Gone are the days when the busy waterfront of Izmir was famous for the nefarious odors it emitted, so much so that it was named Kokaryaly (Smelly Waterfront) by the Ottoman elite. Today, this blossoming resort is under continuous reconstruction and expansion and is currently considered to be livelier than Istanbul, less sterile than Ankara yet very attractive for tourists thank to the bordering azure waters of the Aegean which make it one of the best in all yacht charter Turkey.
Among the hot spots in town in terms of tourism there are: the archeology museum, the Clock Tower, the Ethnography Museum, the “Velvet Fortress”, the Kizlaragasi Han Bazaar, the Konak Pier and the Agora, of course. Since Izmir has long been a melting pot of cultures and different peoples it’s a nice idea to travel along the town streets and get a feel for each of them.
If you’re considering eating out, there is only one place to go to, the Kordon waterfront promenade, which, since its reconstruction has become the food central of the town. Here you’ll find some of the best restaurants, the nicest cafes and the loveliest recipes to tempt your taste buds.
Also, this place doubles up as a happening spot once the sun goes down, turning the Kordon waterfront park into a busy region where people congregate for a bit of fun out on the town. There, among the ferryboat docks, you’ll find restaurants, seaside cafes, and pubs, all with terraces overlooking the sea and with the same high prices. But money has to be spent in order to see and be seen.
As far as festivities go, there is the famous Izmir European Jazz Festival happening in March, the International Jazz Festival between June and July and the Karsiaka Children Festival in April. For a sailing enthusiast that also has a love for good quality music, this is the place to be.
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