[2025 Konak Attraction] Travel Guide for Ataturk Konak Square (Updated Jul)

Embark on a city walk in Izmir and explore the unique charm of this Turkish coastal city on foot—an unforgettable experience. Begin at the vibrant Konak Square, home to Izmir's iconic clock tower. As its hands tick, they seem to whisper tales of the city's past. The square bustles with activity, street performers play traditional instruments, and the surrounding architecture blends Ottoman and modern Turkish elements. Stroll along the seaside promenade, where the Aegean Sea unfolds before you. The gentle sea breeze carries a salty scent, and waves lap gently against the shore. On one side, the azure sea stretches out, dotted with boats; on the other, cafes and restaurants beckon. Settle into an outdoor cafe, sip Turkish tea, and soak in the tranquil sea views. Venture into Izmir's old town, where narrow streets wind past colorful houses adorned with climbing plants and blooming flowers. Time seems to slow down here. Browse the unique shops filled with handicrafts, from exquisite ceramics and handwoven carpets to exotic silver jewelry. Chat with the shopkeepers and uncover the stories behind these crafts, immersing yourself in Izmir's rich culture. At midday, find a traditional restaurant in the old town and savor Turkish kebabs. Juicy lamb pairs perfectly with fragrant rice and refreshing salad, igniting your taste buds. Don't miss the renowned Turkish pide—crispy flatbread served with flavorful sauces. After lunch, explore the Agora Open Air Museum, once a bustling commercial and social hub. Though only ruins remain, they evoke the site's former grandeur. Wander among the towering stone columns and ancient arches, remnants of a glorious past. Here, history comes alive. As evening approaches, ascend Kadifekale Castle for panoramic views of Izmir. The setting sun casts a golden glow over the city, and the Aegean Sea shimmers in the distance, creating a breathtaking scene. When night falls, Izmir's nightlife awakens. Step into a local bar where live music fills the air, and people sway to the rhythm. Order a Turkish cocktail and join the lively atmosphere, experiencing the city's evening energy. This Izmir city walk, from historical sites to coastal scenery, from unique shops to culinary delights, is full of surprises, immersing you in the city's captivating charm.

Izmir is a quiet and leisurely "slow" city located in the Aegean region of western Turkey. The most comfortable way to travel here is to visit local cafes, order a popular ice cream, jog or walk by the sea, and spend a leisurely day in the sea breeze~ In 2024, it was rated as one of the "Best Cities" in 2024 by the famous travel guide series "Lonely Planet". This city is born for life, with a beautiful coastline nearly two kilometers long, extending to the bustling Kemeraltı Bazaar. 🌟Recommended attractions in Izmir⬇️⬇️⬇️ 【Clock Tower】 The clock tower on Izmir Konak Square is very historical The exquisite and beautiful shape is a local landmark building. Izmir's banks, department stores, and opera houses are gathered here. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of Sultan Abdul Hamid II's accession to the throne. The clock tower was designed by French architect Raymond Charles Péré, who spent most of his life in Izmir. In front of the clock tower is the blue sea. Many pedestrians and tourists will stop to enjoy the scenery and take photos in front of the clock tower. 【Big Elevator】 This attraction has a history of hundreds of years. It was once built by a local tycoon for the surrounding residents. Now it has become a famous local attraction and an excellent view of Izmir's seaside! There are restaurant shops under the elevator, graffiti murals and many cute cats, which are very artistic There are also restaurants on both sides of the elevator, but there is a more exquisite sense of the scenic spot. Going forward is the first floor of the residential area. There is a sense of Chongqing's mountain city. It is very romantic to watch the sunset here in the evening! 【Seaside】 The seaside of Izmir is a lawn and promenade, and there are trams 🚃 three or two couples, romantic and romantic.

📅 Itinerary Day1：Visiting all the Mosques in the city :) Day2: Food and beer with the sea view and trying local seafood, and visit Historical lift with a view. Day3: Chill by the pool at Swissotel, traditional turkish tea and breakfast at the local restaurant by the sea. 🏨 Accommodation Swissotel Efes 🍴 Food Recommendations Local seafood, seabass, traditional turkish tea. 📌 Tips Had no time for the island visit, but was highly recommender by the hotel concierge.

