Izmir Holidays
From €506

Izmir is Turkey's third most populous city, located in the west along the Aegean coast. A metropolitan city with a fascinating mixture of history and modernity, many features and traditions of times past remain but the 21st Century has also clearly made its mark. Izmir experiences a hot Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers with highs of 28°C and mild, damp winters with highs of around 10°C. This makes it a popular City Break destination year-round, as the pleasant weather makes for the perfect conditions to wander around taking all of the sights in on an Izmir holiday.

Izmir is a bustling and vibrant city, with plenty of charming markets, shops and sights. Kızlarağası Hanı is a popular covered market in a beautiful 18th century building. Here, you’ll find souvenirs, antiques and crafts and will have a truly unique Turkish experience. Another popular tourist attraction on offer in Izmir is the Agora, an open-air museum which allows visitors to see the remains of the ancient city of Smyrna. For the best views of Izmir, we recommend the Asansör - an elevator within a building which takes you to the top of the city and gives you the chance to look out over the city and across the sea.

An Izmir City Break would be perfect for couples who want to explore and have new experiences. Izmir has some charming beaches dotted around, which provides the opportunity to not only sightsee but also relax on your City Break getaway. History buffs will love Izmir, as there is plenty of culture and historical sites on offer. There’s plenty to see and do in this beautiful city, so your days are sure to be busy!

Aer Lingus fly from Dublin to Izmir three times a week between March and October, with an estimated flight time of approximately 7 hours. Budget Travel always have great deals on Holidays and City Breaks to Izmir. Book your Izmir holiday today!

To learn more about things to do in Izmir, the best time to go and local info see here.

Things to do in Izmir

Attractions

• Buy some souvenirs to take home at the Kızlarağası Hanı
• Take in the sights with a walk along the Aegean Sea
• Visit the Clock Tower in Konak Square
• Enjoy Izmir’s gorgeous weather with a day at the beach

Nightlife 

There are plenty of charming restaurants and spots for a quiet drink in Izmir. Some of the most popular can be found on the promenade at Kordon level, which provides beautiful views of the city as well as plenty of options for a quiet night out.

Dining Out  

There are plenty of places dotted around Izmir where you can get a taste of the traditional Turkish cuisine. As Izmir is by the sea, one particularly popular dish is Midye; mussels stuffed with rice. We also recommend trying Gözleme while you’re in Izmir. These are thin crepes stuffed with a variety of fillings and are very tasty! Of course, trying an authentic kebab is a must while in Turkey. There is plenty of incredible food on offer in Izmir that’s sure to suit every palette!

For Families 

Kids will love a visit to Izmir Wildlife Park, which is home to over 1,500 animals who are allowed to roam free without being confined to cages. It’s a beautiful spot for a picnic too, so can make for a wonderful day trip. There’s plenty for families to do and see in Alsancak, with lots of shops, restaurants and cafes where you can spend the day taking in the Turkish culture.

Shopping  

There are plenty of opportunities for some retail therapy in Izmir, with shopping malls, markets and shops all over the city. The Bazaar is home to many markets where you can find traditional Turkish goods and souvenirs perfect for taking home as a memento of your holiday. Izmir Optimum Shopping Mall is extremely popular too, with a range of clothing stores like H&M, fast food restaurants, a gaming area, ice skating rink and a cinema.

Best Time to Go 

Due to the pleasant climate and range of activities on offer, Izmir makes for a great Holiday or City Break all year round. Visit during the Summer months to enjoy the weather at its hottest, perfect if you’re planning a trip to the beach during your holiday. Alternatively, visiting in Spring can be a good time for a sightseeing holiday, as you’ll be able to wander around comfortably as it’s a bit cooler.

Local Info

Currency 

The Turkish Lira is the currency used in Izmir.

Time Zone 

Izmir is 3 hours ahead of Dublin.

Getting around 

Getting around Izmir is easy, as a range of buses, subways and trams are readily available. Alternatively, some tourists choose to rent bikes to get around as this is a fantastic way of seeing Izmir and taking in the wonderful views.