12 Experiences in Izmir Without Spending a Single Penny.

Most of the best things in İzmir are free. The seafront, the bazaar, the square, the view from a ferry deck; the city gives itself away without asking for money. We have gathered twelve things for a full day with your wallet left at the hotel.

One, lying on the grass on the Kordon. The seafront from Konak to Alsancak is the city's shared garden; watching the sunset from here is İzmir's most-practised free activity.

Two, the Clock Tower and Konak Square. No ticket is needed to see the tower, the tiled Yalı Mosque and the pigeons, pigeon feed excepted.

Three, getting lost in Kemeraltı. You do not have to shop; stepping into han courtyards, browsing stalls and passing the synagogues is free.

Four, Hisar Mosque and Kızlarağası Han. Both free; you do not have to buy anything to sit in the han courtyard, but the coffee is cheap, so buy one.

Five, the view from Kadifekale. The walls and the bay cost nothing; the bus up is a few lira, accept that much.

Six, the Asansör terrace. Riding the historic lift is free, and so is the view at the top.

Seven, Havra Street. Entering the buildings requires an appointment, but the street itself, the fish stalls and the facade ornaments are always open.

Eight, Kültürpark. Entry to the 42-hectare park is free; the running track, pond and open-air sculptures cost nothing, only the funfair and museum charge.

Nine, the Temple of Artemis. Seeing the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world is free; the train fare to Selçuk excepted.

Ten, Alsancak Station and Kıbrıs Şehitleri. Looking at the station building, wandering the pedestrian street and listening to street musicians cost nothing; the hat is up to you.

Eleven, Bayraklı Mound. The city's first settlement, on foot from the İZBAN stop, free entry.

Twelve, the ferry deck. The single exception; a few lira with an İzmirim Kart. But if that is the price of seeing the bay from the water, it deserves its place on the list.

As a bonus. The Selçuk Yaşar Painting Museum is free. The foyer exhibitions at the AASSM are free. Arkas Sanat sometimes has free days; check the website. In summer the municipality holds free open-air concerts on the Kordon and at the Gasworks; kultursanat.izmir.bel.tr has the programme.

A day goes like this. Kemeraltı in the morning, past the outside of the Agora and up to Kadifekale by bus at midday, the Kordon in the afternoon, the Asansör toward evening, street music on Kıbrıs Şehitleri at night. Total spend, one kumru and a few glasses of tea. Not bad.