and ancient cities in the district. Especially if you like historical and touristic trips, we say do not leave the city without visiting Bergama. The main regions you can visit here are as follows;

Pergamon
Asklepion
Kızıl Avlu (Sarepeion Temple)
İzmir Bergama Museum

3- St. John's Cathedral

The construction of this work began in 1862 and it was opened for service in 1874. In this sense, it is one of the most important Christian buildings in Izmir. It takes its name from John, one of the 12 apostles. If you are in search of churches to visit in Izmir, we also recommend that you add this place to your list.

4- Çeşme

One of the most important touristic districts of Izmir is Çeşme. Thousands of people vacation here every year. If you are thinking of making your trip in the summer months, we strongly recommend you to come to Çeşme and have a vacation. Do not forget to visit the following regions during your visit to the district;

Ilıca Beach
Çeşme Castle
Delikli Bay
Altınkum Beach
Alaçatı Windmills Park

You should definitely read: The Best 10 Venues in İzmir

The places you can visit that are near to İzmir

If you visit İzmir, you also should go and visit some beautiful places near to İzmir. We have a brief list of these places. If you are interested, we advice you to search another places to go that near to İzmir.

1- Dilek Peninsula

Dilek Peninsula is 28 km away from Kusadasi, one of Turkey's tourist destinations. It is also very close to Selçuk district of Izmir. Here you can participate in many activities and have a pleasant time. If you like the sea, you can say that the sea of this region is quite clean.

2- Zeus Cave

Zeus Cave is one of the places you should definitely see when you come to Dilek Peninsula. It is quite surprising that the temperature of the cave water is always 5 degrees. It is possible to cool off in the cool waters of the cave, especially in summer.

3- Cennet Hill

Cennet Tepesi, which is close to Dikili district of Izmir, can be evaluated in terms of places to visit around Izmir. We recommend that you definitely visit Ayvalık district of Balıkesir and add it to your list of places to visit in Izmir. One of the most important places you can see in Ayvalık is Paradise Hill.

We end our article on places to visit in Izmir here. If there are places you have been to and seen, you can share your experiences with us. :)

Places to Visit in İzmir | 15 Places You MUST See!

General Information About İzmir