When we say "the pearl of the Aegean," we are referring to İzmir, which comes to mind with all its tranquility and beauty. There are indeed countless day trip destinations in İzmir. The city offers many beautiful travel routes, including resort areas, where you can enjoy pleasant activities in just one day very comfortably! However, talking about the most popular places will be particularly useful for those visiting İzmir for the first time or those who have yet to experience its undiscovered spots.
Comprehensive Guide to Day Trips in İzmir
You should know that experiencing İzmir without any specific destination or route in mind is also quite unique. However, of course, if you want to see certain points in a short period and plan your route, this comprehensive guide can help you. The first places that come to everyone's mind when İzmir is mentioned are Konak, located in the city center, and, of course, the Kemeraltı Bazaar. The locations we will mention next are; the Ancient City of Smyrna, Kadifekale, the Historical Elevator, Alsancak Love Road, Cyprus Martyrs Street, Kordon Boyu, İzmir Archaeology Museum, the Ancient City of Ephesus, Ayasuluk Hill, and the Temple of Artemis! You should know in advance that you will be affected separately by each location with its atmosphere, elegant people, and history. Let's also mention that you should reserve at least 3 days for your İzmir visit.
Konak Square
Konak Square is a plaza located in the center of İzmir, home to many business centers, historic and tourist sites, including the Kemeraltı Bazaar. Do not miss taking a photo at the clock tower, which has become a symbol of not only Konak Square but also İzmir, and trying the famous İzmir sandwich while feeding the birds. The sandwich and simit (known as "gevrek" in İzmir) sold in Konak Square are among the most delicious in İzmir. So, make sure to taste them when you're there. After completing your tour of the square, you can start walking towards Kemeraltı.
Kemeraltı Bazaar
In the past, products brought from various parts of the country to the bazaar, which was the heart of trade, were shipped abroad by sea. Although it has lost its international commercial significance today, it remains one of the city's most important commercial activity points.
You can find everything you are looking for in the Historic Kemeraltı Bazaar. Almost all the buildings in the bazaar have a history of centuries or even more. You can be sure that you will feel the city's history with every step you take. Do not leave Kemeraltı Bazaar without visiting Kızlarağası Han, taking a coffee break, eating a delicious meal in front of Hisar, and trying the famous kazandibi or şambaba dessert. Be ready for an exhausting but enjoyable tour in the bazaar, which is crowded at all times of the year!
Ancient City of Smyrna
The Ancient City of Smyrna is a place filled with statues and monuments. As you might guess from its name, Agora, which means city center, market, and bazaar, it is believed to have been built in the second century BC as the center of trade, religion, politics, art, and the city. The only Agora that has survived to our day and we can witness its history is this one. The historical artifacts from the region are displayed in the İzmir Archaeology Museum. It also contains one of the largest theaters in the world and a stadium. It will be impossible not to be affected when you wander around this place, which was the center of life centuries ago, with this thought in mind.
Kadifekale
Situated on a hill that completely dominates the İzmir Bay, Kadifekale was built by Alexander the Great in the third century BC and has reached today through interventions and repairs by different civilizations throughout history.
The walls, carrying Hellenistic and Roman architecture, still manage to attract attention with their majesty despite the inevitable modern urbanization around them. The mosque and cistern ruins, known to date back to the Byzantine period, are still present. The history you will witness and the atmosphere you will be impressed by will become even more enjoyable with a coffee against the view at the café at the entrance to Kadifekale.
Historical Elevator
A route you must not forget during your İzmir trip; the Historical Elevator! After the pleasure of the elevator crowned with Dario Moreno songs and its peaceful street, the unique view that presents the entire city to you from a bird's eye view is simply the address of tranquility! Of course, there's a story behind the massive elevator in the middle of a street. Nesim Levi, a Jewish businessman living in İzmir, had this elevator built to facilitate transportation between Halil Rıfat Paşa and Mithatpaşa Street. Before the construction of the elevator, there was a staircase connecting the two points with 155 steps. During the initial construction, one of the elevators was designed to be steam-powered and the other electric. After the restoration in 1985, both elevators were made to work electrically. Today, this place, one of the most peaceful spots in the city, with its view above and the pleasure of the cafes and the street below, becomes a different travel route etched in memory!
Alsancak Love Road
You will love Alsancak Love Road, where you will embark on a nostalgic journey with majestic palm trees on both sides, the ground illuminated with colorful lights, and plaques prepared in honor of unforgettable names of Yeşilçam. After completing your tour and shopping on Love Road, where there are numerous book, jewelry, and souvenir stands, you can head towards Cyprus Martyrs Street.
Cyprus Martyrs Street
Cyprus Martyrs Street, a meeting point for the people of İzmir and a fun route for tourists, is lively at all times, regardless of the season! On the street, which caters to every taste, you can shop and experience enjoyable places for dining. If you've come this far, don't leave without trying boyoz from Dostlar Bakery and İzmir bomb from Çelebi, as a tip.
Kordon Boyu
Kordon, which fascinates with its color at every moment from sunrise to sunset, is one of the symbolic points of İzmir. Always lively and dynamic, you can enjoy a pleasant walk in Kordon, discover beautiful places, or sit on the grass and enjoy the view like a true İzmir local.
İzmir Archaeology Museum
The Archaeology Museum, located in the Konak Bahribaba Park area, was initially opened to the public in 1927 in the Aya Vukla Church. The current museum building was constructed in 1984. The museum displays historical artifacts ranging from thousands of years old to recent history. The Archaeology Museum should be on your list as a historical stop during your İzmir trip.
Ephesus Ancient City
Ephesus Ancient City, known and symbolized by both locals and foreigners just as much as Konak Square, is a must-see! The ancient city, believed to date back to 6000 BC, has maintained its existence through every period from the Hellenistic era to the Ottoman period. Everyone interested in history and archaeology will be amazed by the Ancient City of Ephesus and the Ephesus Museum, definitely worth seeing. Note that you can enter for free with a Müzekart.
Ayasuluk Hill
Ayasuluk Hill, also known as Selçuk Castle, is a 15-minute walk from the Ephesus Museum. Here, you can see St. John's Church and İsa Bey Mosque. Although the mosque is relatively ordinary, it is among the places to see if you have come that far... The church has survived to the present day not as a whole but in ruins.
Temple of Artemis
Unfortunately, in the area you will visit for the Temple of Artemis, known as one of the seven wonders of the world, you will see nothing but two columns and a few stone remains. Since it is located on the route of the Ancient City of Ephesus, you can see it while visiting there. However, remember not to set your expectations too high.