Turkey’s third city is a relaxed seafront metropolis with a vast bazaar, Roman ruins in the centre and Çeşme and Ephesus within reach.
A vast covered market around the Hisar Mosque, with coffee houses, synagogues and the Kızlarağası caravanserai.
The seafront promenade of Alsancak, where the whole city walks at sunset and the restaurants spill onto the grass.
The Roman marketplace of ancient Smyrna, right in the city centre.
The castle hill above the city, with the best view of the bay.
A historic lift up the cliff in the old Jewish quarter of Karataş, with a café at the top.
The symbol of the city, with the ferry pier beside it for a cheap ride across the bay to Karşıyaka.
An hour west: a castle town with thermal springs and a stone village of boutique hotels and windsurfing.
One of the world’s great ancient cities, 80 kilometres south. Read our Ephesus guide.
The acropolis of Bergama, 90 minutes north, with its steep theatre and the ruins of the Asclepion.
See how to get to İzmir, compare the best areas to stay and check the best time to visit. Browse tours and experiences in İzmir listed on Visit Turkey.