Exploring Historical Izmir City

Delighted to say, the vacation was great and visiting all vicinities of Izmir was a great experience as well. Everyday started with new excitement and I came to know a lot of new, amazing, mysterious as well as ancient places in Izmir.

Izmir got all natural & urban beauties that’s needed for a modern city and harbor view made it more attractive. Exploring the city, travelling with ferry and feeding to seagulls were unforgettable memories. I was also fortunate to visit ancient city Ephesus, Celsus Library, The Terrace Houses, Ephesus Theatre and Curetes Street and became eyewitness of the symbol of ancient Greek as well as Roman emperors. In the same trip I went to western Turkey, Cesme. The city is just opposite of Greece and famous for resort. I must admit Cesme is one of the most beautiful and decorated cities in Turkey.

So let me start with Izmir city-

I went to Izmir by bus from Eskisehir. You can travel to Izmir by bus, train, plane and ship as well from any city of Turkey. Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey plus one of the ancient cities in the world which was conquered by Alexander the Great Turkish Ottoman Emperor. I lived in a hostel near to Alsancak, booked from airbnb and paid around $10 per night. I was there for three days.

Transportation

The main transportations in Izmir are Metro, Bus, Mini Bus, and Ferry. By Metro is you can reach almost everywhere and metro is very fast whereas bus will take several time for reaching one destinations to another and you may face traffic jam on the street as well as signals. You may try ferry ride if you are roaming near to coastline area since ferry will not cost more than 20 minutes from one side to another.  

Places to visit in Izmir city

The first place you visit is the Konak district which is corresponds to historical district in Izmir. You may reach there by bus, metro or ferry. Transportation cost will not be more than $1. Buy Izmir transportation card, so, you can punch it as much as you want after recharging. The Konak district is close to the harbor side and the Konak city center is much decorated to capture moments of you travelling.

Konak City Center. Captured by me. 

Saat Kulesi/Clock Tower - The main tourist attraction in Konak is Saat Kulesi. It situated in the Konak Square, near to the metro and ferry station. The tower was a gift from German emperor in early twenty century and has very unique design plus still working. Try to visit in the evening so that you see both day and night views of the tower.

Saat Kulesi in Konak. Captured by me.

Saat Kulesi in Konak. Captured by Alamy. 

Konak Pier  

After being at Konak Square, you can walk towards Konak Pier which is very popular for walking near harbor side and passing quality time with Cekirdek (Local nut). It is a long area. So, I recommend taking a bye-cycle from the renting store for an hour or two hours for roaming around the premises. Cycle will not cost more than $3 per hour. In the evening, the place becomes more beautiful because one side you will see the Aegean Sea and another side you will see all colorful restaurants, bars as well as cafes.  

Konak Pier. Captured by me.

Nightlife in Konak. Captured by me.

The place is also popular for nightlife in Izmir. It is full of cafes and bars. The cafes and bars there could be expensive.

Alsancak

Walk ahead from Konak Pier and then you will see Alsancak area. It has well designed roads and sculptures near to the cost line. The entire international brand hotels and all expensive restaurants as well as cafes are located here. Atatürk Museum additionally offers guests an opportunity to have a look at how the lives of the rich in nineteenth century Izmir resembled, which is also there in Alsancak.

Alsancak in Konak. Captured by me.

Sculpture at Alsancak, Konak. Captured by me.

İnciraltı Sea Museum /Ship Museum

On the next morning, we went to Ship Museum, which is in Balcova district in Izmir. If you are not familiar with naval vessels, this place can be interesting for you. The museum’s main exhibits are two former Turkish Naval Vessels, the Frigate TCG Ege and the Submarine TCG Piri Reis plus artifacts on display in the museum building itself. There are limited spaces within the ship for tourists to be taken into; they take 10 to 15 persons into the ship at a time. It is free of cost to enter the ship. You can easily reach their by bus from anywhere in Izmir.

Inciralti Ship Museum. Captured by me.

Ferry Ride   

Well, you must try it if you want to take a snap with seagulls. Take a Simit (local Turkish traditional food) before getting on the ferry. When ferry starts moving, you will see hundreds of seagulls are following the ferry and people are throwing piece of Simit to feed them. Yes seagulls eat Simit! Sometimes seagulls will fly so close to you that they may come over your head or near to your face. So, that is perfect time to take snaps with seagulls and passed quality time with nature.  

Seagulls. I have taken the photo from the ferry. 

Kizlaragasi Han Bazaar

For shopping in Izmir as a tourist to buy souvenirs as well as gifts you may visit Kizlaragasi Han Bazaar. It is located near to Saat Kulesi and the bazaar was established in the mid-seventeenth century. In the bazaar, the shopkeepers may ask for high price from the tourists. Thus, you have to bargain to gain over the price.

Kizlaragasi Han Bazaar. Photo by Erdal. 

I will write another day about Ephesus and Cesme. Till then happy travelling to everyone. 

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