We are excited to welcome you to İzmir, Turkiye, a city where history, culture, and creativity meet. The official portal Visit İzmir highlights the city’s treasures — from ancient ruins, museums, and sacred sites to gastronomy, handicrafts, festivals, and the beautiful Aegean coast.

The official portal GoTürkiye – İzmir offers inspiration to make the most of your stay: from sustainable hotels and culinary delights to events, routes, and must-see places. Discover “10 vibes of İzmir” to experience the city like a local, or explore how to enjoy İzmir in 48 hours.

See İzmir in Motion

For a closer look at the city’s beauty and energy, explore the official tourism channel of İzmir. From breathtaking coastlines and cultural landmarks to food, festivals, and local life, the channel brings İzmir’s stories to life in video.

Plan Your Journey to İzmir

Get inspired for your trip with the İzmir Turkey 2025 Full Travel Guide. This video highlights the city’s must-see attractions, local flavors, cultural experiences, and practical tips — a perfect overview to help you make the most of your time during the conference.

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Must-See Cultural Places in İzmir

Many of these sites are featured in our pre-conference Community Tracks and in the post-conference study tour to Ephesus, both offered as optional add-ons. If you prefer to explore the city on your own, here are some of İzmir’s must-see cultural attractions.

(Approximate travel times from İzmir University of Economics Campus) 

1. Agora of Smyrna

A remarkably preserved Roman marketplace located in the city center, offering a glimpse into İzmir’s ancient urban life.
Distance: ~30 minutes by car / ~45 minutes by public transport

2. Kemeraltı Bazaar

One of the oldest and largest open-air markets in Turkey. A maze of shops, mosques, courtyards, and cafés that reflects İzmir’s living heritage.
Distance: ~30 minutes by car / ~45–50 minutes by public transport

3. Kızlarağası Hanı

An 18th-century Ottoman caravanserai (inn) inside Kemeraltı, now filled with artisan shops and traditional cafés.
Distance: ~30 minutes by car / ~45–50 minutes by public transport

4. İzmir Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi)

The iconic symbol of the city, located in Konak Square overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Distance: ~30 minutes by car / ~45 minutes by public transport

5. Asansör (Historic Elevator)

Built in 1907, this historic elevator connects two parts of the city and offers one of the best views of İzmir.
Distance: ~25 minutes by car / ~40 minutes by public transport

6. Kadifekale (Velvet Castle)

An ancient hilltop fortress offering panoramic views of İzmir and the bay.
Distance: ~35 minutes by car
Please note: We recommend visiting Kadifekale only during daytime and preferably with a guide or in a group. While the fortress itself offers spectacular views and historical significance, the surrounding neighborhood is a historically marginalized area with limited tourist infrastructure. It is home to long-established Roma (Gypsy) communities, and streets can be narrow, crowded, and unfamiliar to visitors. Signage, lighting, and visitor services are limited, which can make navigation difficult for first-time travelers. Visiting with a guide or in a group during daylight hours ensures a safer, more comfortable, and more respectful experience for everyone.

7. İzmir Archaeology & Ethnography Museums

AFeaturing artifacts from nearby ancient cities such as Ephesus, Pergamon, and Smyrna.
Distance: ~30 minutes by car / ~45 minutes by public transport

8. Arkas Sanat Museum (Alsancak)

One of İzmir’s leading contemporary art museums, located in a beautifully restored historic building in Alsancak.
Distance: ~30 minutes by car / ~50 minutes by public transport

9. Alsancak & Kordon Seafront (Downtown İzmir)

Main shopping, dining, nightlife, and waterfront area.
Distance: ~30 minutes by car / ~50 minutes by public transport

10. Historical Tram Ride (Alsancak–Konak Line)

A nostalgic tram running along the Kordon seafront, offering scenic views of İzmir Bay. A relaxing way to see downtown.
Distance to tram line: ~30 minutes from IUE to Alsancak

11. Synagogue Street (Havra Sokağı)

A historic Jewish quarter in Kemeraltı reflecting İzmir’s multicultural past.
Distance: ~30 minutes by car / ~45–50 minutes by public transport

12. Karşıyaka & Bostanlı (by Ferry)

Take a scenic ferry ride across İzmir Bay to Karşıyaka or Bostanlı, lively districts known for their cafés, seaside promenades, and local atmosphere. The ferry ride itself is one of the best ways to experience İzmir from the water.
Distance: ~30 minutes to ferry terminal + ~20-minute ferry ride

13. Ephesus and Virgin Mary’s House (Day Trip)

One of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. A visit to the House of the Virgin Mary adds a deeply meaningful spiritual and cultural dimension to the experience.
Distance: ~1.5 hour by car from İzmir

Local Tip: Make the Most of Your Time in İzmir

Many of İzmir’s most important cultural sites are clustered in and around the historic city center. If you have one free day or afternoon, this route lets you see the highlights efficiently without backtracking.

Morning: Ancient & Historic İzmir

Start in the Konak & Kemeraltı area, where several key sites are within walking distance:

• Agora of Smyrna – Explore İzmir’s Roman-era marketplace
• Kemeraltı Bazaar – Wander through İzmir’s historic market streets
• Kızlarağası Hanı – Stop for Turkish coffee in this beautiful 18th-century caravanserai
• Synagogue Street (Havra Sokağı) – Experience İzmir’s multicultural heritage
• İzmir Clock Tower (Konak Square) – The city’s most famous landmark

These are all located within a compact area and can easily be explored on foot in 2–3 hours.

Afternoon: Downtown & Art

Head north toward İzmir’s downtown (Alsancak):

• Arkas Sanat Museum (Alsancak) – Contemporary and classical exhibitions
• Alsancak & Kordon Seafront – Walk, shop, and relax by the sea

Evening: Across the Bay

End the day with a relaxing ferry ride from Alsancak:

• Karşıyaka or Bostanlı – Lively seaside districts perfect for dinner, cafés, and sunset walks
  The ferry itself is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience İzmir.