Antalya is a captivating blend of Roman history, Ottoman-era charm, and Mediterranean coastal beauty. Known as the gateway to the Turkish Riviera, it offers the perfect balance of ancient ruins, turquoise waters, and vibrant urban life, best visited during the mild spring or autumn months.
Top Things to Do in Antalya
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Getting Around Antalya
From the Airport
Tram. The AntRay tram line connects the airport directly to the city center and the main bus terminal, taking about 40 minutes for a very low cost. Bus. The 600-series public buses run frequently between the airport and the city center, which is a budget-friendly but slower option compared to the tram. Rideshare. While Uber operates in Antalya, the local 'BiTaksi' app is the primary and most reliable way to hail official taxis via your smartphone.
Once You're There
Walking. The historic Kaleiçi district is strictly a walking zone, and most major attractions in the center are easily accessible on foot. Tram. The AntRay tram and the heritage Nostalji tram are excellent for traveling between the city center, the museum, and the beach areas. Rideshare. Use the BiTaksi app for convenient, metered taxi service when traveling longer distances or to sites outside the city center.
Where to Stay in Antalya
Hotel picks for Antalya are coming soon. In the meantime, search directly:
Where to Eat in Antalya
Ayar Meyhanesi★ 4.7 (5,716)Kılınçarslan, Hesapçı Sk. No:59, 07100 Muratpaşa/Antalya, TürkiyeThis authentic tavern in Kaleiçi is the go-to place for a traditional 'meyhane' experience featuring an extensive array of fresh mezes.
Ratio Coffee★ 4.5 (3,285)Ibrahim Al Khalil, Ash Shubaikah, Makkah 24211, Saudi ArabiaA modern, high-end coffee shop perfect for a caffeine break while exploring the winding, narrow streets of the Old Town.
Vanilla Lounge★ 4.5 (1,218)Barbaros, Hesapçı Sk. No:33, 07100 Muratpaşa/Antalya, TürkiyeLocated just steps from Hadrian's Gate, this restaurant is highly regarded for its innovative international menu and exceptional chocolate soufflé.
Club Arma★ 4.4 (1,784)Selçuk, Selçuk Mah No:75, 07100 Muratpaşa/Antalya, TürkiyePerched directly on the cliffs overlooking the Old Harbor, this restaurant offers the freshest seafood with an unbeatable view of the Mediterranean.
Piyazcı Sami★ 4.4 (969)Elmalı, 25. Sk. No:1, 07040 Muratpaşa/Antalya, TürkiyeThis humble local spot is the absolute best place to try Antalya's signature dish, 'piyaz', a delicious white bean salad with tahini sauce.
Seraser Fine Dining Restaurant★ 4.3 (990)Selçuk, Paşa Cami Sk. No:14, 07100 Muratpaşa/Antalya, TürkiyeSet in a beautifully restored Ottoman mansion, this spot is famous for its sophisticated Mediterranean fusion and romantic courtyard setting.
Lara Balık Evi★ 4.2 (3,211)Gençlik, Tevfik Işık Cd. No:8, 07100 Muratpaşa/Antalya, TürkiyeRenowned for its high-quality fish and seaside atmosphere, this is the premier destination for a long, leisurely seafood dinner in the Lara district.
7 Mehmet★ 4.1 (11,015)Meltem Mahallesi, Atatürk Kültür Parkı, Dumlupınar Bulvarı No:201, Meltem, 07030 Muratpaşa/Antalya, TürkiyeA legendary Antalya institution known for its panoramic views and traditional Turkish dishes made from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Gazetta Brasserie★ 4.1 (921)Barbaros Mah Muratpaşa Alp Paşa Hotel Karşısında, Barbaros, Hesapçı Sk. No:32, 07100 Muratpaşa/Antalya, TürkiyeA cozy, stylish spot in the heart of the city offering excellent wood-fired pizzas and a great selection of local wines.
Tours & Activities
Bookable through Viator.
