Living by the Aegean Sea - Izmir, Turkey.

I recently spent a few days in this coastal city, which boasts one-third of the Aegean Sea. Izmir is about 550 kilometers away from Istanbul by direct flight, costing around 215 yuan. According to local Turks, Izmir is often used as a transit city or a short-stay destination due to its proximity to Istanbul, making it suitable for weekend getaways. Therefore, the city lacks a strong holiday atmosphere and is more local-oriented. Alaçatı and Çeşme are more suitable for vacationing. If you have Izmir on your Turkish travel itinerary, a three- or four-day stay is sufficient. Alaçatı can be visited on a day trip (airport bus available). Ephesus is also nearby (train from Selçuk railway station), and a round trip is possible within a day with proper planning and time management. 🚇 Public Transportation Public transportation in Izmir is similar to Istanbul, with a 50lt deposit. The same card can be used for all public transportation, including public toilets. A single-use card can be used for three trips and costs 35lt. However, the card vending machines at metro stations are often malfunctioning. During my stay, I rarely saw a machine selling full cards. Single-trip cards are also unavailable if you don't have change. 35lt is not a common denomination, and I had to take a taxi to my hotel from the airport halfway. If you want to buy a card, Konak Pier is the best option. The counter has a wide variety of cards, making it more flexible to use. 🏨 Accommodation and Food The safest areas for accommodation and dining are concentrated around the seaside on the map. There are about 100 restaurants along the coastline. Hotel prices are not very reasonable, with few mid-range options. Most hotels are either luxury or guesthouses. Airbnb is recommended. For food, a general rule is that the closer to the sea, the more expensive and tourist-oriented the restaurants are. You can find many affordable and authentic restaurants in the old town (walk inwards from the Clock Tower). Look for crowded places, and you'll likely find delicious food. There is also a large market in the old town, similar to a women's street in China, selling cheap goods. It's worth a visit for the lively atmosphere. As there are several universities in Izmir, it is also known as a university town. Some interesting market stalls can be found scattered on various streets (open daily). 🚶‍♂️ Coastal Promenade The coastal promenade is perfect for relaxing. Locals often sit there with a few cans of beer and sunflower seeds, contemplating the meaning of life. If you're looking for excitement and vacation vibes, this is not the place for you. After 9pm, the streets are deserted, and shops are closed. The peak tourist season here is spring and summer. According to foreign travel blogs, areas outside the city center can be dangerous, so avoid wandering around. For vacationing, Bodrum is a better option, as it is a pure resort area.