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Things to do guide

The best things to do in Antalya

Updated 1 October 2026 · 18 things to do

Pictured: Rixos Premium Belek L.O.L Theme Park Free Access

Most people come to Antalya for the beach, and that's fair enough. But this stretch of Turkey's Mediterranean coast is also one of the richest in ancient history anywhere in the Med. A Roman gate still stands in the old town, an almost perfectly preserved theatre rises from the plain at Aspendos, and ruined cities lie in pine forests and on mountaintops within a day's reach.

The best plan mixes the two: swim in the morning, sightsee in the late afternoon when the heat softens, and eat well in the evening. Antalya itself is a handsome city of Ottoman lanes and clifftop parks, and the coast on either side offers waterfalls, mountains and a seaside castle.

Don't miss

  1. 1Kaleiçi and Hadrian's Gate
  2. 2Aspendos Theatre
  3. 3Side and the Temple of Apollo
  4. 4Düden Waterfalls
  5. 5The Tahtalı cable car

Antalya city

  1. Kaleiçi and Hadrian's Gate

    Neighbourhood

    Hadrian's Gate in Antalya's old town
    Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Kaleiçi is the old town, a tangle of cobbled lanes lined with restored Ottoman houses, boutique hotels, cafés and craft shops. At its edge stands Hadrian's Gate, a triple-arched marble gateway built for a Roman emperor's visit in the 2nd century. Wander down to the old harbour for the view.

    Tip: Explore in the late afternoon and evening, when it is cooler and the lanes are at their prettiest.

  2. Hıdırlık Tower and Karaalioğlu Park

    Landmark

    The Roman Hıdırlık Tower on the Antalya clifftop
    Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0

    A stout Roman tower on the edge of the cliffs stands beside Karaalioğlu Park, a leafy clifftop garden. Come at sunset for the view across the bay to the Taurus Mountains.

  3. Yivli Minare

    Landmark

    The fluted minaret of the Yivli Minare mosque in Antalya
    Photo: Saffron Blaze, CC BY 3.0

    The 'fluted minaret' is the symbol of Antalya, a graceful Seljuk-era tower of brick and turquoise tiles in the heart of Kaleiçi. It's beautiful to look at, and the mosque beside it's still in use.

  4. Antalya Museum

    Museum

    One of Turkey's best archaeological museums, with outstanding Roman sculpture from Perge, mosaics and finds from across the region. It's an excellent primer before you visit the ruins.

  5. Düden Waterfalls

    Nature

    The Lower Düden Waterfall in Antalya
    Photo: Sharon Hahn Darlin, CC BY 2.0

    The Lower Düden Waterfalls tumble off a cliff straight into the Mediterranean on the city's eastern edge, while the Upper Düden Falls sit in a shady park a little inland. Both are cool and green on a hot day.

Ancient cities

The Antalya coast was once Pamphylia and Lycia, and the ruins are exceptional.

  1. Aspendos Theatre

    Landmark

    The Roman theatre at Aspendos
    Photo: Lee Vilenski, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A 2nd-century Roman theatre, so well preserved that it's still used for performances. Climb to the top rows for the acoustics and a view over the plain, and ask your guide to demonstrate how a whisper carries.

    Tip: Go early or late in the day. There is very little shade.

  2. Perge

    Day trip

    The Roman Gate at Perge
    Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0

    A great Roman city near Antalya with a colonnaded main street, a monumental gate, a stadium and the remains of a theatre. Many of the best finds are in Antalya Museum.

  3. Side and the Temple of Apollo

    Day trip

    The Roman Temple of Apollo at Side by the sea
    Photo: Saffron Blaze, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Side is a resort town built on an ancient headland, with a Roman theatre, harbour walls and the columns of the Temple of Apollo set against the sea. It's one of the most photographed sights on the coast, especially at sunset.

  4. Termessos

    Day trip

    The theatre at Termessos in the mountains
    Photo: Ingo Mehling, CC BY-SA 3.0

    An ancient city high in the mountains, with a steep theatre that overlooks valley and peaks. It's a wilder, quieter site than the others, set in a national park of pine woods. Wear sturdy shoes.

  5. Phaselis

    Day trip

    Ruins of a harbour city scattered through a pine forest by the sea near Kemer, with three small bays where you can swim between the stones. It's a lovely mix of history and a swim.

  6. Olympos and the Chimaera

    Nature

    The ancient city of Olympos lies in a wooded valley running down to a beach. Nearby, the Chimaera is a cluster of natural flames flickering from the rock on a hillside, best seen after dark.

Mountains, waterfalls and the sea

  1. The Tahtalı cable car

    Activity

    The Olympos Teleferik cable car on Tahtalı mountain
    Photo: Maasaak, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A cable car near Kemer climbs to the summit of Tahtalı, also known as Mount Olympos, for views over the coast, the sea and the Taurus Mountains. It's an easy way to go from beach to mountain air in minutes.

  2. Manavgat Waterfall

    Nature

    Manavgat Waterfall near Side
    Photo: Thomas Gensler, CC BY-SA 2.0 de

    A broad, low waterfall on the Manavgat River, a short drive from Side, with shady cafés on its banks. It's not dramatic, but it's cooling and easy to combine with a boat trip down the river.

  3. Alanya Castle

    Day trip

    The Seljuk castle above Alanya
    Photo: Luke_33, CC BY 2.5 pl

    A Seljuk-era fortress on a rocky headland above Alanya, with a ring of walls, the Red Tower beside the harbour and views along the coast. Walk up or take a taxi, then explore the old shipyard below.

  4. A boat trip along the coast

    Activity

    Boats leave from Antalya, Kemer, Side and Alanya for day trips with swimming stops in coves you can't reach by road. Choose a smaller boat for a quieter day.

Eat and drink

  1. Antalya piyaz

    Food

    A local speciality: a white-bean salad with onion and parsley, dressed with tahini, vinegar and lemon, often served with grilled meatballs. You'll find it across the city.

  2. Künefe

    Food

    A plate of künefe
    Photo: Basak, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A hot, crisp pastry of shredded dough filled with melted cheese, soaked in syrup and topped with pistachios. Eat it warm, with a spoon of clotted cream or ice cream, and a glass of Turkish tea.

  3. A Turkish breakfast

    Food

    Cheeses, olives, tomatoes, cucumber, eggs, honey and jam, served with fresh bread and glasses of tea. In Kaleiçi it's a great start to the day under a vine-covered terrace.

Where to stay in Antalya

Not sure which area suits you? Read our guide: Where to stay in Antalya →

Getting around

Antalya's tram and buses cover the city, and taxis are easy to find. For the ancient sites, hire a car or book a day tour, as many are spread out along the coast. Dolmuş minibuses connect the resorts, and tours often include hotel pick-ups.

When to go

Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing, with warm weather and fewer crowds. July and August are very hot, so sightsee early or late and keep the middle of the day for the pool or beach. The sea stays swimmable into autumn.

Questions about visiting Antalya

What is Antalya best known for?
Its Mediterranean beaches and resorts, the old town of Kaleiçi, Roman ruins such as Aspendos and Perge, and a backdrop of the Taurus Mountains.
How many days do you need in Antalya?
A week is ideal for a mix of beach time, a day exploring Kaleiçi and one or two day trips to the ruins. A long weekend covers the city and one major site.
What is there to do in Antalya with kids?
Beaches, boat trips, the Düden Waterfalls, water parks at the resorts and the Tahtalı cable car are all popular with families.
Do you need a car in Antalya?
Not for a beach holiday, as taxis and tours cover most needs. A car is useful for visiting several ancient sites at your own pace.

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