Izmir, Turkey is the third largest city in the country and a rapidly growing metropolis of more than 3 million people. The history of Izmir goes back thousands of years, and the present day city stands on the ruins of Smyrna, a Greek city that saw the likes of Alexander the Great and Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. With such a notable past and a bright future, it is hardly surprising that Izmir has turned into a major tourist attraction. It lies on the western edge of Turkey, right against the Aegean Sea, which is basically a large bay of the Mediterranean formed between Turkey, Greece and Crete. With it's close proximity to the Mediterranean, Turkey is a bit more cosmopolitan than its Middle Eastern neighbors, and there is no restriction on alcohol sale or use in there. This has allowed a rich culture of bars and cafes to arise, serving local favorites such as Raki, a popular local spirit, and Efes Pilsen beer alongside traditional foods such as Boyoz, a Turkish pastry.

Bars

Izmir is full of some great bars, spread out across the city. Some places to look for good bars include the waterfront, which is particularly pleasant when the weather is nice, and the Alsancak district, an up-scale residential neighborhood that has some of the best bars and restaurants in the city. One of the preferred local alcoholic beverages is Raki , an anise-flavored spirit that goes well with seafood, or is good on its own. It is similar to a variety of different local beverages consumed all around the Mediterranean area, including Ouzo, Sambuca and Pastis. You should avoid drinking in public if you happen to be in the city during the Ramadan, but as long as you show some consideration, Ramadan does not prevent tourists from imbibing as it would in more conservative countries in the area.

Cafes

Turkey has some great food, and Izmir in particular, as a coastal city, is a great place to enjoy some seafood. Another excellent choice is Kumru, a specialty cheese and tomato sandwich on fresh baked bread that you can find only in Izmir, making it a must for tourists looking to try the local tastes. Boyoz is a Turkish pastry that can be enjoyed plain or with fillings such as spinach, cheese or meat. Quality cafes can be found all around Izmir, but good places to check out include the Alsancak area, the waterfront and the area in and around the Kemeralti marketplace.