Things To Do
in Bornova
Bornova is a lively university district in Izmir, blending green campuses with a bustling town center and a youthful energy. It sits inland from the Aegean coast, offering parks, markets, and quick access to Izmir’s cultural scene. The area revolves around Ege University and a welcoming local vibe with cafés, shops, and family-friendly spaces.
In Bornova you’ll feel a dynamic mix of student life, local neighborhoods, and easy routes to the waterfront and historic districts of Izmir.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day wandering through Bornova's bustling weekly market, where local vendors sell fresh produce, spices, and handmade crafts. The lively atmosphere is filled with vibrant colors and enticing aromas that capture the essence of Turkish culture. Take time to chat with friendly locals and sample traditional breakfast delicacies like simit and menemen from street stalls.
After the market, visit the Bornova Agora Open Air Museum to explore ancient ruins that reveal the area's rich historical tapestry. Stroll along the tree-lined streets filled with cafes and boutiques, stopping for a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant serving regional specialties. The afternoon is perfect for people-watching and soaking in the relaxed, community-centered vibe of the neighborhood.
As dusk falls, head to a traditional tea garden to experience the Turkish tea culture while enjoying the gentle evening breeze. The streets come alive with soft music and warm lights from cafes and shops, inviting you to explore further. Finish your day with a stroll through the town square, savoring the peaceful ambiance and perhaps indulging in a sweet baklava dessert.
Spend your morning exploring the expansive Ege University campus, known for its beautiful gardens and impressive architecture. Visit the university’s museums and galleries to gain insight into art, history, and science as embraced by the local academic community. The peaceful environment is perfect for a reflective walk or reading in one of the green spaces.
Enjoy lunch at one of the campus cafeterias where students gather, offering affordable and authentic Turkish dishes in a lively setting. Post lunch, attend a public lecture or cultural event if available, or simply relax by the campus lake watching ducks and students going about their day. The university atmosphere offers a youthful and intellectual energy unique to Bornova.
As evening approaches, find a nearby café popular with students for a cup of Turkish coffee or herbal tea. The area is lively with young locals and international students sharing stories and laughter. End your day by visiting a local bookstore or music shop to discover contemporary Turkish literature or traditional melodies.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $7-15 |
| 🧺Grocery basket (weekly) | $40-60 |
| 🚇Transit ticket (local) | $0.75-2 |
| ☕Coffee | $1-3 |
| 🍺Beer at bar | $2-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant student-driven energy and affordable, casual dining
- Close access to Izmir’s coast, parks, and cultural sites
- Traffic during peak hours and some limited metro coverage within Bornova
- English signage can be limited in smaller markets and neighborhoods
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Ne kadar?" - How much is this?
- "Nerededir...?" - Where is...?
- "Burası nasıl gidilir?" - How do I get here?
- "İyi akşamlar" - Good evening
- "İyi günler" - Good day/Goodbye
Places to Visit in Bornova
Visit one of these nice places.
Modern and historic buildings set among green spaces, ideal for architectural and campus life photography.
Tree-lined streets and market life captured in warm evening light make for great street photography.
A lush valley with a stream and trails offering nature and landscape photography opportunities.
Colorful sunsets and palm-lined promenades along the Aegean Sea perfect for coastal shots.
Food in Bornova
Bornova Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A flaky pastry usually eaten for breakfast, best enjoyed with tea at a campus or neighborhood café.
Must-Try!
A soft sesame bun filled with cheese, tomato, and often sausage; a classic Izmir street snack.
A selection of mezze featuring olives, cheeses, vine leaves, and olive oil—perfect for sharing.
Stuffed mussels with spiced rice, a popular seaside bite found around markets and street stalls.
Sweet fried dough pastries soaked in syrup, a common street dessert.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant market offering fresh produce, cheeses, olives, and local snacks—great for tasting street foods.
Casual stalls around Ege University serving boyoz, kumru, simit, and quick bites between classes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake is common; maintain polite eye contact. In more familiar settings, a light kiss on both cheeks may occur between friends.
Dress modestly when visiting mosques; remove shoes where required; modest clothing is generally appreciated in more conservative settings.
Offering and sharing tea is a social cue; accept tea when offered and pause for conversation.
Safety
Tipping in Bornova
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is common in restaurants (usually 5-10% if service is not included). In cafés, rounding up is appreciated. Taxis may expect rounding up the fare.
Cash in Turkish Lira is widely accepted; credit/debit cards are common in most venues; contactless payments are increasingly available; small markets may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming citrus and flowers; great for outdoor walks, markets, and cafe hopping.
Hot and dry with high humidity; seek shade, stay hydrated, and enjoy the sea breeze at waterfront spots.
Warm days with cooler evenings; ideal for hiking and strolling through parks and campus grounds.
Mild to cool and rainy; bring a light rain jacket and enjoy indoor cafés and museums.
Bornova at Night
Hiking in Bornova
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A green valley with streams and easy trails suitable for a short hike near Bornova.
Gentle hillside paths offering views of Izmir and the surrounding area; suitable for a half-day hike.
Airports
How to reach Bornova by plane.
Izmir's main international airport, located south of the city. Accessible by road, rail, and shuttle services for easy connections to Bornova and central Izmir.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large student population due to Ege University, contributing to a lively, affordable, and youthful atmosphere.
Residential neighborhoods with parks and schools make Bornova a family-friendly area.
A mix of long-term residents and a growing number of international visitors and expatriates due to university connections.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport regionally with local clubs and recreational leagues across Izmir.
Common in schools, clubs, and parks; many community courts and facilities around Bornova.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bornova.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can enjoy fresh vegetables, lentil and olive-oil-based dishes, cheese plates, and mezze; request olive oil-based preparations and avoid broths of animal origin.