Life on the Bay
Sunset on the Bostanlı steps
Wooden terraces facing due west on the Karşıyaka shore — the other side's answer to the Kordon.
Why do it?
The Bostanlı waterfront was redesigned with broad wooden steps and terraces that face straight into the sunset, and the north shore adopted them instantly: coffee in hand, feet up, sun going down over the bay. It's the Karşıyaka side's counterpart to the Kordon, with its own crowd and its own calmer pace — and going there teaches you that half of Izmir's life happens across the water.
The Smileys Take
The perfect version is a loop: late-afternoon ferry from Alsancak or Konak to Bostanlı, sunset on the steps, then a wander down the Karşıyaka waterfront and çarşı before the boat back. Bring your own coffee or grab one nearby. On a warm evening this is as content as this city gets.
Explore nearby
Do it with people
The Smileys community does things like this every week — organized events, spontaneous hangouts, and visitors looking for company.
Tips from Smileys
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There's always more Izmir.