# Things to do in Antalya: top sights and where to go

> Antalya's old town, Kaleiçi, rises above the old harbour: Hadrian's Gate, the Yivli Minaret and Hıdırlık Tower are all within a 15-minute walk, and the Antalya Museum is a short tram ride west. Spend the first day on the old town, the museum and the Düden waterfalls; on the second, drive out to the theatre at Aspendos and the ruins of Perge or Termessos.

Web page: https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya

## Ready itineraries

- [One day in Antalya: an itinerary in the best order](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/in-1-day.md): Kaleiçi's lanes, Hıdırlık Tower, the fluted Yivli minaret and Hadrian's Gate on foot, then the Lower Düden waterfall dropping straight into the sea.
- [Antalya with kids: an itinerary for the day](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/with-kids.md): A Roman tower on a cliff, boats in the old harbour, a waterfall pouring into the sea and the wide stadium of ancient Perge — a family plan with short walks.

## All 10 places with the YesGo score

- [Hadrian's Gate](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/antalya-hadrians-gate.md): YesGo score 48/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 20 min · Free. Hadrian’s Gate is a three-arched Roman triumphal gate and the eastern entrance to Kaleiçi, Antalya’s old town. It stands on Atatürk…
- [Yivli Minaret](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/yivli-minaret.md): YesGo score 45/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 20 min · Free. The Yivli Minaret is Antalya’s emblem: a fluted red-brick Seljuk minaret from the 13th century, about 38 m tall, at the top of the Kaleiçi…
- [Hıdırlık Tower](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/hidirlik-tower.md): YesGo score 44/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 30 min · Free, outside only. Hıdırlık Tower is a round 2nd-century Roman tower on the clifftop at the southern tip of Kaleiçi, Antalya’s old town, where it meets…
- [Kaleiçi](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/kaleici.md): YesGo score 40/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 2 h · Free, open 24/7. Kaleiçi is Antalya’s historic centre: a walled quarter of Ottoman houses, mosques, Hadrian’s Gate and a Roman harbour at the foot of the…
- [Antalya Museum](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/antalya-museum.md): YesGo score 35/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 30 min · Closed: demolished, new one being built. The Antalya Museum, one of Turkey’s great archaeology museums, is **closed**. It shut to visitors on 16 July 2025 and the old building was…
- [Düden Waterfalls](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/duden-waterfalls.md): YesGo score 34/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · Lower free, Upper ≈ 60–70 TL. The Düden Waterfalls are two separate sights on one river. The **Lower Falls** plunge 40 m off a cliff straight into the sea in Lara — the…
- [Perge](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/perge.md): YesGo score 26/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 30 min · About €11 for foreign visitors. Perge is an ancient city in Aksu, 15–18 km east of central Antalya: a gate with two round towers, a colonnaded street with a water…
- [Aspendos](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/aspendos.md): YesGo score 22/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 2 h · €15 for foreigners, checking. Aspendos is an ancient city near Belkıs, in the Serik district, 45–48 km by road east of Antalya — famous for one of the best-preserved…
- [Tünektepe](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/tunektepe.md): YesGo score 22/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 30 min · Closed: cable car not running. Tünektepe is a 618 m hill at the western end of Konyaaltı Beach with the best view over Antalya, the bay and the Taurus Mountains. **Its…
- [Termessos](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/termessos.md): YesGo score 21/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 3 h · Paid, price being verified. Termessos is the ruined Pisidian city high on Güllük Dağı, about 1,000 m up in a national park 40–60 minutes’ drive north-west of Antalya…

## Antalya travel guide

Before you go: areas and beaches, the airport, transport, weather and sea by month, food and day trips.

## Trip essentials

- How many days: 2–3 days in town plus 2–3 for day trips
- When to go: May–June and September–October
- Airport: AYT, ≈ 13 km from the old town
- Where to stay: Kaleiçi for atmosphere; Lara or Konyaaltı for the beach
- Transport: AntalyaKart card for trams and buses
- Beaches: Konyaaltı is pebble, Lara is sand
- Visa: Visa-free or e-Visa, depending on your passport
- Money: Turkish lira; tours are often priced in euros
- Time zone: UTC+3 all year
- Mobile data: eSIM before you fly or a local SIM at the airport

