Izmir in Anatolia, Turkey is great for city breaks with a difference. There is fascinating architecture and history, beautiful beaches nearby, great shopping and a lot of local culture. Izmir with its four million residents is the third largest city in Turkey. It is a harbour city and a tourist destination, and it is both cosmopolitan and traditional at the same time. When travelling abroad, always remember to check that your travel insurance is up to date.
Things to See in Izmir
Izmir is a nice city to walk around. Sightseeing by foot is easy, and many tourist attractions are free to visit. Free independent walking tours are easy to do and should include at least a walk in the Konak district, where the Clock Tower is a famous landmark.
The Agora of Smyrna was built during Alexander the Great, and only its ruins remain today. The ruins are very interesting to explore especially for those who like history and architecture. Izmir has some excellent museums that tell you more about the fascinating history and culture of this area.
The Asansör is a good place to enjoy views over the city. This historical building dates back to 1907 and is another landmark in İzmir. There is a famous restaurant at the top of the building, too.
Things to Do and Experience
One of the best things to do in Izmir is to enjoy the vibrant Turkish atmosphere. Even though Izmir is a popular tourist destination, it combines modernity and history well, and it is very different from a typical tourist town. There are many bazaars and boutiques for shopping, and great local souvenirs to buy include tea, clothes and jewellery. There are also countless restaurants for enjoying local food and experiencing the Turkish way of life.
One thing you should definitely try is a hamam, a traditional Turkish bath. For a vibrant nightlife, head to the clubs and bars by the sea. There are nice boulevards by the sea although the best beaches are outside the city. It is easy to take a trip by taxi or a bus to some of the beach destinations around İzmir.
Izmir is great for a city break for someone who loves history and architecture. It is also good for those who like shopping in traditional bazaars, and who like to experience local food and culture in a lively city. Even though Izmir is popular with tourists, it is also full of local flavour and attracts travellers for its relaxed yet vibrant way of life.
This article was written by Indie Travels . Read the original here.
