Izmir Travel Guide -1-

    Izmir is on the Aegean coast of Anatolia and was known as Smyrna in the past. Izmir is commonly well-known with its natural beaches. However, in addition to that, there are many see-catching things ranging from historical sites to big shopping centers.

  Here is my route and, are things i did and are places i visited:

1. Clock Tower

   It is a historical clock and constructed in 1901. It is in the middle of Konak square. I advise you to start off your travel to Izmir here. Because, the square is in the middle of Izmir city and i can easily go wherever you want from here.

   There is also a historical mosque there. It is called as Yali Mosque and was constructed in 1755. It can attract attraction due to its Ottoman style and its shape.

2. Kemeralti Bazaar

   It is next to Konak square (Clock Tower). It is a very big bazaar and you can find whatever you want to buy, from clothes to souvenir. Take attention after you enter the bazaar. There are two reasons for that. First: the bazaar is usually a crowded place (except in morning) and your belongings could be stolen and you may not be able to realize it. Second reason is the bazaar covers an enormous area and you may get lost inside.

   In the bazaar, there are many inns. But, the best-known inn is Kizlaragasi Inn. It was constructed in 1744 and shows ottoman-style style. Inside of the inn, you can buy precious stones (gold, silver and diamond) with some more goods.

P.s. I strongly advise you to get the bazaar in morning if yo wish to go there.

3. Agora

   It is the place where the remains of Smyrna (old name of Izmir city) have been shown in the open. Entrance to this place costs just 5 Turkish lira. There is an old tunnel there as well.

   Its location is at the exit of the bazaar. There is clear indications showing the way to Agora inside of the bazaar, so you can easily get there from the bazaar.

4. Izmir International Fair Center (IEF)

   It is a fair place with museums. entertainment park (lunapark) and very beautiful lake and green area. There are two museums there. These are Museum of History and Art, and Culture Park Art Museum.

   I advise that if you go there, get there at night. Because, Lunapark is open at night and you can enjoy with great park (Culture Park) including green area and a very nice lake. In the park, there is a bicycle line with walking trail. But, keep in mind that if you want to visit the museums inside of the fair, you may go there before night due to their closing time. (the museums are close on Mondays)

5. Santa Maria Church



   The easiest way to get there from the fair is to get off from the fair at Lozan Gate and walk there by foot. It gets just 5 min.

   The Church was constructed in 1689 and has been open to worship from that date. There is an incredible hand workmanship inside of the church.








6. Ahmet Piristine Kent Arsivi Museum (Apikam)

   It is near to the Church. But, believe me if you don`t get there, i won`t lose anything important. I don`t advise anyone to get there for time being, but if its concept will be changed, then my advice would change.

7. Republic Square


   It is on the coast of Izmir. After APIKAM, you get there on foot by walking to seaside. It takes just 3 min. In the square, there is a monument of Kemal ATATURK (the founder of Modern Turkey).

   If you are lucky, you can see lots of motorbikes in the square. Because, motor bikers gather and make a show with their motorbikes in the square.

   Near to the square, there is a pier. It is called as Passport Pier. There is an only police center in the pier.





8. Kordon Boyu

   It starts from Konak Pier (Near to Clock Tower) and ends at Alsancak harbor. Republic square is in the middle of Kordon Boyu. It is a place where the local and tourists usually get there for walking throughout the coast or sit in front of the sea.

   Also, there is a particular way for riding bicycle and stations where people can rent a bicycle to ride. Renting a bicycle just costs 2 Turkish lira per hour and bicycle stations are available every part of Izmir city center.Here is the map showing where bicycle stations are:

9. Ataturk Museum

   It is on the way of Kordon Boyu and this building was constructed in 1880. There are two floors and items as to Kemal ATATURK have been shown inside of the museum.Furthermore, first Izmir economy congress was held in this building. Entrance is free.

   You can get there on foot and walking from Republic Square to the museum just takes 5 min.

Wax Figures of ATATURK and his friends discussing about attack before the last fight in Independent War of Turks

10. Alsancak Harbor

   If you go over Izmir by ship, here is the first place you will be in Izmir. It is just 3 min away by foot from ATATURK museum. If you want to pay a visit to Izmir and don`t want to search touristic places and don`t want to walk during this travel, you can buy a ticket there from Izmir City Tour Bus. The bus take tourists to touristic places.

11. Collection of Traditional Turkish Musical Instrument

   It is a museum where Traditional Turkish Instruments have been shown. If you are interested in music, there is the place you should go to in Izmir. If not, no need to spend time there. Its location is near to the harbor. It is just 2 min away from the harbor by foot.and is on the drive to St. John the Evangelist Church from the harbor.

12. St. John Evangelist Church

   It is open on Sundays and services are held at 10 a.m. It was constructed in 1625 and is an Anglo-Catholic Church.

13. Alsancak Stadium

   It is the stadium of Altay which is one of the football team of Izmir. It is a small stadium but if you want to see a Turkish stadium or go to a Turkish football match, there is the place to which you will go.

P.s. Before going to any football match in Turkey, you have to buy a card called as Passolig.


   This article got too long to read, because of that, i divided Izmir Travel Guide into 2 parts. Here is the end of first part. If you want to read the second part, click here.