Izmir travel guide

Photo of Pasaport District is popular tourist attraction with seagull - izmir, Turkey.
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Introduction to Izmir

Home to more than 4.3 million people and the magnificent Kemeraltı Bazaar, Old Foca Coast, and Clock Tower of İzmir, Izmir is an adventure awaiting you. With a unique historical background and an incredible variety of natural and architectural beauty, Izmir is a highlight in Turkey. This the third largest city by population in Turkey is a travel destination with plenty to offer curious travelers.

Explore this culturally-rich region and easily plan your trip to Turkey. Welcome to Guide to Europe’s comprehensive Izmir travel guide.

Easily accessible from Adnan Menderes airport, Izmir is the perfect base for a memorable and unique vacation in Turkey any time of the year.

You'll learn more fascinating facts about Izmir as you explore this spectacular region.

Traveling to Izmir is especially rewarding for anyone eager to connect with locals and learn more about their unique culture and traditions.

Get ready to explore and learn more about the region of Izmir below!

Top services in Izmir

Here on this page, you'll find all the top travel services in Izmir, Turkey. Check out the cheapest and most popular flights offered by 357 airlines that fly to Turkey. Browse the 275 top-rated tours available to you in Izmir. Compare the rates and services of the 7 types of places to stay in Izmir and the 13 car rental companies offering CDW insurance coverage. We make it easy for you to find and book the top services in Izmir.

Enjoy the convenience of planning and booking every detail of your trip to Izmir, including flights, accommodations, activities, and more, in one place. Book with Guide to Europe to get an expertly-curated and fully-customizable itinerary and experience the best of Izmir on your vacation in Turkey.

Get answers to questions about the routes and services offered in Izmir from our free 24/7 customer support. Continue reading to learn how you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable vacation in the region of Izmir!

Learn more about Turkey

There are many reasons to visit the region of Izmir, but a trip to Turkey needs no explanation.

Exploring Turkey, which spans 783,562 square kilometers, is an adventure of a lifetime. Turkey offers an abundance of truly magical places to discover, including cultural, historic, and scenic sites of significant value to both locals and travelers.

As the home country of many world-famous attractions like the spectacular Kemeraltı Bazaar, Old Foca Coast, and the Clock Tower of İzmir, you’re all set for a unique and memorable travel experience in Turkey.

Click or tap the link below to discover more about Turkey.

What to see in Izmir

Photo of Izmir, Turkey by deepbluesky

Izmir has something for everyone. Regardless of age and interest, travelers have the best time exploring every corner of the region.

Read on to discover the best places to visit and find out what to expect from the region of Izmir.

Top attractions in Izmir

Home to plenty of top attractions, Izmir is more than just a wonderful region in Turkey. Izmir is a travel hotspot and a great place to experience a mix of the traditional and modern culture of Turkey.

One fascinating sight in Izmir is the unforgettable Kemeraltı Bazaar. Considered one of the most well-known attractions in the region, a visit to this spectacular travel destination is something you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Izmir. This remarkable attraction is located at Konak, Anafartalar Cd. , 35250 Konak/İzmir, Türkiye and is open for visitors Monday - Sunday, between 08:00-19:00.

For more information about what you can expect during a vacation in Turkey, check out our list of top attractions in Izmir below. Discover the best places to visit in Izmir, including the fascinating Kemeraltı Bazaar, Old Foca Coast, Clock Tower of İzmir, Ephesus Archaeological Museum, and Cesme Castle.

Map of attractions

Use this map to find the location of all top attractions in Izmir.

Things to do in Izmir

Photo of  famous clock tower that became the symbol of Izmir.

Enrich your travel experience in Izmir by joining tours and activities. Izmir offers an exciting selection of top-rated tours and it's easy for every traveler to find something to their liking. Take the opportunity to catch the top attractions on a tour, stay active with an adventurous excursion, or learn something new about the local history or culture of the region.

Discover the most popular experiences in Izmir below.

Most popular experiences in Izmir

Traveling is all about gaining new experiences. You can have that and more in the region of Izmir.

Izmir offers numerous tours and activities for travelers to choose from. Historical Tours, Bus Tours, and Ports of Call Tours are only a few of the many experiences you can book for your holiday in Turkey.

Explore the most popular experiences you can join in Izmir by clicking on one of the top-rated tour categories below.

Top tours & tickets starting in Izmir

Travelers in Izmir can choose from 14 categories of top-rated tours and tickets. If you're curious about what the most frequently recommended experiences in the city are, Cultural Tours is the answer.

The most popular tour in Izmir is the fantastic Seven Churches of Revelation Tour ( Private). By joining this highly recommended tour, travelers get to learn more about what makes Izmir one of the best travel destinations in Turkey.

