From bazaar to bay, falling for Izmir in 72 hours
When I first decided to visit Izmir, I honestly imagined a quiet coastal town with palm trees and sea breeze. But when I arrived, I was shocked to discover that Izmir is actually the third-largest city in Turkey, huge, lively, and full of energy. I came here mainly to visit my friends, but these three days turned into an unforgettable adventure filled with sunshine, flavors, and laughter.
November 7 – First impressions
The day began with a peaceful morning walk to the bus station in Muğla, bathed in golden sunlight. The small bus to Izmir rocked me gently into one of those perfect travel naps.
Once in the city, we dove straight into the chaos and colors of Kemeraltı Bazaar. Narrow alleys bursting with life, the smell of spices and sweets in the air. I could have wandered there for hours. I tried süt çiçeği, a soft milk dessert that melted in my mouth like a sweet cloud.
With a take-away coffee from Pablo Cafe, we strolled toward the Izmir Clock Tower, surrounded by charming old streets and busy locals. Later, we made our way to Asansör, the historic elevator that carried us to a breathtaking viewpoint over the city. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we wandered along Kordon Alsancak, the seaside promenade glowing in sunset colors.
Dinner brought a brave culinary moment. I tasted kokoreç, the famous Turkish street food made from intestines. One bite was enough, but honestly, it wasn’t as scary as I thought! To sweeten the evening, we ended with warm, syrupy soaked baklava. Pure heaven.
November 8 – Sun, sea and making friends
The morning began with a cozy breakfast and Turkish tea, lovingly prepared by our friend Tibo. Then we set off toward the coast, hoping to spot flamingos near Konak. The weather was perfect, bright blue skies, sunshine, and calm waves.
We stopped for a flat white at Caribou Coffee, enjoying the view of ships gliding across the bay. Later, we took a ferry ride, my favorite kind of city escape. With music in my ears and wind in my hair, I felt completely at peace.
In Bostanlı, we found the most delicious Jungle Burgers, juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The Korean-style one was unforgettable. After a long seaside walk, we reached the flamingo viewpoint, though only a few birds greeted us this time.
The afternoon melted into evening as we explored Karşıyaka, full of local shops and lively streets. We finished the day celebrating a Turkish friend’s birthday and trying the famous lotus Izmir bomb from Çelebi Unlu Mamuller. A rich, chocolatey dream, the sweetest ending possible.
November 9 – Goodbye beautiful Izmir
Our last day was calm and slow. We started with breakfast in Buca, eating fresh simit and pastries from a tiny local bakery. The morning continued with a gentle walk through a park lined with tall palm trees, sipping milky flat whites while watching the world wake up.
In the afternoon, we climbed up to an ancient castle Kadifekale, where the ruins opened up to a magnificent view of the city. The clear blue sky made it one of the most memorable sights of the trip.
Later, we even hitched a ride with a kind Turkish man who took us to a hidden, artistic neighborhood. It was a place of underground cafés, colorful graffiti, and quiet stories behind metal doors. It felt like discovering another, secret side of Izmir.
As the sun slowly faded, we said our goodbyes to Tibo, Iris, and the rest of our friends.
These three days in İzmir were far more than I ever expected, a whirlwind of color, taste, and friendship. From sunrise walks and ferry rides to late-night laughter and sweet desserts, the city wrapped me in its warmth. I arrived thinking I was visiting friends, but I left realizing I’d also fallen in love with a place, its rhythm, its people, and the feeling of being completely alive by the Aegean Sea.
Reccomendations
- Wander through the vibrant Kemeraltı Bazaar and visit the Clock Tower before taking in sunset views from the Asansör.
- Stroll along Kordon Alsancak, stop for coffee at Pablo Cafe, or cross the bay by ferry to Bostanlı for a seaside walk and dinner.
- Explore Karşıyaka’s lively streets and taste the famous İzmir bomb.
- Begin a slow morning in Buca with simit and tea beneath the palm trees, then climb to the ancient castle for panoramic views.
- End your trip uncovering Izmir’s artistic neighborhoods, where cafés, graffiti, and creativity fill the quiet corners of the city.
