You dont have javascript enabled! Please enable it! İzmir on foot : Exploring Vibrant city by Walk - Trip to İzmir
Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer

İzmir on foot : Exploring Vibrant city by Walk

İzmir on foot : Exploring Vibrant city by Walk

Table of Contents

Izmir has many sites, neighborhoods, and cultural venues to explore on foot. Some city walking ideas:

 

First advice:

Izmir’s streets and walkways make walking easier. Walking between city center attractions is easy. However, a map or navigation software can assist you navigate. Izmir’s buses and subway are also good. Taxis are widely available, however it’s best to negotiate the rate before you leave.

 

In Izmir’s older areas, many streets are hilly, so wear comfortable shoes when planning your journey. If you rent a car, check parking ahead of time—some places are for residents or pay-parking. This can assist you optimize your city visit.

1. Alsancak

The city’s major shopping and entertainment sector has several cafes, restaurants, and shops. The ideal area to walk and see the sea is the Kordon promenade along the coast.

1.1. İzmir Gündoğdu Meydanı

Izmir’s Gündoğdu Meydan is a significant public space. Since it is near the Alsancak neighborhood, numerous city events, concerts, protests, and other public festivals take place there. Additionally, it is a stunning location by the sea.

1.2. Kıbrıs Şehitleri Street

Kıbrıs Şehitleri Street is a popular destination for travelers who want to stroll down the pedestrian route and enjoy the colorful shopping experience. In addition to shopping, Kıbrıs Şehitleri offers restaurants, pubs, and highly fascinating architecture. Along this stretch, Turkish booksellers, fashion boutiques, and souvenir street vendors are all quite popular.

1.3. Alsancak Hocazade Camii

Alsancak Hocazade Camii is a beautiful and well-known mosque in Alsancak. The Alsancak Hocazade Mosque is a white structure with a magnificent blue painted dome that was erected in 1950. The mosque also has a lovely spherical minaret with two balconies.

1.4. Kültürpark

Kulturpark is a popular and essential tourist destination, but it is also well-liked by the locals. The park is rather large and has some lovely views of plants and flowers. Kulturpark also includes a museum, the Atatürk Open-Air Theatre, the smet nönü Art Centre, a zoo, and a play area for children.

1.5. The Izmir Museum of History and Art

The Izmir Museum of History and Art opened in 2004 as part of the Kulturpark. The museum houses antiquities discovered in Izmir or its near surrounds. The museum is divided into three buildings, each specializing in a distinct type of art (stone, pottery, precious objects, and so on).

1.6. Saint Polycarp Church 

Saint Polycarp Church is a popular tourist destination as well as a place of pilgrimage for Catholics. The church, which was completed in 1625, is also one of the city’s oldest. Saint Polycarp Church has been repaired multiple times since then, largely due to damage caused by earthquakes and fires. The church was named after Saint Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna and an important martyr of the Catholic Church.

2. Pasaport

Pasaport Quay is a historic and picturesque walking area near Izmir’s port’s water bank. It’s a lovely neighborhood with a plethora of popular cafés, restaurants, and nightclubs. In addition, if you visit Pasaport Quay in the evening, you will almost certainly meet live music performed directly on the streets.

3. Konak

3.1. Konak Square

The city’s main square is bustling. The city’s oldest market, Kemeraltı Bazaar, and the Clock Tower, which offers a panoramic view of the city, surround the area.

3.2. Kemeraltı Bazaar

The bazaar is near Konak Square. The bazaar sells spices, fabrics, and pottery, making it a popular souvenir shop.

3.3. Kızlarağası Han Bazaar

Kizlaragasi Han Bazaar is a prominent Izmir tourist destination. Kizlaragasi, located in a huge covered pavilion, is truly wonderful and a must-see. The market mixes the classic open-air Turkish bazaar with a diverse range of shopping options. Outstanding carpets and jewels can be purchased here.

3.4. Hisar Mosque

Hisar Mosque is a spectacular site for good cause. Hisar is thought to be Izmir’s oldest and largest mosque. Yakup Bey created the magnificent tower in 1592, and it has been rebuilt multiple times since then. The mosque has a central dome, incredible ornaments and decorations, and a lovely courtyard with multiple domes surrounding it. Overall, Hisar has the basic characteristics of an Ottoman mosque.

3.5. Synagogue Street (Havra Sokağı)

Synagogue Street (Havra Sokağı) is a renowned tourist site in Izmir since it was once a popular spot for villagers to buy their fruits, vegetables, meat, and other things. While not nearly the same, the Synagogue market is nevertheless quite popular. The street got its name from the large number of synagogues that were once built on it.

3.7. Agora

Agora, located on the northern slopes of the Pagos hills, was the ancient city’s commercial, judicial, and political centre and is currently a focus for artistic and educational activity. The Izmir Agora Open Air Museum is divided into five sections: the agora, the base of the northern basilica entrance, the stoa, and the historic shopping center. The agora of Smyrna was constructed during the Hellenistic period. Following a devastating earthquake in 178 AD, Smyrna was rebuilt during the Roman period according to Hippodamos’ municipal plan. It was built in three floors on a sloping ground near the city center. The terrain measures 165 m wide by 200 m long. Porticos surround it on all sides. Because

3.8. Konak Pier

Gustave Eiffel created Konak Pier in 1890, within the confines of Konak’s major metropolitan district, near the city’s historic center Konak Square. During the renovation of Izmir’s portuary facilities in 1867, it was originally erected as a storehouse beside the French customs house on the adjoining Pasaport Quay. It has since become one of Izmir’s landmarks. Once adequate nearby property is available, there are plans to expand the Konak Pier compound to incorporate a major marina.

 

 

 

 

 

Reminder: In summer, it can get hot, so wear comfortable shoes and a hat.

İzmir is generally secure for tourists, but as with any urban region, take steps to safeguard yourself and your valuables. Avoid carrying significant quantities of cash or valuables when walking. Pickpocketing is a risk in tourist locations and crowded markets, so watch your things. Avoid walking alone and stay in well-lit places when visiting the city at night. Keep your phone charged and know the local police and hospital emergency numbers.

 

One more tip:

take a phone with enough battery or a power bank for navigation and emergencies.

Leave a Comment