Considered the capital of tourism in Turkey (Türkiye), Antalya is a city filled with urban rhythm, natural beauty, and ancient heritage. This city, stretching along the Mediterranean coast, is one of the most frequently visited cities in the nation and among the top summer holiday destinations around the globe. Antalya's coastlines serve as entrances to a variety of activities and experiences, such as scuba diving, paragliding, late-night concerts, and family-friendly waterparks.
Best Places to Visit in Antalya
Once a significant centre of ancient Pamphylia (Pamfilya), the city is now surrounded by some of the finest Antalya historical sites. The downtown area is only a short drive from the harbour city of Side, Perge's column-lined streets and its ancient theatre, and the marvellous architecture of the Aspendos Roman Theatre (Aspendos Antik Tiyatrosu). Yivli Minaret, also called the Fluted Minaret, is closer to the centre of the city and is still one of the most recognisable landmarks in Antalya, displaying the architectural influence of the Seljuk era. Narrow lanes in Kaleiçi's Old Town lead to Hadrian's Gate (Hadrian Kapısı), houses from the Ottoman era, and a Roman harbour. Here, tourists can see remnants of multiple civilisations in addition to Antalya's popular tourist destinations.
Old Town Kaleiçi
The historic centre of Antalya, Old Town Kaleiçi, is enclosed within ancient Roman and Ottoman-era walls. With its narrow, winding streets lined with restored stone houses, now housing boutique hotels, restaurants, and shops, it’s a must-see in Antalya. The visit of Kaleiçi is included in nearly all Antalya travel packages. The area is dotted with Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman history, making it a concentrated site of Antalya’s architectural and cultural heritage. Boat tours from the harbour and good value-for-money, friendly hotels like Alp Pasa and Argos make Kaleiçi an essential stop featured in every Antalya travel guide.
Hadrian’s Gate
Located on Atatürk Caddesi, Hadrian’s Gate is the only remaining entrance of Roman Attaleia. Its triple-arch design and marble columns make it a highlight for Antalya sightseeing and photography. The gate is a great entry point into Kaleiçi and is close to restaurants and shops. You can easily reach it on foot or by the Nostalgic Tramway. This is one of the top activities in Antalya and an unmissable spot for tourists. Entrance is free, and the area around it is perfect for relaxation and historic sightseeing in Antalya.
Old City Marina
Stationed in Kaleici, Old City Marina is a historic port that is now dotted with yachts and cafes, honouring Antalya's maritime heritage. Tourists can shop from local vendors and fishermen or have breakfast by the waterfront. Sail to neighbouring Antalya attractions like the Düden Waterfalls, or take a gullet tour to explore the coast. The marina is free to visit and is accessible from Kapisi Sokak in the old town. It’s among the best places to visit in Antalya, combining history, views, and laid-back coastal vibes.
Düden Waterfalls
One of Antalya's most popular natural tourist destinations is the upper and lower Düden Waterfalls (Düden Şelalesi), which are 12 kilometres (7.45 miles) from the city. The 20-metre (65.61 feet) tall Upper Duden Waterfall is a great place for camel rides, walks, and picnics. Best viewed from a cliffside park or boat tour, the Lower Düden plunges 40 metres (131.23 feet) into the Mediterranean Sea. There are cafes and trails close by, while getting there by car or bus is easy and joyful. As an integral part of any Antalya travel itinerary, these falls rank among the Antalya top attractions for nature lovers.
Lara Beach
Lara Beach ranks high on the list of best places to visit in Antalya for enjoying water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, and scuba diving. The beach hosts the annual Sandland Festival, where you can see large-scale sand sculptures made by international artists. With beach clubs, bars, live music performances, and themed hotel entertainment, Lara becomes the centre of Antalya's nightlife.
Perge Ancient City
Perge (Perge Antik Kenti) is a top Antalya attraction for heritage enthusiasts with well-preserved Greco-Roman ruins just outside the city. You can see a marketplace, columned streets, Hellenistic towers, Roman baths, a huge Roman theatre, and an intact stadium. The location has been added to the UNESCO Tentative List, making it a must-see in Antalya. The T1B tram to Aksu and a quick taxi ride will get you there. Try köfte and piyaz at neighbourhood Aksu restaurants like Meşhur Şimşek Köfte Piyaz after your visit there. This is one of the best places to experience ancient culture during your Antalya travel.
