Are you tired of the monotonous corridors of modern shopping malls, the sterile atmosphere where every storefront is a copy of the last? What if we offered you the chance to get lost in a living, breathing labyrinth of history, where every corner tells a different story? This is a magical place where time seems to stand still, where the sounds of human chatter mix with the hum of machinery, and where the scent of spices dances with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee: the heart of Izmir, the Historic Kemeraltı Bazaar.

This massive open-air market, which has been the city's commercial center since the Hellenistic period, gets its name from the vaulted arches that once covered its streets. The elegant curve of Anafartalar Avenue, the bazaar's main artery, actually follows the shoreline of an old inner harbor that was filled in centuries ago. That's why a list of things to do inthe Historic Kemeraltı Bazaar is much more than a simple shopping list; it's a collection of experiences that will awaken your senses and take you on a journey through time. Its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in April 2020 is the greatest proof of its uniqueness.   

If you're ready, we're taking you to three of this labyrinth's most special stops: a coffee ritual in a historic courtyard, a treasure hunt through narrow streets, and a delicious break filled with authentic flavors.

Sip Turkish Coffee Brewed in a Cup in the Courtyard of Kızlarağası Han

When you step away from the crowded and energetic streets of Kemeraltı and walk through a stone gate, the flow of time suddenly slows down. The noise gives way to a peaceful hum. This is the magnificent Kızlarağası Han (Inn), built in 1744 by Hacı Beşir Ağa, the Chief Black Eunuch for Sultan Mahmud I, and it still stands proudly today. After its restoration in 1993, this two-story structure with a large courtyard was transformed into a center of attraction filled with antique shops, silversmiths, and craft workshops.   

Take a seat on one of the wicker chairs scattered around the inn's courtyard and order yourself not just any Turkish coffee, but a Kemeraltı classic: "fincanda pişen kahve," or coffee brewed directly in the cup. This is a special ritual, very different from the usual method of brewing in a cezve (a small coffee pot). The coffee, water, and sugar are mixed directly into a thick, fire-resistant porcelain cup and brewed slowly over embers or hot sand.   

The secret to this method lies in the porcelain, which distributes heat much more slowly and evenly than a metal cezve. This prevents the coffee from boiling suddenly and becoming bitter; instead, its aroma is fully released into the water, resulting in an incredibly intense flavor with a velvety foam. When combined with the historic atmosphere of the courtyard, the gentle clatter from the surrounding shops, and the unique aroma filling the air, this experience transcends a simple coffee break and becomes an unforgettable memory. If you wish, you can complete this nostalgic journey by trying the Ottoman sherbet tradition, revived in places like Kumda Kahve.   

Shop in the Bustling and Narrow Streets of the Bazaar

Now that your coffee break is over, it's time to immerse yourself in the energy of Kemeraltı once again. This is a living organism, sprawling over a massive 270-hectare area, housing nearly 700 different business lines and more than 14,000 shops. A diversity and spirit of discovery that a modern mall could never offer awaits you in these narrow streets. Shopping here is less about checking items off a list and more like a treasure hunt. Set out without knowing what you're looking for and let the bazaar guide you. On one street, you might find yourself among shops selling traditional handmade ceramics, tile panels, and leather goods , while the next may draw you into the magical world of silversmiths or antique dealers who have been practicing their craft for generations. The heart of the traditional shopping for wedding dresses and circumcision outfits for Izmir families also beats here.   

What makes Kemeraltı truly special is its human touch. Here, instead of the cold face of big brands, you'll meet shopkeepers sipping tea in front of their stores, sharing their family's story as they tell you about their products. You can get tips on Aegean herbs while buying spices from an herbalist, or learn the best brewing secrets while getting your coffee ground at a local roaster. This unique experience offered by Kemeraltı is just the beginning of understanding the soul of Izmir. Don't forget to check out our guide to other places to discover in Izmir to explore the entire city.

Take a Break at an Esnaf Lokantası in Abacıoğlu Han

After all that walking, exploring, and discovering, it's impossible not to feel hungry. Now we're taking you to one of Kemeraltı's most delicious secrets, the Abacıoğlu Han, which charms with its restored courtyard and historical texture. This is the hidden fortress of esnaf lokantaları (tradesmen's restaurants), where you can find the most authentic and delicious dishes of Aegean cuisine.

An esnaf lokantası, as the name suggests, is a modest, friendly, and flavor-focused establishment that primarily cooks for the surrounding shopkeepers and workers. It is in these restaurants that you can taste the true spirit of the region, from dishes made with Aegean herbs like blessed thistle and wild fennel to meat dishes like elbasan tava, passed down through generations.   

The star of Abacıoğlu Han is undoubtedly Ayşa Boşnak Börekçisi, which has earned a spot in the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand category for its excellence. Sit at one of the tables under the shade of the plane trees and order a crispy Bosnian börek or the unique Bosnian mantı, which is very different from the mantı we know, featuring baked dough pieces served with garlic yogurt. Don't forget to crown your meal with Trileçe, the famous three-milk cake of the Balkans. To discover authentic experiences across Turkey, just like this culinary journey in Kemeraltı, you can visit our page (   

https://www.yerelrehber.com/en/explore/things-to-do/all).

Kemeraltı is Just the Beginning

Getting lost in the narrow streets of Kemeraltı, sipping its coffee, and tasting its delicacies is one of the best first steps to discovering Izmir. But your adventure doesn't end here; on the contrary, you're right in the center of it all! Here are a few more wonderful routes waiting for you when you leave the bazaar:

Agora Open Air Museum: Right next to the bazaar, a magnificent open-air museum awaits to transport you to the Ancient Roman period. You can touch thousands of years of history while walking through the state agora of the city of Smyrna.   

Konak Square and the Clock Tower: Located at the main entrance of Kemeraltı, this iconic square is home to Izmir's most famous postcard view. Don't leave Izmir without taking a souvenir photo in front of the elegant Clock Tower, built in 1901 to honor the 25th anniversary of Sultan Abdülhamid II's accession to the throne.   

Kadifekale (Velvet Castle): To end the day in the best way possible, head up to Kadifekale, which offers a panoramic view of Izmir and the bay. The view from here, especially at sunset, will make you forget all the fatigue of your trip.   

For more detailed and official information about the rich history and registered buildings of Kemeraltı, you can review the Kemeraltı information page prepared by the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is Kemeraltı Bazaar and how can I get there? Kemeraltı is located in the heart of Izmir, in the Konak district, between the Konak Square and the Mezarlıkbaşı neighborhood. Transportation is very easy. You can reach it with a few minutes' walk by getting off at the Konak or Çankaya stations of the Izmir Metro. Additionally, the Konak Ferry Terminal, Konak Tram stop, and numerous ESHOT buses passing through the area will take you to different entrances of the bazaar.   

2. What are the general visiting hours for Kemeraltı Bazaar? Since Kemeraltı is an open-air market, there are no official opening and closing hours. However, most shops generally open around 09:00-10:00 AM and close around 7:00-8:00 PM. Saturdays are the busiest days, and some shops may be closed on Sundays. It's a good idea to keep this in mind when planning your visit.