Top Things to Do in Izmir

About the City

Tucked along the azure embrace of the Aegean Sea lies Izmir, Turkey, a city thrumming with energy, straddling the past and the present with magnetic charm. Here, ancients whispers from agora ruins mingle with modern-day street art, crafting a tapestry as vibrant as its famed kilims. Breeze-kissed palm-lined promenades beckon strollers and bikers alike, while the city's heart pulsates with the frenetic rhythm of the Kemeraltı Market, where bargains jostle with authentic Turkish flavors. For history buffs, Izmir is a time portal with sites like the Kadifekale castle offering panoramic views, stamped with the footprints of Alexander the Great himself. But, excitement aside, Izmir wears a few blemishes proudly; brimming crowds can turn the simplest stroll into an odyssey, and the infernal summer heat is often a fiery test of endurance. The relentless symphony of honking cars composes an urban soundtrack that is occasionally more cacophonic than charming. And while the city is luscious with green spaces, they might be frosted with the perennial dust of development. Despite these urban scratches, Izmir remains an ineffable mix of exuberance and ease, history and hipness—a kaleidoscopic city for those keen on diving into the dance of its contrasts.

Things to Do in Izmir

Nibble on Meze Varieties

Food & Drink

Kick back like an Izmir local and start your meal with meze, the ultimate appetizer spread that gets the party started. From smoky eggplant to zesty yogurt dips, you get a rainbow of dishes to dip, mi...

Picnic at Sasalı Wildlife Park

Outdoors

Get wild about picnicking at Sasalı Wildlife Park! Spread your blanket amidst nature and share your snacks with the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves. It's a chilled-out feast with our furr...

Chill Out at Breeze Café and Park

The Unexpected

Sink into a comfy outdoor chair amidst the greenery and enjoy a slow day at Breeze Café. Sip on a Turkish tea or a cold brew while the kids have a ball at the play area. It's laid-back recreation at i...

Master the Art of Turkish Cooking

The Unexpected

Get your chef hat on and join a Turkish cooking class. Learn to whip up scrumptious local dishes that'll impress even the pickiest of eaters back home. It's a delicious skill to bring back from your t...

Time Travel in Elevator Historical Building

The Unexpected

Step into the historical Asansör and let the old-world elevator take you on a vertical journey to yesteryears. It's not just a lift; it's a time machine with a view!

Escape Game Adventures

The Unexpected

Team up with your comrades and get those brain juices flowing in an escape room adventure. Crack codes, solve puzzles, and outwit the game master to escape from a mysterious room. Escape if you can!

Rock Climbing at Karaburun

Outdoors

Get ready to cling to cliffs at Karaburun! This spot's a real gem for rock climbers looking for a thrill. Chalk up, challenge gravity, and scramble up the routes that offer plenty of 'whoa' moments. J...

Mountain Biking at Yamanlar Mountain

Outdoors

Give those legs a workout and hit the rugged trails of Yamanlar Mountain on a mountain bike. You'll zip through pine-scented paths and race down descents that are more exhilarating than a double espre...

Explore the Mountain Trails of Bozdağ

Outdoors

Breathe in the fresh mountain air and conquer the trails of Bozdağ! Whether you’re a casual hiker or a hardcore trailblazer, these peaks offer the kind of views that'll make you want to bust out your ...

Sunset Sailing on the Aegean

Outdoors

Set sail on the Aegean Sea as the sun begins to dip, painting the sky with strokes of pink and orange! Feel the wind in your sails and the salt on your lips while the horizon puts on a spectacular sho...

Slurp Down Midye Dolma

Food & Drink

Dare to try midye dolma, and let the spiced rice and mussels combo make a splash in your mouth! Picture this: a mussel shell cradling a mound of rice seasoned with herbs and spices, just waiting for y...

Get Spooked at the Kızlaragasi Han Bazaar

Sights

Step into the maze of Kızlaragasi and let the centuries-old caravanserai enchant you with tales of travelers and traders. Haggle like a pro or just soak up the ambience of this shopping haven where th...

Ride the Waves at Cesme

Sights

Hit the shores of Cesme and ride the waves like you're the star of a surf movie. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just a beach bum looking to hang ten, Cesme's beaches have a wave with your name on it...

Get Cultured at The Izmir Museum of History and Art

Sights

Unleash your inner art critic at The Izmir Museum of History and Art. Walk the halls filled with sculptures that won't answer back no matter how many questions you ask. And if you're feeling fancy, st...

Step Back in Time at Kadifekale

Sights

Who needs a time machine when you've got Kadifekale? Climb up to this ancient castle, where the views are as timeless as the worn stones under your feet. Picture yourself as a knight or princess, but ...

Dive into the Deep at The Aqua Toy City

Sights

Splash into a world of fun at The Aqua Toy City water park! Get ready for water slides that'll make your heart race faster than a love-struck teenager and lazy rivers that are more chill than a snowma...

Indulge in Lokma

Food & Drink

Treat yourself with lokma, little bites of heaven that are deep-fried to golden perfection and then soaked in sweet syrup. You'll definitely want more than just one of these addictive Turkish doughnut...

Savor Kumru

Food & Drink

Sink your teeth into a kumru, Izmir's answer to the sandwich but so much better! Imagine a loaf of bread stuffed with a party of sausage, salami, cheese, and tomatoes. It's like a flavor fiesta in you...

Feast on Boyoz

Food & Drink

Get your taste buds dancing with the savoriness of boyoz, Izmir's flaky, delectable pastry. Dive into the crispy layers of this Sephardic treat. Go on, take a bite and let every layer tell you a story...

Sail the Gulf of Izmir

The Unexpected

Ahoy! Charter a boat and play captain. Navigate the calm waters of the Gulf of Izmir and find your sea legs. Just don't call 'man overboard' if you drop your hat!