Izmir Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
city in İzmir Province, Turkey
About Izmir
There are lots of little coves and harbours along Turkey's Aegean coast, but ancient Smyrna stood at the head of a broad inlet sheltered from winter storms, with a fertile hinterland and good inland trade routes. It suffered earthquakes and warfare, but didn't silt up and could accommodate large vessels. Thus it outgrew other ports and is now the modern bustling city of Izmir. This Smyrna was 5 km north of the present centre, in what is now the suburb of Bayraklı, and founded about 3000 BC by theTrojans. In folklore it was the birthplace ofHomer, the 8th century BC author of theOdyssey, which describes a war between Greeks and Trojans 500 years earlier. No-one really knows where Homer lived, but a major harbour city is as good a guess as any. By his day Smyrna was settled by the Aeolians f
Top Attractions in Izmir
Explore the best things to see and do in Izmir:
- ★Ancient Smyrna
- ★Asansör
- ★Atatürk Museum
- ★Church of St Vukolos
- ★History and Art Museum
- ★Izmir Archaeological Museum
- ★Izmir Bird Paradise
- ★Kadifekale
Where to Eat in Izmir
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Alsancak Pide
- 🍴Ayşa
- 🍴BigChefs Alsancak
- 🍴Çarşı Balık
- 🍴Köfteci Murat
- 🍴Köfteci Okan
Where to Stay in Izmir
- 🏨Doubletree by Hilton
- 🏨Ege Palas
- 🏨Hotel Baylan
- 🏨Ibis Izmir Alsancak
- 🏨Izmir Palas Otel
- 🏨Karaca Hotel
Izmir Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 13 sections including: