Izmir: Culture-Kültür and places to go and visit
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Culture Centers, Museums & Places to visit, Concerts & Opera, Festivals, Galleries, Cinemas

Please note: All the phone numbers are local Izmir numbers. If you call from a cell phone or from outside Izmir, please dial 0232, followed by the number.

Cultural Centers:
  • Institut Français: Cumhurriyet Blv, No.152, Alsancak. Tel: (0232) 463 6142 or 466 0013.  They have very often exhibitions, Films and they also have a nice restaurant in their gardens
  • Turkish-American Association: 1379.Sok. no:39, Alsancak. Tel: (0232) 464 2095
  • Turkish-British Association: 1374 Sok.No.18/301-306, Selvili Is Merkezi, Alsancak. Tel: (0232) 422 0459
  • Goethe Institut: Megapol Kültür Sanat ve Ticarat Merkezi, Mithatpasa Cad. No. 907, Göztepe.  Tel: (0232) 489 5687  
Museums Card:

With MuseumPass The Aegean, you can visit more than 40 museums and archaeological sites, that belong to Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in Izmir, Aydin, Mugla and Denizli and enjoy your journey through history. MuseumPass The Aegean is valid for 7 days starting from your first museum visit and costs 95 €uro (October 2024). You can buy the card online at: https://muze.gov.tr/MuseumPass

Places of Interest

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Museums & Places to visit (by area)

Izmir Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism : Akdeniz mah. 1344 Sokak:2, Pasaport.
Tel: (0232) 836216, 483 5117

Izmir Foundation for Culture Arts and education

In Alsancak / Konak Area:
  • Atatürk Museum, Ataturk Caddesi No: 248 (Kordon), Alsancak. Tel: (0232) 464 8085. De  08:30-17:00. In summer months until 19:00.
  • Arkas Art Center: 1380 Sokak No:1 Alsancak, Tel: (0232) 464 6600. Open only when there are Exhibitions. From 10:00-18:00, closed on Mondays.

