My Story: Izmir
I am with you with my best memories from "Pearl of the Aegean". ❤️
In particular, I will share with you my experiences from Izmir, which is famous in the world for its Cesme and Alacati. It was a city that amazed me, especially with its suburban places. As the world-famous writer Victor Hugo said: "Princess city" π
Today I will tell you about life in Izmir, prices, Turkish cuisine and, in short,the heart of the Turkish world. I know very well what the 2 questions on your mind are.
First question, What is the most convenient and cheapest way to get to this city?
Second question, How to travel the best in Izmir?
I will share the answer to the first question in detail with you in another blog post. If you are very interested in the answer to your second question, put the coffee in front of you and follow the Your Izmir guide πBut first, let's get to know the city better with the "Promotional video" π¬
Izmir Promotional Video
First of all, If you are planning a trip to Izmir, start from suburban first. That is, travel the city center in the last days. It is my golden recommendation to youπ
As usual, I booked my hotel months ago at Booking.com. The name of the hotel was Efehan Hotel and it was really a great place for the amount we paid. It was especially perfect for its location and cleanliness. π¨
I traveled to Izmir by plane with 2 friends. If you also come by plane, then you are lucky. Because "Izban" works directly from the airport ( Adnan Menderes Airport ) to the city center. Izban is a mode of transport that travels later than the subway and works only surface. You can also imagine it as a subway operating on the ground.
Find on mapπΊ️: Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport
5-day hotel priceπ°: 400 TRY for a person
One of my first advices are if you like shopping, don't plan your trip on Ramadan holiday (Ramadan is a muslim holiday). When we arrived in Turkey, it was the first day of Ramadan. On the street we saw only closed markets, closed restaurants, closed pharmacies, closed shopping malls.
Another problem is getting a phone number in this city. Because a Turkish citizen is offered a phone number for 35 TRY, a tourist for 170 TRY. It applies to any Turkish mobile operator. So think twice before you get a phone number here. That's why I had to navigate with my offline maps on my phone. This also created difficulties for me.
Official currency of Turkey is called TRY or TL - Turkish lira The symbol of TRY - ₺
There are many places in the city where you can change your money. As always advice, don't change most of your money at the airport. If you want to know how much your own money is in exchange for TRY, you can look at the site below.
Currency converter: www.xe.com/currencyconverter/
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| Alacati |
How to go to Alacati? Get off at Fahrettin Altay subway station, Alacati buses run from the nearby bus terminal π
Fare for 1 personπ°: 26 TRY
Find on mapπΊ️: Alacati, Izmir, Turkey
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| Cheshme |
Undoubtedly, the reason why this place became world famous is its beauty.π΄ As the most famous places of the Chesme, I can say the Marina, the Carsi (the bazaar), the beach, the Chesme Castle.
What I didn't like about the city was that the city roads and sea were littered with garbage. Unfortunately, Turks don't keep the city clean.
If you come to Izmir one day, do not leave this city without seeing Cheshme and Alacati. Because you can miss a lot of things π
How to go to Cheshme? Get off at Fahrettin Altay metro station, Cheshme buses run from the nearby bus terminal π
Fare for 1 personπ°: 26 TRY
Find on mapπΊ️: Cheshme, Izmir, Turkey
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| Sirince village |
It is one of the most famous villages in the world.π️ The village, which was not mentioned until 2012, suddenly became popular. What was the reason for the village's popularity? Let's look at the interesting history of the village.π
If you remember, doomsday was supposed to take place pn December 21, 2012, according to the Mayan calendar π. It was said that all but two places in the world would be destroyed. π± These places were Bugarach village (France π«π·) and Sirince village (Turkey πΉπ·). The world did not collapse in December, but these two villages became world famous. Sirince, which was an ordinary village before this event, is now visited by more than 1.5 million tourists every year. π
The village, formerly called Cirkince (meaning in Turkish "Ugly"), was later renamed Sirince (meaning in Turkish "Sweet") π. It is even said that the people living here named their villages "Ugly" so that the beauties here would not be known. Somehow, if you come to Izmir anyway, add "Sirince village" to the list of 10 must-see-places π.
