Alsancak District

Alsancak district, called Punto in old times, is one of the centers of Izmir and an elegant and exquisite residential area. The neighborhood is stretching from the waterfront, called Kordon which is lined up with nice bars and fine restaurants, to the inland. Along the waterfront it has a nice pedestrian promenade where one can enjoy fine shops and fine dining without the traffic noise, looking at the Aegean.

In the old times, Alsancak was a favorite place of Levantines, Greeks and Armenians. Many buildings and churches with their authentic architectures remaining from these years can be seen in the backstreets. Today, some of these buildings have been renovated and used as entertainment or cultural places. Ataturk Museum, Museum of History and Arts, Selcuk Yasar Museum of Arts, Railroads Museum, Museum of Arts and Sculpture, Museum of Commercial History, Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Museum of Metropolitan History and Archive can be found in this district.

Near Alsancak, there is Kulturpark, a place most frequented by local people with its artistic and cultural activities, International fair, tea gardens, restaurants, zoo and parks.

Alsancak train station was built in 1858 in a colonial architecture style. Trains to Aydin, Denizli and Buca departs from here. There is also a busy port in Alsancak district where commercial and cruise ships dock. There are regular ferry connections between Alsancak and Karsiyaka districts.