3 Days in Antalya
Old Town & Harbor Heritage
Morning. Start your journey at the iconic Hadrian's Gate, a triple-arched marble monument built in 130 AD to honor the Roman Emperor. Walk through the gate to enter Kaleiçi, the historic old town, where you can wander through narrow cobblestone streets lined with Ottoman-style wooden houses. Spend at least two hours getting lost in the labyrinthine alleys, keeping an eye out for the striking Yivliminare Mosque with its fluted minaret. For a quick morning pick-me-up, stop by a local bakery for a simit before heading down towards the coast. Arriving early is essential to avoid the midday heat and the inevitable tour groups that fill the streets by 11 AM.
Afternoon. After soaking in the history, make your way down the steep stone steps to the Antalya Marina. This ancient harbor, once a bustling Roman port, is now a picturesque spot filled with colorful yachts and traditional wooden gulets. Grab a refreshing drink at one of the cliffside cafes while watching the boats bob against the backdrop of the Taurus Mountains. If you have the energy, walk along the historic city walls that still hug the harbor cliffs. It is the perfect place to appreciate the contrast between the ancient fortifications and the modern leisure boats docked below.
Evening. As the sun begins to set, head to the upper terrace of a restaurant overlooking the harbor for a spectacular view of the Mediterranean. Spend your evening enjoying a long, traditional Turkish dinner featuring fresh mezes and grilled fish. The atmosphere in the Old Town transforms at night, with the historic buildings illuminated and the streets coming alive with music. Take a final stroll through the illuminated streets of Kaleiçi, perhaps stopping for a scoop of Turkish dondurma. It is the perfect way to cap off your first day in this ancient city.
Ancient Wonders & Coastal Views
Morning. Dedicate your second morning to the world-class Antalya Museum, which houses an incredible collection of statues and artifacts recovered from nearby archaeological sites. The museum is spacious and well-curated, providing essential context for the ruins you might visit later. Spend at least two to three hours here, paying special attention to the Hall of Gods. After your museum visit, take a short taxi or tram ride toward the western side of the city. Make sure to bring your camera, as the museum grounds themselves offer some lovely greenery and statues to admire before you move on.
Afternoon. Head toward the coast to experience the sprawling Konyaaltı Beach, known for its pebble shores and crystal-clear water. While the beach is the main draw, the adjacent Konyaaltı Beach Park offers plenty of cafes and walking paths if you prefer to stay in the shade. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the water or visit the nearby Antalya Aquarium, which features one of the largest tunnel aquariums in the world. It is a great way to cool off during the hottest part of the day. The views of the cliffs meeting the sea from the beach are truly iconic.
Evening. For your evening, head to the Duden Waterfalls, specifically the Lower Duden Falls where the water cascades directly into the Mediterranean Sea. The park surrounding the falls is beautifully landscaped and offers several viewing platforms that provide a dramatic perspective of the crashing water. It is a popular spot for locals to walk, so join the crowd for a leisurely sunset stroll. Afterward, find a nearby restaurant in the Lara district to enjoy a relaxing dinner. The contrast of the roaring falls against the calm sea is a memory you won't soon forget.
Roman Ruins & Day Trips
Morning. On your final day, venture just outside the city center to the ancient city of Perge, one of the most important archaeological sites in the region. Walk through the massive Roman gates and explore the colonnaded streets, the stadium, and the impressive Roman baths. The site is vast, so wear comfortable walking shoes and arrive right when it opens to beat the heat. You will feel as though you have stepped back in time as you wander through the well-preserved ruins of this once-thriving Pamphylian city. It is an essential stop for any history enthusiast.
Afternoon. Continue your historical exploration with a trip to the Aspendos Theatre, which is widely considered the best-preserved Roman theatre in the world. The sheer scale and acoustic perfection of this structure are breathtaking, and you can still climb the stone tiers to look down at the stage. Spend an hour or two imagining the gladiatorial battles and performances that once took place here. The drive through the surrounding countryside offers a nice change of pace from the urban density of Antalya. It is a truly humbling experience to stand in such a monumental piece of history.
Evening. Return to the city for a final, memorable evening in the heart of the Old Town. Choose a high-end restaurant tucked away in a quiet courtyard to reflect on your trip. Enjoy a glass of local Turkish wine and perhaps a traditional dessert like kunefe to celebrate your final night. Take one last walk through the quiet, narrow streets of Kaleiçi to soak in the atmosphere before your departure. This final evening is all about slowing down and appreciating the unique charm of Antalya before heading back to reality.