Izmir itinerary
7 days, hour by hour · TürkiyeOctober–May
- Days
- 7
- Stops
- 37
- Per day
- ≈ 2,500 TL
- First stop
- 09:30
Short answer
The TripWalkers Izmir itinerary runs 7 days and lays out 37 stops, hour by hour, for October–May. The first three days:
- Day 1 Izmir's signatures: Konak, Kemeraltı and Kordon
- Day 2 Alsancak: boyoz, Kültürpark and sunset
- Day 3 Across the bay: Karşıyaka and Bostanlı
Staying less? Start with the first days — TripWalkers uses the opening days of this plan for shorter trips too. Days 6 and 7 are day trips out of the city. Food, entry fees and local transport come to about 2,500 TL a day (excluding accommodation and flights).
Day 1 · 09:30–21:30
Izmir's signatures: Konak, Kemeraltı and Kordon
Landmark
Konak Square and Clock Tower
Early in the morning the crowds around the 1901 Clock Tower are thin, and the low sun is ideal for photos. The nearby Konak Ferry Pier gives you a good frame of the city skyline too.
FreeFood
Izmir Food Tour – Taste the Flavors of Kemeraltı Bazaar
The tour covers tastings of boyoz (Izmir's pastry), stuffed mussels, kokoreç (grilled seasoned offal) and fresh pomegranate juice in Kemeraltı's backstreets, and your guide also takes you through Kızlarağası Han. Book online at least 1-2 days ahead and come hungry.
≈ 1,800 TL per personTickets: Viator- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Culture
Agora of Smyrna
The Roman-era columns still stand in their original place. Museum Card is valid here; if you don't have one, buy a ticket at the booth. It is a much quieter visit than Ephesus.
≈ 150 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Culture
Havra Street (Kemeraltı Synagogue Quarter)
You can walk the street freely, but to see inside the synagogues you must book in advance through Ebruli Turizm. Stop at one of the old coppersmith shops in the middle of the street and chat with the shopkeeper.
≈ 400 TL per person- 1 h · travel, break, free time
Landmark
Kordon (Cumhuriyet Square)
Start in front of the Atatürk statue and walk towards Alsancak. At sunset the orange light over the bay makes Izmir's most classic photo.
Free- 1 h · travel, break, free time
Food
Deniz Restaurant
An institution at the same address since 1981, with an award for "Türkiye's best fish meze". Try the sea bass or sea bream with artichoke in olive oil; booking is recommended.
≈ 2,000 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Kısmet Lokantası KemeraltıOne of Kemeraltı's long-established tradesmen's restaurants. Pick one of the day's ready dishes; they come out fresh around 12:30.
- Hisar MosqueThe largest historic mosque in Kemeraltı. You can sit in its courtyard for a few minutes away from the noise of the bazaar; remember to take your shoes off when you go in.
Day 2 · 09:30–21:30
Alsancak: boyoz, Kültürpark and sunset
Food
Alsancak Dostlar Fırını
Open on Kıbrıs Şehitleri Street since 1983. Order plain or spinach boyoz with tea; arrive before 09:00 or just after to avoid a queue.
≈ 300 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Nature
Kültürpark
Stroll along the pond. Entry is free, weekday mornings are very quiet and the light is good for photos.
Free- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Ayşa Boşnak Börekçisi ve Ev Yemekleri
A tradesmen's restaurant listed in the Michelin Bib Gourmand. Try the soup of the day and the rolled börek (layered pastry); it can fill up around 13:00.
≈ 700 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Landmark
1453 Street and French Street
Alsancak's back streets, full of boutique shops and cafés. Take a coffee break; the wall graffiti make a good backdrop for photos.
≈ 180 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Landmark
Alsancak Ferry Pier
From the end of the pier you can photograph a panoramic view of the bay, and ferries coming and going add movement to the frame. Bring a thin jacket against the wind.
Free- 2 h 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Pagos Rooftop
On the roof of the Marriott, this venue offers a bird's-eye view of the bay and the Kordon. Try one of the signature cocktails and reserve a table for just after sunset.
≈ 1,600 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Zeynel Ergin Gevrek FırınıA bakery with a history going back to the 19th century that does justice to Izmir gevrek (sesame ring) and kumru (sandwich). As an alternative to boyoz, go early in the morning.
- St. John's Church, AlsancakA historic Anglican church from Alsancak's Levantine past. Even studying its architecture from outside tells the story of Alsancak's multicultural history.
Day 3 · 09:30–21:00
Across the bay: Karşıyaka and Bostanlı
Nature
Konak-Karşıyaka Ferry (IZDENIZ)
Sit on the open deck and you see both shores of the city from the middle of the bay. You board with the Izmirim Kart, and the crossing takes about 20 minutes.
≈ 40 TL per personShopping
Karşıyaka Bazaar
A lively bazaar where local traders sell breakfast goods, olives and pickles. It is hard not to be pulled in by the smell as you pass Köfteci Erol.
