Want to escape the November chill and discover a true gem on the Turkish Aegean coast? Then get ready to fall in love with Izmir! I spent three fantastic days exploring this vibrant city.
It's packed with ancient history, delicious food, and a charming seaside atmosphere. Pack your bags, grab your sunglasses, and let's explore Izmir together!
Day 1: Immersing Ourselves in Izmir's Bazaar and Ancient Agora
We arrived in Izmir after dark and were greeted with a delightful surprise: a honeymoon suite upgrade at the Oglakcioglu Park Boutique Hotel! After starting our trip on that high note, we spent our first morning getting lost in the sprawling Izmir Bazaar.
Think about mountains of fresh fruit, nuts, and spices, eye-catching mannequins in wedding dresses, and even a furry bear grinding coffee beans!
Foodie Tip: Don't miss the Turkish honey and nut-filled treats. We tried a pastry that looked like angel hair pasta and was drenched in pistachios and honey - it turned out to be a different shape of baklava! And for a caffeine fix, grab a traditional Turkish coffee, served with chocolate-covered coffee beans and Turkish delight.
After the bazaar, we ventured to the Agora, the ancient Roman marketplace. We walked among towering columns, imagining the bustling activity of Roman times. We descended into an arched passageway, feeling a cool trickle of water as we explored the ruins. It's a true history lesson come to life!
Day 2: Ephesus, Izmir's Promenade and Sunset Delights
A day trip to Ephesus is essential on any Izmir itinerary, no matter how short. Hop on a train from Izmir to Selçuk (about 90 minutes), then grab a taxi to the upper entrance of Ephesus (about 10 minutes).
You'll be greeted by dramatic theaters – maybe you'll even catch a spontaneous opera performance like I did when a tourist took to the ancient stage!
As you wander through this ancient city with Greek and Roman origins, picture the grand thoroughfare lined with towering columns and intricate decorations. It's amazing how well-preserved everything is after 2,000 years.
Don't miss the Celsus Library – it's absolutely breathtaking. And if you have some extra time, pay the fee to tour the excavated Roman terrace houses.
After you've explored the ruins, head to the Ephesus Museum to see even more incredible artifacts. The museum has a beautiful flower-lined courtyard where you can relax and reflect on the history you just witnessed. And keep an eye out for the quirky sculpture of a naked man riding a fish – it gave me a good chuckle!
Back in Izmir, take advantage of it's position right on the Aegean Sea by taking a seaside promenade stroll. We walked past an elegant mosque, dodged playful pigeons in a palm-lined square, and finally reached the shore. The promenade seemed endless, with boats bobbing in the harbor and sculptures dotting the path.
As the sun began to set, we found the perfect spot to watch the sky turn fiery orange over the Aegean. It was the perfect ending to a day filled with exploration.
Foodie Tip: Cafes and bars line the promenade, so grab a beer, some pistachios, and enjoy a relaxing game of backgammon while you soak up the sunset vibes. For dinner, we recommend a hearty plate of kofta with greens and rice or the delicious, but huge, lamb kebab. We were stuffed!
Day 3: Day Trip to Pergamon and a Final Feast
When you visit Izmir, a day trip to Pergamon is a must! We hired a local guide (thanks, Sinan!) who drove us to the ruins of this once-powerful Greek city. Pergamon Ancient City is located about 90 minutes by car from Izmir.
Imagine walking among decapitated statues, gazing at the landscape from high above, and exploring a steep theatre where worshippers of Dionysus once performed.
After visiting the ancient city, we visited the nearby Asclepieion of Pergamon, an ancient healing center. We walked the same path as those seeking cures in Greek times, descended into underground ruins, and even met a "saffron honey guy" who offered us tasty honey and words of wisdom: "Walk More, Live More"!
Lunch Tip: On the way back to Izmir, we stopped at Sağlam Restaurant for a delicious lunch of assorted mezzes, lamb kebab, and pide. The owner even read our fortunes in our Turkish coffee grounds!
Back in Izmir, we had one last foodie adventure. We started with dessert at Tuğba, indulging in roasted chickpeas and Turkish delight. Then we headed to the waterfront for fish kebabs at Balık Pişiricisi Veli Usta - a tasty twist on Turkish cuisine!
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Izmir won us over with its unique blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and delicious food. It's the perfect destination for a November getaway, offering sunny skies and a chance to explore Turkey beyond the capital.
Pro-tip: 3 days in Istanbul + 3 days in Izmir make a perfect one week Turkish getaway.
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