## Key facts

- **2nd c. BC** — the city was founded by King Attalus II of Pergamon — hence its ancient name, Attaleia (source: Wikipedia, “Antalya”)
- **AD 130** — the triple-arched Hadrian’s Gate was built for Emperor Hadrian’s visit (source: Wikipedia, “Hadrian’s Gate (Antalya)”)
- **13th c.** — the Seljuks built the fluted Yivli Minaret, now the symbol of the city (source: Wikipedia, “Yivli Minaret”)
- **≈ 40 m** — the drop of the Lower Düden Waterfall straight into the sea (source: Wikipedia, “Düden Waterfalls”)
- **≈ 7 km** — the length of Konyaaltı Beach west of the old town (source: Wikipedia, “Konyaaltı”)
- **≈ 1,000 m** — the altitude of ancient Termessos in the Taurus Mountains (source: Wikipedia, “Termessos”)

## Things to do in Antalya

Antalya’s highlights are Kaleiçi, the old town with its harbour and Hadrian’s Gate, the Antalya Museum and the Düden Waterfalls. Within an hour of the city are ancient Perge, Aspendos and Termessos. Every place with its YesGo score is in the list above; the “Map” button shows them on a map.

| Where | What to see | Time |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Kaleiçi** | [Old town](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/kaleici), [Hadrian’s Gate](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/antalya-hadrians-gate), [Yivli](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/yivli-minaret) | ½ day |
| **Seafront** | [Hıdırlık Tower](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/hidirlik-tower), [Museum](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/antalya-museum) | ½ day |
| **Lara** | [Düden Waterfalls](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/duden-waterfalls) | 2 h |
| **Above the city** | [Tünektepe](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/tunektepe) — view over the bay | 1–2 h |
| **Ancient sites** | [Perge](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/perge), [Aspendos](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/aspendos) | ½–1 day |
| **Taurus Mountains** | [Termessos](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/termessos) | ½ day |

Rather not plan it yourself? The list above has ready itineraries, with places in a sensible order, lunch and time for each stop.

## Where to stay in Antalya

In Antalya itself, stay in one of three areas: Kaleiçi old town for atmosphere and evenings, Konyaaltı by the long pebble beach with mountain views, or Lara by the sandy beach and big resorts. Belek, Kemer, Side and Alanya are separate resorts one to two hours away.

| Area | Good for | Keep in mind |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Kaleiçi** | Couples, short stays, walking, restaurants | Hardly any beach; narrow lanes |
| **Konyaaltı** | Beach plus city: museum and tram nearby | Pebbles, the sea gets deep fast |
| **Lara** | Sand, all-inclusive resorts, families | ≈ 30 min by bus to the centre |
| **Belek** | Golf and big beachfront resorts | Far from town, needs a transfer |
| **[Kemer](https://yesgo.io/turkey/kemer)** | Mountains by the sea, coves, quiet | ≈ 1 h from the airport |
| **[Side](https://yesgo.io/turkey/side) & [Alanya](https://yesgo.io/turkey/alanya)** | Sandy beaches and ruins | ≈ 1–2 h from the airport |

## Antalya airport to the city and resorts

Antalya Airport (AYT) is ≈ 13 km from the old town and ≈ 10 km from Lara. A tram and city buses run to the centre, but with luggage or kids a transfer or taxi is easier: 20–30 minutes to Kaleiçi and Lara, about an hour to Kemer and Side, about two to Alanya.

| To | How | Time |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Centre, Kaleiçi** | AntRay tram, bus | ≈ 40–60 min |
| **Lara, Kaleiçi** | Taxi, transfer | ≈ 20–30 min |
| **Belek** | Transfer | ≈ 30 min |
| **Kemer** | Transfer | ≈ 1 h |
| **Side** | Transfer | ≈ 1 h |
| **Alanya** | Transfer, bus | ≈ 2 h |

International flights use Terminals 1 and 2, domestic flights a separate terminal — check your ticket. City transport is paid with an AntalyaKart. Car rental desks are in the arrivals halls.

## Antalya public transport

In town you ride trams and buses and pay with an AntalyaKart, sold at kiosks and machines by the stops. Dolmuş minibuses and intercity coaches from the bus station link the resorts. Taxis run on the meter.

| Line | Useful for |
| --- | --- |
| **AntRay tram** | Airport — centre (İsmet Paşa) — bus station |
| **Heritage tram** | Along the old town: from the museum to Kaleiçi and the parks |
| **City buses** | Konyaaltı, Lara, Düden Waterfalls |
| **Dolmuş** | Nearby resorts and villages; pay the driver |
| **Bus station (otogar)** | Coaches to Kemer, Side, Alanya, Kaş, Pamukkale |

## Antalya weather by month

The best time to visit Antalya for the beach is late May to October, most comfortable in June and September–October. July and August are over 30 °C by day with the sea around 28 °C. In October the sea is still about 24 °C, in November about 21 °C. Winters are mild but rainy.