Free- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Köfteci Erol
One of Karşıyaka's oldest meatball restaurants. Köfte with piyaz (white bean salad) and frothy ayran is the classic pairing; go around 12:00 to find a table.
≈ 650 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Nature
Bostanlı Beach
Walk along the shore with its wide pavements, or hire a bike. Take a break at one of the tea gardens and watch the gulls.
Free- 1 h 30 min · travel, break, free time
Nature
Bostanlı Viewing Terrace
Considered one of the best sunset spots in Türkiye. Sit on the steps and watch the bay turn orange; there are also chess tables.
Free- 1 h 15 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Deniz Kent Restoran
A seaview venue on the Karşıyaka waterfront. Seasonal fish and a meze plate make a good combination; ask for a reservation in the evenings.
≈ 1,000 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Sakin MeyhaneOne of Karşıyaka's favourite rakı-and-fish taverns. The meze selection is wide; ask the waiter about the catch of the day.
- Mavişehir BeachA quieter stretch of shoreline a little north of Bostanlı, where local families come for an early-evening walk.
Day 4 · 10:00–21:00
Izmir from above: Kadifekale and Karataş
Culture
Kadifekale
The highest point, overlooking Izmir and the bay. Entry is free, bus 33 from Konak gets you there, and morning light is ideal for photos.
FreeNature
Bahribaba Park
A tree-filled, quiet park right at the foot of Kadifekale. Sit for a few minutes to see the city from a different angle.
Free- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Landmark
Karataş Neighbourhood
See the facades of old Greek and Levantine houses in the narrow streets. As you pass Lutz Coffee, you can stop for a coffee.
Free- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Landmark
Historic Elevator and Pablo Artisan
Skip 155 steps by taking the 1907 elevator up. From the terrace of Pablo Artisan next door, watch the view looking at the elevator. Seats can be hard to find, so go early.
≈ 220 TL per person- 4 h · travel, break, free time
Food
Balıkçı Ali Şaş'ın Yeri
One of Karataş's family-run fish restaurants. Ask about the day's catch; prices are lower than at the big restaurants on the Kordon.
≈ 1,600 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Salimin Yeri Balık LokantasıAnother family-run fish restaurant in Karataş, known for its wide range of meze and friendly service.
- Izmir Ethnography MuseumIn Konak, close to the Kadifekale route. It displays objects from Ottoman-era Izmir life, and with few visitors it is a calm visit.
Day 5 · 10:00–21:00
Local districts: Bornova and Basmane
Culture
Bornova Culture Quarter (Levantine Mansions)
Visit the Edward Whitall Mansion and the City Archive Museum. Most of the 250-year-old mansions can be seen from outside, and museum entry is free.
Free- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Topçu Restoran
One of Izmir's oldest restaurants, known for its çöp şiş (small skewers) and lahmacun (thin meat flatbread). It fills with local regulars at lunchtime.
≈ 700 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Shopping
Bornova Market
When the district's weekly market is set up, drop in for the variety of olives, cheese and nuts. Ask which day it runs that week before you go.
≈ 100 TL per person- 1 h · travel, break, free time
Landmark
Basmane Historic Quarter
An area of old Greek and Armenian houses, record shops and antique dealers. Get lost in the streets around Basmane Station.
Free- 1 h 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Emniyet Kebap
In the same place since 1979, a kebab restaurant keeping Izmir's old tavern culture alive. Order köfte, liver and lamb chops together with meze.
≈ 800 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Cihan EtOne of the most professional addresses for kebab and grilled meat in Bornova. If you can't choose between Adana kebab and lamb chops, ask for a small portion of each.
- Bornova Merkez ParkA quiet resting spot between the campus and the mansions, ideal for sitting in the shade after lunch.
Day 6 · 09:30–16:45Day trip
Selçuk region: Ephesus and Şirince
Culture
Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary and Şirince Tour
The tour picks you up in Izmir by vehicle and takes you to Ephesus; explore the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre with a guide. Wear walking shoes, as you walk a long time on ancient stone paving.
≈ 3,200 TL per personTickets: GetYourGuideCulture
House of the Virgin Mary
Included in the tour package. Be quiet as you enter; you can leave a small note on the wishing wall.
FreeFood
Lunch in Şirince
Try gözleme (stuffed flatbread) and mantı (small dumplings) at one of the restaurants on the stone streets, then leave time for a fruit wine tasting after the meal.
≈ 650 TL per personCulture
Şirince Village
Wander the narrow stone streets and join a tasting of homemade jam and pomegranate wine. Compare a few shops before buying souvenirs; there is room to haggle.
≈ 250 TL per personCulture
Ephesus Museum
It houses statues and mosaics recovered from Ephesus. After visiting Ephesus, 30 minutes is enough to put it all in context.
≈ 150 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Nişanyan Evleri RestaurantThe restaurant of Şirince's long-established boutique hotel, known for a menu of Aegean herbs and olive oil dishes.
