Best Places to Visit in Izmir

Izmir, or Smyrna, is a prosperous and renowned city in Turkey, having created a niche for its rich history & unique heritage. As the 3^rd largest city and abode to Turkey's second biggest port, Izmir is an accepted tourist destination, pulling travelers from the world over to observe its wonders firsthand. The city's expansion over thousands of years has made it a contemporary and affluent settlement. From globally famous sites to breathtaking natural marvels, visitors will be amazed via the abundance of opportunities that this city provides. So if you wish to explore this beauty, apply for your Turkey visa at the earliest.

Things to Do 

Things to do in Izmir abound of these the must-try comprise, 

• Ephesus-

Ephesus, an ancient Roman city port in Ankara, is a must-visit destination for its rich collection of architectural Roman ruins. It played a pivotal role in spreading Christianity in the first century and is home to the Celcius Library, a popular attraction that emphasizes the importance of knowledge. The region's legacy attracts historians, archaeologists, and thousands of visitors to explore its ancient ruins. Only 15% of the site has been unearthed.

Location- Atatürk, Uğur Mumcu Sevgi Yolu, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Turkey.

Timings- 8am-6:30pm 

• Pergamon Acropolis- 

The Acropolis is one amid the must-see Izmir attractions for anyone interested in the historical stories of the city. The ruins feature pillars that are all that remain of an ancient building. The Pergamon Museum houses the remaining Acropolis ruins and an old theater on a cliff edge. Visiting allows you to glimpse into the historical tales of the city.

Location- Hamsa Suleymaniye, 35700 Bergama/ Izmir, Turkey

Timings- 8am-5pm (Winter)

                8am-7pm (Summer)

• Izmir Wildlife Park- 

Izmir Wildlife Park, a 425,000 square meter zoo in Ankara, houses 15,000 animals of 120 species, including zebras, deer, lions, tigers, monkeys, gazelles, hippopotamus, camels, and ostriches, all freely wandering in their natural habitats. The park is also an outstanding picnic spot and a great weekend getaway for bonding with the animals and birds. The park provides a unique experience for nature lovers.

Location- Tuzla, Ahmet Piriştina Cd. No 3, 35620 Çiğli/İzmir, Turkey.

Timings- 9am-5pm 

• Konak Pier- Konak Pier, a stunning waterfront pier, has been transformed into a complex for dining, shopping, and cinema to keep guests amused during their stay. It has evolved into the main entertainment center of the city where you can partake in all sorts of exciting pursuits like attending concerts, picking up some bites, and procuring souvenirs for your dear ones. Designed by the renowned architect Gustav Eiffel, it has grown into one of Izmir's most significant landmarks.

Location- Konak Mahallesi, Pier AVM, Atatürk Cd. No:19, 35260 Konak/İzmir, Turkey.

Timings- 10am-10pm

• Church of St Polycarp-

The Church of St Polycarp, named after the first bishop of Smyrna, is the oldest active Christian place of worship in Izmir. Named for St. Polycarp, this is a 19th-century Ottoman design masterwork, yet was smashed in 1922. However, in the 19th century, a local architect renovated it and brought back its lost beauty. The church walls are decorated with frescoes, whose color combinations and paintings enhance the elegance of the church. Numerous chandeliers hanging from the arches further add to its charm.

Location- Akdeniz, Necati Bey Blvd. No. 2/A, 35210 Konak/İzmir,Turkey.

Timings- 3pm-5pm 

• Hisar Mosque- Hisar Mosque is the most significant place for Islamic worshippers in Izmir. The interior design of this mosque is extraordinarily beautiful. Constructed in 1597, it represents one of the most magnificent examples of Ottoman architectural style. The mosque has a main dome in the center and three smaller domes in the back, with the whole structure built from white marble. It contains separate prayer halls for men and women, both decorated with grape and rose patterns, giving the mosque an oriental atmosphere. Surrounding the mosque are some of the best coffee shops where you can take pleasure of a refreshing cappuccino, mochaccino, or latte beverage.

Location- Konak, 904. Sk. No:52, 35250 Konak/İzmir, Turkey.

Timings- 9am-5pm

• Konak Square- 

Konak Square is a lively plaza situated in İzmir's Konak neighborhood and serves as a common gathering place for residents and visitors. It is home to several well-known landmarks such as the stunning Yah Mosque and Konak Clock Tower. The square, originally planned by Gustave Eiffel, has progressed into a shopping center, bordered by government buildings & famous cafés and eateries. The square buzzes with doings from both locals & tourists who come for dining, shopping and taking in the sights of its celebrated attractions.

Location- Southern end of Atatürk Avenue, Konak district of İzmir, Turkey

Timings- 10am-6pm 

• Asansor- 

Among the leading places to visit in Izmir, the Asansör should be your top pick, as it provides a breathtaking oceanfront vista that will delight your eyes. The Asansör is a historic tower constructed in 1907 to enable passage from the lower part of the city to the upper part. It contains a restaurant, cafe, and an incredible viewing area that gives you a spectacular look at Izmir. It has two elevators used to transport people to the pinnacle of the tower to revel in the astonishing view of Izmir's coastline.

