Things to Do in İzmir
Plan your days in İzmir, your way
İzmir is an easy city to fall into a rhythm with.
Start with the essentials: the Clock Tower in Konak Square and a slow walk along the Kordon as the ferries cross the bay.
Get lost on purpose in Kemeraltı bazaar, letting the spice smells and shopkeepers' calls pull you deeper in.
Lunch is boyoz and Turkish tea somewhere with plastic chairs and loyal regulars — always the right choice.
Take the Asansör up for the view, then wander the old streets of Karataş below it, where laundry hangs between the houses.
Hop the ferry to Karşıyaka just for the ride; the skyline from the water is worth the ticket.
Save a day for Alaçatı's stone streets or the beaches of Çeşme, an easy escape down the peninsula.
Evenings mean meze and grilled fish in Alsancak, no reservations, no rush.
Catch one sunset from a hilltop, one from the promenade, and call it balance.
You'll leave feeling like you actually met the city, not just visited it.
Top attractions and places to eat in İzmir
Konak Pier
A restored historic waterfront building on the İzmir seafront, now an upscale shopping mall and dining destination with gulf views, originally designed in association with the Eiffel workshop.
attraction · 4 rating
Alsancak Dostlar Fırını
A neighborhood bakery in İzmir's Alsancak district serving fresh breads and Turkish baked goods. A quick stop for locals grabbing pastries and simit.
restaurant · 4.5 rating
Kokorecci Asim Usta
A specialist serving kokoreç, the grilled seasoned lamb intestine street-food dish popular in İzmir. A must-try for adventurous local eaters.
restaurant · 4.4 rating
Tavacı Recep Usta Alsancak - İzmir
A well-established Turkish restaurant in the lively Alsancak district known for tava (traditional roasted lamb) and other Anatolian meat dishes. A popular choice for travelers wanting hearty, authentic Turkish cuisine.
restaurant · 4.2 rating
Zeynel Ergin Gevrek Fırını
A bakery famous for İzmir's signature gevrek (the local sesame-crusted bread ring similar to simit). Travelers visit to sample this beloved regional staple fresh from the oven.
restaurant · 4.6 rating
Serkanhamza
A local eatery in İzmir serving Turkish comfort dishes. A casual spot popular with residents.
restaurant · 3.5 rating
Sevinç Pastanesi - Alsancak
A long-established İzmir patisserie in Alsancak serving Turkish pastries, cakes and sweets. A favorite for coffee and dessert.
restaurant · 4.3 rating
Zaim Usta
A local İzmir eatery known for grilled meats and traditional Turkish kebab dishes in a casual setting. A go-to for travelers seeking affordable, authentic regional fare.
restaurant · 4.4 rating
Beğendik Abi
A popular Izmir meyhane-style spot serving meze and grilled dishes with a lively social atmosphere. Travelers go for a convivial evening of Aegean food and drinks.
restaurant · 4.2 rating
Ristorante Pizzeria Venedik
An Italian restaurant in İzmir serving pizza and pasta in a sit-down setting. A choice for those wanting Italian cuisine.
restaurant · 4.2 rating
OD Urla
A fine-dining restaurant in Urla focused on wood-fired cooking and seasonal Aegean ingredients. A destination for an elevated culinary experience.
restaurant · 4.5 rating
Kumrucu Apo
An İzmir sandwich shop known for kumru, the local sesame-bread sandwich filled with sausage, cheese and tomato. A quick regional specialty bite.
restaurant · 3.9 rating
Kordon Yengeç Restaurant
A seafood restaurant along Izmir's Kordon waterfront serving fresh fish and crab specialties with sea views. A popular spot for a relaxed coastal meal.
restaurant · 4.2 rating
İzmir Deniz Restaurant
A waterfront seafood restaurant in Izmir known for fresh fish and Aegean meze with sea views. A classic choice for a coastal dining experience.
restaurant · 4.3 rating
Kemeralti Market
Historic bazaar with narrow streets, inns, coffee houses, and handicraft shops dating from the Ottoman era.
neighborhood · 4.2 rating