Izmir itinerary
7 days, hour by hour · TürkiyeJune–September
- Days
- 7
- Stops
- 39
- Per day
- ≈ 2,650 TL
- First stop
- 09:00
Short answer
The TripWalkers Izmir itinerary runs 7 days and lays out 39 stops, hour by hour, for June–September. The first three days:
- Day 1 Izmir's iconic face: Kordon, Kemeraltı, Konak
- Day 2 Layers of history: Havra, Agora, Kadifekale
- Day 3 Alsancak's soul: boyoz, art, stone houses
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 2,650 TL a day (excluding accommodation and flights).
Day 1 · 09:30–22:00
Izmir's iconic face: Kordon, Kemeraltı, Konak
Landmark
Clock Tower and Konak Square
The 1901 clock tower is Izmir's official symbol, and early morning is the best time to photograph it without crowds. Before you start your day, stop for simit (sesame bread ring) and tea by the Konak Ferry Pier on the square.
FreeShopping
Kemeraltı Bazaar (Anafartalar Street)
Get lost in the narrow lanes around the spice sellers, jewellers and Kızlarağası Han; every corner has a different trader. In summer heat, fresh apricots and dried fruit from the stalls make a cheap, easy snack.
≈ 250 TL per personFood
Kemeraltı Bazaar Food Tour
The guided tasting tour follows a food route of 6-7 stops, with boyoz (Izmir's baked pastry), kokoreç (seasoned grilled offal), baklava and Turkish coffee. It takes you to trader shops you would not find on your own. Book online at least 1 day ahead and come hungry.
≈ 1,800 TL per personTickets: Viator- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Nature
Kültürpark
In the city park dating from 1936 you can rent a rowing boat on the pond (100-150 TL). The tree-lined areas are ideal for escaping the afternoon heat. The fairground may close in September for the Izmir International Fair; outside that period it is quiet.
≈ 100 TL per person- 2 h 30 min · travel, break, free time
Landmark
Kordon (Cumhuriyet Boulevard) Sunset Walk
Watch the sunset over the bay from near Alsancak Pier; the palm-lined promenade is busy with local cyclists and joggers. Turkish coffee from the roaming vendors costs around 100-150 TL, and you won't need to look for a bench.
≈ 150 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Deniz Restaurant
A classic fish restaurant in the Izmir Palas Hotel, serving for over 30 years, with views right onto the Kordon. Ask about the seasonal meze and the catch of the day. For garden tables on summer evenings, booking is recommended (0232 464 4499).
≈ 2,200 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Historic Güven RestaurantA tradesmen's restaurant open since 1939 in Kemeraltı, lunchtime only. Try the tripe with chickpeas and the kuru fasulye (white bean stew); after 13:00 there may be a queue.
- Hisar MosqueBuilt in 1597, this is Izmir's largest and oldest mosque, right next to Kızlarağası Han. With its single-balcony minaret and six small domes, it makes a short stop on a Kemeraltı walk.
Day 2 · 09:30–21:30
Layers of history: Havra, Agora, Kadifekale
Culture
Agora Open Air Museum
Wander among the surviving columns of the Roman-era ancient marketplace; it is not crowded at the 08:30 opening. Museum Pass is valid. There is little shade, so going early is a must.
≈ 300 TL per personCulture
Havra Street Synagogues (Bikur Holim and Algazi Synagogue)
The locked synagogues of a 500-year-old Sephardic heritage can only be visited with special permission. Call Ebruli Turizm at least 2-3 days ahead to book a place on the Havra Street tour. The meeting point is Mezarlıkbaşı, at the entrance of 927 Sokak.
≈ 900 TL per personFood
Bizim Restaurant
A family business of 39 years, famous for its tripe with chickpeas and fish soup. Fish soup is served Tuesday to Friday, and paça çorbası (trotter soup) on Wednesday. It stands on 911 Sokak, parallel to Kızlarağası Han, a plain tradesmen's restaurant that looks almost signless.
≈ 750 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Shopping
Kızlarağası Han
The courtyard of this 18th-century caravanserai holds antique dealers, handicraft shops and nargile cafés. Stopping at the courtyard tea garden and chatting with the traders is the best part of the tour.
