Izmir is one of the largest cities of Turkiye. It is worth to see especially municipalities rather than the center of Izmir.
When To Go :
I would suggest to visit Izmir in summer so that you can have an option to swim while it is an Agean city.
How To Go :
There are direct flights to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport from many cities. Then you can use metro to reach at city center. If you would like to go by car , it will take around 5-6 hours from Istanbul depending on traffic. If you would like to see Izmir well , you will need to travel by car or you can rent a car in Izmir. We can visit all Izmir starting from one point till the end like in Antalya and Mugla.
Where To Stay :
All inclusive hotels are not common in Izmir. You can stay in hotels in centers of the areas you visit.
Things To Do :
Let’s start from the southernmost part , Selcuk.
1-) Selcuk :
You can reach to Selcuk from Izmir Center by train called Izban. Also from Selcuk , you can reach to Kusadasi in around 30 mins by car or by minibus. Pamukkale – Selcuk tours are quiet famous too. We can start with the places which is in a walking distance , in the center of Selcuk.
a-) Byzantine Aqueduct :
You will see the ruins of aqueduct from many points , while it is passing through the center.
b-) Basilica Of St. John :
The ruins of the basilica where it is believed to host the tomb of John The Apostle must be seen.
c-) Isa Bey Mosque :
You can reach at mosque in around 4-5 mins by walk from Basilica Of St. John. Mosque was built during Aydinids.
d-) Ayasuluk Castle :
Castle is located in an ancient settlement called Ayasuluk Hill and 10 mins by walk from Isa Bey Mosque.
e-) Ephesus Archeological Museum :
It is located in 10 mins by walk from the castle. It is a different museum than Ephesus Ancient City. Inside the museum you will find some foundlings from Ephesus Ancient City and Temple of Artemis. The most important piece is Artemis Sculpture.
f-) Temple Of Artemis :
It is accepted as one of the Seven Wonders Of The World. Unfortunately now there is only a few remnants of it. It takes around 10 mins by walk from Ephesus Archeological Museum.
g-) House Of The Virgin Mary :
It is known as the Virgin Mary’s house by Christian Authorities while there is no evidence. You can reach in around 20 mins by car from Temple Of Arte.
h-) Seven Sleepers Cave :
This cave known as where The Seven Sleepers stayed but there is no evidence for this. You can reach in 15 mins by car from House Of The Virgin Mary on the way to Ephesus Ancient City.
i-) Ephesus Anciet City :
Now the most important place in Selcuk. It is the best ancient city in Turkey. Especially Library Of Celcus is amazing and a must see. It is open everyday and entrance fee is 700 TL ( August 2023 ). I would recommend to have an umbrella with you if you visit there in summer.
j-) Sirince Village :
Sirince is a village located in 10 km from Ephesus Ancient City , which can take half an hour by car. It is famous with its old turkish style houses and also with its wine. Also Sirince became so popular in 2012 while it was pointed out the only safe place in judgement day according to Maya Calendar.
2-) Cesme :
Cesme is the nearest summer vacation area for Izmir Center.
a-) Cesme Castle :
There is a beautiful castle to see in Cesme as there is one in each summer resort cities.
b-) Ilıca Beach :
The best known and most popular beach in Cesme is Ilıca. But of course there are really good and quiet beaches when you pay.
c-) Alacati is a must see and i think best part of Cesme with its beautiful streets and stone houses. It will take around 20 mins from Cesme and 10 mins from Ilıca Beach. Alacati is quiet expensive neighbourhood compare to other towns.
3-) Izmir (Konak-Karsiyaka) :
Izmir Center will take around 1,5 hour from Alacati. Izmir Center consists of 8 municipalities but Konak and Karsiyaka are the most important ones. We can explain all the place to see in Konak in just one sentence ; Izmir Clock Tower , Agora Open Air Museum , Kemeralti Bazaar , Kordon(Waterfront) , Kibris Sehitleri Avenue… Also you can reach at Karsiyaka from Konak by ferry.
4-) Foca :
Foca waterfront side and stone houses are worth to see. It takes around 1,5 hour from Izmir Center.
5-) Bergama :
Our last stop in Izmir will be Bergama. It will also take around 1,5 hour from Foca.
a-) Pergamon :
Pergamon is actually an acropolis , similar to the one in Athens. You can reach to up by car or cable car. Unfortunately most important ruins in Pergamon sent to Berlin especially Pergamon Altar. Entrance fe efor Pergamon is 340 TL ( August 2023 ) and it is open everyday. You can check the current information on ; https://muze.gov.tr/muze-detay?DistId=AKR&SectionId=AKR01
b-) Red Hall Basilica :
When we turn back to down to center from the hill , we can visit Red Hall Basilica , one of the biggest building from Roman Time. It was built for Gods of Egypt. It is open everyday and entrance fee is 60 TL ( August 2023 ). For current information ; https://muze.gov.tr/muze-detay?SectionId=BAZ01&DistId=MRK
c-) Asclepieion :
You can reach to Asclepieion by car in 10 mins from Red Hall Basilica , passing through the narrow Bergama streets. Asclepieion is known as the first medical center of the world. Museum is open everyday and entrance fee is 300 TL ( August 2023 ) , you can have more information on ; https://muze.gov.tr/muze-detay?SectionId=ASK01&DistId=ASK
d-) Bergama Archeology Museum :
Bergama Archeology Museum is located on the main Street in center. You can find many pieces found in Pergamon. Museum is pen everyday and entrance is 60 TL ( August 2023 ) ; https://muze.gov.tr/muze-detay?SectionId=BRG01&DistId=MRK
FOOD
Despite Turkey is the best place for food , i will not be able to recommend exact restaurants in Izmir. Izmir’s kitchen is quiet weak. But i can recommend some type of foods which is quiet popular in Izmir such as mussels , kokorec. We in Istanbul even order Izmir style kokorec which is without tomato , pepper etc. On the other hand , bomb dessert , gevrek which is actually simit and boyoz which is kind of a borek is quiet famous. Also kumru which is just a sandwich can be found at any place.
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