Places to Visit in İzmir

  İzmir

Clock Tower  
The symbol of İzmir, the Clock Tower, was built in 1901 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Ottoman Sultan Abdülhamid II’s accession to the throne. Standing 25 meters tall with four floors and an octagonal plan, the tower features North African-inspired capitals, horseshoe arches, and facades fully adorned with intricate designs, reflecting an Orientalist architectural style influenced by North African and Andalusian buildings.

  Kemeraltı Bazaar  
This historic bazaar stretches from the Mezarlıkbaşı district to Konak Square. Its main street, Anafartalar Avenue, forms a large curve shaped by the inner harbor that existed in past centuries. Today, Kemeraltı remains İzmir’s most important shopping hub. While the number of old vaulted and domed shops has decreased, the streets remain lively with modern business centers, shops, cinemas, and cafes open throughout the day. Traditional Turkish handicrafts—including ceramics, tile panels, woodwork, tombak, carpets, kilims, and leather goods—are still widely available.

  Historical Elevator (Tarihi Asansör)  
Located between Mithatpaşa and Nihat Bey Streets, the elevator tower was built in 1907 by Jewish businessman Nesim Levi to bridge a 50-meter elevation difference. After climbing 155 steps, visitors can enjoy easy access across the neighborhood. Today, the elevator operates as a café, bar, and restaurant, offering a unique view of İzmir.

 İzmir Wildlife Park  
Spanning 425,000 m², the park houses over 1,200 animals from more than 120 species. Europe’s largest natural habitat, the İzmir Bird Paradise, is home to approximately 500,000 birds. İzmir Wildlife Park is a full member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), which promotes biodiversity conservation and protection of endangered species. EAZA members actively contribute to ecosystem and habitat preservation.

  Alsancak Kordon

   A source of inspiration for poems and songs, Alsancak is famous for its romantic sunsets, gentle breezes, cafes, seafood restaurants, stylish shops, parades, running and cycling paths, making it İzmir’s most popular entertainment and sightseeing district. The coastal promenade (Kordonboyu), Kıbrıs Şehitleri Street, Gündoğdu and Cumhuriyet Squares, historic Rum houses, churches, synagogues, and the lively Pasaport and II. Kordon piers offer vibrant and enjoyable experiences.

  Selçuk, Şirince Village

Located 8 km from Selçuk, this historically preserved village was originally called Kırkınca, named after a legend of forty people hitting the mountains. Over time, the name evolved to Şirince during the early Republic period. Once focused on viticulture, winemaking, and olive production, the village economy experienced interruptions but has recently revived due to tourism. In addition to vineyards and olive trees, Şirince also produces peaches, figs, apples, and walnuts. 

  İzmir Urban Forest

The 2 million m² İnciraltı Urban Forest, including the İnciraltı Lagoon, provides residents with opportunities for sports, walking, sightseeing, and picnics amid a combination of sea and greenery. The forest features resting areas built from natural stone, rocks, and wood, bridges, walking and cycling paths, and protected wetlands where birds nest. A coastal trail links Yenikale to the urban forest, preserving a stone-paved fishing shelter along the shoreline. 

  Arkas Art Center

Built in 1906 as one of İzmir’s finest structures of its time and currently serving as the French Honorary Consulate, the seaside portion of the building was allocated by the French government to Arkas Holding for cultural and artistic use for 20 years. After a year-long restoration, it opened in November 2011 as the Arkas Art Center, aiming to contribute to İzmir’s cultural life, promote its identity internationally, and foster appreciation for art among all ages.

  İzmir Atatürk Museum

Constructed between 1875-1880 by carpet merchant Takfor, the building was abandoned in 1922 and became state property. It served as headquarters for the Turkish army entering İzmir and later hosted Atatürk’s personal work during the İzmir Economic Congress in 1923. Eventually purchased by İzmir Municipality in 1926, the building was furnished and gifted to Atatürk.

  Kültürpark İzmir

   Spanning 420,000 m², Kültürpark houses 14 indoor exhibition halls, 4 conference rooms, the Atatürk Open-Air Theatre, İsmet İnönü Art Center, İzmir Sanat, the Civil Marriage Office, Celal Atik Sports Hall, Parachute Tower, Youth Theatre, and the İzmir Museum of History and Art. It also features a 1,850-meter running track, swimming pool, indoor sports halls, tennis courts, and a soccer field, providing facilities for various sports activities.