≈ 200 TL per person- 3 h · travel, break, free time
Landmark
Kadifekale Sunset View
From the city's highest point the whole bay turns red. Arrive 45 minutes before sunset; the blue hour (20-30 minutes after sunset) gives the most dramatic light. Get tea from the roaming tea sellers at the foot of the walls.
≈ 100 TL per personFood
Park Pide Salonu
In the Güven neighbourhood at the foot of Kadifekale, this is a plain pide (Turkish flatbread boat) place that locals use. Try the kaşarlı (cheese) or kıymalı (minced meat) pide with ayran; in the evenings local families fill it.
≈ 500 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Kısmet RestaurantA tradesmen's restaurant inside Küçük Demirhan in Kemeraltı, serving for over 40 years. Pick whatever you like from the daily pot dishes at the counter; prices are close to Bizim Restaurant.
- YOLO (Abacıoğlu Han)An alternative venue in one of Kemeraltı's hans, with constantly changing exhibitions and vintage items upstairs. You can also take a break with imported beer and homemade burgers.
Day 3 · 09:00–22:00
Alsancak's soul: boyoz, art, stone houses
Food
Zeynel Ergin Gevrek Bakery
This bakery on 1466 Sokak is Izmir's gevrek (simit) symbol, baking fresh since 06:30. Don't forget the boyoz, which comes in chocolate and cheese varieties and is served warm if you go early in the morning.
≈ 300 TL per personLandmark
Alsancak Punta Historic Houses
In the area known as 'La Punta' in the Ottoman era, there are colourful-fronted consulate and mansion buildings from the 19th century. It is a quiet photo route that tourist crowds don't reach.
FreeCulture
Arkas Art Center
A free art gallery in the former French consulate building from the early 1900s, with 9 exhibition halls. Closed on Monday; easily seen in 1-2 hours.
Free- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Kumru and Stuffed Mussels Break in Alsancak
Try kumru (toasted sausage-and-cheese sandwich) and midye dolma (stuffed mussels) from the stands around Kıbrıs Şehitleri Street. It is a lunchtime favourite of Izmir locals, quick and cheap on the go. Ayran or şalgam (spiced turnip juice) goes with it.
≈ 300 TL per person- 1 h · travel, break, free time
Landmark
Side Streets off Kıbrıs Şehitleri Street
On streets 1461-1465 behind the main avenue, old Alsancak buildings, boutique shops and small cafés are tucked away. They are not marked on Google Maps, so this route is left to your own discovery.
Free- 3 h 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Yasef's Tavern
A friendly place reopened by the grandchild of a historic tavern that closed 80 years ago. Expect lively conversation over Aegean meze and rakı; book ahead for the weekend.
≈ 1,800 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Dostlar BakeryAnother legendary boyoz baker in Alsancak, known for its chocolate, tahini and lentil varieties. An alternative to Zeynel Ergin, ideal for a morning breakfast.
- Gündoğdu SquareOne of Alsancak's liveliest squares, known for its equestrian statue of Atatürk. There are benches around it for sitting and people-watching. Worth a stop in the late afternoon to cool off.
Day 4 · 09:30–20:45
Across the bay: Karşıyaka and Bostanlı
Landmark
Konak-Karşıyaka Ferry and Karşıyaka Bazaar
The 25-minute ferry ride from Konak Pier costs 35 TL with the Izmirim Kart and is the best way to see the bay from above. In the bazaar opposite Karşıyaka Pier, wander among bookshops and cafés.
≈ 185 TL per personCulture
National Struggle Park and Museum (Latife Hanım Mansion)
The mansion where Atatürk's mother Zübeyde Hanım spent her last days displays objects from the War of Independence era. It is Karşıyaka's most overlooked historic stop and is usually quiet.
≈ 50 TL per personFood
Köfteci Erol
One of the district's oldest köfte (grilled meatball) restaurants, with a casual décor inside Karşıyaka Bazaar. Order it with piyaz (white bean salad) and a frothy ayran; at lunchtime it is full of regulars.
≈ 500 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Shopping
Bostanlı Market
Held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, this market offers everything from organic produce to homemade jam. Chat with local producers and pick up a small souvenir.
≈ 200 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Nature
Bostanlı Waterfront and Cycle Path
On the long bike and walking path with bay views, you can take a pleasant ride on a rented bike (around 150 TL). Late afternoon is the busiest time, when Izmir locals exercise.
