A Complete Guide to Izmir

After breakfast, I started the morning with a massage session at Pürovel Spa & Sport. The spa is one of the highlights of Swissôtel Büyük Efes, offering treatment rooms, a traditional Turkish hammam, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools. After the massage, I spent some time relaxing by the outdoor pool and enjoyed a light lunch there before getting ready to explore the city.

Room prices at Swissôtel Büyük Efes vary depending on the season, view, and room category. Standard rooms generally start from around $140–240 per night, while executive rooms and suites can be significantly more expensive. Considering the central location, resort-style facilities, art collection, and spa, it is a convenient choice for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with relaxation.

Our first stop was Kordon, İzmir’s famous waterfront promenade. Stretching along the Aegean coast, Kordon is one of the best places to experience the city’s relaxed lifestyle. Locals come here to walk, cycle, sit on the grass, enjoy coffee by the sea, and watch the sunset. With its cafés, restaurants, palm trees, and open views over the Gulf of İzmir, it is one of the most enjoyable areas for a slow afternoon walk.

Around a 10-minute walk from the hotel, we visited Arkas Sanat Alsancak, one of the city’s leading contemporary art spaces. During our visit, the center was hosting the exhibition “Fashion and Painting,” which explored the relationship between clothing, identity, social change, and visual art. The exhibition brought fashion and painting together through portraits, costumes, and artworks from different periods, showing how style can reflect both personal expression and the spirit of an era.

We then continued to Arkas Sanat Göztepe, located inside the historic Ayşe & Seniha Mayda Mansion. The carefully restored mansion opened as an art center in 2025 and is worth visiting not only for its collection but also for its architecture. Its patterned brick façade, elegant Art Nouveau details, landscaped garden, and beautifully preserved interiors make the building feel like part of the exhibition itself.

Inside, we visited “Turkish Painters in the Arkas Collection,” a permanent selection presenting works by important Turkish artists. The exhibition offers a visual journey through different periods of Turkish painting, while the atmosphere of the historic mansion makes the experience especially memorable.

Our final cultural stop was the Historical Elevator, one of İzmir’s best-known landmarks. It was built in 1907 by businessman Nesim Levi Bayrakoğlu to connect the lower part of Karataş with the neighborhood above, saving residents from climbing a staircase of 155 steps.

We took the elevator to the upper terrace and enjoyed a beautiful panoramic view over İzmir and the bay. I think this would also be an amazing place to visit at sunset. There are cafés and restaurants at the top, so you can stay for a drink or dinner while enjoying the scenery.

The street leading to the elevator is called Dario Moreno Street, named after the Turkish-Jewish singer and actor who once lived in this neighborhood and later became famous internationally, particularly in France. Moreno had a deep affection for İzmir, and a tribute associated with his love for the city can be seen near the entrance of the street. His music also plays inside the elevator, which makes the visit feel more personal and nostalgic.

The street itself is full of character, with historic houses, small cafés, bars, and colorful details. It was the perfect final stop after a day combining relaxation, art, architecture, history, and some of the most beautiful views of İzmir.

Before sunset, I returned to the hotel to relax for a while. One of my favorite things about staying at Swissôtel Büyük Efes was the view from my room. As the sun slowly disappeared over the Gulf of İzmir, the sky transformed into beautiful shades of orange and pink. Watching the sunset from the comfort of my room was the perfect way to slow down after a day of exploring the city.

Later that evening, we had dinner at Comensa Time, one of the hotel's signature restaurants. Set within the hotel's peaceful gardens, the restaurant is known for its contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, premium grilled meats, fresh seafood, and seasonal ingredients. The elegant outdoor setting, attentive service, and relaxed atmosphere make it an excellent choice for a special dinner after a busy day in İzmir.

After dinner, I headed back to my room for a good night's rest, ready for another exciting day of discovering the city.

Day 2 – Exploring the Heart of İzmir

After breakfast, we headed to Kemeraltı Bazaar, one of the oldest and most vibrant districts in İzmir. Dating back to the 17th century, Kemeraltı is a historic open-air market filled with narrow streets, traditional shops, artisan workshops, mosques, cafés, and hidden courtyards. It's the perfect place to experience the city's authentic atmosphere while shopping for local products, spices, ceramics, jewelry, Turkish delights, and handmade souvenirs.

While exploring the bazaar, we stopped for lunch at Ayşe'nin Mutfağı, a charming local restaurant recognized by the Michelin Guide. Known for its authentic Aegean home-style cooking, the restaurant serves traditional Turkish dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients. Everything we ordered was incredibly flavorful, making it one of my favorite culinary experiences in İzmir.

After lunch, we walked to the city's iconic Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi), located in Konak Square. Built in 1901 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Sultan Abdulhamid II's reign, the elegant 25-meter tower has become one of İzmir's most recognizable landmarks and a popular meeting point for both locals and visitors.