Izmir also offers plenty of budget-friendly tours and activities that promise travelers a unique experience in the city. The affordable Izmir International Airport (ADB) to Çeşme, Alaçatı - Arrival Private Transfer is the cheapest tour in the region, and is a popular Bus Service. This experience costs around 33 EUR and allows travelers a great time in Izmir.

Secure an unforgettable experience for your upcoming trip to Izmir and book a top-rated tour in the region. Discover the best tours, activities, and tickets in Izmir below.

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Search for things to do in Izmir

Discover the best things to do in Izmir. Choose from 275 fantastic tours and activities available in the region.

Select your dates and number of travelers in the search bar below to receive the best recommendations for your vacation in Izmir. Click the green button to view your options.

Vacation packages in Izmir

Photo of Alacati is populer historical tourist destination in Izmir ,Turkey.

The best and easiest way to visit Izmir is by booking a vacation package. A vacation package includes everything you need for a worry-free and perfectly planned holiday in Turkey.

Booking a vacation package to Izmir means spending less time planning and more time enjoying your vacation. A vacation package includes everything from flight tickets, accomodation, and a rental car, to 24/7 personal travel support and a carefully planned travel itinerary. You can also take your vacation in Izmir to the next level by adding tours, tickets, and activities to each day of your trip.

Apart from providing you with everything you need to travel comfortably, your vacation package to Izmir is also fully customizable. In other words, you can add or remove services at your own convenience, to create the perfect vacation for you and your travel companions.

On our website, you will find 136 unique vacation packages to Izmir, including flight tickets, hotel reservations, and recommendations for the best sightseeing spots, restaurants, bars, and activities.

Continue to the next section to learn more about what types of vacations you can book in the region of Izmir.

Popular types of vacations in Izmir

The most popular way to experience Izmir is by visiting the region as part of a road trip across multiple destinations in Turkey. However, it is also common for travelers to go to Izmir on both shorter and longer getaways, to get a break from everyday life, relax, and experience something new.

With Guide to Europe you can find road trips, city breaks, and weekend getaways in Turkey, ranging from budget to luxury. Whether you’re planning a multi-day road trip across Turkey, or you just want to enjoy a few days exploring Izmir, there is a vacation package for you.

Discover the most popular vacation packages in Izmir below.

Top vacation packages in Izmir

Travelers have a great selection of vacation packages to choose from in Turkey. In fact, you can choose from as many as 136 different top-rated vacation packages to take you to Izmir, and even more if you expand your search to include a bigger area of Turkey.

To help narrow your choices down, here are some of the best vacation packages for exploring the region of Izmir.

For an epic vacation, discover Izmir and other top destinations in Turkey on a top-rated holiday like the Cheap 10-Day Turkey Road Trip Vacation from Izmir traveling north to Yalova, Kocaeli Province & Bursa. This vacation package provides travelers with tons of opportunities to experience not only the most popular attractions in Izmir, but also in other top places to visit in Turkey. If Old Foca Coast, Kemeraltı Bazaar, Hisar Mosque, Konak Square, and Arkas Art Center are on your bucket list, this is the perfect vacation package for you.

If you would like to go on a budget vacation in Izmir, book the popular Cheap 3-Day Turkey City Break in Izmir and spend as little as 108 EUR. This vacation will take you on a journey to experience some of the most incredible attractions and sights in Izmir, including the fantastic Clock Tower of İzmir, Kemeraltı Bazaar, Smyrna Agora Ancient City, Hisar Mosque, and Arkas Art Center.

Get more Izmir vacation ideas on this site and discover the greatest selection of vacation packages in Europe. Scroll down to find the best vacation packages in Turkey that match your needs and budget.

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Find vacation packages in Izmir

Discover and compare 136 vacation packages that take you to the wonderful region of Izmir.

The best flights, hotels, and activities in Izmir get fully booked quickly. Use the search tool below to find the best vacation packages in Turkey. Your customized holiday package to Izmir is only a few clicks away!

How to get to Izmir

To get to the region of Izmir the fastest way possible, travelers from outside Turkey can travel by plane. International travelers can fly to Izmir by booking flights with any of the 44 airlines that offer direct flights to Adnan Menderes airport. Some airlines that operate flights to Adnan Menderes airport are United Airlines, Ryanair, Delta Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, and Lufthansa. Go to this page to compare all flights to Izmir.

To reach the region of Izmir, travelers can choose from various airport transfer options available at Adnan Menderes airport.

If you're looking for the best flight ticket deals to Izmir, knowing the cheapest travel time and which airlines offer the most affordable flights is helpful. Luckily, we have this information for you. Discover more about the cheapest and most popular flights to Adnan Menderes airport and Izmir below.

