Izmir, a historical city in Turkey, is a tourist’s favourite place for its outstanding architectural sites, landmarks, beaches, shopping destinations, parks and much more. The city lies on the coast of the Aegean Sea and was established by the Greeks. Later Romans controlled the place, and Alexander the Great rebuilt the city in his period.
The Ottoman Empire was established here in the 15th Century. Passing through the great rulers and empires, the region offers multiple places to visit in Izmir and nearby areas. You should explore this beautiful treasure trove of historical, cultural, and natural gems for a tour with tons of cherishable memories.
The extensive landscape of Izmir includes the Kadifekale Mountain, Velvet Castle, and Ataturk Monument. Agora of Smyrna, and lots more. It might overwhelm you about what to include and what not to include among multiple Izmir attractions. Therefore, we have shortlisted the list of 12 best places to visit in the ancient city of Turkey and experience the magic. Read on to refer.
It’s a historical landmark from the Roman Era that provides a peek into the region's over eighty-five hundred years old history. The area is also known by its Greek name Smyrna (myrrh, a highly valued spice).
Top tourist attractions are renovated Faustina Gate, Corinthian Colonnade and Vaulted Chambers.
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Ephesus should be on the top of the bucket list for the places to visit in the Izmir area. Some of the prominent reasons for the same are: it was the second biggest city in the Roman Empire, the settlements in the region date back to the 7th Millennium BCE, the Ancient City of Ephesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, references of Ephesus in New Testament, the place is the birthplace of several prominent Greeks, the Temple of Artemis lies here, and many more.
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The Pergamon Acropolis was a significant learning centre in the ancient world. According to the details of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, it was the capital city of the Hellenistic Attalid Dynasty. This historical landmark is notable for monumental temples, porticoes or sloa, libraries, and theatres set into the sloping terrain surrounded by an extensive city wall.
This is undoubtedly one of the top Izmir attractions to visit alone, with family, and your loved ones.
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After time travelling to these magnificent historical monuments, move to Kemeralti Market, an ultimate shopping destination. Tourists and locals shop for gifts, souvenirs and more here. Apart from shopping, you can also explore historical worship places, secret courtyards, and grand caravanserais.
Legend says the beach town Alacati was founded in the 17th century by Ottoman Greeks. The place is among the best attractions of Izmir to witness nature and history together. Some of the main things to explore here are natural stones-built houses with alcove windows and colourful doors, café-lined streets, charming Aegean Sea coast, a marketplace, windmills, and more.
Are you an animal lover and want to spend some quality family time in Izmir? Izmir Natural Life Park is the best Izmir attraction for you. Some of the cool features of this wildlife park are: it is the largest natural life park in Europe, awarded for the best practice in the ‘municipality services’, has over 3500 animals of 130 species, and many more. The park offers fun activities for kids, family and friends. Over a million people visited the park in 2022.
This is the best place to visit in Izmir for glimpses of the outstanding culture and art of the region, established in 2004. The facility is divided into three parts. The Department of Stone Works offers Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine artefacts. The Department of Ceramic Art provides a rich ceramic collection from the Prehistoric to Byzantine Era. The Department of Precious Works exhibits precious stones and coins from the 6th Century BC to the Ottoman era's end.