one day in izmir
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ONE DAY IN IZMIR, TURKEY

Izmir is a place that we very nearly didn’t go to. We were traveling around Turkey, and time had caught up with us. As a result, we had a couple of days up our sleeve, and needed somewhere to spend a couple of nights. We decided to spend one day in Izmir, and are so glad that we did! We enjoyed it so much that we organized to stay a couple more.

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On any list of places to visit in Turkey, Izmir doesn’t feature too highly. This can only be expected, when there are such beautiful places as Istanbul, Cappadocia and Pamukkale to compete with. After spending a couple days in Izmir though, it is certainly a place that I now have quite high on my own list.

one day in izmir, welcome
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What Izmir has in it’s favor is location. It’s not too far from Selcuk, a tourism hotspot, and, in Turkish distances, not really that far from Istanbul. Therefore, if you are looking for a place to spend a couple of nights before heading back to Istanbul to end your holiday, then Izmir should well and truly come onto your radar. It’s a wonderful place with a very casual vibe, plenty to do and see, and the people are just genuinely nice.

So, if you do stop by and spend one day in Izmir, or maybe even 2 or 3, then here is what I recommend you do with it!

Table of Contents

Where is Izmir?

Let’s start by having a look at where Izmir is actually located.

Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey, and is located on the western coastline, facing onto the Aegean Sea. It is approximately 330km from Istanbul, or 570km by road.

one day in izmir location
Izmir is on the Western Coastline of Turkey

Izmir has a very good geographical location, being located in the sheltered Gulf of Izmir, that in turn opens onto the Aegean Sea. Due to Izmir’s proximity to Greece, it is even possible to catch the ferry across to the Greek mainland.

Izmir One Day Itinerary

So now let’s take a look at how to spend one day in Izmir.

This itinerary will be centered mostly around the Konak area. This is where most of the best attractions are, and if you only have one day in Izmir, it is the area that you will want to be. With that in mind, you would be best to stay in this area if you can as well.

Kulturpark Izmir

We will start in Kulturpark, Izmir. This is a massive park located right in the center of it all, and can be found at THIS Google Maps location. Starting the itinerary for one day in Izmir here makes sense, as you certainly don’t want to miss it, and also it is easy to find, no matter where you are staying.

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This incredible park was built in 1936, after the Great Fire of Smyrna which destroyed a massive part of the city. It was decided to build a park on the site, modelled roughly on Moscow’s Gorky Park. It now hosts the renowned Izmir International Fair in early September as an annual event.

The park is so big that we got lost in it the first couple of times we walked through. The pathways tend to run in circles, so it is hard to cross from one side to the other! The upside is that we found quite a few things that we would not have found otherwise.

The park is also home to many fountains, statues, a jogging track around the massive circumference, and even a Luna Park fairground with rides and Ferris wheel.

Agora

Next up we are heading to the Agora at THIS location. Depending on where you exit the park will depend upon which way you approach from. This doesn’t matter at all as there are plenty of ways to get there. If you find yourself cutting through the “back streets” don’t worry. There are some interesting stalls and markets, and they are very safe. We cut through there a few times ourselves!

one day in izmir agora
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An Agora is an ancient Marketplace, or Public Space. This particular Agora was constructed by the Greeks in about the 4th Century BC. It is an amazing piece of History located right in the middle of Izmir, and not to be missed by any visitor to the city.

The Agora is still technically an archeological site, and a lot of the site is still not open to the public. The parts you can access though, are incredible and give a really great insight into how the city must have looked long ago.

You start your tour underground, wandering through the ancient cistern areas, passing under rock arches and stepping over water channels that still flow to this day. If you look closely at the rock arches, you can see the reconstructive work carried out by the Romans at the order of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, after the Agora was destroyed by an earthquake in 178AD.

You will not need too long to explore the entire open area of Agora, so take your time, and when you exit the next stop is not too far away.

INTERESTING FACT – The water that still flows through the channels underneath Agora comes from a water source that is unknown. No one to this day has been able to work out where it comes from!

Kemeralti Bazaar

Head out from Agora and turn left at the entrance, heading down to the main road. The next stop on your one day in Izmir, is THIS location.

You are heading toward Kemeralti Bazaar, and if you cross the road directly opposite Agora, you will enter via the fish markets. If seafood is your thing, you will probably linger here for a bit. The seafood is incredibly fresh, and I was amazed at what you could find. Even after we had only just left the famous fish markets of Fethiye a few days earlier!

