Today, I'm doing something a bit different than usual. This blog will be for those living abroad who want to learn about our city, İzmir. A coastal city full of rich history, vibrant culture, and warm people, İzmir stands as a gem on the Aegean coast of Turkiye. Whether you're here for a short visit or planning to stay, there’s much to explore. So, what should you see, eat, and drink in İzmir? Let’s dive into it!
Where to Visit
Efes Ancient City: Just a short drive from İzmir, Efes is one of the most well-preserved ancient cities in the world. With its impressive ruins, including the Temple of Artemis and the Library of Celsus, Efes is a must-see for history enthusiasts.
Kordonboyu: One of the most iconic spots in İzmir, Kordonboyu offers a beautiful walk along the coastline, with cafes and restaurants lining the shore. The sunset here is breathtaking, making it the perfect spot to relax and take in the views. Whether you’re walking or sitting by the sea.
Asansör: This historical lift is one of İzmir's most unique landmarks. Built in the early 20th century, it offers a fantastic panoramic view of the city. From the top, you can capture the beauty of İzmir from above.
Agora Open-Air Museum: Situated in the heart of the city, the Agora is an ancient Roman market place. It's one of the most significant archeological sites in İzmir, where you can walk through the ruins of a marketplace that dates back to 2,000 years ago.
Izmir Clock Tower: Located in Konak Square, this iconic landmark has become one of the city's symbols. Built in 1901, it stands tall as a reminder of the city’s Ottoman past. The clock tower is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is a great place to take a few photos.
The Archeology Museum: If you’re interested in diving deep into the history of İzmir and its surroundings, the Archaeological Museum is the place to go. It displays numerous artifacts from ancient civilizations, including those from the ancient Greek and Roman periods.
What to Eat
Boyoz: A traditional İzmir breakfast item, Boyoz is a flaky pastry typically eaten with olives, tomatoes, and cheese. It's a must-try, especially with a cup of Turkish tea!
Kumru: İzmir's unique take on a sandwich, Kumru is made with sesame-crusted bread filled with sucuk (Turkish sausage) and cheese. It's the perfect street food, especially when eaten in the heart of Alsancak.
Midye Dolma (Stuffed Mussels): Mussels stuffed with spiced rice, pine nuts, and currants, typically eaten with a squeeze of lemon. A street food favorite near the coast.
Zeytinyağlılar (Olive Oil Dishes): Vegetable-based dishes like green beans, artichokes, or stuffed grape leaves cooked in olive oil. Light, healthy, and full of Aegean flavor.
İzmir Köfte: A famous Turkish dish, İzmir Köfte is a meatball dish typically served with rice and salad. It’s a hearty meal that perfectly represents the rich flavors of the region.
Kumpir: A baked potato filled with various toppings like corn, sausage, cheese, and pickles. Customizable and very filling.
What to Drink
Wine: İzmir is famous for its vineyards and wine production. The region produces excellent wines, and you can sample a variety of local varieties in the city’s wine bars and restaurants. Be sure to try a glass of local wine from the Aegean vineyards.
My Feelings
İzmir is the place that I grew up. As a local person -in my opinion-, it would not be fair to İzmir If I talk about my opinions like the others. Every single city has their own issues that are not visible to the tourist. Briefly, all I can say is, I am %100 happy to have grown up in İzmir but I wish İzmir could stay as it was.
