Ephesus
Things to do in Izmir
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Photo: Koray, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Airportsİzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) serves the city and the Aegean coast around it.
Getting aroundMetro, tram, suburban trains and ferries cover the city. Day trips to Ephesus and Çeşme are easiest by car, bus or tour.
CurrencyTurkish lira (TRY)
Best monthsApril to June and September to October, when the Aegean climate is warm but not at its hottest.
Izmir in brief
Izmir is the third largest city in Türkiye and sits at the head of a long gulf on the Aegean coast. In ancient times it was called Smyrna, and the city has more than 3,000 years of recorded history.
The old centre lies around Konak Square, the Kemeraltı bazaar and the Roman Agora of Smyrna. A long seafront promenade, the Kordon, runs along the gulf, with ferries crossing to the other shore.
Izmir is also the usual base for Ephesus, one of the best preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean, and for the resort towns of Çeşme and Alaçatı on the western peninsula.
Top attractions in Izmir
Tickets and guided visits for the city’s best-known sights.
Ephesus
Konak Square and Clock TowerAttraction
Konak Square and Clock Tower
The main square of Izmir, with an ornate clock tower finished in 1901.
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Kemeraltı BazaarAttraction
Kemeraltı Bazaar
A historic market district of lanes, shops and old caravanserais, running from Konak Square towards the Agora.
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Agora of SmyrnaAttraction
Agora of Smyrna
The ruins of a Roman market square, rebuilt under Marcus Aurelius after an earthquake in AD 178.
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KadifekaleAttraction
Kadifekale
A hilltop castle on Mount Pagos with wide views over the city and the gulf.
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Çeşme and AlaçatıAttraction
Çeşme and Alaçatı
Two seaside towns on the western peninsula, known for a harbour castle, stone houses and windmills.
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Photo: Ephesus — Benh LIEU SONG (CC BY-SA 3.0); Konak Square and Clock Tower — Ahmetyi1maz (CC0); Kemeraltı Bazaar — Dosseman (CC BY-SA 4.0); Agora of Smyrna — Carole Raddato from FRANKFURT, Germany (CC BY-SA 2.0); Kadifekale — Dosseman (CC BY-SA 4.0); Çeşme and Alaçatı — OscarKosy (Public domain) · Wikimedia Commons
Tours and day trips
Guided tours, day trips and experiences, with photos, reviews and prices.
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Getting there and around
Airport transfer from İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB)A pre-booked car from arrivals to your hotel in the city. Alternatives are the suburban train, airport buses or a taxi.
Getting around IzmirThe metro and tram cover much of the city, and passenger ferries cross the gulf between Konak and the northern shore. The old centre is best explored on foot.
Car rentalA car is useful for Ephesus, Çeşme and the Aegean coast. In the city centre, public transport and taxis are easier than parking.
Flights
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Where to stay
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1
Alsancak
A lively district near the seafront, with cafés, restaurants and the main railway station. It suits visitors who want evenings out.
2
Konak
The historic centre, close to the clock tower, the bazaar and the ferry pier. It suits first-time visitors who want to walk to the main sights.
3
Karşıyaka
A residential district on the northern shore of the gulf, reached by ferry. It suits those who prefer a calmer base with a seafront walk.
4
Alaçatı
A small town on the western peninsula, with stone houses and boutique hotels. It suits a beach stay, but it is far from the city sights.
Hotels in Izmir with live prices
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Top hotels in Izmir
Popular hotels with strong guest ratings. Open a hotel to see photos, facilities and live prices.
Izmir Marriott Hotel★★★★★
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Wyndham Grand Izmir Ozdilek Thermal & Spa★★★★★
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Park Inn by Radisson Izmir★★★★
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Renaissance Izmir Hotel★★★★★
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TAV Airport Hotel Izmir
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Grand Hyatt Izmir IstinyePark★★★★★
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L'Agora Old Town Hotel & Bazaar
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Svalinn Hotel★★★★
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Kaya Izmir Thermal & Convention★★★★★
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Oğlakcıoğlu Park Otel
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Hotel Baylan İzmir★★★
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Tempo Residence Comfort Izmir★★★★
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Izmir day by day
- Day 1: Konak and KemeraltıStart at Konak Square and the clock tower, then walk into the Kemeraltı bazaar. Finish with a stroll along the Kordon at the water’s edge.
- Day 2: EphesusSpend the morning at the ruins of Ephesus, then visit Selçuk or the village of Şirince before returning to Izmir.
- Day 3: Agora and KadifekaleVisit the Agora of Smyrna in the morning, then climb or drive to Kadifekale for the view over the gulf.
- With a fourth dayTravel along the peninsula to Çeşme and Alaçatı for the castle, the old stone streets and the coast.
Local tips
- Ephesus and the Agora have little shade. Bring water, a hat and sun cream.
- Summer afternoons are hot, so plan outdoor sites for the morning.
- Ephesus is about an hour from the city, so start early if you want to see Ephesus and Selçuk in one day.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The bazaar lanes and the ancient sites have uneven ground.
- Ferries are a simple way to cross the gulf and give a view of the city from the water.
Before you go
Travel insuranceCover for medical costs and cancellations.
Luggage storageLeave bags near the station or the sights.
Flight delay compensationCheck whether a delayed or cancelled flight qualifies.
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Travel guide
The best months are April to June and September to October, and three days cover the old centre, Ephesus and the Agora. İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport is about 14 km from the centre and has a direct suburban train, so a base near the seafront or Konak is simple to reach.
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Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Izmir?
Three days cover the old centre, Ephesus and the Agora. A fourth day allows a trip to Çeşme and Alaçatı.
How far is Ephesus from Izmir?
Ephesus is near the town of Selçuk, about an hour’s drive south of the city. It is usually visited as a day trip.
How do I get from the airport to the city?
İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) is connected to the city by suburban train, airport buses, taxis and pre-booked transfers.
When is the best time to visit Izmir?
Spring and early autumn are the most comfortable seasons. Summers are hot, and the climate is Mediterranean.
Can I visit Çeşme and Alaçatı in a day?
Yes. Both towns are on the western peninsula, about an hour from the city by road, and many visitors see them together.