How to go to Sirince village? Go to Selcuk station by izban from the city center. Get off the train and ask where the "garage" is. Garage is the bus terminal. From there, buses go to both Sirince and Ephesus π
Fareπ°: A single trip (one way) to Sirince costs 15 TRY
Find on mapπΊ️: Sirince village
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| Old Foca Coast |
If we talk about Izmir, it is impossible not to mention Foca. This was my favorite place in Izmirπ
According to me, this is the magnificent masterpiece of Izmir π Although Foca's journey is long and tiring, believe me, it's really worth it. The blue sea, smiling people, magnificent views, dynamic streets compose this perfercion ❤️
If you come to Izmir, be sure to come and follow the sunset on a boat trip in Foca. This is a scene that you don't want to end π
How to go to Old Foca? Go to Hatundere station by izban from the city center. As soon as you get off the train at Hatundere station you will see a bus stop in front of you. You can go to Old Foca by bus numer 744.π
Ship tour for 1 personπ°: 20 TRY
Find on mapπΊ️: Old Foca, Izmir, Turkey
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| Kordon boyu |
Kordonboyu is Izmir's seaside park and one of the most popular tourist destinations. This area, which stretches along the coast, begins to move, especially after sunset. With restaurants, street vonders and street artists, Kordon is a more entertaining place. While walking along the sea coast, you will also see Izmir classics such as Gundogdu Square, Pasaport Iskelesi and Cumhuriyet Meydani (Republic Square), Konak Pier.
One of the best ways to travel around Izmir is by bicycle π² You can make your trip more interesting by renting a bicycle from "Bisim" in Kordon. You can also click here to become a member of "Bisim".
How to go to Kordon boyu? My advice is to get off the Konak subway station and go from here to the Kordon boyu with a map at sunset.π
Find on mapπΊ️: Kordon boyu, Izmir, Turkey
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| Kemeralti Market (Bazaar) |
Let me tell you another place in the center of Izmir. It is a beautiful place where you can live both history and shopping. The prices are also very reasonable. It's a huge market where you can find everything you want.π️
The Kemeralti is the largest open air market in Turkey and considered the heart of Izmir.
If you come here, don't forget to have a coffee at KΔ±zlaragasi Khan.☕
How to go to Kemeralti Market? It is 5 minutes away from Cankaya metro or Konak metro.π
Find on mapπΊ️: Kemeralti Market
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| Ancient city of Ephesus |
Seeing one of the 7 ancient wonders of the world is probably an irreplaceable feeling.π I don't think anyone will say "no" to this feeling. Ephesus is a place where you will live the the fullest the history πΏ
If you love history, another historical place you will see in Izmir is the Ancient City of Smyrna.
If you have time, visit both, but if you do not have enough time, my recommendation is completely the ancient city of Ephesus. Because Ephesus is bigger and more interesting than Ancient City of Smyrna π️
How to go to Ephesus? Go to Selcuk station by izban from the city center. Get off the train and ask where the "garage" is. From there, buses go to Ephesus π
How to go to Smyrna? It is located 5 minutes away from Cankaya subway stationπΆ
Fareπ°: Bus fare from the garage to Ephesus is 15 TRY
Entrance price to Ephesusπ° 120 TRY
Entrance price to Smyrna π° 25 TRY
Find on mapπΊ️: Ancient city of Ephesus
Find on mapπΊ️: Ancient city of Smyrna
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| Inciralti |
Izmir is a beautiful city with many places to visit π️ However, if your time is limited, some places can be removed from this list. Inciralti is also on the list of those to be removed. Because the distance is far and the view is not much.
But if you have time and are looking for a different place to go, I can recommend you to come to the sunset π
How to go to Inciralti? Get off at Fahrettin Altay subway station, You will see a bus stop in front of you. You can go to Inciralti by bus numer 311 π
Find on mapπΊ️: Inciralti Coast
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| The Historical Elevator and Dario Moreno street |
It was one of my favorite places in Izmir was Dario Moreno street π Eye-catching restaurants, tourist and historical sites, narrow streets, delicious Turkish cuisine made me fall in love with this street π We even watched the scene of a romantic marriage proposal, albeit by chanceπ:)
Frankly, I did not enter the Historic Elevator. But if you really want to take the elevator to the castle, you should also consider standing in a queue of 10 metersπ΄️:) Instead of standing in long queues, I chose a magnificent dinner on Dario Moreno Street π
How to go to Dario Moreno street and the Historical Elevator? It is a 10-minute walk from Uchyol Subway Station πΆ
Find on mapπΊ️: The Historical Elevator
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| CulturePark |
Culturepark ( Kulturpark ) is Izmir's largest and most popular park, surrounded by picnics, amusement park, casinos, sports venues π‘ I advice you to come here either early in the morning or after sunset. Otherwise you will be darkened in the sun π
How to go to Culturepark? It is a 5-minute walk from Basmane Gar (Subway Station) π
Find on mapπΊ️: Culturepark
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| Clock Tower of Izmir |
It is the number 1 symbol of Izmir and is located in Konak Square. This is the place where all tourists definitely come for a photo πΈ
How to go to Konak Square? It is near Konak subway station π
Find on mapπΊ️: Clock Tower of Izmir and Konak Square
%20lovotra.com.jpg "Bostanli Coast (Izmir Turkey) lovotra.com") |
| Karsiyaka and Bostanli Coast |
There are two ways to come to Karsiyaka: by sea and land. My strongly advice is to go by sea. So you can both go faster and enjoy the beautiful sea view at the same time π’
As soon as you leave the ferry, Karsiyaka Charsi (the Bazaar) will be in front of you. Surrounded by buildings on the right and left, it is a street of positive spirit where you will hear the voices of musicians on one side and the screams of ice cream vendors on the other π
If you have come so far, do not forget to visit the Bostanli Coast. But definitely don't come at noon. It gets very hot and it is imppossible to find a place to shade π³ Come to the sunset. Because Bostanli Coast is one of the places where you can watch the most beautiful sunset in Izmir π
You can also visit Bostanli Democracy Square, Constitutional Square and Olof Palme Human Rights Monument when you come to Karsiyaka.
