One City-Three Days: İzmir

Let’s go: The history of İzmir 

An introduction to İzmir would be incomplete without a summary of its history. It is believed that the first settlements in İzmir date from the Neolithic Age. Eventually, Smyrna, as İzmir was once known, became a center for maritime trade and a strategic port city for the Lydians, the Persians and, subsequently, the Hellenistic, Eastern Roman and Ottoman empires. The city’s deep-rooted past deserves to be explored step by step. 

• The first ancient settlements in Western Anatolia were in İzmir.
• Excavations show that the establishment of İzmir dates to 3000 BC.
• İzmir’s history was shaped by its advantageous geographical location, ideal for establishing ports and engaging in maritime trade. 
• İzmir was part of history, from the Hellenistic Period to the Eastern Roman Empire and from the Ottoman Empire to the proclamation of the Republic. This unique history makes İzmir what it is today.
• Today, Tepekule, in the Bayraklı district, is known as the site of İzmir’s foundation. 
• The history of İzmir is divided into old and new cities.
• The Old Town, destroyed during the Persian invasion, was rebuilt by Alexander the Great.
• İzmir, which was taken over by the Aydınoğlu Principality in 1317, came under the Ottoman rule in 1426.
• Throughout history, İzmir has been an important trade center.
• A national resistance began in İzmir, which was occupied by Greece after World War I.
• The first bullet in the War of Independence was fired by journalist Hasan Tahsin in İzmir.

Places to Visit in İzmir 

We get excited about İzmir because there’s so much to do and see. Since we only have three days, we’re providing the highlights: historical sites, urban life, natural beauties and, of course, the Kordon – the city’s seafront promenade. 

Day One: Explore the city

It is said that the best way to get to know a place is to wander around it, by foot if possible. On the first day of our İzmir trip, we’ll visit the bazaars, take the ferry, and just soak in the city’s atmosphere. 

Kıbrıs Şehitleri Caddesi (Cyprus Martyrs Street)

The first place to see in İzmir is one of its iconic streets. In the Alsancak neighborhood, lively Kıbrıs Şehitleri (Cyprus Martyrs’ Street) is a dynamic pedestrian mall that begins at the renowned Sevinç Patisserie and ends at the İzmir Port. Similar to İstanbul’s famous İstiklal Street, Kıbrıs Şehitleri features numerous shops and cafes; do try the popular İzmir Bombası, a dessert originating in İzmir.

İzmir Clock Tower

The much photographed İzmir Clock Tower is an enduring symbol of the city, overlooking the Aegean Sea from the center of Konak Square. It is an ideal place to relax after the hustle and bustle of Kıbrıs Şehitleri before heading towards the coast….to a very interesting structure.

Konak Pier

Yes, we’re referring to the Konak Pier. This striking, circa-1867 customs house was built by French architect and construction engineer Gustave Eiffel. Restored in the 2000s, the structure now serves as a shopping and entertainment complex. 

Karşıyaka

About a 10-minute walk from Konak Pier is the Konak ferry terminal. From here, you can catch a ride to Karşıyaka, one of İzmir ’s most picturesque seafront districts, as well as the home to the Karşıyaka S.K. football team. We would also recommend the 15-minute walk to the Bostanlı promenade, the epitome of a peaceful urban park.  

İzmir Historical Elevator

Located in the Karataş quarter, the Historical Elevator was built in 1907 by businessman Nesim Levi Bayrakoğlu. The Elevator connected Halilrıfat Paşa Caddesi and Mithatpaşa, which previously required a climb up 155 steps. The terrace atop the Tower features sweeping views of the city and the sea.

İzmir museums

With such a rich history, İzmir also has plenty of museums. Our top recommendations include the İzmir Atatürk Museum, the İzmir Archaeology Museum, the İzmir Museum of History and Art, and the İzmir Ethnography Museum. 

Day Two: Historical sites!

It’s the second day of your İzmir  visit – and time to delve into the city’s history!

