10 TOP Things to Do in Izmir February 2026

Cumhuriyet square aerial panoramic view in Izmir city in Turkey

This library is one of the most beautiful structures in Ephesus. It was built in 117 A.D. It was a monumental tomb for Gaius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, the governor of the province of Asia; from his son Galius Julius Aquila. The grave of Celsus was beneath the ground floor, across the entrance and there was a statue of Athena over it. Because Athena was the goddess of the wisdom.

The scrolls of the manuscripts were kept in cupboards in niches on the walls. There were double walls behind the bookcases to prevent the them from the extremes of temperature and humidity. The capacity of the library was more than 12,000 scrolls. It was the third richest library in ancient times after the Alexandra and Pergamum.

The facade of the library has two-stories, with Corinthian style columns on the ground floor and three entrances to the building. There are three windows openings in the upper story. They used an optical trick that the columns at the sides of the facade are shorter than those at the center, giving the illusion of the building being greater in size.

The statues in the niches of the columns today are the copies of the originals. The statues symbolize wisdom (Sophia), knowledge (Episteme), intelligence (Ennoia) and valor (Arete). These are the virtues of Celsus. The library was restored with the aid of the Austrian Archaeological Institute and the originals of the statues were taken to Ephesus Museum in Vienna in 1910.

There was an auditorium ,which was for lectures or presentations between the library and the Marble Road, was built during the reign of the Emperor Hadrian.
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This is the most magnificent structure in Ephesus ancient city. The Great Theatre is located on the slope of Panayir Hill, opposite the Harbor Street, and easily seen when entering from the south entrance to Ephesus. It was first constructed in the Hellenistic Period, in the third century BC during the reign of Lysimachos, but then during the Roman Period, it was enlarged and formed its current style that is seen today.

It is the largest in Anatolia and has the capacity of 25,000 seats. The cavea has sixty six rows of seats, divided by two diazoma (walkway between seats) into three horizontal sections. There are three sections of seats. In the lower section, Marble pieces, used for restoration, and the Emperor's Box were found. The seats with backs ,made of marble, were reserved for important people. The audience entered from the upper cavea.

The stage building is three-storied and 18 meters high. The facade facing the audience was ornamented with relieves, columns with niches, windows and statues. There are five doors opening to the orchestra area, the middle one of which is wider than the rest. This enhanced the appearance of the stage, giving it a bigger, monumental look.

The theatre was used not only for concerts and plays, but also for religious, political and philosophical discussions and for gladiator and animal fights.

Best time to visit this magnificient archeological site is between march and may. Summer months are always with temperatures above 45°C.
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This was the capital of the Pergamon kingdom around 250 BC. Anthony took thousands of scrolls from this city and gave them to Cleopatra. It's a great ruin, in the small city of Bergama in Turkey. You cn get a cable car up to the ruins.

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What to do in Izmir

Popular places to visit

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Ephesus Ruins

Ephesus Ruins is just one of the places to see in Selçuk, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While in this quaint area, find time to visit its stunning cathedral.

Eski Foca Harbor

Explore the waterfront in Foça with a trip to Eski Foca Harbor. Stroll along the seaside or visit the monuments while you're in the area.

İzmir, one of the biggest cities in Turkey, is worth a visit, to experience nightlife, to eat something special or to watch flying birds along the coast.

Kordonboyu

Explore the great outdoors at Kordonboyu, a lovely green space in Izmir City Centre. Visit the area's shops or amble around its seaside.

Awesome view of Kizlaragasi Han Caravanserai and Hisar Mosque in Izmir, Turkey. Izmir is a popular tourist destination in Turkey.

Kemeralti Market

During your trip to Izmir, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Kemeralti Market. Amble around this romantic area's seaside and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Ancient Theatre of Ephesus

You can find out about the history of Selçuk with a visit to Ancient Theatre of Ephesus. While in this quaint area, find time to visit its stunning cathedral.

Hundreds of thousands wishful messages put on the wall written by hundreds of thousands people of all religions
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House of the Virgin Mary

You can find out about the history of Selçuk with a stop at House of the Virgin Mary. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this quaint area.

Ephesus Archaeological Museum

You can study the exhibits at Ephesus Archaeological Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Selçuk. Wander the beautiful beaches in this quaint area.

Çeşme Castle

You can find out about the history of Çeşme with a trip to Çeşme Castle. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Konak Square

You can learn about the history of Izmir with a trip to Konak Square. Stroll along the seaside or visit the shops in the area.

Explore areas of Izmir

Alaçatı

Travellers like the cafes in Alaçatı, and Alaçatı Çarşı is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Alsancak

Seaside views, bars and spas are just a few things travellers enjoy about Alsancak. Check out Kulturpark or Kordonboyu while you're exploring the area.

Konak

4/5(2 area reviews)

Travellers choose Konak for its beautiful seaside views. Hop aboard the metro at Konak Station or Cankaya Station and check out top sights like İzmir Clock Tower.

Izmir City Centre

4/5(74 area reviews)

Consider exploring the seaside views in Izmir City Centre. If sightseeing is on the list, Kulturpark is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Hilal Station or Cankaya Station to see more of the area.

Bornova

3/5(1 area review)

Bornova is well liked for its restaurants and gardens. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Forum Bornova Shopping Center and Agora Open Air Museum are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Bornova Station or Bolge Station to get around.

Karsiyaka

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the museums and shopping in Karsiyaka. You might want to make time for a stop at Hilltown Karsıyaka Mall or Bostanli Market.

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