Majestic Izmir

We at fedafone really love Turkey outside of hotels and resorts and today we will tell you about one amazing Turkish metropolis. Izmir, located on the Aegean coast of Turkey, is the largest city in the region and the second largest port in the country after Istanbul with a population of more than 5 million people. In ancient times, this city was called Smyrna, which was founded by the ancient Greeks in the 3rd millennium BC. Over many centuries, Izmir passed from one ruler to another, being under the reign of the Romans, the Byzantines, and the Ottomans. Today it is a vibrant metropolis with huge skyscrapers, excellent public spaces, trendy bars, seafood restaurants, shopping centers and beautiful promenades. The atmosphere of the Greek islands and Turkish flavor are surprisingly combined here. We will tell you about the main attractions of the city and share tips for your routes.

Konak Central Square

The main pedestrian and tourist street of the city, Konak, is always lively and crowded, as the central bus station, metro station and ferry pier are located here. The square is also known for its architectural monuments - in the very center rises an elegant openwork 25-meter tower with a Clock, entirely cast from marble. This tower, which is the symbol and calling card of Izmir, was built at the beginning of the 20th century. At the top of the tower is a clock donated by the German King William II. The tower looks especially impressive at night, when it is illuminated.

At the edge of the square is the small octagonal Yala Mosque, built in the 18th century, with an elegant minaret, massive dome and stained glass windows.

Izmir lift

In 1907, urban planners decided to build lift which would make life easier for the local population, who previously had to walk up hundreds of steep stairs from the seashore to the residential area located on top of the hill.  This lift became one of the main attractions of the city.

Currently, the tower on top of the lift has been restored and has become a popular destination for tourists. Here you can not only take a ride, but also dine in a restaurant at the top, enjoying a panoramic view of the city at night and the picturesque bay. There is also a viewpoint with a cozy cafe on the terrace. When you exit the elevator you will find yourself in the old Jewish quarter with its narrow streets. Here, houses are often painted in vibrant shades of red and blue, creating a unique atmosphere.

Kemeralti Market

Izmir's main market attracts visitors wanting to experience the atmosphere of the Old City. This is a place where trade flourishes from morning to evening and where you can see many architectural monuments. The market was founded in the 17th century, and many shops are still located in the ancient parts of the caravanserai building. Locals often call this market the "little Grand Bazaar" of Istanbul.

Walking through the shopping galleries, you can find almost everything: souvenirs, clothes, delicious delicacies, expensive antiques and handmade leather goods. Here you can also try real Turkish coffee, which is ground and prepared right in front of you.

Quay Cordon 

Along the Izmir Bay and the main street Ataturk Kadesi there is a promenade stretching for more than 3 km. This is a well-kept pedestrian area where you can enjoy views of passing ships, ride along bicycle paths, look at art objects and dine at seafood restaurants. While walking along the boardwalk you will see Greek-style houses, synagogues, many piers and the early Christian church of St. Polycarp. The promenade is decorated with black and white tiles that replicate the image of sea waves. A good alternative to the usual asphalt!

Agora of Smyrna

In the Namazga quarter, at the foot of Mount Pagos, are the ruins of an ancient market square, which are an archaeological site and an open-air museum. All the buildings on this territory were built during the era of the Roman Empire, when the ancient city of Smyrna existed on the site of modern Izmir.

Extensive restoration work was carried out here in the 20th century, and now visitors can enjoy the view of columns with capitals, arches, gates and ancient tombs. The researchers came to the conclusion that, initially, the central shopping area eventually began to be used as an Ottoman cemetery.

Teleferik cable way

The Izmir Cable Car, which has been in operation for almost 50 years, was completely reconstructed in 2015. Now it is a modern funicular, equipped with 20 spacious glass cabins. In just 3 minutes you can climb a hill about 420 meters high. The cost of the trip is 25 Turkish lira. From a bird's eye view you can enjoy surrounding nature, dense tree crowns and a panorama of the city.

At the top of the hill you will find a viewpoint, a landscaped green park and several restaurants. If you want, then for 3 Turkish lira you can look through binoculars at the sea bay and the embankment. Or you can go on a picnic, as there are barbecue areas and gazebos. Most importantly, do not forget to take warm clothes with you, as it can be windy at the top.

Izmir Zoo

This zoo is one of the largest in Turkey and is distinguished by the fact that most of its animals live in conditions as close as possible to their natural habitat. Here you will not find neglected enclosures or cramped cages, since separate thematic areas have been created for more than 1,500 inhabitants of the park. For example, the spacious African savannah, covering an area of 17,000 square meters, is home to zebras, ostriches, giraffes and hippos, which are separated from visitors by a high fence.

Lions, tigers and other predators dangerous to humans are fenced with a glass barrier. The builders carefully thought out the landscape design - here you can have a great time walking along the shady paths, admire the flowers and plants and relax near the fountains and clean ponds. There is also a huge selection of cafes, gazebos, picnic areas and playgrounds - your children will definitely not be bored. The entrance ticket for adults is 20 TRY.

Hisar Mosque

In the 16th century, during the rule of the Ottoman Empire, the largest mosque in Izmir was built, which is actually located right in the Kemeralti market. Its dimensions are impressive: a huge central dome, more than 10 small and 8 massive columns, as well as a minaret with a balcony and a spacious courtyard with a fountain in the Rococo style.

The facades of the mosque are decorated with plaster elements that can be looked at for a long time. Mihrabs, arches, domes, windows and column capitals are decorated with images with star motifs, bunches of grapes, flowers and leaves. Before entering the mosque, you will see a gold leaf inscription that translates as: “Whoever enters here will be safe.”

Ataturk Museum

At the end of the 19th century, a luxurious mansion was built in the neoclassical style, which today is a museum named after Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the first president of Turkey and one of the most influential politicians in the country's history. Restored interiors and antique furniture will allow visitors to become more familiar with the history of Turkey.

This building was the residence of the President during his visits to Izmir for 10 years. The city actually gave him this house, closing the hotel that existed here. In the museum you can see books, clothes and other personal belongings of the politician. Entrance to the museum is free.

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