Things to do in Kuşadası
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Necco
Recently, a new phenomenon has come to Kuşadası: the beach club. Functioning as a beach club during the day, they transform themselves by night into a restaurant, followed by a lavish nightclub-on-sea. Two such places can be found on the way to Pigeon Island. Considered the hippest (and the first on the scene) is Necco. It's very popular with the well heeled and well-dolled up.
To get here, take a dolmuş towards Kadınlar Denizi (Ladies Beach). It can drop you at the roundabout from where it's a short walk. On foot, ask the locals for the handy shortcut (about 1km from town).
reviewed
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Avlu
Hidden in the old town amid a maze of streets, this lokanta is well worth seeking out. It offers first-class home cooking in a clean and cheerful environment at unbeatable prices. A long-standing local fave, in recent times it's been discovered by the more daring cruise-ship tourists too; if you don't want to queue at lunchtime, come either earlier or later.
There's a great pick-and-point counter for those unsure what to order. It's a good choice for veggies too, as well as for sampling delectable Turkish puds.
reviewed
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1-A Grand Restaurant
Set in a square just off Bar St, this lovely place is a whole world away from it. Tables are set in a garden-courtyard under old fig and orange trees and the place is so mellow and laid-back that even the dogs are asleep, curled up on the benches. There's a daily happy hour from 22:00 to 23:00. The food (both European and Turkish) has a good reputation and it claims to do the best steaks in town. There's also free internet access to customers.
reviewed
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Cape Yılancı
You can swim from the rocky shores of Güvercin Adası, but Cape Yılancı (Yılancı Burnu), the peninsula less than 1.5km to the south, is more enticing. Alternatively, catch the şehiriçi (intracity) dolmuş to the northern beach near the yacht marina or further north to the beach opposite the Tur-Yat Mocamp in Kuştur.
reviewed
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Fortress
Kuşadası (Bird Island) gets its name from the small Güvercin Adası (Pigeon Island) connected to the mainland by a causeway. Unfortunately, the small stone fortress that is its most prominent feature is usually locked, but that doesn't stop it from being a popular place to stroll for Turkish families. Kids will love the pigeon, duck and rabbit quarters.
reviewed
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Kadınlar Denizi
Kuşadası's most famous beach is Kadınlar Denizi (Ladies Beach), south of town and served by dolmuşes running along the coastal road. Kadınlar Denizi is small and crowded with big hotels, but beach-goers love it for its high-density hustle and bustle. The coast south of Kadınlar Denizi has several small beaches, each backed by big hotels.
reviewed
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Ephesus Sightseeing Tour
8 hours (Departs Kusadasi, Turkey)
by Viator
Explore the best preserved ancient city in Turkey on a Full Day Tour to Ephesus. The Commercial, Religious and Social Center of Antiquity, Ephesus is full of sp…Not LP reviewed
from USD$71.25 -
Private Tour: Ephesus Day Trip
8 hours (Departs Kusadasi, Turkey)
by Viator
Admire the spectacular ancient sights of Ephesus, site of one of the "Seven Wonders of the Ancient World". On this privately guided tour, you will learn about t…Not LP reviewed
from USD$106.25 -
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Bizim Meyhane
With low beams, stone walls and plenty of dangling musical instruments, this place looks more barn than bar. Run by a sister and brother who sing and play their own tunes, Bizim is atmospheric, infectious and fun. Join the locals tossing back the rakı.
reviewed
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Özsüt
Also new, this well-known İzmiri chain has the usual delicious selection of traditional Turkish puds served up in smart surrounds, as well as great coffee and ice cream. Try the wonderful aşure (Noah's pudding) or tavuk göğsü kazandibi (burnt chicken breast pudding!).
reviewed
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Belediye Hamamı
Kuşadası's hamams are of the 'un-Turkish type', where there's mixed bathing (albeit with towels). The Belediye Hamamı is up the hill from Bar St. It's a restored hamam (the original dates back 600 years) and is atmospheric and clean.
reviewed
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Old Town
In the old town, there's a string of fabulous bars-cum-nightclubs that are well-designed, glam and much more Turkish-than-tourist. Beer costs around €5.50 and all are open 22:00 to 04:00 May to September, though a few sporadically open at weekends in winter.
reviewed
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Kazim Usta Restaurant
Opposite the tourist office, this venerable establishment founded way back in 1950 is considered the top fish restaurant in town, and has capitalised on its reputation by overcharging. The sumptuous fish soup is a speciality. If you want a table on the waterfront, reserve at least a day in advance.
reviewed
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Jimmy's Irish Bar
Jimmy's is still one of the biggest names in town, partly because it has the handiest position at the entrance to the street. For all of its mass-market, karaoke, 'hey, where you from?' faults, this can be a good place to meet other travellers (so long as you can hear what they're saying; it's very loud). The giant satellite dish on the roof beams in the compulsory football matches.
reviewed
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Barlar Sokak
What you'll make of the famous Barlar Sokak, or Bar St, probably depends on your penchant for Irish-theme pubs, karaoke bars and cheesy pick-up lines, but it's a good place to meet up with other travellers.
reviewed
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Orient Bar
Situated in a cosy stone structure in the heart of Kaleiçi, Orient Bar offers up a fun evening of live music where, by the end of the evening, everyone's singing along in tipsy revelry. Grapevines dangle from the lattice roof, so you're feeling peckish just reach up and snatch some fruit. Extra li'l touches – like framed portraits on the wall and teeny treasure chests that carry your bill – make this spot particularly memorable.
reviewed
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Kaleiçi
Kaleiçi (old Kuşadası) is home to several meyhanes (taverns) where meze and rakı (aniseed-flavoured grape brandy) are served up accompanied by live music.
reviewed
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Ex-Club
More club than bar and with a sound system, disco balls and laser lights to prove it, this partly open-air place is crammed with dancers on the floor as well as around the balustrade above.
reviewed
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Mezgit Restaurant
A new, family-run place, it's already established itself locally as a great place for fresh fish at fair prices - it's half the price of the port. Daily prices are chalked up on the board.
reviewed
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Nur Pastanesi Baklavaci
Brand new and family-run, this patisserie is a fabulous place for home-made pastries and puds at a quarter of the price of town. There's also good ice cream. Try the exquisite baklava.
reviewed
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Private Tour to Priene, Miletus and Didyma
8 hours 30 minutes (Departs Kusadasi, Turkey)
by Viator
Discover the ruins of Priene, one of the most active ports of the Lonian Federation. The city is the oldest example of geometric city planning.While you are her…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$111.25 -
Kusadasi Shore Excursion: Private Tour to Ephesus including House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis
4 hours (Departs Kusadasi, Turkey)
by Viator
The ancient city of Ephesus is a must-visit destination while you're in port in Kusadasi. On this private shore excursion, you will visit the ruins of the forme…Not LP reviewed
from USD$67.80 -
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Cimino
A place to meet-and-eat locally, this mellow bistro-cum-café serves good cappuccinos and mainly Italian-style fare. It's opposite the seafront and plays good jazz music.
reviewed
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Another Bar
Converted from an old citrus orchard, Another Bar has tables and stools dotted among the remaining trees and a large, central palm. There's also a large screen and a dance floor.
reviewed
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Kusadasi Shore Excursion: Ephesus Sightseeing Tour
8 hours (Departs Kusadasi, Turkey)
by Viator
Explore Ephesus, the best-preserved ancient city in Turkey, on this shore excursion from Kusadasi. A commercial, religious and social center during ancient Gree…Not LP reviewed
from USD$71.25
