TR · Aegean Region · 38.42°N 27.13°E

izmir

Bay ferries, a sprawling bazaar and flaky boyoz breakfasts on the Aegean coast.

Best time
April–June and September–October are warm and good for walking. July–August is hot and sticky along the bay; winter is mild but often rainy.
How long
2–3 days
Getting there
Fly with one stop via Istanbul, about 14–16 hours all in. The airport train reaches Alsancak in about half an hour. Turkey is 5 hours behind KL all year.
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TR · Aegean Regionizmir38.42°N 27.13°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Bay ferries, a sprawling bazaar and flaky boyoz breakfasts on the Aegean coast.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingIzmirTR, Aegean Region
KLizmir
≈ 8,448 km from KL, as the crow flies
View of Cumhuriyet Square in Konak

Photo: Michael ksk · CC BY-SA 3.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Turkey's third city is a relaxed port wrapped around a wide bay. Mornings start with boyoz and tea, afternoons disappear into the lanes of Kemeraltı, and evenings belong to the waterfront.

Makan

  1. BoyozFlaky, oily pastry rolls, eaten for breakfast with a slow-boiled egg and tea.Map ↗
  2. KumruA sesame roll toasted with cheese, tomato and beef sucuk.Map ↗
  3. Izmir köfteMeatballs baked with potatoes, peppers and tomatoes.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Kemeraltı BazaarA maze of market lanes selling spices, leather and copper, with tea in the courtyard of the old Kızlarağası Han.Map ↗
  2. KordonThe seafront promenade in Alsancak, where half the city seems to sit on the grass at sunset.Map ↗
  3. Konak–Karşıyaka ferryAn everyday commuter crossing that shows you the whole city from the water.Map ↗
  4. AsansörA brick lift tower from 1907 in Karataş, carrying people up the cliff to a view over the bay.Map ↗
  5. Agora of SmyrnaRoman columns and vaulted arcades just uphill from the bazaar.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Meat is halal as standard in Turkey, though Alsancak's bars and seafront restaurants serve plenty of alcohol.
  • Konak and Alsancak are the easiest bases, with the bazaar, the Kordon and the ferries all on foot.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.