Location- Turgut Reis, Şht. Nihat Bey Cd. 76/A, 03500 Konak/İzmir, Turkey

Timings- 6am-12am

• Kordon- Kordon is a picturesque seafront coastline stretching from Konak Pier to Konak Meydani, offering stunning views of the sunset. It features walking paths, cafes, and restaurants, and offers a picturesque panorama. Visitors can enjoy Turkish coffee or beer at street cafés or take a memorable journey in a traditional cart. The area also houses museums like Ataturk Museum and Arkas Art Center, which tell the rich history of Izmir. Bicycle rentals are available for scenic trips to the iconic seafront promenade.

Location- Alsancak, Kıbrıs Şehitleri Caddesi, 1479. Sk. A D:No:10, 35220 Konak/İzmir, Turkey.

Timings- 7am-8pm

Wrapping Up 

Now that you are familiar with the top attractions in Izmir, it is time to organize your trip there. It makes sense that Izmir is a popular repeat destination for travelers; the city has an allure that draws people in and makes them eager to return again and again. Last but not the least, the best time to visit Turkey is mid May to June & September and October. So plan your visit likewise.

5 UNESCO Heritage Sites to Visit in Türkiye

Turkey is a place where the past and the natural world blend together in an enchanting combination. Ranging from the historic remains of Ephesus to the stunning natural formations of Pamukkale, exploring Turkey's UNESCO World Heritage Sites provides a distinctive voyage through eras and landscapes. The purpose of this article is to serve as your all-inclusive guide to the 5 most breathtaking heritage sites in Turkey, giving you all the details required for an unforgettable excursion.

Ideal Time to Visit Turkey’s UNESCO Heritage Sites 

The optimal time to go to Turkey's UNESCO World Heritage sites is in the spring (April through June) or fall (September through November), when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer tourists.

5 Popular Turkey UNESCO Heritage Sites to Visit 

As of 2023, Turkey has twenty-one World Heritage Sites, consisting of nineteen cultural sites and two mixed sites. Of these, the top 5 comprise,

Image Courtesy : http://www.ebruliturizm.com/ 

•      Archaeological Site of Troy- The world distinguished archaeological site of Troy holds a history spanning over 4,000 years. It was made prominent by Homer in Iliad as the Trojan War location. In an earlier beauty pageant, Paris of Troy had been tasked with selecting between 3 goddesses - Hera, Athena, & Aphrodite. Paris selected Aphrodite, who had promised him the love of Helen, the Queen of Sparta. Paris' subsequent kidnapping of Helen to Troy provoked the Trojan War. Troy is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its extensive remains, which provide crucial evidence of the first interactions between the civilizations of Anatolia and the Mediterranean. Ever since, Troy has been a source of inspiration for great artists around the world.

Image Courtesy : https://goturkiye.com/

  

•         Mount Nemrut- Found at one of the tallest summits in the southwest region, MountNemrut in Turkey is referred to as the throne of the Gods at an astonishing elevation of 2,134 meters. In 62 BC, King Antiochus I of Commagene constructed a tomb sanctuary and monument for himself. The burial complex comprise gigantic statues of the King, two lions, two eagles, & various deities, whose heads have been scattered about the site. The tomb is one amid the most demanding buildings from Hellenistic era and is an antique pinnacle at the peak of the early world.

Image Courtesy : https://travelwider.com/ 

•       Pergamon- Established in 281 BCE, Pergamon was a chief city in the primeval world. Its acropolis served as the capital for the Hellenistic Attalid dynasty. In 133 BCE, Pergamon was passed to the Romans as a bequest. The landscape shows evidence of the successive Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires that ruled the region. The city was home to theaters, gymnasiums, the Great Altar, and the famed library. The UNESCO World Heritage site encompasses 9 locations, including the acropolis, the Asclepieion healing center, and other Ottoman and Roman archaeological sites nearby. Impressive monuments include the Temple of Trajan and the steeply-graded Roman Theater, a highlight for visitors.

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•     Topkapi Palace- Located along the Bosphorus strait between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, Istanbul was the capital city of the Eastern Roman Empire and later the Ottoman Empire. Topkapi Palace serves as a museum today, displaying imperial Ottoman collections like clothes, weapons, armor, and other artifacts. The museum provides visitors an inside look at the lavish way of life of the Ottoman sultans. People who travel to Istanbul frequently add Topkapi Palace to their schedule to encounter the wealthy history and cultural legacy of the Ottoman Empire. The Harem is among the most renowned parts of Topkapi Palace. The Harem is a maze of chambers, hallways, and yards.

Image Courtesy : https://explorersweb.com/

• Gobeklitepe- Gobeklitepe is an ancient archaeological site from the Stone Age consisting mostly of circular and oval structures on a hilltop. It is positioned around 15 kilometers from the city of Sanliurfa in the southeastern Turkey. It has archaeologically been identified as the oldest recognized temple within the world, dating back over more than 12,000 years, making this older than Stonehenge. As there are no other archaeological sites of comparable age anywhere in the world, UNESCO has declared Gobeklitepe the "zero point" in time, representing the origins of religious practices and human settlement. This extraordinary archaeological site offers visitors to Turkey a unique opportunity to see the oldest known site in the world.

Bottom Line

If you are engrossed in history or wish to spread out your knowledge about ancient civilizations, Turkey is undoubtedly a country that is absolutely worth seeing. Turkey, throughout history has been governed via numerous empires, & the buildings as well as ancient ruins these left behind present fascinating insights into the human history over centuries. In short, Turkey's famous historical sites and artifacts allow you to get a firsthand look at the past. So now you understand what is famous in Turkey, yes? Take advantage of the chance to make lifelong memories during your visit.