Izmir Travel Guide
Travel guide to Izmir, Turkey with comprehensive information about events, shopping, and major Izmir sporting events to help you enjoy your visit more.
Izmir Overview
Izmir is the third most populated city in Turkey, and the second largest port. It is situated on the coast of the Aegean Sea and enjoys a warm climate that is particularly dry during the summer months. With such a setting it is no surprise to find the tourism industry growing dramatically here, with more and more visitors coming here to enjoy the many attractions of this beautiful area.
In the city the architecture is predominantly quite modern, since the city suffered a terrible fire in 1922 that destroyed almost everything. Following that a widescale rebuilding programme was instigated, creating the Izmir of today. A number of the traditional styles were retained in the new buildings to ensure it did not lose its character, and this has been done very well.
With it's proximity to western Europe, and the fact that it is a port city bringing an influx of different cultures in, Izmir is one of the most westernised cities in Turkey, embracing a lot of the more western ideals and creating a cosmopolitan feel to the city.
The nightlife for example is a wonderful mix of traditional and modern, depending on the mood. From nightclubs that are buzzing until the morning through to lovely family run restaurants there is so much to do here.
Izmir is a wonderful mix of modern city activity, traditional style buildings, wonderful beaches and friendly people. With it's warm dry climate too it all equates into a destination that is bound to please.
Top Izmir Attractions
Izmir, although dating back to around 3,000BC is actually quite modern overall. However there are still some very interesting things to see, such as the clock tower, Konak Cami mosque and, for a real experience, the public elevator that joins Mithapasa Street to the top of the hill Halil Rifat Pasa. Having taken the ride up there the views are outstanding, with the whole city and the bay being overlooked.
Shopping in Izmir
The modern shops, set in lovely elegant surroundings, are to be found on Kordon Promenade or Cumhuriyet Caddessi. There are some great boutiques and top brand stores here, and with such a beautiful setting along the sea front it is a real pleasure to shop here. The main markets are in the Kemeralti area, where the ability to haggle will come in very handy.
Izmir Sporting Events
Football is followed passionately here, as in the whole of Turkey. The national side is actually quite good, having developed considerably over the last few years to become well respected. In the Turkish game Izmir have four clubs, although none of them are at the top of the Turkish game.