The Central and Southern Aegean Coast
We’ve compiled the best of the best in The Central and Southern Aegean Coast - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Kemeraltı
Konak Meydanı marks the start of this energetic marketplace, encircled by Anafartalar Caddesi, that spills into a maze of tiny streets, filled with shops and covered stalls. In the smaller side streets, you'll find tiny districts dedicated to musical instruments, leather, costume jewelry, and accessories, among other things. Begin at a restored Ottoman kervansaray, the Kızlarağası Hanı, completed around 1745. Downstairs, its vaulted shops mostly sell cheesy souvenirs, while the quieter upper floor, where some artisans still have their workshops, is a peaceful spot for a cup of tea or for poking through the antique dealers' old books and records. The nearby, late-16th-century Hisar Camii (one of the largest and oldest in İzmir) is worth a peek, and is surrounded by kebab joints shaded by large trees. Go farther into Kemeraltı and you'll wind up at Havra Sokağı, an outdoor market full of stalls selling spices, fruits, and other foodstuffs. Among this labyrinth of streets you'll also find the crumbling remains of numerous old synagogues, some of which are being restored.
Konak, Izmir, 35000, Turkey -
2. Kordon
The lively and pleasant waterfront promenade is the most popular section of town and is perfect for a summer stroll; many locals use the sea breeze to fly kites. It starts at the Pasaport ferry pier and stretches north to Alsancak. Along the grassy, waterfront strip are several excellent seafood restaurants and cafés, all with outdoor seating overlooking the Aegean sea. It's fun to tour the area by fayton (horse-drawn carriage); they are stationed in the Cumhuriyet Meydanı, steps from the beginning of the Kordon (be sure to agree to a fair price in advance).
Izmir, Izmir, Turkey -
3. Alsancak
Stretching inland from the breezy Kordon waterfront, the trendy, upscale neighborhood now known as Alsancak ("red banner," a reference to the Turkish flag) was called Punta in the Ottoman era, when many Christians and Jews lived here. Look closely, and you'll notice there are still a number of synagogues and churches in the area. Pedestrianized main street Kibris Şehitler Caddesi is like a smaller version of Istanbul's İstiklal Caddesi, with lively bars, cafés, and restaurants filling its side streets. Though Alsancak is mostly slick and modern, pretty two- and three-story Levantine houses with bay windows are tucked away along some of the backstreets, which perk up at night with an influx of young İzmirians.
Izmir, Izmir, Turkey -
4. Arkas Sanat Merkezi
This late-19th-century mansion has been beautifully restored into a small museum, featuring rotating exhibits of painting, glass and textile art, and the like, usually with a historical bent.
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5. Arkeoloji Müzesi
Though badly in need of refurbishing, İzmir's showplace for archaeology holds some notable treasures. Look over the railing in the lobby, down at what must have once been a spectacular classical mosaic of lions, peacocks, and other brightly colored creatures, then wander down haunting (but pitiably lit) halls of statuary, which include a front-row Hellenistic theater seat carved with griffins, and evocative Roman faces. Upstairs you'll find unusual painted ceramic sarcophagi (and the heartbreaking skeleton of a Byzantine newborn), and a Hellenistic bronze of a running athlete—and there's a neat view of the city. An English-language audio guide is included in the price of admission (though you'll need to present your passport or other ID to borrow the player and headset) and is highly recommended.
Cumhuriyet Bul., Izmir, Izmir, 35000, Turkey232-489–0796Sight Details
Rate Includes: TL17.5 -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Etnoğrafya Müzesi
This delightfully hokey museum, across the street from the Archaeology Museum, focuses on folk art and daily life. The collection includes everything from a reconstructed Ottoman bridal chamber (the mannequin groom looks like he's had second thoughts) to camel-wrestling gear, 19th-century embroidery, and a reconstruction of an old İzmir pharmacy.
Cumhuriyet Bul., Konak, Izmir, 35000, Turkey232-489–0796Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
7. İzmir Agora
This was the Roman city's administrative and commercial center; if it looks decidedly unimpressive from the entrance, that's because the best-preserved bit is underground: the basilica basement, separated into four galleries covered by dozens of stone arches. Alas, much of the rest of the site has been closed off for excavations, though there are still some other ruins to satisfy classical history buffs, and an interesting collection of Ottoman gravestones and Roman capitals near the entrance of the grassy, open site, surrounded by ancient columns and brick foundations. There is decent signage in English.
920 Sok., Izmir, Izmir, 35000, TurkeySight Details
Rate Includes: TL25 -
8. Konak Meydanı
At the water's edge, this vast space is one of the city's two main squares (the other, Cumhuriyet Meydanı, or Republic Square, is to the north along Atatürk Caddesi), and is a good place to pick up a cheap street snack from roving vendors. The Saat Kulesi (clock tower), the city's icon, stands out at the center of the plaza, with its ornate, late-Ottoman design. The tower was built in 1901, in honor of Sultan Abdulhamid's 25th year on the imperial throne, and the clock itself was sent as a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II. The small, 18th-century single-domed Yalı Camii (sometimes known as Konak Mosque), set back from the clock tower, is decorated with colorful tiles and was originally built by Mehmet Paşa's daughter, Ayşe. Just to the north is Konak Pier.
Izmir, Izmir, Turkey -
9. Konak Pier
On the waterfront an easy stroll north from Konak Meydanı (turn right if you're facing the water), this 19th-century pier is now an updated shopping mall with several restaurants, a movie theater, a bookstore with some English-language options, and fabulous views. It was originally designed as a customs house by the famous French architect Gustave Eiffel.
Waterfront, Izmir, Izmir, Turkey -
10. Kültürpark İzmir
İzmir's vast, central park and fairgrounds has approximately 8,000 trees to stroll under, as well as an open-air theater, a culture center, a sports arena, a swimming pool, tennis courts, a shaded walking/running path, and the Tarih ve Sanat Müzesi (History and Art Museum). The museum compound showcases Hellenistic and Roman-era statues and reliefs—including larger-than-life carved gods and goddesses recovered from İzmir's Agora and nearby sites.
Izmir, Izmir, Turkey
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