- Ephesus Terrace HousesA covered site preserving original mosaics and frescoes from the homes of wealthy Roman-era families. It needs an extra ticket, but the detail is rich.
Day 7 · 09:30–14:00Day trip
Çeşme Peninsula: Alaçatı and Çeşme
Landmark
Alaçatı Stone Streets
Walk early among the stone houses with bay windows, without the crowds. Most boutique shops open after 10:00.
FreeLandmark
Alaçatı Windmills
The stone windmills, now the symbol of the town, are a popular photo stop. In morning light there is little shadow.
Free- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Kumrucu Şevki
One of Çeşme's most famous kumru (sausage-and-cheese sandwich) shops. Order the sucuk and kaşar kumru with ayran; at lunchtime tables turn over quickly.
≈ 400 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Culture
Çeşme Castle
Look out over the Aegean from the walls of the castle, built in 1508. The museum inside takes 30 minutes; plan your time so you don't miss the return bus.
≈ 100 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Kumrucu ErolAnother kumru shop loved by locals in Çeşme since 1980. Ask for the classic kumru with buttered bread.
- Çeşme MarinaA quiet walk around the marina where the yachts are moored, good for a coffee and one last photo stop before heading back.
Hidden gem: Havra Street (Kemeraltı Synagogue Quarter)
Right inside the Kemeraltı bazaar, a few steps from the shopping crowds, lies 500 years of Sephardic heritage. The Sinyora, Shalom, Algazi, Bikur Holim, Etz Hayim, Hevra and Bet Hillel synagogues stand side by side on the same street. Their doors are closed for security reasons, so most tourists only see the street sign and walk on.
- How to get in
- You can walk the street freely. To enter the synagogues, you need to register for a group tour at least a few days ahead through an authorised guiding company such as Ebruli Turizm, because security clearance is given by the synagogue community.
- Local tip
- Stop at one of the old coppersmith and antique shops in the middle of the street. Some shopkeepers have worked in the same place for three generations with tools passed down from Sephardic families, and if you ask they will tell you the story of the street.
- When
- You can walk the street all year; tours inside the synagogues are usually held on weekdays and may be closed on religious holidays.
- Contact
- Ebruli Turizm — Kıbrıs Şehitleri Cad. Mutlu Apt. No:37 Kat:3 D:3, Alsancak/İzmir; ebruliturizm.com.tr üzerinden ön rezervasyon formu.
Getting around: get an Izmirim Kart
The Izmirim Kart covers all public transport in Izmir on a single card, including ESHOT buses, IZBAN, the metro and the IZDENIZ ferry lines between Konak and Karşıyaka. Every transfer in this plan between Kemeraltı, Alsancak, Karşıyaka and Bornova can be made with the same card. Instead of buying single tokens, you buy the card once and top it up at machines whenever needed, and it also gives discounts on transfers.
Good to know: 7 things that make an Izmir trip easier
- In January Izmir can be cool and rainy (10-15°C). Dress in layers and carry a thin waterproof jacket.
- Cards may not work at small traders such as Kemeraltı and the markets, so carry some cash in TL.
- Tips are not added automatically to the bill in restaurants; leaving 5-10% is local etiquette.
- When entering places of worship such as Hisar Mosque, women should cover their heads and everyone must take off their shoes.
- In crowded bazaar districts such as Kemeraltı and Basmane, carry your bag in front of you and avoid empty side streets in the evening.
- On ferries and buses, giving your seat to the elderly, pregnant women and passengers with children is a social expectation.
- In winter some seafront businesses and boat tours may be closed; this plan balances sea activities with walks and viewpoints.
Spending: ≈ 17,350 TL per person for 7 days
- Food12,200 TL
- Entry and tours4,650 TL
- Local transport390 TL
- Other100 TL
Excludes accommodation and flights. 2026 price estimate, per person.
We did the planning. You just pick the dates.
TripWalkers rebuilds this route around your number of days, budget and pace — on a map, day by day, in your pocket.
Download on the App StoreFor iPhone · English and Turkish · Free to download
Your next trip
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Izmir?
This itinerary is built for 7 days. With 3 days, do the first 3 — TripWalkers uses the opening days of the plan for shorter trips too. The day trip is on day 6 and 7; skip it on a short stay.
How much does a day in Izmir cost?
In this plan, food, entry fees and local transport come to about 2,500 TL per person per day. Accommodation and flights are not included. Figures are 2026 estimates.
What time should you start the day in Izmir?
The first stop is at 09:30. Most days start early so you arrive before the crowds, and evenings end with dinner.
Which places in Izmir should you book in advance?
In this plan, it's worth booking ahead for: Izmir Food Tour – Taste the Flavors of Kemeraltı Bazaar (day 1), Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary and Şirince Tour (day 6).
Which season is this itinerary for?
This page covers October–May. There is a separate plan for June–September: opening hours, the sea and the weather change the route.