- **January in Antalya**: day ≈ 15°C, night ≈ 6°C, sea ≈ 17°C, rainy days: 10. Mild winter but frequent rain. A month for Kaleiçi, the museum and the waterfalls without crowds.
- **February in Antalya**: day ≈ 16°C, night ≈ 7°C, sea ≈ 17°C, rainy days: 9. Cool and rainy, snow on the mountains. Quiet season: the ancient cities are almost empty.
- **March in Antalya**: day ≈ 18°C, night ≈ 9°C, sea ≈ 17°C, rainy days: 7. Spring: green hills and the first warm days. Comfortable for Perge, Aspendos and Termessos.
- **April in Antalya**: day ≈ 22°C, night ≈ 12°C, sea ≈ 18°C, rainy days: 5. About 22° by day, the sea still cool. The best time for walking and the mountains.
- **May in Antalya** (best time): day ≈ 26°C, night ≈ 16°C, sea ≈ 21°C, rainy days: 3. The beach season starts without the heat. One of the best months.
- **June in Antalya** (best time): day ≈ 31°C, night ≈ 20°C, sea ≈ 24°C, rainy days: 1. Warm sea and long days. Beach in the morning and evening, shade at midday.
- **July in Antalya**: day ≈ 34°C, night ≈ 23°C, sea ≈ 27°C, rainy days: 0. Peak heat, about 34° by day. Tours with an early start; the sea in the afternoon.
- **August in Antalya**: day ≈ 34°C, night ≈ 23°C, sea ≈ 28°C, rainy days: 0. The hottest month and the warmest sea. On tours, take water and a hat.
- **September in Antalya** (best time): day ≈ 31°C, night ≈ 19°C, sea ≈ 27°C, rainy days: 1. The heat eases while the sea stays warm. Good for both beach and tours.
- **October in Antalya** (best time): day ≈ 27°C, night ≈ 15°C, sea ≈ 24°C, rainy days: 4. About 27° by day — warm, not hot. Comfortable for exploring the coast.
- **November in Antalya**: day ≈ 21°C, night ≈ 10°C, sea ≈ 21°C, rainy days: 6. Rain begins, about 21° by day. A month for tours and walks.
- **December in Antalya**: day ≈ 17°C, night ≈ 7°C, sea ≈ 18°C, rainy days: 10. Cool and rainy. A quiet old town, the museum and views of snowy peaks.

Kemer, Side and Alanya share Antalya’s climate. The sea is warmest in August and coolest in February–March.

## Antalya beaches

Antalya has two big city beaches: pebbly Konyaaltı to the west and sandy Lara to the east. Entry is free; loungers and umbrellas cost extra. Below the Kaleiçi cliffs there are paid beach clubs with steps down to the water.

- **Konyaaltı** — ≈ 7 km of pebbles facing the Taurus Mountains; clear water that gets deep quickly.
- **Lara** — sand and a gentle slope, good with kids; the Lower Düden Waterfall is nearby.
- **Below Kaleiçi** — Mermerli beach with a lift and stairs to the sea; paid entry.
- **Further out** — the coves of Kemer, the sand at Side, Cleopatra Beach in Alanya.

## What to eat in Antalya

For good, cheap food, look for a lokanta with ready dishes or a kebab house away from the tourist lanes. Fish is eaten in the old Kaleiçi harbour and along Konyaaltı. Try the local piyaz — a bean salad with tahini served with şiş köfte.

- **Piyaz and şiş köfte** — Antalya’s signature: grilled meatballs on skewers with beans in tahini, lemon and egg.
- **Tandır kebab** — slow-cooked meat from the oven, served in old lokantas around Kaleiçi.
- **Fish** — in the Kaleiçi harbour and on the seafront; ask the price per portion before ordering.
- **Ice cream and pomegranate** — stretchy Maraş ice cream in the streets and fresh pomegranate juice in autumn.
- **Tipping** — about 10% if service isn’t on the bill.

## Antalya attraction ticket prices

The old town, harbour and seafront are free. You pay for the museum, the ancient cities and the waterfalls. Perge and Aspendos have the highest prices; the Museum Pass Mediterranean covers state museums and ancient sites in the region.

