Kemeraltı–Agora History Route
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You can walk the layers of a three-thousand-year-old city in four hours; from the Ottoman square to the bazaar's 17th-century hans, on to the vaulted galleries of the Roman agora and finally up to the Hellenistic walls of Kadifekale. You start at Konak, the road climbs gently all the way and the widest view in the city waits at the end. Get a Müzekart for the Agora and take a taxi or bus up to Kadifekale; we are not leaving the hill to you.
Route Stops
Izmir Clock Tower.
Start at the 1901 tower; glance at the Governor's Office and Yalı Mosque on the square too, five minutes.
The Historical and Lively Shopping Center of İzmir: Kemeraltı Bazaar
Dive into the bazaar from Anafartalar Avenue; do not hesitate to step into the han courtyards, nobody asks.
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
Feel the bazaar's trading past in the 1744 caravanserai; the coffee break is right here.
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.
Smyrna Agora Archaeological Site.
Walk five minutes east of the bazaar. You are in the Roman agora, and the basilica's basement galleries are the coolest place in the city in summer.
Kadife Kale.
Twenty minutes uphill from the Agora or a bus; finish looking over the whole bay from the walls, tea in hand.
