Discover Izmir: History, the Kordon and local cuisine

Izmir invites you to explore its history, seaside walks and distinctive food culture. The city’s different sides meet around Konak Square, in the lanes of Kemeraltı and along the Kordon. Which of them you want to shape your stay is a good starting point for planning your trip and accommodation.

Konak between the bazaar and the sea

Konak Square lies between the Kordon and Kemeraltı Bazaar. From here, paths lead to Kemeraltı’s historic lanes, seaside walking routes and important landmarks in the city’s history. This makes it easy to combine different interests while exploring the city: the bazaar and its lanes, the waterfront and Izmir’s historic buildings.

Along Kordonboyu, between Konak and the Port of Alsancak, you’ll find seating and relaxation areas, running paths with tartan surfaces, a cycle path and cafés. The waterfront offers different options for planning your day: you can include a walk, plan a break or make use of the running and cycling routes. The cafés add another place to stop along the Kordon, alongside its public spaces.

The city’s history across different periods

The İzmir Saat Kulesi was built in 1901 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Sultan Abdülhamid II’s accession to the throne and is now considered one of the city’s most prominent landmarks. In Kemeraltı stands Kızlarağası Hanı, built in 1744. The two dates are more than 150 years apart, giving your exploration a clear contrast in time.

The İzmir Archaeology Museum in Konak offers another perspective, displaying finds from the city’s 8,500-year history. While the Saat Kulesi and Kızlarağası Hanı are associated with specific construction dates, the museum presents finds from a much longer period. Together, these topics offer different points of interest for anyone who wants to discover more than just present-day Izmir.

Discover the local cuisine

The local cuisine can also give your trip a distinct focus. İzmir Köfte is a regional meatball dish served with tomato sauce, green peppers and potatoes. Boyoz is one of Izmir’s classic breakfast dishes. The two foods represent different meals and offer a tangible introduction to the local food culture: one is a dish of meatballs, sauce and vegetables, the other a breakfast tradition. If you enjoy including regional cuisine in your travels, keep these names in mind as you plan.

Cultural events and choosing the right accommodation

Kültürpark hosts numerous arts and cultural events, as well as concerts, throughout the year. The programme of individual events may vary, so check which dates fall during your stay before travelling. This lets you plan a cultural focus for your trip without assuming a particular programme.

If you’re looking for a holiday apartment in Izmir, it helps to turn your interests into a specific question about location: do you mainly want to explore the historic lanes, the bazaar and the city’s landmarks, or would you also like Kordonboyu and its seaside paths to play an important part? Konak Square helps you find your bearings between these parts of the city; Kordonboyu runs between Konak and the Port of Alsancak. That way, you can choose a base that suits the experiences you want to focus on.

Discover more destinations

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