İzmir and Ephesus
İzmir is a relaxed Aegean city with a strong food scene; nearby Ephesus is the best-preserved Roman city in the region.
Best time
April to June and September to October.
Province
İzmir
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: İzmir
- Morning: Kemeraltı bazaar, Kızlarağası Hanı and the agora.
- Midday: lunch in Kemeraltı; try kumru, boyoz and gevrek.
- Afternoon: Kordon promenade, Alsancak and the agora of Smyrna.
- Evening: dinner in Alsancak or Karşıyaka; take the ferry for the view.
Day 2: Ephesus and Selçuk
- Morning: Ephesus (Library of Celsus, Grand Theatre, Terrace Houses).
- Midday: lunch in Selçuk; visit the Basilica of St John and the Isa Bey Mosque.
- Afternoon: Temple of Artemis and the Ephesus Museum.
- Evening: return to İzmir or stay in Selçuk/Şirince.
Ephesus and Selçuk
Ephesus
The best-preserved classical city in Türkiye, with the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre and marble streets. Go early to avoid heat and crowds.
Terrace Houses
Roofed Roman villas with mosaics, frescoes and heating systems, showing how wealthy Ephesians lived.
Temple of Artemis
The remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, now a single reconstructed column in Selçuk.
Basilica of St John
A Byzantine basilica on Ayasuluk Hill, built over the believed tomb of St John.
Ephesus Museum
A compact museum in Selçuk with finds from Ephesus, including sculpture and the Artemis cult objects.
Şirince
A hillside village of old houses, vineyards and fruit wines, about 12 km from Selçuk.
House of the Virgin Mary
A small shrine on Mount Koressos, visited by pilgrims and easily combined with Ephesus.
İzmir city
Konak Square and Clock Tower
The symbolic centre of İzmir, with the Ottoman clock tower, the governor's office and the ferry pier.
Kemeraltı Bazaar
A historic market district with shops, cafes, mosques and caravanserais. It is easy to get lost, in a good way.
Agora of Smyrna
Roman ruins in the middle of the city, with a reconstructed colonnade and underground galleries.
Kordon and Alsancak
The seafront promenade, with cafes, restaurants and sunset walks. It is the city's social living room.
Asansör
A historic elevator in Karataş that takes you up to a terrace with views over the bay.
Kadifekale
A hilltop castle with wide views and a more local atmosphere than the waterfront.
Around İzmir
Pergamon
The acropolis above Bergama, with a steep theatre, library site and the Asklepion healing sanctuary below.
Alaçatı
A stone-house village with windmills, bougainvillea streets and a strong food scene, on the Çeşme peninsula.
Çeşme
A coastal town with a castle, marinas and clear water, popular for summer holidays.
Sardis
The Lydian capital with the Temple of Artemis, a Roman gymnasium and the Bin Tepe tumuli, usually visited from İzmir or Manisa.
More places to see
İzmir Archaeological Museum
A strong collection from Smyrna, Bayraklı and the region, with sculpture and everyday objects.
İzmir Ethnography Museum
Textiles, costumes, crafts and domestic life from the Aegean region.
St Polycarp Church
One of the oldest churches in İzmir, in the Kemeraltı bazaar district.
Kültürpark
A large green park with the fairground, museums, cafes and walking paths in the city centre.
Karşıyaka
A lively seaside district with a promenade, ferries and a local cafe culture.
Foça
A fishing town with an old harbour, ancient Phokaia and nearby islands.
Urla
A food and wine town with vineyards, markets and a growing restaurant scene.
Çeşme Castle
A coastal castle with a small museum and views over the marina and the Aegean.
Sığacık
A harbour town with a small castle, a market and a relaxed Aegean atmosphere.
Teos
An ancient Ionian city near Sığacık, with a theatre and a temple of Dionysus.
Balçova Teleferik
A cable car up to a hill with bay views, cafes and walking paths.
Bayraklı Höyük
The excavation of early Smyrna, one of the oldest settlements in the city.
Klazomenai
An ancient Ionian city near Urla, known for its sarcophagi and olive oil workshops.
İzmir Wildlife Park
A large park with animals and open spaces, useful for families with children.
Sources: GoTürkiye İzmir
Food to try
kumru, boyoz, gevrek, stuffed mussels, olive oil dishes, şambali.
Where to stay
Alsancak/Kordon in İzmir; Selçuk or Şirince for a quieter base near Ephesus.
Practical notes: İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB). Ephesus is about 1 hour by car/train from İzmir; the train to Selçuk is convenient. Ephesus is hot and exposed; go early.