  • Izmir Ahmet Piristina City Archive and Museum: (Archives Museum) Şair Esref Bulvari No:1/A, Cankaya. Tel: (0232) 441 6178, 441 6939. Open from  09:00 to 18:00. Closed on Sundays
  • Izmir Masks Museum: Cumbali Sokak No:22- Kibris Sehitleri Cad., Alsancak. From 10:00-18:00 daily except Mondays. very small fun museum to stop by. They even have a workshop where you can learn how to make your own mask
  • Kedifekale: Fortress on top of the hill. Amazing views from there. Some locals say it can be not very safe in the evenings, so better go during the day. You can park your car at the entrance of the fortress, take pictures and drive back down.
  • Konak Pier: This Pier was designed in 1890 by the famous French architect Gustave Eiffel ( same who designed the Eiffel Tower in Paris) The purpose was to have a customs building for the Ships entering. Now it functiones like a shopping Mall. There are coffee Houses, Fashion shops, cinemas and good restaurants where you can sit next to the water in a very quiet and relaxed atmosphere without the noise of cars.
  • Museum of History and Art: Inside the Culture Park/Fuar. Alsancak.Tel: (0232) 4456818. Open from 08:30-17:00. Closed on Mondays. very interesting to see. beeing inside the "Fuar" it's nice, calm and walking distance to main hotels
  • Müsiksev (Music Museum): Atatürk Caddesi No: 458, Alsancak. Tel: (0232) 463 03 00. Open from 10h to18h  and weekends 10h to 15h in the  summer times. Closed on Sundays.
  • Nese ve Karikatür Müzesi:Kıbrıs Şehitleri Cad./yüzbaşı Şerafettin Bey Sk No:9, Alsancak. Tel: (0232) 465 3105. Open from 9am to 5pm. Closed on Sundays and Mondays
  • Saint Polycarp church. Akdeniz Mahallesi, Pasaport İskelesi 75 B, Konak.Tel: (0232) 484 8436. Build in the 19th century and named after St. Polycarp, the first bishop of Smyrna who was burned at the stake. In front of the Hilton Hotel, Akdeniz, Konak. Open Monday to Saturday from 15:00-17:00. It is the oldest church in Izmir and represents ancient Smyrna’s role as one of the Seven Churches of Revelation.
  • The Archeology Museum, Halit Rifat Pasa Caddesi 4. Konak, Tel: (0232) 446 2852,  From  08:30-19:00, Closed on Mondays. Very well known and worthwhile seeing
  • The Clock Tower (saat kulesi) on Konak Meydani, Build in 1902, it's now the symbol of Izmir and represents the center of Izmir. It's nearly in front of the ferry station 'Konak" and from there you can enter the Kemeralti area
  • The Ethnography Museum, Sümer, Halil Rıfat Paşa Cd. No:3, Tel: (0232) 483 7254 Tel: (0232) 489 0796. Open from 08:30-19:00. Closed on Mondays Next to the Archeology Museum
  • The Historical Town Gas Factory: In front of the Harbour. Liman Cad. Alsancak. They have several exhibitions there. Also a restaurant.
  • The Railway Museum: Ataturk Cad. No:444 .In front of the Alsancak Railway Station. Tel: (0232) 464 3131 ext: 4520 
  • Toy Museum: Halil Rıfat Paşa Cad. No:31, Konak Tel: (0232) 425 7513. Open from  08:00-17:00. Closed on Mondays
Other places to go and see in Alsancak/Konak area:
  • Kordon: Known as Kordon or birinci kordon, officially its the Atatürk Cd. At the waterfront. The Kordon goes from the Cumhuriyet Place up to the port. There is a big esplanade where people in the warm summer days and evenings sit, chat and have fun. On the Buildings side, there is one restaurant and coffee house next to the other. Check out the Izmir Restaurant page for more information.
  • Sevgi Yolu: This pedestrian street could be Izmirs' Street of Fame. It is located behind the Swissôtel. On Sevgi yolu (direct translation means love Street) you will see on the floor several stars, each one dedicated to a person, all famous Turkish personalities. There are also lots of stands selling souvenirs, and also this is the place to go if you want to buy schoolbooks.
  • Kıbrıs Şehitleri Caddesi: This pedestrian Street is about 900m long. If you start walking from the corner with Talatpaşa Bulvari, start by having a coffee or tea at Sevinç pastanesi. This is most known place to meet for the Izmirians, as the place opened in 1957. More information about coffee houses in Izmir, click here. Night life is also very busy there. More information on Izmirs Nightlife, click here
  • Dr. Mustafa Enver Bey Caddesi: If you want to 'see and be seen' come and walk here. Shops and restaurants, Paparazzis and more. Around that street there are also all the main high-end shops of Izmir. More information about Shopping, click here
  • Kültür Park Fuar Alanı: The 'old' Fuar used to be here. Now you can walk around the park or run on the jogging path. There is the Museum of History and Art in it, a Amusement/Luna Park and an open air theater where some concerts are held.You can enter the park through the following entrances: At 9.Eylül Meydani roundabout, on Şair Eşref Bulvarı there is the Montrö entrance and the Lozan entrance. On Dr. Mustafa Enver Bey cad. there is the 26. Ağustus Kapısı; Then there is the Cumhuriyet Kapısı (for the open air theater)
In The Kemeraltı / Basmane Area:
  • Agora open Air Museum: Agora Caddesi. Tel: (0232) 483 4696. Open from  08:30-17:00. Closed on Mondays. They are still discovering and restoring a lot here. In the city center, walking distance from the Kemeralti area
  • Kemeraltı: A huge bazaar area in Konak not to be missed! It expands from the Agora open Air Museum until the Clock Tower. More information see below- scroll down. if you want to see a Map of Kemeraltı and information about the shops there, click here.
  • Kızlarağası Hanı. In the heart of Kemeraltı. This Han is an amazing old caravanserai build in 1744. Have a tea or Turkish coffee there and enjoy the atmosphere. Very nice is also the Abacıoğlu Han.
  • The Clock Tower (saat kulesi) on Konak Meydani, Build in 1902, it's now the symbol of Izmir. it's nearly in front of the ferry station 'Konak" and from there you can enter the Kemeralti area
  • Kadın Müzesi (Womens' Museum): 1298 Sokak, ​No:14, Basmane. Tel: (0232) 484 0481. Open from 9:00 to 17:00. Closed on Sundays and Mondays
  • Basin Müzesi (Press Museum): Etiler Mah. 1269 Sok. 26/A Basmane. Tel: (0232) 489 9897. They have and old press and many other items
  • Radio and Democracy Museum: 967 Sokak No:16, Basmane. Tel: (0232) 484 1483. You will be able to hear the radio with voices of Atatürk and other foreign former leaders. Open from 9:00- 17:00. Closed Sundays and Mondays
On the way to Balçova Area:
  • Asansör: At the end of Dario Moreno Street. Turgut Reis, Şht. Nihatbey Cd. 76/A, 03500 Konak. Tel: (0232) 293 4777 Open to go up and down from 7:30am to midnight. It was build in 1907 and restored lately. Worthwhile going up with the lift and have a coffee overlooking the great views on Izmir.

In Balçova Area:
  • Museum Ship: Inciraltı Iskelesi, Balçova. Tel: (0232) 2785234. In front of the Whyndham Hotel. You can enter the ship and the undersea boat. Open from 09:00-12:00 and 13:30-17:00 except Mondays, religious holidays and 1st of January
In Bornova Area:
  • Arkas Maritime Museum: 80 Sok. No:28 (Tarihi Köşk), Bornova. Tel: (0232) 342 1011. Tuesday,Thursday&Saturday's from 10:18:00 or other days with appointment only.
  • Paper and Book Arts Museum: Inside the Ege University. Gençlik Cad. No:4 Bornova. Tel: (0232) 374 5931. Open from 9:00 to 17:00. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
  • Yeşilova Höyüğü Visitors Center: Karacaoğlan Mah. 6253 Sk. No:15, Bornova. Tel: (0232) 999 2929. Here you will discover the first civilizations that lived in Izmir. Also great for kids as you can wear clothes and ornaments of the Neolithic Age and be able to do an archaeological dig in the sand. Open on weekdays from 8am to 5pm. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

In Bayrakli Area:
  • Old Smyrna (Tepekule) in Bayrakli. Tepekule Mah. (Manas Blv/ Nur Sultan Nazarbayev Cd.) Not many people go there, but it's interesting. Nice views on Izmir. Lately it has been closed most of the times, only open for groups. Double check please.