Historical Kemeraltı Bazaar of İzmir 

In the Konak quarter, the Kemeraltı Bazaar is a popular spot in İzmir. The sprawling bazaar dates to the 17th century and extends over approximately five square kilometers, featuring 15,000 stalls and storefronts. It bears the distinction of being the world’s second largest open-air shopping area. In addition, Kemeraltı is home to historical inns, bathhouses and fountains. While you’re here, sample İzmir ’s famous sugar candy and perhaps dine at one of the many restaurants. If you’re visiting in the winter, you can drink a warm salep!

Kadifekale

Now we head for the hills, namely Pagos Hill and Kadifekale. The site where İzmir was re-established in the 4th century BC and now part of the Konak district, every corner of Kadifekale bears traces of its former Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman inhabitants in addition to panoramic views of İzmir Bay. There is also a legend about the site: Allegedly, Alexander the Great fell asleep while hunting on Pagos Hill. In a dream, an oracle instructed Alexander to rebuild the city at the foot of the hill. It is a lovely story… though it is more likely that the city was relocated due to commercial and economic considerations. 

Kızlaragası Inn

Next, we visit the historic Kızlarağası Inn, near the İzmir Port. Set on an area of ​​approximately 4,000 square meters, the Inn is an important structure belonging to the Ottoman period. Add it to your list of relaxing places in İzmir – you can buy gifts and enjoy delicious Turkish coffee in an authentic atmosphere.

Ancient City of Ephesus

Ah, the Ancient City of Ephesus. This is one of the most popular routes of İzmir and rightfully so. In the Selçuk district of İzmir, the area around Ephesus has hosted settlements since the seventh millennium BC. It takes at least a couple of hours to wander around the well-preserved Ancient City of Ephesus – a metropolis of its era – and you may prefer to hire a guide or join a tour. You can also visit significant sites such as the House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis. 

Day Three: Enjoy nature and the sea!

It’s your third day in İzmir: time to take advantage of the city’s proximity to small coastal towns that have sea-scented breezes and charming cobblestone streets. If camping appeals, these stops offer some nice İzmir campsites.

Serene routes

The region is beautiful in every season and, not far from the İzmir city center, there are numerous options for excursions. An hour’s drive will bring you to Urla, with Quarantine Island, Art Street, and wonderful restaurants and cafes; near Urla are the picturesque Balıklıova, Çeşmealtı, Özbek and Gülbahçe villages.

Şirince, another nearby town, is renowned for its natural beauty, as are Seferihisar, Karaburun and Old or New Foça. And, of course, the charms of quaint Çeşme and Alaçatı are undeniable.

İzmir Beaches

The standard description of İzmir spotlights sea, sand, sun, thanks to the area’s magnificent beaches and coastlines along the brilliant Aegean Sea.  

Aquarium Beach and Akkum Beach in Seferihisar are among the most popular beaches and feature plentiful facilities. The peaceful Old Foça Public Beach, and the beaches of Çeşme Ilıca and Dalyan are also popular. For more information on beachgoing, check out the Alluring İzmir  beaches for beginners blog!

What to eat in İzmir 

if you’re like us, eating and discovering new dishes is an integral element of any holiday. Needless to say, you can dine well in İzmir! The area’s cuisine is shaped by the many civilizations it has hosted, as well as its Mediterranean climate and fertile lands. Fresh seafood and roasted meats, fresh herbs and greens, and the renowned olive oil dishes specific to the Aegean Region await hungry visitors, along with local street foods such as kumru (sandwiches) or stuffed mussels.

We present a list of dishes to sample:

• Boyoz
• İzmir -style kumru
• Eggplant patty
• İzmir-style tulum cheese
• Glasswort (samphire, a type of marsh plant)
• İzmir-style köfte
• İzmir-style lokma (deep fried dough soaked in syrup)
• Chicory salad

Notes on İzmir 

• It is the third largest city in Türkiye.
• Homer, the writer of the Iliad and Odyssey, allegedly lived here.
• The rivalry between the Karşıyaka and Göztepe football teams – with their districts separated by the Gulf – is legendary.
• The region has hosted numerous civilizations, cultures, religions and sects. 
• The Temple of Artemis, within the İzmir borders, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.