Izmir Travel Guide

Izmir is the 3rd biggest city of the Republic of Turkey, after Istanbul and Ankara. With its stunning beaches, cheerful people and dynamic social life Izmir is one of the most popular destinations in Turkey. On the other hand, inhabitants of Izmir are known as the happiest amongst the country. You can see cheerful people hanging out with their friends on cordon, in other public places, or cultural activities, such as theatre and public meetings. Even today, immigrants prefer to move to Izmir, instead of other metropolises like Istanbul, Ankara, or Bursa.

 

Izmir’s name comes from its ancient name “Smyrna”. According to archeological excavations Izmir was founded in 3000 BC. Some say Izmir was founded by Amazons, others say it was founded by the legendary Phrygian King Tantalus.

Since the beginning of the history, Izmir has always been a critical location for commercial, politics, and social life. Today, with Its highly educated population and economic activities, Izmir is such an important city.

The city is located in Turkey’s Aegean region. It has been the economic and social center of the region since history. There are 30 districts, 11 of which are central. The neighboring provinces of İzmir include Muğla, Aydın and Manisa.

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General Information

Country Turkey
Region Aegean
Area 7,340 km2
Language Turkish
Average Temperature 16.7 C
Climate Mediterranean
Flora Maquis
GMT Difference +3
Phone Code 0 (232)
Currency Turkish lira
Plug Type C

Izmir has a very popular coach station. From almost every city in Turkey, there are bus services to Izmir.

Also you can go Izmir by plane. Izmir has one international airport. Adnan Menderes International Airport is used by millions of visitors throughout the year. Istanbul-Izmir flight is approximately 75 minutes.

Transportation from Izmir Airport to City Center

Adnan Menderes International Airport is located far away from the central districts.

You can take Havas shuttles, ESHOT shuttles, and IZBAN trains in order to arrive to the city center. There are also cab alternatives for visitors. Izmir airport is 15 kilometers from Konak, Izmir. This distance will take approximately 23 minutes by car.

If you look for a personal transport, you can rent a car from the airport.

Public Transport in İzmir

There are many alternatives to be used in İzmir city transportation. İzmirim Card is valid for public transportation vehicles other than taxi and minibus lines.

In Izmir transportation system which is integrated with municipal bus, metro, izban, ferry, ferry and tram, all boardings are free within 90 minutes after your first payment with Izmirim Card. can ensure transportation. In Izmir, many facilities belonging to the municipality (car parks, Bisim, Cable Car, Natural Life Park, Ice Rink, Smart Toilets, etc.) payment process can be done with Izmirim Card. There is also a ticket system for daily use of domestic and foreign tourists coming to İzmir. So you do not have to issue Izmirim Card during your short stay.

Festivals in İzmir

Numerous festivals are held in different periods of the year in Izmir. You can design your trip according to these festival dates.

  • Technology Festival. January 18
  • Karaburun Narcissus Festival. January 26
  • Karnavalizm. February 28
  • Bigfest. June 6
  • Izmir Youth Carnival June 25

Places to Visit in Izmir

With its 8500 years of history, İzmir has social, cultural and seasonal holiday opportunities both in the city center and in the districts. Cinemas, concerts, theater plays, artistic events, showcases in the center of the city, accompanied by musicians, even walking on the streets gives people peace. In this ever-moving city, it is also possible to slow down life by resting along the Kordon.

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Izmir Clocktower

Clock Tower, one of the symbolic figures of İzmir, was built upon the request of the Grand Vizier Mehmet Said Pasha in memory of the 25th anniversary of the reign of Abdulhamid II. The architect of the tower is the architect who also built the German Consulate. The tower clock was given by the German Emperor Wilhelm II. Since the construction date of the tower, since 1901, this watch is still working today. You can reach the Clock Tower by all means going to Konak, especially the city transportation vehicles called ESHOT.

Izmir Archeology and Ethnography Museum 

The Archaeological Museum, which was first opened in 1927 at the Hagia Vukla Church, gained a deserved museum building in 1984. In this modern building of 5000 square meters within Konak Bahribaba Park, you can see the works of almost every period from thousands of years to the recent history. You can use all means of transportation passing through Konak to reach the museum.

Kemeraltı Bazaar

İzmir, which has been in the most important position of the region for thousands of years, is also the center of trade thanks to its advantageous harbor. In the past, various products from within the country were brought to Izmir and sent to abroad by sea. This situation makes İzmir, especially Kemeraltı, the heart of trade. Today, the historical Kemeraltı Bazaar does not have international commercial activity, but it is still alive.

Agora Ancient City

It is estimated that the Izmir Agora was built in the 2nd century BC during the Roman Period. İzmir Agora is one of the largest and most robust agora ever. The artifacts from this historic site are on display at the Izmir Archeology Museum today. This city, which is connected to the Roman Empire, had the right to build a temple on behalf of the emperor, one of the most prestigious rights of the empire, three times. The ancient city, including the Agora, also has one of the world’s largest theaters and the stadium. The most effortless way to reach the ancient city is to use the metro. You can reach Smyrna after a 5-minute walk after getting off at Çankaya from the metro.

St. Polycarp Church

The church in Çankaya is one of the most magnificent temples in İzmir. The building, built in 1625, is an architectural structure at the peaks of aesthetics with its frescoes that are even more visible after the last restoration. The church, one of the oldest witnesses of the tolerance of İzmir, is opened for visits from time to time. The church is located in a very central location in the city. There is no charge for entrance to the church. Located next to Çankaya Square, the church is a 10-minute walk from the historical Kemeraltı Bazaar. The easiest way to reach the church from any part of Izmir is by metro. After you get off at Çankaya metro stop, you can reach the church by walking 200 meters.

Alsancak Kordon

Watching the blue sea from green grass in Kordon which is one of the symbolic points of İzmir is one of the most enjoyable things of the world. You can also increase this pleasure with a dinner with Kordon views. Located in Alsancak district, Kordon Boyu is easily reached by bus and metro.

Beaches and Bays

Bodrum Bay, where the beautiful sea of Karaburun meets, has recently been preferred especially for water sports. Entrance to Bodrum Beach is free, but you may have to pay a little for the sun beds and umbrellas.

Sazlıca Bay is l ocated in Foça, this beautiful bay is almost created for those who like to camp out to sea. If you plan to camp here, the camping fee is 25 TL per person (2019). You can rent sun loungers and umbrellas when you pay 20 TL when you go to Sazlıca Bay’s Beach, which is located on the 7th kilometer of Yeni Foça-Eski Foça Road.

Bademli Bay and Fame Beach: Dikili has a beauty blessed by god, and Bademli Bay proves it. If you want to have a holiday in this bay that is reminiscent of paradise with the cleanliness of the sea, you can visit Fame Beach.

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