How to go to Karsiyaka? You can take and cross a ferry ticket from any ferry terminal (seaport) to Karsiyaka π’
How to go to Bostanli Coast? You can take and cross a ferry ticket from any ferry terminal (seaport) to Bostanli Sahil π’
Find on mapπΊ️: Karsiyaka Charsi (the bazaar)
Find on mapπΊ️: Bostanli Coast
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| Kibris Sehitler Street (Cyprus Martyrs Street) |
Kibris Sehitleri Street can be called the most crowded street in Izmir. This street, which is always full of people day and night, of the most popular streets in city. The best excuse to come here is to come to Alsancak Dostlar Firini (Alsancak Friends Oven) for breakfast. Waiting in line for 20 minutes to eat "Boyoz" from Izmir local cuisine is a proof of how popular this place is. The prices are also very reasonable. Here you can eat your breakfast and then start your journey with full energy. In general, the right and left sides of the street are surrounded by restaurants, cafes and shops π¬
As soon as you finish your walk on Kibris Sehitleri Street, also visit Gazi Kadinlar Street on the parallel street. It is another tourist street to be seen in Izmir.
How to go to Kibris Sehitler Street? The best way to get here is by taxi. Because city taxi prices are very cheap and will bring you to the address π
Find on mapπΊ️: Cyprus Martyrs Street
Find on mapπΊ️: Gazi Kadinlar Street
%20lovotra.com.jpg "Alsancak Sevgi Yolu (Izmir Turkey) lovotra.com") |
| Alsancak Sevgi Yolu |
Looking for a different place to take a picture?π€ I have good news for you. Because you found what you were looking for. Alsancak Sevgi Yolu (Alsancak Love Road) is one of the busiest streets in Izmir, full of bookstores on the right and left sides.π Although the area is small, it is a beautiful place to go for a walk and take pictures πΈ
The famous St.Polycarp church is located near Alsancak Love Road. This church has a special architecture ⛪
How to go to Alsancak Sevgi Yolu? It is a 10-minute walk from Cankaya Subway station
Find on mapπΊ️: Alsancak Sevgi yolu
%20lovotra.com.jpg "Kadifekale (Izmir Turkey) lovotra.com") |
| Kadifekale |
Historical place where you can watch Izmir city from the top π
⚔️ Kadifekale is a fortress built by the order of the world-famous commander Alexander the Great π° I recommend you to come to here in the noon, because has become with full of drug addicts this historic place in the evening. π It can be dangerous in the evening. We were told this over and over again wherever we went. π£️
How to go to Kadifekale? Get off Konak subway station, will be near Konak square. You can take the bus number 33 from Konak Square. Kadifekale is 15-20 minutes away from the city center π
Entry priceπ°: Free
Find on mapπΊ️: Kadifekale, Turkey, Izmir
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| Cable Car |
How to go to Cable Car? Get off Fahrettin Altay subway station. From there, buses go to Cable Car π
Entry priceπ°: 20 TL
Find on mapπΊ️: Cable Car, Izmir, Turkey
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| Mavibahce |
Good news for shopping lovers! π️
Izmir is a great city where you can find everything you are looking for at a cheap price. Especially when you come here, take your budget so that you can take with you a wide range of souvenirs, clothes and accessories, interesting things. πΈ One of the things I loved about this city was the malls. Because it is difficult to distinguish whether this is a shopping center or a recreation center. We visited 2 shopping centers. Mavibahce and Hilltown. Mavibahce made me fall in love with him π I can say that it was the best I've ever seen π¬ Brand shops, eye-catching design, all kinds of comfort, restaurants and and palm trees that beautify the shopping center create all this composition π️ I can only say one thing about Mavibahce. It is perfect ❤️ The other shopping center I went was Hilltown. It is located near Mavibahce. I really liked the architecture of Hilltown. It is very different place and you should definitely see itπ
Now let's talk about the subtleties of cheap shopping, which is a favorite pastime of many of us.
