48 Hours in Antalya
Antalya is the gateway to Turkey's Mediterranean coast, and it rewards even a short stay. In 48 hours you can wander a walled Roman old town, swim in clear water, and reach dramatic waterfalls without ever feeling rushed. This itinerary keeps distances short and expectations realistic, so you spend your time enjoying the city rather than sitting in traffic.
Getting from the airport. Antalya Airport sits about 13 kilometres east of the centre, roughly 20 to 30 minutes by road depending on traffic. The airport tram (line into the city) is cheap but slow with luggage, so most visitors take a taxi or a pre-booked transfer straight to Kaleici, the old town. Check current airport taxi fares before you travel so you know what a fair price looks like and avoid overpaying at the rank.
Day 1
Morning
Start inside Kaleici, the historic core. Enter through Hadrian's Gate, a marble triple arch built for the Roman emperor's visit in 130 AD, then lose yourself in the lanes of restored Ottoman houses. Climb the Yivli Minare (Fluted Minaret) area for context on the city's Seljuk past, and pause for a Turkish breakfast at one of the courtyard cafes before the heat builds.
Afternoon
Walk down to the old harbour, once the working port of ancient Attaleia and now a marina ringed with boats. This is the departure point for short coastal cruises; a two-hour trip gives you views of the cliffs and a swim stop. If you prefer land, head to the clifftop Karaalioglu Park for shaded benches and sweeping sea views toward the Beydaglari mountains.
Evening
Return to Kaleici for dinner. The old town has plenty of rooftop terraces where you can eat grilled fish or mezze while the harbour lights come on. Keep an eye on prices in the most touristy spots and step one street back for better value and a more local feel.
Day 2
Morning
Dedicate the morning to the Antalya Museum, one of Turkey's finest archaeological collections. Its galleries of Roman statues recovered from nearby Perge are genuinely world-class, and an hour or two here transforms how you read the ruins around the region.
Afternoon
Head to the Lower Duden Waterfall, where a river plunges directly off the cliffs into the sea just east of the centre. It is a short trip and an unforgettable sight. Alternatively, cool off at Konyaalti Beach, the long pebbly stretch backed by mountains, which has clean water and easy amenities.
Evening
Spend your last evening at a seafront restaurant on the Konyaalti side, watching the sun set behind the mountains. Follow it with a stroll along the promenade, where families gather and the temperature finally eases.
Where to stay
Kaleici (Old Town) is the atmospheric choice, with boutique hotels in converted mansions and everything walkable, though rooms can be small and streets lively at night. Lara, east of the centre, is the resort district with large beachfront hotels and easy airport access, better if you want a pool and predictability. Konyaalti, to the west, offers a more local, beach-town feel with mountain views and good value apartments.
Practical tips
- Best months are April to June and September to October, when the heat is comfortable and the sea is warm.
- Cash still helps at small cafes and market stalls, though cards are widely accepted.
- Agree the fare or use the meter in taxis, and keep our fare guide handy as a reference.
- Wear proper shoes in Kaleici; the cobbled lanes are uneven and slippery when wet.
- Sun protection matters even in spring, as the Mediterranean sun is stronger than it feels.
Two days barely scratch the surface of what the region offers, from ancient Perge and Aspendos to the ski slopes of Saklikent in winter, but they are enough to fall for Antalya. For deeper planning, transfer times and district breakdowns, see our full Antalya travel guide.