İzmir’s Asansör

Tower in Izmir

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Yabancı

Perched in İzmir's historic Karataş neighborhood, the Asansör — meaning “elevator” in Turkish — is one of the city's most charming landmarks. Built in 1907 to solve the steep climb between two parts of the district, this graceful red-brick tower now serves as both a functional lift and a beloved viewpoint over the city and the Aegean coast. Its blend of European engineering, nostalgic charm, and scenic beauty makes it one of the top attractions in İzmir and a highlight of any walking tours of İzmir for those seeking both history and atmosphere.

Whether you're gliding up in the elevator or strolling along the lively Darío Moreno Street below, the Asansör area offers a glimpse into İzmir's multicultural heritage — where Ottoman, Jewish, and European influences meet. The short ride to the top ends at a terrace café with one of the city's most memorable panoramas, making it one of the must-see places in İzmir for photographers, couples, and sightseers alike.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
Practical Tips
How to Get There
Is Asansör Worth Visiting?
Nearby Attractions

History and Significance

The Asansör was commissioned by Nesim Levi Bayraklıoğlu, a wealthy Jewish banker and trader, in 1907. At the time, the steep cliffs of Karataş separated the lower coastal streets from the upper hillside, making everyday life a challenge for residents. Bayraklıoğlu built the elevator as a public service to connect these two areas — a remarkable example of early urban planning and philanthropy.

Constructed with bricks imported from Marseille, the elevator's elegant façade reflects the influence of French architecture and engineering. Originally powered by a hydraulic system, it was later modernized to run on electricity in 1985. Despite these updates, its original charm remains intact, and it continues to stand as a symbol of İzmir's ingenuity and civic spirit. The street leading to the elevator, once Asansör Street, was renamed Darío Moreno Street in honor of the beloved İzmir-born singer who once lived there, adding yet another layer of nostalgia to this unique corner of the city.

Things to See and Do

A ride on the Asansör takes less than a minute, but the experience is unforgettable. As you ascend, the view opens up over İzmir's rooftops and harbor, culminating at the top platform, where a terrace café awaits. It's the perfect spot to enjoy Turkish coffee or a light meal while gazing out at the shimmering Aegean Sea and the curve of the city below.

Back at street level, Darío Moreno Street is a delight to explore, lined with restored 19th-century houses, boutique shops, and small cafés that exude old-world charm. Music drifts through the air, blending with the hum of conversation and the scent of freshly baked simit. For photographers and romantics, sunset is the best time to visit, when the warm light transforms the red bricks of the elevator and the city skyline into a golden spectacle — truly one of the best places to visit in İzmir for an evening stroll.

Practical Tips

Best time to visit: Late afternoon for sunset views.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free.
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM daily.
Official website: Not applicable.
How long to spend: 30–60 minutes.
Accessibility: Fully accessible; the elevator connects both levels.
Facilities: Café, restrooms, and seating areas at the top.
Photography tip: Capture the cityscape from the terrace at dusk for the best light.
Guided tours: Included in many İzmir city tours.
Nearby food options: Terrace café upstairs and several restaurants along Darío Moreno Street.

How to Get There

Asansör is located in the Karataş district, about 2 kilometers from Konak Square. It's easily accessible by tram or bus from Konak or Alsancak, with nearby stops along Mithatpaşa Street. You can also take a scenic seaside walk from the Kordon promenade, following signs to Darío Moreno Street. From there, it's a short walk through a charming, pedestrian-friendly lane leading directly to the elevator entrance.

Is Asansör Worth Visiting?

Yes — though small in scale, the Asansör offers one of the most iconic experiences in İzmir. It's a symbol of the city's blend of innovation and community spirit, wrapped in nostalgia and crowned with one of the finest views of the Aegean. For travelers exploring the Konak area, this is one of the top sights in İzmir and a great place to visit on a walking tour of İzmir, ideal for a relaxing stop between cultural landmarks.

Nearby Attractions

Kemeraltı Market – A historic bazaar filled with shops, cafés, and artisan goods.
Konak Square – Home to the famous Clock Tower and city center landmarks.
İzmir Archaeology Museum – Showcasing ancient artifacts from Smyrna and beyond.
Ethnography Museum – Next to the Archaeology Museum, exploring traditional Aegean life.
Kordon Promenade – A beautiful waterfront walkway perfect for evening strolls.

The İzmir’s Asansör appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Izmir!

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