Selfie with the Ephesus Theater on my 43rd birthday
I've just concluded my five day trip to Izmir (where I also celebrated my birthday) and I have to say I love this city😊 Not only is it a beautiful city rich in culture and history with really nice weather but the people are definitely one of the friendliest I've met. I can not count how many times I've been helped by total strangers during my stay in Izmir: from getting simple directions, to being offered free use of a metro/subway card, to being personally accompanied by a couple to the bus stop even if it's out of their way, and more!
Of course, when you talk of going to Izmir, you simply can't miss going to Ephesus which is the most popular ancient city in Turkey. Pergamon is another UNESCO World Heritage Site although I was not able to visit it, neither any of their wonderful beaches 😍 I guess I really have to come back to Izmir some other time. In case you are traveling to this extraordinary city, here are some of my travel tips:
The Clock Tower
Video of the Clock Tower and the nearby Konak Mosque
Konak Mosque
Kordon: It starts from the Port of Izmir all the way down to Konak Ferry Landing. Here, you'll find lots of restaurants, bars and cafes as you take a walk along the seaside.
Konak Pier: This fish market-turned shopping mall was designed by the same architect who did the design of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Hisar Mosque or the Fort Mosque
Visiting Kemeralti Bazaar or any bazaar for that matter as each one of them is worth a visit 😉
Saint Polycarp Church: This is only open between 3pm and 5pm so make sure you plan your visit accordingly
Saint John Cathedral (unfortunately it was closed during my visit)
Montro Square
The Love Street: This is just behind the Hilton Izmir where I stayed so it was very accessible for me 😉
Smyrna Agora dating back from the Roman period (entrance fee is 10 Lira)
Mount Pagos (this is where Alexander the Great's castle was located) Also known as Kadifekale
There's no other place where you can have fantastic views of the city of Izmir than here in Kadifekale 👍
The house of Virgin Mary in Ephesus
Video tour of the House of Virgin Mary in Ephesus
Library of Celsus in Ephesus
Video tour of the Library of Celsus in Ephesus
The Ephesus Theater
Video tour of the Ephesus Theater
Visiting a carpet shop which produces real authentic carpets
