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Antalya, Turkey - Things to Do in Antalya

Antalya

Antalya, Turkey - Complete Travel Guide

Antalya, Turkey's premier Mediterranean resort destination, perfectly blends ancient history with modern beach culture along the impressive Turquoise Coast. This busy city serves as the gateway to the Turkish Riviera, offering pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a remarkably well-preserved Old Town called Kaleiçi, where Ottoman-era architecture meets bustling cafes and boutique hotels within ancient Roman walls. Beyond its coastal allure, Antalya provides easy access to some of Turkey's most significant archaeological sites, including the ancient cities of Perge, Aspendos, and Termessos. The city's dramatic setting, with the snow-capped Taurus Mountains rising behind golden beaches, creates a unique landscape that has attracted civilizations for over 2,000 years and continues to enchant millions of visitors seeking both relaxation and cultural enrichment.

Top Antalya

Kaleiçi Old Town

Wander through Antalya's atmospheric Hanoi, where narrow cobblestone streets wind past beautifully restored Ottoman houses, ancient Roman walls, and the iconic Hadrian's Gate. The historic harbor area offers waterfront dining and boat trips, while the maze of streets reveals hidden courtyards, art galleries, and traditional Turkish baths.

Booking Tip: Free to explore independently, but consider a guided walking tour (€15-25) for historical context. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat. Many hotels offer free walking tour maps.

Ancient Aspendos Theater

Experience one of the world's best-preserved Roman theaters, built in the 2nd century AD and still hosting performances today. The remarkable acoustics and impressive architecture make this UNESCO World Heritage site a must-see, especially if you can catch an evening concert or opera performance during the summer season.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is around €8-12. Check the theater's performance schedule online for special events (tickets €25-75). Best visited as part of a day tour combining multiple ancient sites (€35-50 per person).

Relax at Konyaaltı Beach

Enjoy Antalya's most popular beach, a long stretch of pebbled coastline backed by the dramatic Taurus Mountains. The beach offers excellent swimming, water sports, and beachfront cafes, with a modern promenade perfect for sunset strolls and cycling.

Booking Tip: Beach access is free, but sunbed and umbrella rental costs €5-10 per day. Water sports like parasailing (€25-35) and jet skiing (€20-30 per 15 minutes) are widely available. Visit beach clubs for premium amenities.

Take a Boat Trip to Düden Waterfalls

Cruise along Antalya's coastline to witness the spectacular Lower Düden Waterfalls cascading directly into the Mediterranean Sea from 40-meter cliffs. These boat excursions often include swimming stops, lunch, and visits to hidden coves and beaches accessible only by sea.

Booking Tip: Half-day boat trips cost €20-35 per person including lunch and transfers. Book through reputable operators offering small group tours (max 15 people) for better experience. Morning departures offer calmer seas and better photography conditions.

Turkish Bath and Spa

Indulge in the traditional Ottoman bathing ritual at one of Antalya's authentic hammams, where you'll experience steam rooms, marble slabs, and invigorating scrubs and massages. This centuries-old wellness tradition offers the perfect way to relax after days of sightseeing and beach activities.

Booking Tip: Traditional hammam experiences range from €25-60 depending on services included. Book at established venues in Kaleiçi or modern spa hotels. Sessions last 60-90 minutes; bring minimal clothing and expect shared facilities in traditional hammams.

Getting There

Antalya Airport (AYT) is Turkey's second-busiest airport, served by numerous international airlines with direct flights from major European cities, Middle Eastern hubs, and seasonal connections from North America. The airport is located 13km northeast of the city center, with regular shuttle buses (Havas), taxis (€15-20), and airport transfer services providing easy access to hotels and resorts. Alternatively, you can reach Antalya by bus from other Turkish cities, with comfortable overnight services from Istanbul (12 hours) and connections from Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and other tourist destinations.

Getting Around

Antalya's public transportation system includes modern trams, buses, and dolmuş (shared minibuses) that efficiently connect major attractions, beaches, and neighborhoods. The AntRay tram system runs from the airport through the city center to beaches and shopping areas, while local buses serve more distant attractions like ancient sites. Taxis are readily available and reasonably priced for short distances, though renting a car provides the most flexibility for exploring the surrounding region's archaeological sites and mountain villages. The historic Kaleiçi area is best explored on foot, as most streets are pedestrian-only.

Where to Stay

Kaleiçi Old Town
Lara Beach
Konyaaltı Beach
City Center
Belek Resort Area
Kemer

Food & Dining

Antalya's dining scene ranges from traditional Turkish cuisine served in atmospheric Old Town restaurants to fresh seafood at harbor-side tavernas and international fare at resort hotels. The Old Town's narrow streets hide excellent meyhanes (Turkish taverns) serving mezze platters, grilled fish, and regional specialties like tandır lamb and piyaz (white bean salad). For the freshest seafood, head to the old harbor where restaurants offer daily catches grilled to perfection, while the modern city center provides everything from street food markets selling döner kebab and gözleme to upscale rooftop restaurants with Mediterranean fusion cuisine and impressive coastal views.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Antalya is during the shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October, when temperatures are comfortable (20-28°C), crowds are manageable, and hotel prices are reasonable. Summer months (June-August) offer perfect beach weather but can be extremely hot (30-35°C) and crowded, especially in July and August. Winter (November-March) brings mild temperatures and occasional rain, making it suitable for sightseeing and exploring ancient sites, though many seasonal restaurants and beach facilities may be closed. Spring is particularly beautiful with blooming wildflowers and perfect conditions for both cultural exploration and outdoor activities.

Insider Tips

Visit the Antalya Museum early in the morning to see exceptional Roman sculptures and artifacts in air-conditioned comfort before exploring outdoor sites
Take the historic red tram from Müze station to reach both Kaleiçi and the beach areas while enjoying scenic views along the route
Book dinner reservations at Old Town restaurants by 6 PM, as the best atmospheric venues fill up quickly, especially those with terrace seating overlooking the harbor

Activities in Antalya