Konak is the beating heart of Izmir — the city's central district where history, markets, the seafront and modern life all meet. If you have a day (or even just an afternoon) in central Izmir, this is where you'll spend most of it. Below is a local guide to the best things to do in Konak, followed by the perfect way to recover afterwards.
1. Konak Square & the Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi)
The ornate Clock Tower, built in 1901, is the symbol of Izmir and the natural starting point for any walk through the city. The surrounding Konak Square sits right on the waterfront, with ferries coming and going, pigeons everywhere, and the small, tiled Yalı Mosque nearby. It's the best place to get your bearings before heading into the bazaar.
2. Kemeraltı Bazaar
Just behind the square begins Kemeraltı, one of Turkey's great historic markets — a labyrinth of covered lanes selling spices, jewellery, textiles, coffee and street food. Don't miss Kızlarağası Han, a beautifully restored 18th-century caravanserai, and stop for a Turkish coffee in one of the hidden courtyard cafés. Give yourself at least a couple of hours here; it's easy to get happily lost.
3. The Kordon Seafront
When you need air and open space, walk to the Kordon — Izmir's famous palm-lined promenade along the Aegean. Locals come here to cycle, picnic on the grass, and watch the sunset over the bay. It's one of the most relaxed waterfronts in Turkey and perfect for an evening stroll.
4. The Historic Asansör
A short trip south in the Karataş neighbourhood, the Asansör is a historic elevator built in 1907 to connect the lower street to the hilltop homes. The view from the top — across the rooftops and out to the bay — is one of the best in the city, especially at golden hour.
5. The Ancient Agora
For a dose of antiquity, the Agora of Smyrna is an open-air archaeological site dating back to the Roman era, tucked right into the modern city near Kemeraltı. It's a quiet, atmospheric contrast to the busy bazaar nearby.
Where to Relax After a Day in Konak
Sightseeing in Izmir means a lot of walking — cobbled bazaar lanes, hills, and the long Kordon. The best way to end the day is the way locals have for centuries: with a massage and a Turkish hamam.
Right in Konak, on Fevzi Paşa Boulevard, Lavanta Terapi Spa offers exactly that — a calm, professional escape just minutes from the square. After a day on your feet you can choose a classic or deep-tissue massage, experience an authentic Turkish bath (hamam) with foam and scrub, and use the sauna and wet areas to fully unwind.
A few things that make it easy for visitors:
- Open every day, 10:00 – 00:30 — perfect for an evening session after sightseeing.
- Central Konak location, a short ride from Konak Square, the Kordon and Alsancak.
- Book in English on WhatsApp, so there's no language barrier.
After exploring the Clock Tower, losing yourself in Kemeraltı and watching the sunset on the Kordon, a warm hamam and a long massage is the perfect final chapter to a day in Izmir.
If you'd like to plan your visit, message the spa directly on WhatsApp — the team can suggest the right treatment for you and find a time that fits around your trip.
