Life on the Bay
Sunset on the Kordon
Grass, sea, tea and the whole city facing west — Izmir's living room at golden hour.
Not yet checked by the Smileys team — prices and hours may have moved.
Why do it?
The Kordon is the long grass-and-promenade strip running along the waterfront between Konak and Alsancak, and it is where Izmir actually lives. Every evening the city comes down to sit on the grass with tea, sunflower seeds or a beer and watch the sun drop into the gulf. Nothing explains this city faster: Izmir faces the sea, takes its evenings seriously, and doesn't dress up for anyone. If you've just arrived and you're wondering whether you'll like it here, this is where you find out.
The Smileys Take
This is the first thing we send every newcomer to do, and it costs nothing. Don't make a plan — grab something from a büfe, claim a patch of grass, and stay through the last light. Half of our best conversations in this city have happened sitting on the Kordon. If you come once, you'll come weekly.
Make it easy
- Anywhere on the grass between Cumhuriyet Meydanı and Alsancak works — locals just sit where there's space.
- Tea and snack vendors walk the strip in the evening; you don't need to bring anything.
- Pair it with a stroll to Konak Pier or an Alsancak dinner afterwards.
Explore nearby
Do it with people
Nothing is scheduled around this in Izmir yet. When a host plans it, it shows here — the calendar and hangouts are the places to look meanwhile.
More like this
There's always more Izmir.