From nearby Konak Pier, we boarded one of İzmir's public ferries and crossed the bay to the Karşıyaka district. The short ferry ride offered beautiful views of the city's skyline and is one of the nicest—and most affordable—ways to experience İzmir from the water.

Our destination was Hilltown Karşıyaka, one of the city's largest modern shopping centers. The mall features a wide selection of international and Turkish fashion brands, cafés, restaurants, entertainment areas, and a cinema, making it a great place to spend a relaxed afternoon whether you're shopping or simply taking a break.

In the evening, we returned to Swissôtel Büyük Efes for one of the highlights of the day—watching the sunset from Ristorante Scappi.

Located on the hotel's rooftop, Ristorante Scappi is one of İzmir's finest Italian restaurants and has been recommended by the Michelin Guide. Inspired by traditional Italian cuisine with a contemporary touch, the menu features handmade pasta, premium seafood, carefully selected wines, and seasonal ingredients. Combined with breathtaking panoramic views over the Gulf of İzmir, especially at sunset, it offers one of the most memorable dining experiences in the city.

After dinner, we returned to our room, ending another wonderful day discovering the culture, flavors, and beautiful coastal atmosphere of İzmir.

Day 3 – Art, Wine & the Magic of Ephesus by Night

After breakfast, we left the city and drove toward Urla, one of the most charming destinations on Turkey's Aegean coast.

Our first stop was Arkas Art Urla, located in Yenice Neighborhood. Set among vineyards and olive trees, this cultural space combines art, nature, and architecture in a peaceful setting. During our visit, we explored exhibitions featuring works from the Arkas Collection, including paintings, sculptures, and contemporary installations by both Turkish and international artists. The quiet atmosphere makes it a wonderful stop for anyone interested in art outside the traditional museum setting.

From there, we continued to Statera Vineyard, a boutique winery surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of Urla. The winery produces small-batch wines using locally grown grapes, and we enjoyed a guided wine tasting while learning about the region's growing reputation as one of Turkey's premier wine destinations. It was a relaxing experience and a great way to discover the flavors of the Aegean.

Next, we headed into the heart of Urla, where we spent some time walking along Uzun Sokak, one of the town's liveliest streets. Filled with boutique cafés, restaurants, artisan shops, and beautifully restored stone houses, it's the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere that makes Urla so special.

We stopped at one of the local restaurants for lunch. If you ask me, one of the best ways to experience Turkish cuisine is through its traditional home-style dishes. I couldn't resist ordering some of my favorites, including stuffed vine leaves (Dolma), İmam Bayıldı, and Cacık. Every dish was incredibly fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared.

After lunch, we returned to the hotel for a short rest because one of the most unforgettable experiences of the trip was waiting for us that evening.

I had heard that the ancient city of Ephesus had recently introduced night visits, allowing visitors to explore the archaeological site after sunset with a unique lighting experience. Naturally, we couldn't miss it, so we booked an evening guided tour.

Our driver picked us up from the hotel around 6–7 PM, and on the way, we stopped at a local kebab restaurant for dinner before continuing to Ephesus.

Visiting Ephesus at night felt completely different from a daytime visit. As one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ephesus comes alive after dark through carefully designed architectural lighting that highlights its magnificent monuments. Walking along the marble streets past landmarks such as the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the ancient temples created an unforgettable atmosphere.

Our guide shared fascinating stories about everyday life in the Roman city, making the experience even more immersive. Without the daytime crowds and summer heat, the evening tour felt peaceful and almost magical.

Night visits to Ephesus are available during the summer season and must be purchased as a separate evening ticket or through an organized tour. Since availability is limited, I highly recommend booking in advance if you're planning to visit İzmir or the surrounding region.

It was the perfect way to end the day—combining art, wine, local cuisine, and one of the world's greatest archaeological sites into a truly unforgettable experience.

Day 4 – A Relaxing Farewell to İzmir

Our final day in İzmir was all about slowing down before our flight home. Since our departure was scheduled for the afternoon, we decided to spend the morning enjoying the comfort of Swissôtel Büyük Efes one last time.

We had a leisurely breakfast, took a final walk around the beautiful gardens, and simply relaxed by the pool, making the most of our last few hours in the city. Sometimes, the best way to end a trip isn't by rushing to see one more attraction, but by taking a moment to appreciate everything you've experienced.

Looking back, this journey to İzmir was far more than just a city break. It was the perfect combination of history, art, gastronomy, culture, and relaxation. From wandering through lively bazaars and discovering world-class art collections to tasting authentic Aegean cuisine, visiting charming wineries, and experiencing the magical atmosphere of Ephesus at night, every day offered something unique.

İzmir surprised me in the best possible way with its warm atmosphere, beautiful coastline, rich cultural heritage, and slower pace of life. It's a destination I would happily return to—and one I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone looking to experience a different side of Turkey beyond the usual tourist routes.