- [Hadrian's Gate](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/antalya-hadrians-gate) — Free
- [Yivli Minaret](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/yivli-minaret) — Free
- [Hıdırlık Tower](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/hidirlik-tower) — Free, outside only
- [Kaleiçi](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/kaleici) — Free, open 24/7
- [Antalya Museum](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/antalya-museum) — Closed: demolished, new one being built
- [Düden Waterfalls](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/duden-waterfalls) — Lower free, Upper ≈ 60–70 TL
- [Perge](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/perge) — About €11 for foreign visitors
- [Aspendos](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/aspendos) — €15 for foreigners, checking
- [Tünektepe](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/tunektepe) — Closed: cable car not running
- [Termessos](https://yesgo.io/turkey/antalya/termessos) — Paid, price being verified

The Museum Pass Mediterranean is valid in state museums and archaeological sites of the region for several days from the first entry. Private attractions need their own ticket.

## Day trips from Antalya

The favourite day trips are the Pamukkale travertines, Lycian Myra and the sunken city by Kekova, the canyons and the neighbouring resorts. Perge and Aspendos are half a day, close to the city. Cappadocia is better as a two-day trip or by plane.

- **Perge & Aspendos** — a Roman city and a theatre for about 7,000; ≈ 30–50 min, half a day.
- **Pamukkale** — white travertines and Hierapolis; ≈ 4 h each way, a full day.
- **Demre, Myra & Kekova** — rock tombs, St Nicholas Church and a boat over the sunken city; a full day.
- **Köprülü Canyon** — rafting; ≈ 1.5 h, a full day.
- **Kemer** — the Tahtalı cable car and ancient Phaselis; ≈ 1 h.
- **[Cappadocia](https://yesgo.io/turkey/cappadocia)** — hot-air balloons; plan 2 days, ≈ 9 h by bus or ≈ 1 h by plane.

## Tips

- Visit Kaleiçi in the morning or at sunset: summer afternoons are hot and crowded, evenings bring restaurants and harbour views.
- Perge and Aspendos are close together — combine them in one half-day trip.
- In July–August pick tours with an early start and keep midday for the sea and shade.
- Compare tour prices at your hotel desk with local agencies — the difference can be large.

## Questions

### Is Antalya worth visiting?

Yes: it combines a lively old town and a harbour with long city beaches, waterfalls and some of Turkey’s best Roman sites within an hour. It works out of season too — mild winters suit museums, ruins and walks.

### What are the best free things to do in Antalya?

Walk Kaleiçi old town and the harbour, see Hadrian’s Gate and the Yivli Minaret, stroll the seafront parks by Hıdırlık Tower and spend a day on Konyaaltı or Lara beach — entry to both is free.

### What is the weather like in Antalya in October, November and December?

October is about 27 °C by day with the sea around 24 °C — fine for swimming. November is about 21 °C with rain starting. December is about 17 °C and rainy — a month for the old town, museums and ruins.

### Where to stay in Antalya with a family?

Lara, for its sandy beach with a gentle slope and big family resorts; or Konyaaltı if you want the beach and the city together. Kaleiçi suits couples more than families.

### How do I get from Antalya Airport to the city?

By the AntRay tram or a city bus in about 40–60 minutes, paying with an AntalyaKart. A taxi or transfer takes 20–30 minutes to Kaleiçi and Lara, about an hour to Kemer and Side, and about two to Alanya.

### When is the sea warmest in Antalya?

In August, at about 28 °C; June and October are around 24 °C. The coolest water, about 17 °C, is from January to March.

### Can you do a day trip from Antalya to Pamukkale or Cappadocia?

Pamukkale, yes — it is a long but common day trip, about 4 hours each way. Cappadocia is too far for a day by road; plan two days or fly.

### Is it safe to walk around Antalya?

The old town, seafront and beach areas are busy and generally safe, including in the evening; take the usual precautions with valuables and use metered taxis.

## Sources

- Wikipedia, “Antalya”; “Hadrian’s Gate (Antalya)”; “Yivli Minaret”; “Termessos”; Antalya climate (1991–2020 normals)
- Antalya Airport — official website
- Antalya Metropolitan Municipality — AntRay tram and AntalyaKart
- Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye, muze.gov.tr — Museum Pass Mediterranean
- Republic of Türkiye e-Visa — official application site

Facts checked: 08.11.2026

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