The places to be in Türkiye: From bustling city bazaars to quaint town streets

[This story is the third of four parts.]

Every town and city in Türkiye has its own pulse. In Alacati, it's the winds sweeping past its ocean waves; in Urla, it's the rustling of the leaves in the vineyards and olive groves.

In Izmir City, the rhythm is in the calls of the market vendors, the music from restaurants, the beeping of car horns, the chatter of the crowds.

At the heart of the city lies Kemeralti Bazaar, a maze of colors, scents, and sounds. Once the port of ancient Smyrna, the bazaar now teems with life, attracting locals and tourists alike.

Read more from this series:

• Türkiye's ancient cities: Where world history and fables come to life
• Türkiye's countryside charm: Stone houses, vineyards, and olive fields

Kemeralti Bazaar for breakfast

Kemeralti was our first stop upon landing in Izmir City. We arrived early in the morning, and wandered around while waiting for our hotel check-in. Stalls brim with textiles, wedding dresses, spices, fruits, and handcrafted souvenirs.

For a true taste of Izmir, we stepped into Emel Cafe, where much-needed Turkish coffee was served thick, fragrant, and in tiny porcelain cups, a ritual that has persisted through centuries of bustling commerce.

Our tour guide, Huseyin Demir, explained that Turkish coffee is tied to many aspects of their culture, because it "brings people together." In fact, in their traditional wedding customs, brides serve their grooms a cup of coffee, sometimes mixed with salt, to test his patience and temperament.

We even tried reading our fortunes on our coffee-streaked cups. Apparently, Turkish ladies have fun doing this when they get together.

"There is a saying in Türkiye," Huseyin told me. "Don't believe in coffee fortunes, but don't stay without one either."

We had our own fun with the fortunes, deciding the future by ourselves. The verdict? Good luck is coming our way!

Kordon for the first dinner

Kordon is the city’s seaside promenade, and a fun space for leisure. Locals linger here for evenings of street food, music, and conversation. According to our guide, summers see locals sipping drinks and strumming guitars, the smell of stuffed mussels, roasted corn, and chestnuts wafting along the waterfront.

We dined in Kordon on our first night in Türkiye. At the Balikçi Hasan restaurant, we savored fresh fish and meat, learning the taste of Izmir’s cuisine. Olive oil, fresh herbs, and locally caught seafood reflect the Aegean region's natural bounty and culinary heritage.

The rain caught us on the walk back to our hotel, and one thing that struck me was how absolutely nobody was bothered by the sudden shower. I strolled with my companions on the wet streets, listening to cars driving past and the sound of rain hitting the pavement.

Urla Art Street for merienda

A two-hour bus ride away from Izmir City is Urla Art Street, tucked somewhere in the lush fields of the Izmir Province. The stop was a nice change of pace after our second day was spent gazing at vineyards and greenhouses and centuries-old olive trees. We arrived near sundown, just in time for the street lights to warm the cobblestones.

Urla Art Street is lively, busy with visitors enjoying a blend of art, culture, and cuisine. Galleries, handicrafts, and antique shops sit alongside cafes and small restaurants serving local Aegean flavors. A musician was busking, playing the guitar by the street wall. Chubby stray dogs and cats add to the town’s quaint vibe.

In what looked like a small plaza, there's a market where visitors can buy various cheeses and fruits. Given the wine served in nearby bars that would no doubt complement these offerings, there's no need to go any further for a perfect evening.

Antalya's Old Town and Bazaars for a night out

It's warmer farther south, in the city of Antalya. Antalya’s rich history comes alive in Kaleiçi, the city center that was once protected by walls. In the daylight, the historic buildings are a highlight; when the sun goes down, Kaleiçi comes alive. Streets are awash with yellow and orange streetlights, cars flash headlights as they speed past, neon lights of restaurants blink bright.

We were nearing the end of our trip, and were enjoying the last of everything: the last bus transfer, the last hotel check-in, the last city. Most of the items on our itinerary were checked off, and it was time to unwind and let loose.

It amazed me how I could step out of my boutique hotel and right into the heart of the chaos of Antalya. Live music venues and bars kept the city buzzing well into the night.

The city also has a bazaar that caters to every shopper: handmade ceramics, lamb leather jackets, and other artisan goods are sold in stories between cobblestone alleys. There are also supermarket chains and convenience stores for those who want to hoard snacks.

Dining in Antalya is a celebration of the Mediterranean. Fresh seafood, grilled octopus, shrimp baked in butter and garlic are complemented by sweet desserts like pumpkin with tahini and walnuts. Sirali Restaurant is perfect for traditional kebabs and lamb dishes enjoyed with a street-view breeze.

As our Türkiye visit came to an end, I spoke to our guide Huseyin about the wide spectrum of experiences that our five-day trip offered.

"Türkiye offers everything — history, culture, nature, beaches, food, shopping, relaxation," he told me. "Whatever people are looking for, they can find it here. It’s a rich, diverse country full of experiences."

And indeed, every step in our journey was a story, every street a picture-perfect delight, and every seaside sunset a special memory.

Whatever pulse you're looking for, Türkiye is a harmony, not just of the places you visit, but the life and culture and people you encounter along the way.

This trip was sponsored by Turkish Airlines and the Turkish Ministry of Tourism. —LA, GMA Integrated News