The city centre
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The clock tower and Konak Square | İzmir's symbol since 1901, an Ottoman-style tower about 25 metres tall, beside the small Konak Mosque. | Konak Square |
| Kemeraltı Bazaar | One of Turkey's oldest bazaars: lanes of shops, workshops and mosques, and the historic Kızlarağası Han for Turkish coffee. | Behind Konak Square |
| The Kordon promenade | A seafront promenade of about 1.5 kilometres along the gulf, loveliest at sunset. | From Alsancak to the city centre |
| The historic lift (Asansör) | A lift from 1907 that saves you 155 steps, with views over the Gulf of İzmir at the top. | Karataş district |
| A ferry across the gulf | A short ride of about a quarter of an hour to see the city from the sea. | From Konak pier |
Around İzmir
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Ephesus | One of the most complete Roman cities in the world, with the Library of Celsus, its great theatre and marble streets. | Selçuk, about an hour by İzBAN train |
| Şirince | A hill village of white stone houses and quiet lanes among the vineyards. | Near Selçuk and Ephesus |
| Çeşme and Alaçatı | White-sand beaches and clear water, with stone houses and windmills. | About an hour west of İzmir |
Tips before you go
- Holders of ordinary Saudi passports enter Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days.
- You usually reach İzmir via Istanbul with a domestic flight of about an hour.
- Two days are enough for the city, one more for Ephesus and Şirince, and another for Çeşme in summer.
Flights to Istanbul
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Visa
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Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in İzmir?
The clock tower and Konak Square, Kemeraltı Bazaar, the Kordon promenade, the historic lift, Ephesus, Şirince and the beaches of Çeşme.
How far is Ephesus from İzmir?
About an hour by İzBAN train to Selçuk, or by car.
Is İzmir good for families?
Yes: a wide seafront promenade, old bazaars, ancient sites nearby and calm beaches in Çeşme.
How do I travel to İzmir from Saudi Arabia?
Usually via Istanbul, then a domestic flight of about an hour; ordinary Saudi passports are visa-free.
Planning your trip to Turkey? Read Travel to Turkey from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.