Antalya Travel Guide
The gateway to Turkey's Turquoise Coast, Antalya pairs a beautifully preserved old town with turquoise Mediterranean waters, dramatic waterfalls and ancient Roman ruins scattered along the shore. It is a sun-lover's city where Roman gates, Ottoman houses and modern beach resorts all coexist.
Antalya — Highlights in photos
Top things to do
Kaleiçi (Old Town)
Antalya's atmospheric historic quarter is a maze of narrow cobbled lanes lined with restored Ottoman mansions, boutique hotels, cafes and craft shops. Wander down to the picturesque Roman-era harbor, now a marina full of wooden boats and waterfront restaurants.
Hadrian's Gate
This triple-arched marble gateway was built to honor the Roman emperor Hadrian's visit in the 2nd century. Beautifully preserved, it marks the grand entrance into the old town and is stunning when lit at night.
Düden Waterfalls
The Lower Düden Falls tumble dramatically off a cliff directly into the sea and are best seen from a boat or the clifftop park. The Upper Falls, set in a shady park where water cascades into a gorge, offer a walkway behind the curtain of water.
Konyaaltı & Lara beaches
Antalya's two great beaches bookend the city: pebbly Konyaaltı to the west with a mountain backdrop, and sandy Lara to the east lined with resorts. Both offer clear water, sunbeds and beach clubs.
Antalya Museum
One of Turkey's finest archaeological museums, displaying superb Roman statuary and sarcophagi recovered from nearby ancient cities. It is an essential primer before exploring the region's ruins.
Yivli Minaret & old harbor
The fluted, brick Yivli Minaret is the symbol of Antalya, rising from a Seljuk-era mosque complex above the old harbor. The surrounding area blends Islamic architecture with sweeping sea views.
Ancient city of Perge (day trip)
A short drive inland lies Perge, one of the region's most impressive ancient cities, with a colonnaded street, stadium, theater and monumental gates. It offers a quieter, more contemplative ruin experience than the crowded coast.
Aspendos Theatre (day trip)
The best-preserved Roman theater in the world, Aspendos still seats thousands and hosts concerts today. Its acoustics and towering stage wall are astonishing.
Museums & entry info
Antalya Museum
A superb archaeological museum with halls of Roman gods, imperial statues and richly carved sarcophagi from Perge and beyond. Admission is roughly the equivalent of USD 10-20 for foreign visitors. Generally open daily with a break day in some seasons; confirm hours and pricing on the official site.
Kaleiçi Museum (Suna & Inan Kirac)
A restored Ottoman mansion and adjacent church displaying period rooms and a fine collection of Canakkale and Kutahya ceramics. Admission is modest, around the equivalent of USD 3-6. Verify opening days, as it closes one day a week.
Antalya Toy Museum
A charming collection of antique and vintage toys from around the world, set near the old harbor. Admission is low-cost. Check current hours before visiting.
Ethnography Museum
Displays of regional folk costumes, carpets, weapons and everyday Ottoman objects offer insight into local culture. Admission is inexpensive. Confirm opening days on arrival, as hours can vary seasonally.
Signature experiences
Mediterranean boat trip
Day cruises from the old harbor cruise past the Düden Falls and hidden coves with stops for swimming in the turquoise water, often including lunch. Expect roughly the equivalent of USD 25-50 per person depending on the boat and inclusions.
Cable car up Tünektepe
A gondola whisks you up Tünektepe mountain for panoramic views over the gulf and city, with a cafe at the summit. Tickets run around the equivalent of USD 8-15 round trip.
Whitewater rafting in Köprülü Canyon
A popular half-day adventure inland, rafting the cool Köprü River through a pine-clad canyon, usually with lunch included. Tours typically cost the equivalent of USD 25-45 with transfers.
Ancient cities tour
Combine Perge, Aspendos and the Kursunlu or Manavgat waterfalls in a guided day trip. Group tours generally run the equivalent of USD 40-70 including transport and guide.
What to eat
Antalya's cuisine blends Turkish staples with Mediterranean seafood and citrus, best enjoyed slowly over mezze and tea.
April to June and September to October offer warm, comfortable weather ideal for both sightseeing and the beach. July and August are hot and crowded, while winters are mild and quiet.
A modern tram line, buses and dolmuş minibuses connect the old town, beaches and museums, while taxis and ride-hailing are handy for day trips. Antalya Airport (AYT) lies just east of the city, a short taxi or tram-plus-shuttle ride from the center.
Traveler tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for Kaleiçi's cobbled, sometimes steep lanes.
- Book boat trips and ancient-city tours through reputable operators, and confirm what is included.
- Bring water shoes for the pebbly Konyaaltı beach and reef-fringed swimming spots.
- Carry some cash for small cafes, markets and dolmuş fares, though cards are widely accepted.