Izmir Turkey 5 Day Itinerary

Izmir, Turkey 5-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Kemeraltı Bazaar

  • Arrive at Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport. You can take a taxi or rent a car for your convenience.
  • Check-in at your hotel (recommended: Hyatt Regency Izmir or Rixos Ephesus) located in the city center.
  • Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast at your hotel.
  • Head to Kemeraltı Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest bazaars in Turkey. Explore its narrow streets filled with spice shops, jewelry stores, textile boutiques, and more. Don’t forget to haggle for the best prices!
  • For lunch, try Çiğ Köfte (raw meatballs) at one of the local eateries in Kemeraltı.
  • In the afternoon, visit the İzban Museum to learn about Izmir’s urban transportation history.
  • Enjoy dinner at Derya Restoran for some delicious Aegean cuisine.

Day 2: Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary

  • After breakfast, take a day trip to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. You can either rent a car or book a guided tour.
  • Explore the ruins of this once-great city, including the Library of Celsus, the Grand Theatre, and the Temple of Hadrian.
  • Have lunch at a local restaurant near Ephesus.
  • In the afternoon, visit the House of Virgin Mary, a significant Christian pilgrimage site located on Mt. Koressos.
  • Return to Izmir for dinner. Try Balıkçı Sabahattin for some fresh seafood.

Day 3: Pergamon & Izmir Archaeological Museum

  • After breakfast, take a day trip to Pergamon, an ancient city known for its impressive library and altar of Zeus. Rent a car or book a guided tour.
  • Explore the Acropolis, including the Temple of Trajan, the Altar of Zeus, and the Red Basilica.
  • Have lunch at a local restaurant in Pergamon.
  • Return to Izmir and visit the Izmir Archaeological Museum to learn about the city’s rich history.
  • For dinner, try Şirin Pastanesi for some traditional Turkish desserts.

Day 4: Konak Square & Clock Tower

  • After breakfast, explore Konak Square and the beautiful İzmir Clock Tower, symbol of the city.
  • Visit the İzmir Museum of Painting and Sculpture to appreciate local and international artworks.
  • Have lunch at Kıbrıs Restaurant for some delicious meze platters.
  • In the afternoon, relax at Kordon, Izmir’s seaside promenade, and enjoy the beautiful Aegean Sea view.
  • For dinner, try Küçük Ev Yemişkan for some traditional Turkish home cooking.

Day 5: Departure

  • After breakfast, spend your last hours exploring any remaining sights or shopping for souvenirs at Kemeraltı Bazaar.
  • Depending on your flight time, you might want to visit the Agora Open-Air Museum, a small but fascinating archaeological site near Konak Square.
  • Head to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport for your departure. Have a safe journey!

Tips:

  • Izmir’s public transportation system is reliable and affordable, with buses (ESHOT) and the İzban train serving most of the city.
  • Always carry small change for transportation and shopping.
  • Turkey uses Type F power sockets, so bring an adapter if needed.
  • Turkish Lira is the official currency, but some places might accept Euros.
  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
  • Enjoy your trip to Izmir!