Food Stops from Boyoz to the Slow City
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İzmir's cuisine starts on the street; warm boyoz and a boiled egg in the morning, kumru or söğüş in Kemeraltı at noon, fish across the bay in the evening. This route gives a whole day to the plates. Walk from Kemeraltı to Alsancak, ferry over to the Karşıyaka bazaar, then head out to the peninsula for the meze tables of Urla İskele and the producers' market at Sığacık. The city part works on foot and by ferry; a car makes the last two stops easier. Come hungry.
Route Stops
The Historical and Lively Shopping Center of İzmir: Kemeraltı Bazaar
Between eight and nine, boyoz, gevrek and tea outside a bakery; toward noon the kumru and söğüş stalls open, so come back.
Located in the Konak district of İzmir, Kemeraltı Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest open-air markets in Turkey, with a rich history dating back to the 17th century. This area has been the center of trade since the Ottoman period and is a popular destination for both local and foreign visitors due to its historical atmosphere and vibrant character.
With its narrow streets, historic inns, mosques, coffee houses, and traditional shops, Kemeraltı offers much more than a classic bazaar. Here, you can find a wide variety of products such as gold and silver jewelry, spices, leather goods, antiques, handmade carpets, textile products, and souvenirs. The authentic atmosphere of the bazaar transforms shopping into a delightful and unique experience.
Kızlarağası Inn is one of the most important historical structures in the bazaar. Built in the 18th century during the Ottoman period, this inn now hosts craft shops and coffee houses for its visitors. Especially tasting Turkish coffee brewed over coals in its historic coffee houses is among the top things to do in Kemeraltı.
Kemeraltı also draws attention with its mosques and synagogues that house İzmir's cultural heritage. Hisar Mosque, Şadırvan Mosque, Salepçioğlu Mosque, and Beth İsrael Synagogue are among the religious structures that should be seen in the bazaar.
The bazaar, which is crowded and lively throughout the day, also offers delicious options to its visitors in the evening with its famous dessert shops, restaurants, and small taverns. One of İzmir's most beloved street foods, boyoz and kumru, are must-try delicacies in Kemeraltı.
For those who want to feel the historical texture and explore different cultures while shopping, Kemeraltı Bazaar is one of the best places that reflects the spirit of İzmir.
Izmir's Historical Bazaar: Kızlarağası Hanı
Sit in the han courtyard and order pot-brewed coffee with lokum. It is a good break from the bazaar's noise, and the coffee is cheaper than outside.
The Kızlarağası Hanı, located in the Konak district of İzmir, is one of the most important trade centers that has survived from the Ottoman period to the present day. Built in 1744 by Hacı Beşir Ağa, this historic inn was constructed as a lodging and shopping point for merchants coming to the port city. Today, it welcomes visitors as one of İzmir's most authentic shopping and cultural centers.
The inn showcases one of the finest examples of classical Ottoman inn architecture. With a courtyard and a two-story structure, the Kızlarağası Hanı traditionally used the lower floor for commercial purposes, while the upper floor was once the accommodation area for merchants. Today, the courtyard and surrounding area of the inn feature souvenir shops, handicraft workshops, jewelers, carpet dealers, and antique shops.
One of the elements that makes this place special is its hosting of İzmir's most famous coffee shops. Sitting in the courtyard of the historic inn and sipping Turkish coffee brewed over coals is a must for those who want to experience nostalgia. Especially, dibek coffee and menengiç coffee are among the most preferred beverages here.
Kızlarağası Hanı is also a meeting point for artists and craftsmen. Jewelry made with traditional craftsmanship, calligraphy art, leather products, and objects from the Ottoman period are among the most special souvenirs that can be discovered here.
Kordon (First Kordon).
Walk the seafront to Alsancak; a glass of tea on the Kordon with the sea view is the free part of this route.
Karsiyaka Market.
Take the ferry from Konak; try the İzmir specialities lokma and bomba at the bazaar's patisseries, both of them, no arguing.
Urla Pier.
Head to the peninsula in the late afternoon; Aegean herb meze and the catch of the day at the İskele fish restaurants, sunset on the pier first.
Sığacık.
If it is Sunday, buy village bread, jam and mandarins at the Sığacık producers' market; end the day at the cafes inside the fort.