Kemeralti Bazaar izmir
Kemeralti Bazaar, Izmir

Wander through the fish market and turn left. You should now be entering the Kemeralti Bazaar. This is the famous bazaar district of Izmir, that has been around since the 17th century. It consists of a maze of shops, cafes, tea houses and mosques. It is very easy to get lost. Even the locals do, on regular occasions!

Just keep heading downhill, and set your compass for the waterfront, where our next stop will be. The bazaar is well worth exploring if you have the time, otherwise you can just pass through with a casual browse on the way to the next location.

The next stop on the one day in Izmir Itinerary will be HERE.

Izmir Clock Tower

The Izmir Clock Tower is the pride of the City of Izmir, and considered to be the main attraction of the city. It is located in Konak Square, and is visited by hundreds of people every day.

The Clock Tower was constructed in 1901. It was in 1900 that the Governor first made the proposal to build a clock tower in Izmir, in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of Abdul Hamid’s ascension to the throne. The Tower was constructed in the Ottoman style, and it is said that the funds came from the people of Izmir by way of donations.

The Incredible Clock Tower
The Incredible Clock Tower

The Clock Tower has now become an important part of Izmir life. Locals can be seen meeting in the square by the tower at all times of the day and into the evenings. Children play, and coffee shops flourish. Konak Square and the Clock Tower are not just for tourists!

This is a wonderful place to take photos. The tower itself if very photogenic, as are the surrounds. You will also notice (you can’t miss) the hundreds of pigeons in the square. There are bird seed sellers around the square, selling food to passers by to attract the pigeons. When they all take flight, it makes for beautiful photos!

Konak Mosque

Also within Konak Square, and directly facing the Clock Tower is Konak Mosque.

Technically, this is not actually a stop on your itinerary, but something that is worthy of note. The mosque is actually a major landmark of the city, along with the Clock Tower.

Konak Mosque
Konak Mosque

Built in 1755, the Konak Mosque is very, very small. It has only a single dome and minaret, and, unusual for a mosque, only one entrance.

In my opinion, the Konak Mosque is actually more photogenic than the Clock Tower. Don’t miss it while you are in Konak Square, although in the busy times of day it may be hard to get a clear photo with the crowds of people walking past.

TIP – The square is beautiful at sunset, and then at night time. If you are still around in the evening, then stop by and see the gorgeous way they are lit up.

Konak Pier

Next up on your one day in Izmir, we will be heading to THIS location.

Once you leave Konak Square, head directly toward the water. You will pass over the tram tracks and find a pier and ferry directly in front of you.

If you would like to take a ride on a ferry while in Izmir, then this is the time to do it. The ferries go all over the bay, crossing to the other side, or crisscrossing to different piers around the bay. You can do a return trip, or hop off at one of the locations further down on our itinerary. Read on further for ideas.

Konak Pier
Konak Pier

If you are not getting on a ferry, then turn right when you hit the water. After a short stroll, you will come across Konak Pier.

This pier is a great place to window shop, or stop for lunch, if you haven’t already eaten. The pier if full of boutique shops, and is great for a browse around. On one side of the pier you will find fast food eateries such as KFC and Burger King. The other side consists of more classy restaurants, each unique and, if nothing else, worth strolling past to check out.

Kordon Alsancak Izmir

Once you finish at the pier, we will continue on to our “final” destination at THIS location.

Kordon Alsancak Izmir is a beautiful waterfront park and walkway that is extremely popular in the city. It is THE place to meet, and the most popular sunset spot in the city. Hence the reason that I have brought you here to end the day!

one day in izmir Kordon Alsancak
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The street here is lined with wonderful cafes and diners. Many visitors and locals come here just to sip on a coffee and watch the world go by. Or people watch, which is a favorite past time too!

This incredibly scenic parkland and walking space is absolutely beautiful. Just select a spot to sit and relax, and enjoy the end of your one day in Izmir.

Dinner

I DID say that the park was your “final” destination, didn’t I?

So, unless you have to run to catch a flight, you will want dinner. If you didn’t find a café and already eat at Kordon Alsancak, then you will want to know where the good restaurants are. Right?

I have you covered, and it’s not too far to walk. Just set your GPS for THIS location.

This is one of the most popular streets in the city for good dining, and you will certainly find something that you will instantly fall in love with here. From Irish Pubs to fine dining, you will find it all.

TIP – Once you are finished dinner, head up the street away from the water and you will reach Kulturpark Izmir, where you started the day. It is very scenic at night time, with the lights in the trees and fountains making for really nice photos.

Summary

I hope you have enjoyed your One Day in Izmir. This Itinerary has taken you to all of the main sights and places in Izmir, so I hope you fit it all in. Personally I have done this itinerary a couple of times myself. I love it that much!

If you found it helpful, please leave me a comment below!

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