Izmir is one of the beautiful cities of turkey. I spend 34 days there from 28 sept. 2015 to 31 oct. 2015. City is surrounded by Aegean sea. Whole coastal area from port of izmir to alsenssor, about 18 km is full of excitements. Beautiful parks, sea side view, café, coffee houses, restaurant, sea food, fishing, ferrying n shopping areas. People are so humble, helpful and friendly that you will never feel that you are tourist. It has many historicsl places. If you are near konak you can see Ataturk museum, clock tower, old mosque. From konac boats will take you to karshiaka. Ticket is only 2.25 TL per petson. The ticket price is same weather you use autobus, metro or boat. And if you use it within 90 min, no recharging on any means of transport, only in Izmir, not elsewhere. There are shopping centres on roads near hilton hotel but main in kerelmarti bazar. Thousands of shops sell every item from petsonal needs to gifts. Here gem shops are most interesting besides shops of souvenir and handmade decorative lamps. Price varies from 25TL to 75 TL with much bargain. Next are historical places near basmane railway station. One is angora and other on about 200 foot high hill, kadifakale, castle. Taxi will take 20 TL for one way but it you ask for metre charges, it will be only 12 TL. Ticket charges are 5TL. Taxi is available from basmane. Angora is about 2000 year old ruins. Then the worthy spot is alsenssor, old lift, placed in 1930 for older men n ladies to reach the synagogue at the top of cliff about 80 foot high. No ticket. Next place to see is kultur park, cultural park. A wast well planed n beautiful park with sculptures, fountains and greenery. There are many misques, church and synagogues. This all is within city centre.
A nearby town is balchova, bus n metro both are available. Here are big shopping malls. Kipa is good n have big dinning area. Not cheap but tasty varieties. The most exciting and sceneric spot is chairlift, called teleferric. Lush green mountain ranges open their view for your eyes n camera. You can see green peaks in your front, blue waters at your back n red roof multi-story apartments under your feet. Both kadifakale n teleferric have panoramic view.
By boat go to karshiaka for shopping, eating and fun. It is a small area. Take metro from underground at basmane or elsewhere, and go to bornova. Forum is main shopping centre. Ikea store is there with all their interior art. Prices are same as anywhere. Dinning area is vast with variety, taste n cheaper comparing to roadside 'kofta n kebap'. Alsanjak, turkish alsancak, is good for middle class workers, balchova for upper middle class and bornova is for higher and elites.
There are many transporter arrange tours like pamakkule and izmir tourism. Hotels also have their arrangements. Ephesus, maryamane, shirince are places to see. Or take a trip to Istanbul and Ankara by road. One will forget the scenery of europe.
Textile, carpets and hadicrafts are famous items of turkey. What i hsve observed, about 60% of women work besides men. Mostly on shops, restaurants and markets women force is statistically more. Therefore general economic condition is better. On other side mostly buildings use solar energy, agriculture sector feeds on windmill and hydro-power is for industrial sectors, so the overall power bills are low i.e. cost of living in appropriate for middle class. Education is easy n compulsory for all. Except very few understands n talk in english.
Mobile sim can be obtained from TurkCell after submitting copy of passport. Autobus card called bilet is available from shops having sign of Kent Card. This is valid for bus, metro and ferry.
Me n my wife spend a marvellous time n amused every minute of our stay. I will recommend tourists to visit Izmir alnogwith Ankara nIstanbul.
