| 5 mins read
Tucked into Turkey’s western central coast is the modern day metropolis of Izmir. The third largest city in the country, this colorful Aegean hub sits at the head of a 50-kilometer long gulf with a history reaching back as far as the Bronze Age. With most travelers heading north to Pergamum & Asklepion or South to Ephesus, visitors to Izmir will be pleasantly surprised with its laid-back, less commercialized atmosphere. If you’re planning a trip to this western Turkey city, make sure you check out these top seven things to do!
Exploring Ancient Smyrna
1.Touring the Agora and Archaeological Museum: Though Izmir was first settled by the Anatolians in the third millennium BC, its city roots were established by the Greeks. Known as the city of Smyrna, the region was urbanized by Alexander the Great and underwent a rather tumultuous history, due to which most of Smyrna’s ancient remains were burned, destroyed or lost in the grips of war. There are, however, a few sites remaining that expose ancient Smyrna’s history.
Izmir’s Agora Open Air Museum is a great place to experience the splendor that once was Smyrna. Home to a collection of remains from the actual agora, a northern basilica gate, Stoa and ancient shopping centre, this archaeological site is the city’s most important historical attraction.
What visitors can’t see at the Agora will be found at the Izmir Archaeology Museum. Housing busts, bronze statues, tools, and many more ancient artifacts, the items on display here range from the Bronze Age to the Greek and Roman periods.
Touring Modern Day Izmir
2. A Cityscape Boat Ride: With the city facing the Gulf of Izmir and a beautiful chain of mountains creating the backdrop, Izmir’s cityscape is one of its main attractions. Boats leave from three different piers within the city and a round trip ticket will put you back about 3 USD (6.50 TL). If you only have time to ferry to one destination, the Karşıyaka area is your best bet.
3. Exploring Karşıyaka: Home to some beautiful pedestrian-friendly streets, loads of restaurant, shops, cafés and other foreign-friendly locales, this cosmopolitan district is a nice first glimpse into modern day Izmir. A few things to look out for while touring this district are Karşıyaka Bazaar Street, the upscale waterfront region (including Karşıyaka Pier) and a number of 19th century landmarks (St. Helen Catholic Church, Latife Ussaki House and the Lohner House, to name a few).
4. Paying a Visit to the Konak District: Another interesting part of the city is its Konak District. The largest and most central of Izmir’s 9 districts, Konak is home to a number of the city’s main cultural attractions (including the Agora). Amongst these is the iconic Konak Square: a symbol of modern day Izmir with a picturesque, early 20th century clock tower sitting at its heart. The lively Kemeraltı Bazaar, Hisar Mosque and Kadifekale Castle/Hill are also some attractions found within this region. Just east of the square is the 19th century Konak Pier (designed by Gustave Eiffel) and the beautiful Kordon - a seaside promenade filled with quaint cafés and small shopping areas.
Izmir as a Travel Hub
Izmir is the perfect hub to visit three of the regions most popular ancient sites.
5. Pergamum: Only 100 kilometers north of Izmir is the ancient Greek city of Pergamum. With a history dating back to 400 BC, the ruins of the Upper & Lower Acropolis and Serapis Temple are some of the most interesting sites of ancient Greece in Turkey.
6. Asklepion: Just nearby Pergamum is the Asklepion, the ancient world’s famous medical centre. This 4th century BC heath center practiced everything from psychoanalysis to spa therapy; top sites to visit include the Sacred Way, Temple of Asklepios and the ancient pools and fountains.
7. Ephesus: A quick 50-kilometer drive south from Izmir brings you to the ancient Greek city and biblical town of Ephesus. Famous for its Temple of Artemis (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world), do make it a point to see the ruins of the Library of Celsus, Basilica of St. John and the remnants of the ancient temple.
The best way to explore these historical sites (and the entire city) is alongside a local Izmir tour guide. They will not only help you navigate around the attractions, best restaurants and top shopping in Izmir, but will also steer you clear of the package tourists coming in off cruise ships.