Day one: Explore Konak, Kemeraltı, the Agora and the waterfront, finishing in Alsancak or across the bay by ferry.
Day two: Visit Ephesus early, then choose Ephesus Museum or the Basilica of St John in Selçuk. Avoid adding distant coastal stops.
Day three: Choose Urla for food and village atmosphere, or remain in the city for museums and neighbourhoods. This route deliberately leaves room for meals, transport and changing opening hours.
Where to stay
Base yourself in Konak or Alsancak for straightforward access to the first day and useful transport connections. If the second day begins very early, one night in Selçuk is an alternative, but changing hotels for a short trip may create more work than it saves.
Day-one detail
Start at Konak Square before Kemeraltı becomes busiest. Walk through the market with time for a coffee or lunch, then visit the Agora or a central museum according to opening hours. Finish beside the gulf rather than adding another distant district simply to increase the count.
Day-two detail
At Ephesus, prioritise the ancient city and Terrace Houses when available. Continue to Ephesus Museum for objects that restore colour, scale and domestic context to the ruins, or choose the Basilica of St John for the later Christian landscape. Trying to complete both plus Şirince in a short winter day is rarely satisfying.
Day-three choices
Urla needs planned transport if you want rural producers; central İzmir needs none. In poor weather, use the day for the Culture and Arts Factory, Atatürk Museum and a ferry trip. In summer, a coastal option should account for wind, traffic and changing beach access.
Practical notes
Check official museum schedules immediately before travel. Carry supportive shoes and sun protection, and avoid booking a late flight after the Ephesus day. This route is a framework: remove a stop before compressing every visit.