📍Attraction address: Konak Square is located in the Provincial Residence District of Izmir and is the most important central square in Izmir. 🚗Transportation to attractions: [One] Metro: Take the Izmir Metrosu metro, get off at Çankaya station, and walk for 10 minutes to Kunak Square. [Two] Public buses: 10, 253, K.Yaka, etc. are all available. [Three] Ferry: Take the Bostanli/Karşıyaka-Konak ferry line, disembark at Konak station and walk 15 minutes to the square. [Four] Self-driving parking: You can park your car in the Konak İbrahim Akbayır parking lot. There are many parking spaces. It is a 10-minute walk to the square. Kemeraltı Otoparkı parking lot is located at 847 Sokak 35260 Fevzi, closer to the square. Izmir Park Shopping Mall Izmir Park Shopping Mall is located at Eşrefpaşa Caddesi No:408. Parking is convenient, but it is far from the square, about 20 minutes' walk. 👍️Must visit attractions: [One] Kunak Clock Tower: The Kunak Clock Tower in the center of the square was built in 1901 and is an important landmark in the city of Izmir. It was donated by Sultan Abdulhamit and is in late Ottoman style. [Two]Hisar Mosque: It is one of the largest and oldest mosques in the center of Izmir, with a richly decorated interior and some of Izmir's outstanding Ottoman Islamic art works. [Three]Kemeralti Market: A traditional market, very lively, where you can buy many special products, as well as enjoy tea and food. [Four] Izmir Museum of Culture and Art: The museum has a rich collection and you can feel the development of local culture and art. 🎟️Ticket related: The square is free and can be visited 24 hours a day. The recommended time is 10:00-20:00, because the nearby busy business districts are open during this time. 💗Other tips: Kemeraltı and Konak areas are one of the important commercial centers in Izmir. There are many shops, a wide variety of small commodities, clothing, accessories, souvenirs, and handicrafts. You can meet your shopping needs here. It is relatively simple and cost-effective, and returning home with a full load is not a problem. There are many alleys. If you wander around, you will find unique cafes, restaurants, food stalls and bars. You can taste a variety of Turkish specialties, such as barbecue, Turkish coffee, black tea, etc., and enjoy your leisure time in Izmir. .

🌟 The gentle waves of the Aegean Sea kiss the shores of Izmir, and the beaches glisten golden under the sun, like a dazzling ribbon. Cafes and restaurants line the coast, where people enjoy a leisurely drink in the sea breeze. 🌟 Stroll through the historic Konak Square, where the clock tower stands solemnly, witnessing the passage of time. The ancient bazaar is filled with a rich exotic atmosphere, with a dazzling array of handicrafts and fragrant spices. 🌟 The ruins of the ancient city of Selçuk tell of past glories, with the broken walls and ruins weathered by time, yet still exuding a mysterious aura. 🌟 As the sun sets, the afterglow outlines a beautiful silhouette of Izmir, with mountains and city buildings blending together, and the sea reflecting the brilliant colors of the sky. Whether it's the ancient ruins or the charming coastal scenery, Izmir awaits travelers to unveil its mysterious and enchanting veil with its unique charm.

Hey, guys! 👋🌟 Today, I'm going to take you to a place full of Mediterranean charm - Izmir, Turkey! 🇹🇷💧 🏰 Introduction to Izmir Izmir, the third largest city in Turkey, is a beautiful city that combines the old and the modern. It not only has rich historical sites, but also charming coastlines and lively markets. 🌈 Best time to visit Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Izmir, with pleasant climate and avoiding the summer crowds. 🏨 Accommodation recommendation Alsancak area: A European-style area near the pier, with romantic colored buildings, very suitable for leisurely walks. Kordon area: Modern accommodation facilities, facing the sea, with beautiful sea views. 🍽 Food recommendation Turkish barbecue: Absolutely delicious, fragrant and juicy. Raki: A Turkish specialty drink, with a unique flavor worth a try. 🏖️ Must-visit attractions Konak Square: Here is the iconic clock tower, the heart of Izmir. Kemeralti Market: Explore this ancient market and experience authentic Turkish market life. Izmir Castle: Standing on the castle, you can overlook the beautiful view of the entire city. Ephesus: Explore this ancient Roman city and feel the weight of history. 📸 Photo check-in points Aegean Sea: The blue sea and warm sun are the perfect background for photos. Alacati Town: Greek-style blue and white buildings, a favorite of literary and artistic youth. 💡 Tips Currency: The currency of Turkey is lira, which can be exchanged at banks or airports before departure. Language: Turkish is the official language, but English is also widely used in tourist areas. ⚠️ Precautions Safety: Although Izmir is relatively safe, you should still pay attention to personal and property safety when you go out. Culture: Respect local customs and habits, especially when visiting religious places. Prepare your camera and sun hat, the beautiful scenery and culture of Izmir are waiting for you to explore! 🌟📸