Ayhan Mortepe in İzmir, Konak: 2 Spots

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for İzmir

Must-try foods in İzmir

• Boyoz
  BoyozThe quintessential İzmir breakfast pastry, brought to the city by Sephardic Jewish immigrants in the 15th century. It is a flaky, unleavened circular bread made with flour, sunflower oil, and tahini. Traditionally, it is served warm alongside a hard-boiled egg sprinkled with black pepper and a glass of Turkish tea.
• Kumru
  Kumruİzmir's signature sandwich, distinguished by its artisanal bread made with chickpea yeast and covered in sesame seeds. The 'classic' version features İzmir tulum cheese, tomatoes, and green peppers, while the popular 'hot' version is loaded with grilled sucuk (spicy sausage), salami, and melted kaşar cheese.
• İzmir Gevrek
  İzmir GevrekWhile it looks like a standard simit, locals insist on the name 'gevrek.' Unlike the Istanbul version, İzmir's gevrek is first dipped in boiling molasses (pekmez) and then baked, resulting in a significantly crunchier, darker crust that is heavily encrusted with toasted sesame seeds.
• Kelle Söğüş
  Kelle SöğüşA unique street food delicacy consisting of cold-served, finely sliced meat from a boiled lamb’s head (cheek, tongue, and brain). It is typically seasoned with plenty of parsley, onions, tomatoes, and cumin, then wrapped tightly in a fresh lavaş flatbread.
• İzmir Bombası
  İzmir BombasıA viral sensation that has become a modern classic. It is a thin, almost translucent cookie dough shell that explodes with a liquid chocolate-hazelnut filling when bitten. While originally plain, 2026 trends see new varieties like white chocolate, pistachio, and lotus cream.
• Şambali
  ŞambaliA heavy, semolina-based cake soaked in syrup, often found at historic street stalls in the Kemeraltı Bazaar. It is dense, rectangular, and usually topped with a single peanut or almond. For the authentic local experience, ask for it 'kaymaklı' (with a thick layer of clotted cream) in the middle.

Trip guide

• About İzmir
  About İzmirİzmir, historically known as Smyrna, is a coastal city on the Aegean Sea with a documented settlement history spanning approximately 8,500 years. The city has functioned as a primary port and commercial center for multiple civilizations, including the Aeolian and Ionian Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit İzmir is during the shoulder seasons of April to June and September to October, when temperatures are comfortably warm for sightseeing and coastal exploration. Summer (July and August) is the peak tourist season with hot, dry weather often exceeding 33°C (91°F), while winter is the off-peak period characterized by cooler temperatures and the highest rainfall. For a balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
• Getting around
  Getting around İzmir

  • Air and Rail (Getting There) Fly into Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB), then take the İZBAN commuter train directly from the airport terminal to central hubs like Alsancak or Hilal. The train is the fastest and most cost-effective way to reach the.
  • İzmirim Kart (Local Transport) Purchase a rechargeable İzmirim Kart to access the city's integrated network of metro lines, trams.
  • Gulf Ferries (Local Transport) Utilize the public ferry system (İZDENİZ) to travel across the Gulf of İzmir between major piers like Konak, Karşıyaka, and Bostanlı. It is a scenic and efficient alternative to road traffic.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Purchase an İzmirim Kart at major transit hubs to access all public transport.
  • Expect to be offered a splash of lemon-scented kolonya (cologne) after a meal to refresh your hands, a local tradition deeply rooted in İzmir's citrus-growing heritage.
  • Always remove your shoes before entering a local home and accept the offered tea (çay) as a sign of respect for Turkish hospitality.
• What’s new
  What’s new in İzmir

  • International Horticultural Expo 2026 (Expo İzmir): A major 6-month global event themed 'Living in Harmony' featuring nature-based urban revitalisation and over 200 cultural events.
  • Ephesus Visitor Overhaul: A significant reorganization of the UNESCO World Heritage site to enhance visitor management and preservation, debuting new routes and infrastructure.
• Visit İzmir↗
  Visit İzmirThe official digital tourism portal for İzmir, providing comprehensive guides to the city's historical, cultural, and natural heritage.