Izmir is the perfect option for those who want to escape from the city or take a vacation. Even a weekend can be enough to explore the many beautiful places in the city. Of course, walking around the city without setting a destination and taking a walk under the palm trees is also a pleasant option. However, for those who want to see more beauty in a shorter time, determining certain travel points and traveling in accordance with this list will allow you to enjoy more. Here are the places and places to visit at the weekend in İzmir
İzmir Konak Square
Konak Square is the place that should be the first stop for those visiting Izmir. Most of the touristic places are located in this square. The Clock Tower, which is the symbol of İzmir, the walking path along the promenade, Konak Yalı Mosque, many souvenir shops in Kemeraltı Bazaar, İzmir Painting and Sculpture Museum, Basmane Train Station, İzmir Atatürk House and Museum are places to visit such as Konak Square. It is located in. In addition, it is among our suggestions to spend the sunset walking along the promenade and to tour Karşıyaka by getting on the Konak Ferry Pier.
Izmir Clock Tower
One of the most important and priority stops among the touristic places of Izmir is the Clock Tower. This tower, which is identified with İzmir, is a historical structure that everyone who comes to İzmir should definitely visit. It is also used as a meeting point for people who are foreign to the city. The Clock Tower was built by a French architect under the leadership of Grand Vizier Mehmet Sait Pasha for the 25th anniversary of Sultan Abdülhamit's accession to the throne in 1901. The tower, which is 25 meters high and has four fountains, is an important touristic place with its stonework details and architectural structure. It is known that the watch was brought from Germany as a gift.
Konak
Yalı Mosque, located in İzmir Konak Square and one of the symbols of İzmir, is also known as Konak Yalı or İzmir Konak Mosque. Although there is no definite information about the construction of the mosque, some sources suggest that the mosque was built by Ayşe Hatun in the mid-1700s. The madrasah next to it has not survived to the present day. Yalı Mosque is located in the immediate vicinity of the Clock Tower and is among the places to visit in Konak Square.
Konak Pier
Konak Ferry Pier, which is the place where the ferries that provide transportation to İzmir Karşıyaka depart, is a historical structure that should be seen. At the same time, while waiting for the departure time of the ferry, you can browse the shops near the pier and browse through the newly released books.
Izmir Historical elevator
Located in Bayraklı, the historical elevator was built in 1907 by Jewish businessman Nesai Levi. The elevator aims to easily reach Halil Rıfat Paşa Caddesi, which is 55 meters high. Instead of the street, which is normally reached by climbing 155 steps, the elevator provides a quick exit. On the top floor of the historical elevator, you can relax with the magnificent sea view and take a pleasant break with a cup of coffee.
Izmir International Fair
Izmir Fair is in a close distance from Konak Square to the historical Basmane Train Station. This is a center where many local and foreign artists give concerts, musicals and theater performances. There is also a park and walking areas where you can breathe. If you want to have fun after the fair, you can visit the Lunapark right next to it.
Radio and Democracy Museum
When you come to the Izmir Fair, do not leave without visiting the Radio and Democracy Museum. Located in Basmane district, this museum welcomes its visitors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Sunday and Monday of the week. There are many radios in the museum and you can observe the evolution of the radio. You can also examine stone plaques from the 70's, 80's and 90's.
Historical Kemeraltı Bazaar
Another place among the touristic places of Izmir is the Historical Kemeraltı Bazaar located in Konak Square. This bazaar, which has attracted great interest for years, is an ideal place for those who want to buy affordable clothing and souvenirs. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can relax and have a pleasant time. Izmir is one of the places you must visit on your trip.
Located in Kemeraltı Bazaar, Kızlarağası Inn is a perfect resting spot for those who want to enjoy tea and coffee. Here you can also find a few things to buy as gifts while you sit and sip your coffee. It will be very pleasant to choose from many options that you cannot afford.
Dario Moreno Street
The street you cross on the way to Izmir's historical elevator building is called Dario Moreno Street. This narrow street got its name after the famous Jewish guitarist Dario Moreno was born in Izmir in 1921. While walking on Dario Moreno Street, you can also watch the magnificent historical Greek houses on both sides. The historical beauties of these houses can inspire you as you cross the street and create a peaceful atmosphere.
Church of Saint Polycarp
Saint Polycarp Church in Izmir Konak is an important historical visiting point. The church was built by the Bishop of Izmir, St. It is dedicated to Polycarp and was built in 1625 to honor the memory of Polycarp, a disciple of St. John. On the walls of the church are the works of the French painter Raymond Pere, known for his paintings depicting the life of Polycarp. The murder of Polycarp for his faith played an important role in the construction of the church, and Pere's paintings contributed to the immortalization of Polycarp's life. The Church of Saint Polycarp is rich in history and art and is an inspiring place for visitors.
Key Car Museum
There is a museum where private automobile collections are exhibited in Torbalı district, which is approximately 46 km from İzmir. Opened in 2015, this automobile museum was established on an area of 7,000 square meters and is one of the largest automobile museums in Turkey. In the museum, which contains a collection of 130 cars and 40 motorcycles, you can see rare cars belonging to the first productions of brands such as Mercedes, Ford, Porsche and BMW.
The museum, which accepts visitors every day except Monday and Tuesday, is open from 10:00 in the morning until 17:00 in the evening. You can have a pleasant time while learning the stories of legendary cars. The museum's collection is a paradise for automobile lovers, and you can learn a lot about the history of vehicles. It is a must-visit place for car enthusiasts.
Ege University Botany and Herbarium Center is a place where many live and dried plants are exhibited together and is a must-visit spot for plant lovers. The center was built in 1962 for the protection of many plants and contains a rich plant diversity.
You can find the opportunity to see many live and dried plants together in the center. This special plant collection will satisfy your eyes by offering a visual feast. In addition to plant species unique to the Aegean region, rare plants found in other places are also exhibited. It is a great sightseeing spot for botanical enthusiasts and offers a unique experience where they can see the beauty of nature up close.
Izmir Kordon Seaside
Kordonboyu is the place you must visit to escape the busy life of Izmir and relieve the tiredness of the day. Here, you can lie on the grass and enjoy the view and taste delicious snacks from street vendors depending on the season. The most enjoyable social activity you can do in Kordonboyu is the bike rental service. By renting a bike here, you can explore the road by the sea and spend a nice day.
Sasali Zoo
Another place worth exploring in Izmir is the Natural Life Park. The park, which is among the largest natural life parks in Europe, is located in Çiğli district. Many living species continue their natural lives in the park. The park, which has been carefully designed to offer the most comfortable and natural environments of animals, offers an unforgettable experience to its visitors. Here you can take a walk, explore the natural habitat of animals and have unforgettable memories.
Izmir Bird Sanctuary, which is among the natural beauties of Izmir, is a must-visit place for bird lovers. This natural habitat, which hosts more than two hundred bird species, is a place visited by tens of thousands of birds every year due to its location on bird migration routes. Among the birds you can see here are many species such as flamingos, wild ducks, pelicans, herons, hawks and gulls. The pleasant nature walks, bird watching spots and natural beauties of İzmir Bird Paradise are an ideal place for those who want to escape from the noise of the city and enjoy nature.
The place where the Izmir Economics Congress convened in 1923 is an important place where Atatürk carried out his work. The writing sets used by Atatürk and other items belonging to the period are also exhibited here.
Another stop among the touristic places of Izmir is the Archeology Museum. Important works are exhibited here, and the most remarkable work is the Statue of Androklos, which belongs to Androklos, the founder of Ephesus. You can discover many historical artifacts in the museum, which is among the must-see places of Izmir. - Utku ÇELİK