In Bostanli / Karşıyaka Area:
  • Hamza Rüstem Fotoğraf evi: 6522 Sokak No:8. Yalı Mah.- Karşıyaka. Tel: (0232) 324 5357. Old photography Museum. Open from 9:00-18:00. Closed on Mondays. Groups are requested to make an appointment first.
  • Latife Hanım Köşkü’nün: (Latife Hanim's Mansion memorial House): Latife Hanım Caddesi No: 32 Karşıyaka. Tel: (0232) 381 431. Groups need to make an appointment to visit it.
  • Bilim Museum: Cahar Dudayev Bulvarı, Mavişehir, Karşıyaka. Tel: (0232) 324 6060. Open from 10:00-17:00. Closed on Sundays. Science Museum, special interest for kids ages 12-15 years.

In Torbali Area:
  • Key Museum: Çapak Mah. Özgörkey Cad. No:5,Torbalı. Tel: (0232) 850 3500. Great collection of old cars and more..Open from 10:00-17:00. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
 

Exhibition centers:
  • Arkas Art center: 1380 Sokak No:1, Alsancak. Tel: (0232) 464 6600
  • AASSM (Ahmed Adnan Saygun Sanat merkezi): Mithatpaşa Caddesi 1087, Güzelyalı. Tel: (0232) 293 3831 - 32
  • Folkart Gallery: Adalet Mahallesi, Manas Bulvarı,No: 47, Folkart Towers B-Tower, 18th floor. Bayraklı.Tel: 444 2 278. Closed on Mondays
  • Izmir Sanat : Inside the Fuar, Kültürpark 26 Ağustos Kapısı. Tel: (0232) 293 4049
  • The Historical Town Gas Factory: In front of the Harbour. Liman Cad. Alsancak. They have several exhibitions there.
Concerts & Operas:

Tickets and other spectacles in general:  

You can purchase the entrance tickets on the following website www.biletix.com.tr  or www.mybilet.com 
Tickets on sold via Biletix can be also purchased in the following outlets:
  • Çankaya Migros: Vali Kazım Dirik Cad.No:11 Çankaya. Open from 10:00 to 19:00
  • Karşıyaka Pan Kitabevi: 1713 Sokak No:17/AB Karşıyaka. Open from 11:00- 19:00
  • Bornova Palme Kitabevi: Ankara caddesi No:259/C Küçükpark Bornova. Open from 10:00-18:30

Private City Tour with a Guide:
  • Nazim Uzun: Cell: 0535 263 7500. He is a private & Driver Guide and speaks well english. He also can do Tours for Izmir city, Pamukkale and Afrodisias and Priene-Miletos-Didyma. www.hireadriverguide.com 



Don't miss:

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  • Gong to the Kemeraltı area in Konak  Hundreds of streets where you can find nearly everything you want. From The fish and vegetable street, the jewelry shops, the kitchen utensil shops, garments, bags, plants and much much more. It is a must to go there and discover all the nice hidden places it has. Don’t worry if you get lost, that is actually the nicest part of it 
  • Don’t miss seeing the Hısar Mosque and go to the Kızlarağası Hanı. This Han is an amazing old caravanserai build in 1744. Have a tea or Turkish coffee there and enjoy the atmosphere.
  • Go to the Abacıoğlu Han, have a look at the shops around there and enjoy a coffee in this nice courtyard.
  • You can enter Kemeraltı through different places. Either next to the clock tower, next to Konak Pier, Fevzi Paşa Blv or Gazi Osman Paşa Blv/Eşrefpaşa Cd.

  • Walking along the Kordon (waterfront), Atatürk caddesi. it is full of Restaurants, bars and coffee houses. 

>> To see a map of the Streets of Kemeraltı, click HERE and scroll down that page
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Festivals:
  • 3rd Sunday of January: Camel Wrestling in Selçuk
  • 1st and 2nd week of March: Izmir European Jazz Festival.  
  • In April: Ot Festival in Alaçati
  • In April: Artichocke Festival in Urla
  • 1st and 4th week of June: Kite Festival in Urla
  • June 30th: Atatürk’s Visit to Urla
  • June and July: Izmir Culture and Arts Festival.  
  • 1st and 4th week of August: Traditional Grape Harvest festivities in Urla
  • 4th – 10th of August:: International Foça Festival in Foça 
  • 1st week of September: International Selçuk-Ephesus Culture and Arts festival
  • In September: Izmir International Fair
Cinemas in izmir: 

Galleries:
  • Ahmed Adnan Saygun Art Gallery
  • Folkart Gallery
  • Adnan Franko Art gallery
  • Çamkiran Art gallery
  • Dogan Art gallery
  • Seba Art gallery
  • Ekol Kulak Burun Bogaz gallery
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