Izmir is a city on the Aegean coast of Turkey. Known in ancient times as Smyrna, the city was founded by the Greeks, captured by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Today, its extensive archaeological sites include the Roman Agora of Smyrna, now an open-air museum. Overlooking the city is the Kadifekale, or Velvet Castle, built during Alexander's reign.

Why is Izmir famous?

Today, Izmir is known as the westernmost city in Turkey. A large part of the population is Muslim, and mosques are found everywhere, but it's not necessarily obvious when you walk through the city center.

Is Izmir good for tourists?

Overall, Izmir is a safe place to visit, especially for tourists. Crime and terrorism are very low in the city, but visitors should still be aware of petty crimes such as theft and pickpocketing. As long as tourists stay in the tourist areas of Izmir, they should not have any problems with safety.

Is Izmir close to Istanbul?

How far is it from Istanbul to Izmir? The distance between Istanbul and Izmir is 315 miles, but the travel time can vary depending on the bus route you choose. Our fastest journeys between Istanbul and Izmir take less than 5 hours and 10 minutes.

Is Izmir more expensive than Istanbul?

The cost of living in Izmir (Turkey) is 26% cheaper than Istanbul (Turkey).

What food is Izmir famous for?

Izmir is also famous for its street food and snacks. Foreigners who live here discover Izmir's local street food such as Simit, Buyuz, Kumru, Sogosh, Kokurech and soon become fans of these foods.

Which is better Antalya or Izmir?

As Antalya is a more popular tourist destination, the price of everything there is higher. If you are traveling with a large group or want to visit historical places, Izmir is easier to visit. It is located in the center of the city and makes it easier to access other cities and towns.