≈ 150 TL per person- 1 h 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Bostanlı Sunset Viewing Terrace and Kumrucu Ömür
After watching the sunset from the terrace stretching out toward the sea, have dinner nearby at Kumrucu Ömür, Bostanlı's best kumru place. A full kumru and ayran is the classic combination.
≈ 350 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Kumrucu ŞevkiOne of Karşıyaka's best-known kumru places, practical as it is open at all hours. A full kumru with ayran is the standard.
- Bostanlı Ferry PierKarşıyaka's other pier is an alternative sunset spot to the waterfront terrace. You can chat with the fishermen around the pier.
Day 5 · 09:30–21:00
Quiet coast: Güzelbahçe, Balçova, Narlıdere
Culture
Balçova Thermal Facilities (Agamemnon Hot Springs)
Day-use pool entry to the thermal waters, used since antiquity, is around 75-100 TL. Last entry is 17:00, so go early in the morning for an unhurried spa experience.
≈ 100 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Nature
Inciraltı Urban Forest
A city forest with wide green spaces and walking paths, where families picnic and tourists almost never go. You can shelter from the midday heat in the shaded areas.
Free- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Nature
Güzelbahçe Fishing Shelter
With its small boats and nets, this is one of the Aegean's most genuine corners; the shelter comes alive when fishermen return from the morning catch. It is the quietest and most authentic spot for photos.
FreeFood
Lunch in Güzelbahçe
Ask for the fresh catch of the day at a small fish restaurant near the fishing shelter; prices are lower than on the Kordon. A quiet spot that locals favour at weekends.
≈ 1,400 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Nature
Güzelbahçe Seafront Walk and Cycling
You can rent a bike along the quiet shoreline, and there are spots where you can swim. This is a beach away from the Kordon crowds, preferred by locals.
≈ 150 TL per person- 1 h 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Sunset and Fish Sandwich on Narlıdere Seafront
On the way back, watch the sunset on Narlıdere seafront and eat a balık ekmek (fish sandwich) from a boat stall. It is one of the most authentic and cheapest dinner options. Ayran or şalgam goes with it.
≈ 500 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Balçova Thermal Hotel RestaurantThe restaurant inside the thermal complex is a practical lunch option after the spa. Its menu is mostly regional home cooking.
- Izmir Balçova Cable CarThe cable car from Balçova to Şirinyer gives you a bird's-eye view of the city; the fare is 80 TL. In summer, closing time is extended to 20:00.
Day 6 · 09:00–17:00Day trip
Ephesus, Mary's House and Şirince
Culture
Ephesus
One of the world's best-preserved ancient cities; don't miss the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. The tour price includes transport, guiding and site entry. Go early to avoid the heat.
≈ 3,200 TL per personTickets: GetYourGuideCulture
House of the Virgin Mary
This small stone house, believed by Christians to be where the Virgin Mary spent her last years, is sacred to Christian and Muslim visitors alike. You can leave a wish on the wishing wall.
≈ 100 TL per personFood
Lunch in Selçuk
Try the local köfte at Selçuk Köftecisi (Şehabettin Dede Street), a practical stop near the bus station after the Ephesus tour. Ödemiş köfte with kaymak (clotted cream) is the region's speciality.
≈ 750 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Culture
Şirince Village Stone Streets
Get lost among the stone houses of Greek architecture and the narrow streets; wine tasting in the cellars is completely free. To escape the crowds, turn into the back streets off the main road.
FreeShopping
Local Wine and Jam Shopping in Şirince
Taste a few of the pomegranate, strawberry and black mulberry wines and buy what you like. The organic jam and olive oil that villagers make at home are also a must-try. There is room to bargain when paying cash.
≈ 250 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Ayasuluk Castle and Isa Bey MosqueAs an alternative to Ephesus, this castle on top of Selçuk also holds the ruins of the Basilica of St. John. Museum Pass is valid; closing time is 17:30.
- Selçuk KöftecisiOpposite the bus station, this is a köfte place favoured by locals; a plain, quick alternative to the main restaurant.
Day 7 · 10:00–15:00Day trip
Alaçatı and Çeşme: stone lanes, sea
Landmark
Alaçatı Stone Streets and Windmills
The 150-year-old windmills at the entrance to Alaçatı look their most photogenic in daylight; right after, walk the stone streets with colourful doors. Get there with the Izmirim Kart on ESHOT lines 984-760.
