Izmir Tourism

We’ve listed the most popular tourist attractions in Konak, the heart of İzmir, for you to explore.

İzmir Clock Tower
Located in the Kemeraltı Bazaar area of Konak, the İzmir Clock Tower is approximately 4–5 km from the district center. By car, it can be reached in about 10–12 minutes via Rakım Erkutlu Street or the Konak Tunnel. Public transportation options include Kemeraltı minibuses, Eshot bus lines 10 and 680, or the İzmir Metro. The tower is just a 1–2 minute walk from the Konak metro station.

One of the historical and tourist symbols of İzmir city center, the Clock Tower is a beautiful example of French architecture, built in the early 20th century. Standing 25 meters tall, it features four clocks, one on each corner.

Adorned like a pearl at the heart of the district, the tower was commissioned by Sultan Abdulhamid II. Remarkably, its clock has never stopped since its construction.

The İzmir Clock Tower is open to visitors every day, all year round.

Symrna Archaeological Site
Located in Namazgah Neighborhood, Konak, the Agora Archaeological Site is just 1 km from the district center. Access is via Hacı Ali Efendi Street, and bus lines 253, 681, and 691 provide public transport options.

Symrna was the center of life in ancient İzmir. Built during the Hellenistic Period, it was destroyed by an earthquake in 178 and later rebuilt during the Roman Era by the emperor of the time.

The Roman Basilica and underground arches are particularly photogenic and attract many photography enthusiasts. Among the unrestored areas, a cemetery can also be found, featuring sarcophagi from both the Roman and Ottoman periods.

The Symrna Archaeological Site is closed on weekends and open to visitors from 08:00 to 18:00 on weekdays.

Historical Elevator (Tarihi Asansör)
Situated just behind Mustafa Kemal Coastal Boulevard in Konak, the Historical Elevator is about 1.5–2 km from the district center. Access is via minibuses on Mithatpaşa Street, Eshot bus lines 202 and 802, or the Konak Tram. By car, it takes approximately 5 minutes via Rakım Erkutlu Street.

Built in the early 20th century, the Historical Elevator is now a symbol of Konak and İzmir. Its aesthetic appearance and iconic status make it a must-visit.

Offering panoramic views of İzmir and the sea, the elevator was commissioned by Nessim Levy in 1907. The on-site restaurant is popular for business meals, while the terrace café provides an excellent photo opportunity of the İzmir Bay.

The Historical Elevator is open daily from 06:00 to 00:00. Entrance is free; the café and restaurant are paid services.

Agora Ancient City
Located in Namazgah, Konak, near Kemeraltı Bazaar, Agora Ancient City is about a 10–15 minute walk from the city center. Public transport options include minibuses from İnciraltı or the İzmir Metro, getting off at Çankaya station.

Dating back to the 4th century BC, the Agora was destroyed by an earthquake in 178 and later rebuilt by the Roman emperor. Notable features include the Faustina Gate and the Corinthian Column, as well as the basilica’s basement chambers and cisterns.

Later, a Muslim cemetery was added, and many gravestones remain.

The site is open from 08:30–19:00 in summer and 08:30–17:30 in winter. Museum Pass holders can visit for free.

St. Polycarp Catholic Church
Located near İzmir Bay and close to Kültürpark, St. Polycarp Catholic Church is easily accessible on foot from Konak. Public transport options include the İzmir Metro, getting off at Çankaya station, followed by a 5-minute walk.

Built in the early 1800s, it is the oldest functioning Christian place of worship in the city. Surviving the 1922 fire that destroyed neighboring buildings, the interior features restored walls and impressive frescoes.

St. Polycarp Church is a must-visit historical and tourist site in İzmir. It is closed on Sundays but open to visitors from 15:00 to 17:00 on other weekdays, free of charge.

Nearby cultural attractions include Arkas Art Center, Atatürk Museum, Zübeyde Hanım Museum, and bicycle rental options.

Konak Yalı Mosque
One of Konak’s historic landmarks, the Konak Yalı Mosque is located on Cumhuriyet Boulevard, next to Konak Square. Easily accessible by public transport, including Konak-Karşıyaka ferry services and the İzmir Metro (Konak station).

Built in the mid-18th century by Ayşe Hanım, daughter of Mehmet Pasha, it is a beautiful example of Classical Ottoman architecture. Nearby, the Government House is also worth visiting.

The mosque is open daily for prayer and visits, free of charge.

Atatürk Museum
Situated near İzmir Bay in Alsancak, the Atatürk Museum is within walking distance and easily accessible. Public transport includes bus lines 253, 681, 691, the İzban line, Konak Tram, and Alsancak ferry services.

Built as a carpet merchant’s residence in the late 19th century, the building became state property after the events of 1922. Atatürk stayed here several times after the Republic’s declaration. Exhibits include his clothing, belongings, furniture, and books, as well as his bedroom, study, library, dining room, bathroom, and meeting room.

The museum is open from 08:30 to 17:30 and admission is free.

Painting and Sculpture Museum
Showcasing plastic arts from the Tanzimat period to the present, this museum promotes interest in fine arts. Housing over 500 works, it includes paintings, sculptures, prints, and ceramics from both renowned masters and contemporary artists.

The museum also features an art library, workshops, a specialized library, galleries, and educational spaces. Closed on Mondays, it is open 09:00–18:00 on other days, with free admission.

Ümran Baradan Toy and Play Museum
Highlighting the importance of toys throughout human history, this museum is one of the most visited in Konak and İzmir. Popular with families, it features toys from different periods, workshops, Hacivat-Karagöz activities, and educational events.

Open daily from 09:00 to 17:00, except Mondays, with free admission.

Izmir Archaeology Museum
Housing some of İzmir’s most significant archaeological artifacts, this museum has welcomed visitors in Basmane since 1927. After an extensive collection process, hundreds of remarkable pieces are displayed. The museum is open every day from 08:30 to 17:00.

Neşe and Cartoon Museum
One of Konak’s most popular museums, showcasing visual humor collections and temporary exhibitions in a boutique museum setting. It provides a unique cultural experience and is highly recommended during a visit to Konak.

Open 09:00–17:00, except Sundays and Mondays.