Ayhan Mortepe in İzmir, Bornova: 1 Spot

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for İzmir

Must-try foods in İzmir

• Boyoz
  BoyozA flaky, unleavened pastry brought to İzmir by Sephardic Jewish immigrants in the 15th century. It is the city's quintessential breakfast item, typically served with a hard-boiled egg sprinkled with black pepper and salt. In 2026, Alsancak Dostlar Fırını remains the most iconic spot.
• İzmir Gevrek
  İzmir GevrekDistinct from the standard Turkish simit, İzmir's gevrek is boiled in a molasses (pekmez) bath before being coated in sesame seeds and baked, resulting in a crunchier texture and a deep golden hue. Locals are famously protective of the name 'gevrek,' and Zeynel Ergin Gevrek Fırını in Alsancak is widely considered the gold standard for this street staple.
• Kumru
  KumruAn artisanal sandwich made with a unique chickpea-leavened bread. The traditional 'İzmir Kumrusu' features İzmir tulum cheese, tomato, and green pepper, served cold. However, the more famous 'Çeşme Kumrusu' variation is served hot, stuffed with grilled sucuk (spicy sausage), salami.
• İzmir Bombası
  İzmir BombasıA modern cult classic that has taken the city by storm over the last few years. It is a thin, almost translucent dough shell filled to the brim with liquid hazelnut cocoa cream (Nutella-style) that 'explodes' when bitten. Çelebi Ünlü Mamuller in Alsancak is the original creator, and despite many new variations appearing in late 2025 and 2026.
• Kelle Söğüş
  Kelle SöğüşA unique cold offal dish that is a point of pride for İzmir locals. It consists of chilled, finely chopped pieces of sheep's head (tongue, cheek, and brain) seasoned with parsley, onions, tomatoes, and plenty of cumin and red pepper.
• İzmir Usulü Kokoreç
  İzmir Usulü Kokoreçİzmir-style kokoreç (grilled lamb intestines) differs from the Istanbul version by focusing on the purity of the meat. In İzmir, the meat is chopped into larger rings and served without tomatoes or peppers, seasoned only with salt, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Kokoreççi Asım Usta in Çamdibi remains a 'pilgrimage site' for foodies in 2026.

Trip guide

• About İzmir
  About İzmirİzmir, historically known as Smyrna, is a coastal city on the Aegean Sea with a recorded settlement history dating to approximately 6500 BC. The city’s historical heritage includes the Agora of Smyrna, an open-air museum featuring Roman-era colonnades and water channels reconstructed after 178 AD.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit İzmir is during the spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October) when the weather is warm and pleasant for exploring both the city and nearby ruins like Ephesus. Summer (July and August) can be intensely hot with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F), making it the peak season for crowds but less ideal for sightseeing. For lower prices and fewer tourists, visit in the shoulder seasons.
• Getting around
  Getting around İzmir

  • Air and Rail (Getting There) Fly into Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) and take the İZBAN commuter train directly from the terminal to central stations like Alsancak or Hilal. The train runs every 15 minutes and is the most efficient way to reach the.
  • İzmirim Kart Integrated System (Getting Around) Purchase a rechargeable İzmirim Kart to access an integrated network of Metro, trams, and buses. The Metro connects eastern and western districts.
  • İzdeniz Ferries (Getting Around) Use the public ferry system for a scenic and traffic-free way to cross the Gulf of İzmir. Major terminals include Konak, Karşıyaka.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Purchase an İzmirim Kart for seamless access to the city's integrated public transport system, including the iconic passenger ferries crossing the gulf.
  • When dining, it is customary to order dishes individually as you want them rather than all at once, and always check the bill for an included service charge before tipping 5-10%.
  • Accept the offer of 'kolonya' (lemon-scented cologne) after a meal or upon entering a shop as a standard local gesture for hygiene and refreshment.
• What’s new
  What’s new in İzmir

  • 95th İzmir International Fair: Running through September 13, 2026, at Kültürpark, this historic multi-sector event features international trade exhibits, open-air concerts.
  • İzmir Independence Day Celebrations: Today, September 9, the city is hosting major parades, air shows.
• Visit İzmir↗
  Visit İzmirThe official digital tourism portal for İzmir, providing comprehensive guides to the city's historical, cultural, and natural heritage.