The history of Izmir counts several millennia, and for the curious tourist there is a lot of interesting. First of all, these are the ruins of ancient cities and archaeological finds, exhibited in izmirskih museums. Be sure to go to Ephesus and Bergam (Pergamum) to imagine the former power of civilization, which built such cities before our era. And in Izmir itself, there is something to see: here is one of the most well-preserved agor in the world.

The great fire in Smyrna (the former name of Izmir) in 1922 destroyed a lot of historical buildings, so as such the Old City of Izmir does not exist. The architectural appearance of the city is also unlikely to amaze the sophisticated traveler. But among the numerous city museums for sure there are several able to interest and surprise.

The Archaeological Museum is located in the Konak district, in the heart of Izmir, near the embankment .There are exhibits not only from ancient Smyrna, but also from Jasos, Pergamnon, Kima, Ephesus, Larissa, Theos .The collection is divided into three large sections: stone products, ceramics and jewelry .A similar division exists in the museum of history and art, but it is even larger and occupies as many as three buildings in the Central Cultural Park .Also in the park is the Museum of Art and Sculpture, which exhibits paintings, statues and pottery .The Museum of Ethnography adjoins the Archaeological Museum: it is easily recognized by the picturesque round turret of the 19th century .

Of course, the city did not manage without the Ataturk Museum, where the personal belongings of the first president of the republic are exhibited. Also worthy of attention are the Seljuk Museum of Art Yasar, the Museum of Commercial History (the first in the country), the Railway Museum opposite the Alsancak station and the brand new Toy Museum Yumran Baradan.

Those who want to spend more time outdoors should pay attention to a few iconic city places .First of all, this is Konak Square, the heart of the eponymous central district .Here stands one of the symbols of Izmir - the clock tower, beautifully decorated in the Ottoman style .Another equally significant and distinctive structure is Asanser, a public street elevator that still works: on the top floor there is a cafe with a beautiful view of the bay .And, of course, you can not miss the izmir market, Kemeralty, a huge trading platform where you can buy anything you like without overpaying and having treated yourself the most real Turkish coffee .In Kemeralty is the largest mosque in the city, Khizar, one of the oldest urban buildings, which dates back to the 16th century .

Walking on foot, you can glance into the Alsançak area, where many hotels are located, and on the coastal street of Cordon, there are numerous restaurants and cafes .The street of Havra near Kemeralta, whose name in Turkish means "synagogue", is also curious - here a lot of them were built .Deserves a visit to the church of St. .Polycarp, the oldest Christian church in the city, built in 1625 .at the request of the French King Louis XIII .Outside, the church is not very pompous, but its interior is worth the attention .And the most tireless can climb the Pagos hill, where stands Kadifekale, the old Velvet fortress, which was rebuilt many times by Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans .

Finally, nature lovers can be advised to start visiting the zoo of Izmir, located not far from the city, in the town of Sasali. Not so far from the zoo is Bird Paradise, a nature reserve where you can spend the whole day admiring flamingos and other birds in a natural environment. Those who came to enjoy the rest at sea can choose for their pleasure: the nearest good beaches near Izmir are in Foca, Cesme, Alacati and Seferihizar.