Find cheap flights to Izmir

Photo of Ayayorgi Coast White Beach Drone Photo, Cesme Izmir Turkey.

Over the years, more airlines have started offering flexible and direct flights to Izmir, making it one of the most accessible travel destinations in Turkey. However, it is usually cheaper to fly to Izmir, Turkey, in May.

The cheapest one-way flight to Izmir costs around 46 EUR and is offered by the airline Pegasus.

The cheapest round-trip flights to Izmir cost approximately 128 EUR in total. The departure flight leaves on September 3 and the return flight is scheduled on September 7. The flight time is around 3 hours per way.

The return flight is operated by Van Ferit Melen.

Use the search tool below to find the cheapest flights to Turkey and the region of Izmir from your city of departure.

Popular flights to Izmir

Travelers visiting Izmir in Turkey can fly to Adnan Menderes airport directly from 1897 destinations worldwide.

The three most popular routes to Adnan Menderes airport and the region of Izmir in Turkey depart from Adnan Menderes airport in İzmir, Turkey, Albany International airport in Albany, the United States, and Greenville–Spartanburg International airport in Greenville, the United States.

Travelers can fly to Turkey by choosing from from 1 weekly flight(s) from İzmir; from 1 weekly flight(s) from Albany; and from 2 weekly flight(s) from Greenville.

The airline that operates most flights to Turkey is Cambodia Airways. Cambodia Airways offers 1 scheduled flight routes to Turkey.

Discover the most popular flights to Izmir below. Click to view flights to Izmir, Turkey from destinations all across the globe.

Where to stay in Izmir

Photo of Ilica Beach Drone Photo, Summer Season Aegean Sea, Izmir Turkey.

An essential factor to consider when traveling to a new place or country is accommodation. While visiting a region as fantastic as Izmir is always exciting, any avid traveler knows that accommodations often make or break the vacation experience.

The best place to stay in Izmir usually depends on travelers' needs and preferences. However, booking accommodation in downtown Izmir offers a ton of benefits.

Staying at the heart of the region allows you to easily walk to many of the top sights and dining areas in Izmir and cut down on your travel expenses. Centrally-located accommodations are also an excellent choice for travelers in Izmir planning to go on a quick tour or drive to the neighboring regions.

In Izmir, you'll find 7 different types of places to stay catering to every taste, budget, and reason for travel. For example, honeymooners or travelers on a romantic getaway in Turkey can experience the ultimate relaxation at one of the 5-star or 4-star hotels in Izmir. Travelers whose purpose is sightseeing can also find plenty of mid-range hotels to budget-friendly accommodations in the region, allowing access to many of the top attractions in Izmir.

Learn more about the most popular places to stay and the top-rated hotels in Izmir in the next sections.

Popular types of accommodation in Izmir

A trip to the fascinating Izmir, Turkey, means opportunities to relax at any of the 7 different types of places to stay in the region. Overall, travelers can choose from the following: 755 hotels, 49 vacation rental apartments, 45 cottages, 14 guesthouses, 11 bed & breakfasts, 3 hostels and 0 resorts. While each type offers varying amenities and rates, there is no denying that Izmir provides a great selection of lodging options ready to cater to every kind of guest.

Among all these choices available in the region, Ilica Hotel Spa and Wellness Thermal Resort is one of the top picks of travelers in Izmir.

The hotel is located at Altınyunus Mahallesi 3447 Sk. No 2 (ex Boyalık Mevkii 3447 Sokak No:31) and boasts many great utilities, including Air conditioning, Airport shuttle, and Gym.

Budget accommodations are also incredibly popular among travelers in Izmir. Cheaper alternatives allow travelers to save on accommodation costs and have more to spend on other experiences.

In Izmir, travelers looking for an economical yet top-rated place to stay usually choose Mor Salkim Konagi. For approximately 25 EUR, guests can book a comfortable Unknown at this popular hotel.

Below is a list of all 7 different types of places to stay in Izmir. Select the type you prefer to compare options under each category and find the best accommodation.

Top hotels in Izmir

Hotels are travelers' go-to accommodations in Izmir for the unique experience they provide. So if you're the kind of traveler who prefers staying at hotels, you'll be glad to know that the region is home to around 877 hotels.

Besides offering basic amenities, many hotels in Izmir provide meals and extras, such as shuttle services, spa facilities, tour desks, and other services. But because not all hotels in Izmir are created equal, finding the best in the region often requires careful research. For your convenience, we've done all the research to make it easier for you to check out all the top hotels in Izmir.

