Izmir is a fantastic, young, dynamic and trendy city with history lurking around every corner. Located on the coast of the Aegean Sea, Izmir is also very picturesque, and therefore good impressions and many excellent photos are guaranteed.

The article below will introduce you to the best places to visit in Izmir while exploring the city:

Izmir Archaeological Museum

In the museum you will find countless interesting artifacts, many of which date back to the Greek and Roman eras, as well as the Bronze Age. Visiting the museum is one of the best things to do for lovers of history and culture.

Izmir clock tower

The main place to take photos in Izmir is the clock tower, built in 1901 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the reign of Abdulhamid II. The tower is made in a typical Ottoman style and is located in the Konak area.

  • There are four fountains around that are so iconic that they were printed on an old Turkish 400 lira banknote.

Asansor

Another attraction of the Konak district in Izmir — Asansor — is a tower built in 1907 and used to transport goods. The building itself is quite unique, but inside it there is a more interesting thing — an elevator that served to raise various goods to the nearest hill.

  • Now you can also take the elevator, but in order to enjoy the views.

Kemeralty

If you like to buy traditional and authentic souvenirs, you should head to Kemeralti. This is a wonderful shopping street with stalls and a covered bazaar.

  • You can visit Kemeralti not only because of shopping, but also because it is a bright and noisy place that can introduce you to the real Turkey.

Kadifekale

A trip to the top of Mount Pagos is one of the best things to do in Izmir. It offers fantastic views, a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, and the opportunity to explore the Kadifekale fortress, which dates back to Greek times.

Agora Open Air Museum

Not too far from Izmir is Ephesus, one of the best day trips from the city. But you don’t have to travel too far to visit the ancient ruins. The Agora Museum is a fantastic and conveniently located place. These are the ruins of the market, which was first Greek and then Roman.

Hisar

Not only in Istanbul there are magnificent mosques. Izmir is home to the beautiful Hisar Mosque, which was built between 1592 and 1598.

  • This building is hard to miss as it is right in the center of the city and its scale is huge. Inside, guests will see stunning Islamic art, some of the finest in the entire region.

Yassica Island

If you are in Izmir for a few days and want to explore the surroundings, take the ferry to the island of Yassica. The trip will take about one and a half hours.

  • Along the way, you’ll feel like you’re a million miles from the bustling city center. Located 4 km from the mainland, the island is uninhabited, which gives the place a pleasant atmosphere.

Forum Bornova

If you want to make important purchases or enjoy entertainment, it is best to head to the huge Forum Bornova shopping center.

  • It has a cinema, a Turkish food court, numerous cafes and shops. This is the largest marketplace in the city.