Cheap city break Izmir
Izmir is Turkey's laid-back Aegean port city: a seafront boulevard, a centuries-old bazaar and Ephesus plus the beaches of Cesme around the corner. 3 days from €290 per person.
✈️ Plan your trip to Izmir →When is the best time to go?
April to June and September to October are ideal for Izmir: 22 to 28 degrees, little rain and pleasant for strolling along the Kordon. Summer is warm (32 to 35 degrees) but the sea breeze keeps it bearable and the beaches of Cesme and Alacati are at their best. Winter is mild but wetter, with the occasional shower.
The best areas in Izmir
- Alsancak Belle-epoque facades, trendy cafes, galleries and the best nightlife in town.
- Konak The beating centre with the clock tower, the Konak mosque and the ferries.
- Kemeralti Historic 17th-century bazaar with tea gardens, artisans and mosques.
- Kordon Wide seafront boulevard for cycling, picnicking and catching the sunset.
- Karsiyaka Across the bay, local and lively, reached by ferry.
Top 5 things to do in Izmir
- Kemeralti bazaar Get lost in the covered market with spices, coffee and the Kizlaragasi Han.
- Konak Square and clock tower The ornate clock tower from 1901, the symbol of the city.
- Kordon at sunset The seafront where all of Izmir gathers as the sun drops into the bay.
- Day trip to Ephesus One of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, about an hour away.
- Day trip to Cesme and Alacati Turquoise beaches, windsurfing and picturesque stone houses on the peninsula.
Flights + transport from the Netherlands
From Amsterdam Schiphol you fly direct to Izmir (ADB) in about 3 hours 30, with SunExpress, six to eight times a week. In the city you travel cheaply with the Izmirim Kart on metro, tram, ferry and the Izban train (a ride from about 10 lira). Ephesus is reached with the Izban to Selcuk. To do Cesme, Alacati and Ephesus at your own pace, a rental car is ideal. Compare rental cars in Turkey to explore the Aegean coast freely.
What does a trip to Izmir cost?
Hostels from 12 euros, mid-range hotels 45 to 90 euros per night. Food is cheap: a boyoz with tea for breakfast, a kumru sandwich for a couple of euros and fresh fish along the Kordon. Entry to Ephesus costs 40 euros (including the new Ephesus Experience Museum), the Terrace Houses are 15 euros extra. For 3 days, budget from 290 euros per person including the direct flight. Insider tip: take the historic Asansor lift in Karatas to the top for a free view over the whole bay, and eat boyoz where the locals do in Kemeralti.
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Frequently asked questions about Izmir
When is the best time for a city break to Izmir?
April to June and September to October are ideal at 22 to 28 degrees. In summer it is 32 to 35 degrees, perfect for the beaches of Cesme thanks to the sea breeze.
Which area is best to stay in Izmir?
Alsancak for the Kordon boulevard, cafes and nightlife, or Konak for the centre with the clock tower and the Kemeralti bazaar within walking distance.
How do I get to Izmir from the Netherlands?
Direct from Amsterdam Schiphol to Izmir (ADB) in about 3 hours 30 with SunExpress, six to eight times a week. In the city you travel cheaply with the Izmirim Kart on metro, tram and the Izban train.
What does a city break to Izmir cost?
From 290 euros per person for 3 days including the direct flight. Hostels start around 12 euros and mid-range hotels cost 45 to 90 euros per night; food and drink are inexpensive.
🗺️ Where to stay in Izmir?
Hotels, holiday homes and hostels in Izmir on the map. Click a pin for live prices and direct booking.
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