I always told you to stay away from the city center for cheap shopping. But now I will say the exact opposite. Because cheapest, largest, most diverse market, the historic Kemeralti Market is in the city center.π️ You can find everything you are looking for cheaply π While another advantage, there are 2 metro stations nearby.
It is worth coming to this city just for shopping π
How to go to Mavibahce and Hilltown? If you come from the city center, come by izban and get off at Mavishehir station. It is a 10-minute walk from Hilltown π
How to go to Kemeralti Market? It is a 5-minute away from Cankaya metro or Konak metro π
Find on mapπΊ️: Mavibahce Shopping Mall
Find on mapπΊ️: Hilltown Shopping Mall
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| Turkish National Cuisine |
Let me tell you about Turkish cuisine which has one of the most delicious dishes in the world π² The Turkish cuisine is so rich, delicious and varied that, unfortunately, it has not become as popular as Italian, Japanese or French cuisine.
Along with National Turkish cuisine, let me tell you about the Izmir cuisine. The leading dishes on this list are boyoz, kumru, kokorech and stuffed mussels (Turkish: Midye dolma).
Boyoz is a real Izmir dessert made of dough. Boyoz can be found in any restaurants and definitely try it once for breakfast. But my advice to you is not to eat in any ordinary restaurant, but in the place where the boyoz was first prepared in the world. Although it was far from my hotel, I took a taxi and went to Alsancak Dostlar Firini (Alsancak Friends Oven). There was an incredible queue when we reached the restaurant. However, other nearby cafes and restaurants were empty. We waited in line for a long time. But it was really worth it. It was very tasty. Especially chocolate boyoz π
It is a kind of fast food that you can eat Kumru and kokorech π The restaurant prices are also very reasonable. I paid a total of 21 TRY for 3 boyoz and 1 tea.
How to go to Alsancak Dostlar Firini? You can come by tram or bus. But I highly recommend you come by taxi. Both cheap and comfortable.π
Find on mapπΊ️: Alsancak Dostlar firini
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| Izmir streets |
Although the city is completely old but the transport system is new and very comfortable. The wide range of various types of transport ( metro, izban, bus, minibus, midibus, tram, ferry, taksi ) allows you to go anywhere faster and easier.π To get on public transport in Izmir, be sure to buy an IzmirimKart. The cost is 20 TL.
π° Prices for public transport within the city are 3,5 TL.
The best seasons to travel in Izmir are summer and spring. Although we traveled for 5 days, there were still some places we couldn't travel. According to me, plan a 7-day trip to enjoy Izmir. There are many places to visit π Unfortunately we did not have time to go to Urla, Kusadasi, New Foca and Seferihisar.
Now let's speak on to a topic that interests many people. What was the total amount I spent in Izmir? πΈ
As I have always said, it is up to you to increase or decrease these costs. I did not add the price of my plane ticket and the money I spent in my own country to this price. The money I spent in Izmir alone was about 1285 TL (Gift prices are not included).π°General prices in Izmir are cheap. In particular, taxi prices, restaurants and shopping prices are all reasonable. Traveling in the city center by taxi is very cheapπ, but I do not recommend going long distances. In other words, taxis are profitable in the city center, but outside the city center, izban is more profitable π. What I liked most about this city was the restaurant service and the kindness of the people. The best restaurant service I've ever seen was hereπ
I shared the interesting videos I took in Izmir on my Instagram account. You can watch from here if you want
So that I'm finishing my Izmir blog. I hope my blog will be useful for you.
Waht do you think about Izmir? Do you think it is worth seeing? Is it a cheap or expensive city for you? Please write your answers in the comments section. Your opinions are valuable to me π
3 Comment
Awesome !! I appreciate because i need it !Thanks for sharing that valuable information with us π€©πππ
ReplyDeleteThank You π I'm very happy for it. I would like you to share your travel experiences with us in future π
Deletetesekkurler melumat ucun heqiqeten cox sey oyrendim
ReplyDeleteYou can share your valuable thoughts and travel experiences here π