The city center of Izmir is Konak, on the bay in western Turkey. Its main sights lie close together: the Clock Tower and Konak Square, Kemeraltı Bazaar, the Agora of Smyrna, two museums and the Kordon seafront. Most of them are within an easy walk of each other.
Izmir is a vibrant city on the Aegean coast of Turkey, with a rich history and a host of attractions for visitors. Here are some things to do in the city center:
Six Stops in the City Center of Izmir
- Visit the Agora of Smyrna: The Agora of Smyrna is an ancient marketplace that was once the center of commercial and social life in the city. Today, the Agora is an open-air museum where you can see well-preserved ruins and learn about the city’s history.
- Explore the Izmir Clock Tower: The Izmir Clock Tower is a popular landmark in the city center and a great place to get your bearings and take in the sights. The tower was built in 1901 and stands at the intersection of two major streets.
- Shop at the Kemeraltı Bazaar: The Kemeraltı Bazaar is a bustling market located in the heart of the city, and a great place to shop for souvenirs and local handicrafts. The bazaar is also home to a number of restaurants, where you can sample some of the delicious local cuisines.
- Visit the Izmir Archaeology Museum: The Izmir Archaeology Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in history. The museum houses a collection of ancient artifacts from the region, including ceramics, coins, and sculptures.
- Take a walk along the Kordon: The Kordon is a popular promenade along the waterfront in the city center, and a great place to take a leisurely walk and enjoy the sea views. The Kordon is also home to a number of restaurants and cafes, where you can sit and watch the world go by.
- Visit the Izmir Atatürk Museum: The Izmir Atatürk Museum is dedicated to the life and work of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. The museum is located in the house where Atatürk was born, and is a fascinating place to learn about his life and legacy.
Konak Square and the Izmir Clock Tower
Konak Square is the main square of Izmir, close to the waterfront, and the Clock Tower stands in the middle of it. The tower is 25 meters high, and a French architect, Raymond Charles Péré, designed it. Four fountains stand around its base.
Next to it is the little Konak Mosque, built in 1755 beside the old Governor’s Mansion. It is octagonal, with one dome and one minaret, and its outer walls are covered with tiles from Kütahya. I recommend my guests to look at it closely, because most people photograph only tower. The entrance of Kemeraltı Bazaar is just a few steps away.
Agora of Smyrna: What You See Today
Most of the Agora of Smyrna you see today is Roman. The Greeks first built an agora here in the 4th century BC, but an earthquake in the 2nd century AD ruined it, and the emperor Marcus Aurelius ordered it rebuilt.
Walk along the Corinthian colonnade, then look at the vaulted basement under the basilica, the long hall on the north side. The agora lies at the foot of Mount Pagos, where Kadifekale castle stands. The excavations started in the 1930s and they still go on.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Izmir famous for?
Izmir is famous for its long bay, the Clock Tower in Konak Square, Kemeraltı Bazaar and its ancient past as Smyrna, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation.
Where is the Kordon in Izmir?
The Kordon is the seafront promenade of Izmir. It starts near Konak Square and runs along bay for about 3 kilometers toward Alsancak, so you can walk to it from the Clock Tower.
What can you do in Izmir in one day?
Start at Konak Square, walk through Kemeraltı Bazaar to the Agora of Smyrna, add a museum if you have time, and finish on the Kordon at sunset.
These are just a few examples of the many things to do in the city center of Izmir. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just relaxing by the sea, there is something for everyone in this vibrant and fascinating city.
