Tourist Info Turkey: Find useful information about Izmir, one of the most popular tourist locations in Turkey. Izmir accommodation, attractions and more!
Welcome to the Izmir section of Tourist Info Turkey. Find attractions in Izmir, accommodation in Izmir, weather in Izmir, jobs in Izmir, Izmir tourist information and more!
Izmir is a truly historical Turkish city and although a devastating fire in 1922 resulted in the loss of some splendid buildings, there are still countless landmarks of significance, such as the unusual oriental Clock Tower on Konak Square. Also of note in Izmir is the rather elevated Kadifekale Castle and the numerous Jewish synagogues. However, it is the awesome Agora of Smyrna that serves as the main draw card, a Roman marketplace where Colonnades of tall stone Corinthian columns can still be found standing. The Agora of Smyrna really is a 'must see' and lies off the Anafartalar Caddesi.
Many tourists will find that the best way to sightsee in Izmir is to simply take a walk around the city centre and the Konak Square, as well as the waterfront Kordon and the coast, where some very pleasant natural beaches await. For impressive views, take a ride on the Asansor elevator, or onboard one of the popular Teleferic cable cars. Family attractions in the city are plentiful within the Culture Park and include the city's zoo, while the Izmir Bird's Paradise within the Cigli area is also likely to be of interest.
There are a number of extremely impressive museums spread around Izmir, offering information about subject matters such as archaeology, ethnography and commercial history. The Ataturk Museum remembers the life of Turkey's official founder and features a host of personal effects. If you favour the world of art, then Izmir's Culture Park is the place to head, being home to both the Museum of Art and History, and the Museum of Arts and Sculpture, which houses a mixture of Turkish paintings, ceramics and sculptures.
Izmir lies at the head of a long and narrow gulf furrowed by ships and yachts. The climate is mild and in the summer the constant and refreshing sea breezes temper the sun's heat. Behind the palm-lined promenades and avenues which follow the shoreline, the city, in horizontal terraces, gently ascends the slopes of the surrounding mountains. Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey and its port is second only to Istanbul. A cosmopolitan and lively city all year round, Izmir bursts with an added vibrancy during the international Arts Festival around July and the International Fair around August/September.