FreeCulture
Pazaryeri Mosque (Ayios Konstantinos Church)
Built as a church in 1874 and later turned into a mosque, this is an intriguing building and a symbol of different faiths intertwined. It is rarely mentioned on Alaçatı's tourist routes.
Free- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Kumrucu Hüseyin
Master Hüseyin, the inventor of the kumru, has been in the same spot since 1966 and at 85 is still running the shop. Order a full kumru; it is Çeşme's most authentic food stop.
≈ 350 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Nature
Sea Day at Ilıca Beach
A free public beach at the entrance to Çeşme, with shallow, clear water that families like too. If you want to rent a sunlounger, expect an extra fee of around 150-250 TL.
≈ 200 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Kumrucu ErolA family business since the 1980s, this is another historic kumru place and an alternative to Kumrucu Hüseyin. It is also a local favourite.
- Çeşme CastleThe Genoese-era castle offers a short history break before heading back, as an alternative to Ilıca. The museum inside displays objects on the history of piracy and seafaring.
Hidden gem: Havra Street Synagogues (Bikur Holim and Algazi Synagogue)
Most guidebooks describe Kemeraltı's spice scent and colourful stalls but skip the 500-year-old Sephardic heritage right behind it. Because Izmir's Jewish community has shrunk, the synagogues are closed to daily worship and can only be visited with special permission, by prior appointment.
- How to get in
- Call Ebruli Turizm at least 2-3 days ahead to book the Havra Street tour (including the Shalom, Algazi, Bikur Holim and restored Etz Hayim synagogues). The group meets in the Mezarlıkbaşı neighbourhood, at the Kemeraltı entrance of 927 Sokak.
- Local tip
- Men are given a kippa at the door; wear clothes that cover shoulders and knees. Ask your guide to show old photographs of Kemeraltı from the 19th-century 'Cadde-i Kebir' era, which standard tours don't cover.
- When
- Possible all year, but extra events and concerts are held during the Sephardic Culture Festival in spring.
- Contact
- Ebruli Turizm - Tel: +90 232 464 07 18, E-posta: ebrulitur@ebruliturizm.com.tr, Instagram: @ebrulitur
Getting around: get an Izmirim Kart
In Izmir the metro, tram, IZBAN, all ESHOT buses (including lines 984-760 to Alaçatı) and IZDENIZ ferries (including the Konak-Karşıyaka route) all run on this one card. Nearly every day of your plan needs at least one public transport connection. It is cheaper than single tickets and practical, with top-up machines at every station.
Good to know: 7 things that make an Izmir trip easier
- You can't board any public transport (bus, metro, ferry) without an Izmirim Kart. Without one you can only board with a contactless bank card, at a slightly higher fare.
- In July, midday temperatures reach 34-38°C, so avoid long walks between 12:00 and 16:00. The imbat (sea breeze) feels cool, but the sun still burns, so a hat and sunscreen are essential.
- For the synagogue visit on Havra Street, wear clothes that cover shoulders and knees; men are given a kippa at the door. Ask your guide before taking photos.
- Tipping is not required at tradesmen's restaurants (Bizim Restaurant, Güven Restaurant). At more modern restaurants (Deniz Restaurant, Yasef's Tavern), leaving 10% is customary if it isn't included in the bill.
- Set out on day trips such as Ephesus and Alaçatı in the first hours if you can (08:00-09:00); you avoid both the summer heat and the tour-bus crowds.
- The narrow lanes of Kemeraltı Bazaar get busier especially in the afternoon, so carry your bag in front of you.
- Bargaining for wine or jam from local producers in Şirince and Alaçatı isn't considered rude, and you can ask for a discount on bulk purchases.
Spending: ≈ 18,550 TL per person for 7 days
- Food11,750 TL
- Entry and tours4,950 TL
- Local transport485 TL
- Other1,350 TL
Excludes accommodation and flights. 2026 price estimate, per person.
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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 2,650 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 09:00. 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: Kemeraltı Bazaar Food Tour (day 1), Ephesus (day 6).
Which season is this itinerary for?
This page covers June–September. There is a separate plan for October–May: opening hours, the sea and the weather change the route.