Ilica Hotel Spa and Wellness Thermal Resort offers the most luxurious rooms and is perfect for travelers looking for the ultimate 5-star hotel experience in Izmir. If comfort, convenience, and affordability are your non-negotiables, check out Design Plus Seya Beach Hotel, the top 4-star hotel in the region. When all you need is a pleasant place to rest and sleep in between your activities in Izmir, the highest-rated 3-star hotel, Foca Ensar Hotel, is for you.

Below is our hand-picked list of the best hotels in the Izmir. Travelers are encouraged to book early as these hotels quickly reach capacity.

Click the arrows or swipe the list to see each hotel's ratings, reviews, locations, rates, and more. You can read detailed descriptions of each hotel by clicking the cards.

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Search for accommodation in Izmir

Use the Accommodation Search tool below to find available stays in the region of Izmir on specific dates. This handy feature also allows you to compare prices and amenities.

Enter the preferred check-in and check-out dates. Then, select the number of guests and rooms. Click the Search button to find all the available hotels and places to stay in the region of Izmir that match the information provided.

Car rental in Izmir

Photo of Agora of The ancient city of Smyrna in Izmir.

Experience the freedom and convenience of a self-drive vacation by renting a car for your adventures in Izmir. Izmir has 13 car rental companies ready to provide you with the perfect vehicle for your travels.

Automatic cars for rent in Izmir start from 20.73 EUR per day or 145.14 EUR per week. The cheapest automatic rental car is a Renault Clio 5 Doors Automatic.

If you prefer driving a manual car, you’ll find multiple options for rent in Izmir, starting from 16.01 EUR per day or 112.07 EUR per week. The cheapest manual rental car is a Fiat Panda 5 Doors.

Learn more about the different types of cars you can rent in Izmir, Turkey, below.

Popular types of car rental in Izmir

Discover and choose from our broad range of popular car rental options in the region of Izmir to find the best car for your travel plans. Travelers in Izmir can choose from small cars, medium cars, large cars, estate cars, mini vans, SUVs, convertibles, premium cars, camper vans, mini campers, vans, cars. All car rentals come with CDW insurance for added protection throughout your trip.

Renting a car is a popular choice among travelers who want to explore Turkey at their own pace. The most popular type of car rental among small groups of travelers in Izmir is a TopLevel.

Another very popular type of car to rent in Izmir is a TopLevel. This car is particularly popular among couples and solo travelers touring the region of Izmir.

Check out all options available in Izmir and book the car rental for your upcoming adventures in Turkey below.

Search for car rental in Izmir

Get ready to hit the road and explore the beautiful region of Izmir. Find the best deals on a variety of popular car rentals in Izmir, Turkey, or any other destination in Europe by using the search tool below.

Enter your pick-up and drop-off location, driver's age, and dates. Click the green button to view your options.

Popular destinations to visit after Izmir

Photo of Balcova Terapi Ormani in Izmir. Lake and forest view.

The region of Izmir is just one of the many unique and scenic destinations you can visit in Turkey. So if you're itching for another cultural adventure, a relaxing road trip, an action-filled city break, or a memorable weekend getaway, know that Turkey has it all.

Turkey is calling, and the country is asking you to experience its culture and diversity to the fullest! Take the opportunity to visit other captivating places in Turkey that are as magical as the region of Izmir. The most popular travel destinations in Turkey are listed below. Click on the name of the place you want to explore next to learn more about it.

All the best destinations in Turkey

When unsure of where to go next, use the map below. This map shows the locations of all the best destinations in Turkey. Use the map to plan your trip and find the best routes.

Domestic flights from Izmir

Photo of Woman standing in Celsus Library at Ephesus ancient city in Izmir.

A taste of Turkey through a visit to Izmir can often reignite a traveler's passion for adventure. When this happens, the best way to satisfy this wanderlust is to book a domestic flight from Izmir to another remarkable destination in Turkey.

To begin your search for the best or cheapest flights from the region of Izmir to other spectacular locations in Turkey, jump to the last section of this travel guide.

Popular domestic flights from Izmir

Travelers in Turkey can catch flights to domestic airports in Konya, Istanbul, Bodrum, Hatay Province, and Ankara. Domestic flights in Turkey are operated by 4 airlines: SunExpress, Pegasus, Turkish Airlines, and Jet2. There are around 37 scheduled flight routes operating to Izmir on a weekly basis.

From Izmir, travelers can book scheduled flights to 28 domestic destinations. The most popular flights from Izmir depart to many top-rated destinations in Turkey and are offered by SunExpress, Pegasus, and Turkish Airlines.

Search domestic flights from Izmir

Traveling to another city or region in Turkey? Use the flight search tool below to quickly find the cheapest one-way or round-trip flights from Izmir to different local destinations.

Enter all the necessary information and click or tap on the Search button to see a list of the available domestic flights in Turkey on the selected dates.

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