Turkey · TR

Things to do in Izmir

Turkey’s third city and the gateway to Ephesus and the village of Şirince.

41tours
from $27car per day
TRIzmir
Car · optional

Car rental in Izmir

Want to drive yourself? Cars from local rental companies, from $27 a day. Pick your dates right here.

Top sights in Izmir

The main places guides take you to. Some are also easy to visit on your own.

01

Ephesus

The ancient city with the Library of Celsus, 80 km away.

02

Şirince

A hill village famous for fruit wines.

03

Kordon

A waterfront promenade for sunset walks.

04

Clock Tower

The city’s symbol on Konak Square.

Tours in Izmir: how to choose

Izmir: turkey’s third city and the gateway to Ephesus and the village of Şirince.

Pokataem lists 41 tours by local guides in Izmir — from short walks around the centre to full-day trips.

The most popular picks are Ephesus, Şirince, Kordon. If history and context matter, book a guided tour. If you want freedom to stop wherever you like, rent a car for a day or two from a local company.

When to go

Beach season runs from May to October. For Istanbul and ancient sites, April–June and September–November are the most comfortable.

Entry & documents

You need a passport valid well beyond your trip (often at least 150 days on entry — check with your airline). Most EU, UK and US passport holders can visit visa-free for up to 90 days; rules depend on your nationality.

Licence & rental

A national licence in Latin script is accepted for tourist stays; an International Driving Permit is recommended. Minimum age 21, 1–2 years of driving experience. The deposit is blocked on a card; some cars need none.

Country travel guide

Money, SIM cards, road rules and what to pack in Turkey

FAQ: things to do in Izmir

The essentials in brief. Can’t find your answer? Write to us — we reply within an hour.

01How much do tours in Izmir cost?

It depends on the format: walking tours are cheaper, full-day trips cost more. There are 41 tours by local guides in Izmir.

02What are the top sights in Izmir?

The highlights: Ephesus, Şirince, Kordon, Clock Tower. Turkey’s third city and the gateway to Ephesus and the village of Şirince.

03Do I need a car in Izmir?

Not necessarily — most tours include transfers. A car is great for exploring on your own: 130 cars from local companies in Izmir, from $27 a day.

04What documents do I need to visit Turkey?

You need a passport valid well beyond your trip (often at least 150 days on entry — check with your airline). Most EU, UK and US passport holders can visit visa-free for up to 90 days; rules depend on your nationality.

05What licence do I need to rent a car in Izmir?

A national licence in Latin script is accepted for tourist stays; an International Driving Permit is recommended. Minimum age 21, 1–2 years of driving experience. The deposit is blocked on a card; some cars need none.

06How do I pay in Izmir?

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Carry some Turkish lira in cash for markets, taxis and small towns; exchange offices (döviz) usually beat airport rates.

Where to next?

Pick your next city — we’ll match you with tours, and you can add a car if you need one.