Yivli Minaret
Located near Kaleiçi in the heart of Antalya, Yivli Minaret is a defining destination of Antalya tourist spots. This 40-metre (131.23 feet) arched minaret, which was constructed during the Seljuk era in the 13th century, is next to a mosque (Yivliminare Camii or Alaaddin Camii or Ulu Camii) that most likely took the place of a Byzantine church. Visitors can explore the mosque, dervish lodge remains, and neighbouring madrasah ruins, but they cannot climb the minaret. It’s an essential stop during Antalya sightseeing walks around the old town and Republic Square. Souvenir shops and restored Seljuk architecture make it a cultural highlight among the top things to do in Antalya.
Karaalioğlu Park
Karaalioğlu Park is one of the best places to visit in Antalya for a peaceful break. It presents a picturesque coastal cliffside, flower-lined pathways, exotic trees, and water fountains. Visitors can enjoy the outdoor gym and children's playground, have a picnic, sunbathe, or eat lunch at one of the reasonably priced cafés. The park's Hidirlik Tower provides views of the sea and a location for photographs. Easily accessible from Kaleiçi and included in most Antalya sightseeing routes, this park is a must-see in Antalya for a quiet escape.
Hidirlik Tower
The 2,000-year-old Roman structure, Hidirlik Tower (Hıdırlık Kulesi), is located at the edge of Karaalioğlu Park, making it one of the top Antalya tourist spots. With expansive views of the sea, cliffs, and Roman Harbour, the upper part is cylindrical, while the lower part is square. A slender staircase leads up to the tower, where you can relax in the surrounding gardens. Among the best things to do in Antalya, especially for tourists interested in Roman history, is this well-known, free attraction.
The Old Bazaar
The Old Bazaar (Kaleiçi Bazaar) is one of the most authentic Antalya tourist spots. It's a great place to shop and learn about the culture. You may look through alleyways full of Turkish silk rugs, copperware, handcrafted ceramics, leather products, gold and silver jewellery, local delicacies, and spices. When you shop, tea is traditionally offered by the shopkeepers. The covered areas make it suitable for use even when it's hot. If you're looking for things to do in Antalya that involve engaging with the culture and partaking in the artistry of the region, a visit to the Old Bazaar is a must.
Aktur Amusement Park
With over 40 rides and attractions, Aktur Amusement Park is among the top family-friendly destinations in the Konyaaltı district in Antalya. With roller coasters, kid-friendly rides, and a 300-seat tea garden, it attracts over 65,000 visitors each week and is conveniently located opposite the 5M Migros supermarket. Since 1997, it has been a major destination for entertainment, drawing thousands of guests to its annual children's celebration on April 23. The park guarantees a fun, safe environment for visitors of all ages while also supporting neighbourhood programmes.
Heart of Antalya (Ferris Wheel)
With a height of 90 metres (295.28 feet), the Heart of Antalya City's Ferris Wheel is the tallest in Turkey, giving riders sweeping views of the city centre, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Taurus Mountains. It is situated within Aktur Park, close to Antalya Aquarium. It is open daily from 2:00 PM to approximately 1:00 AM, though the hours may change depending on the season. Each air-conditioned cabin has a comfortable ride that is ideal for sightseeing and photography in Antalya. For a full day, you can combine your visit with rides at the amusement park and local cafes. This is a hub of top attractions in Antalya, especially for families and leisure tourists.
Antalya Museum
The 30,000 square metres (322.91 square feet) Antalya Museum (Antalya Müzesi), which houses artefacts from the Lower Palaeolithic to the Byzantine era, is an essential stop for history aficionados visiting Antalya. Perge sculptures, Roman sarcophagi, Lycian artefacts, coins, and icons are on display, along with sections dedicated to modern and children's art. The statues from mythology and the depictions of Roman decapitation are highlights. The museum is still regarded as one of Antalya's best tourist destinations for cultural exploration, having won the Council of Europe's Special Prize in 1988.
Antalya Atatürk House Museum
The Antalya Atatürk House Museum is a reconstructed two-story stone building that once hosted Atatürk during his visit to the city. Originally gifted to him by locals and later repurposed for various public uses, the house was demolished and then rebuilt in its original form in 1984. Since 1986, it has served as a museum dedicated to Atatürk’s legacy. Visitors can explore historical newspapers, photos, and a documentary on the ground floor, while the upper floor showcases his personal belongings and a collection of Turkish Republic-era coins.
Day Trip to Aspendos Ancient Theatre
One of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world, the Aspendos Ancient Theatre can accommodate up to 20,000 people and is always included in any Antalya travel guide. Constructed in the second century AD, it still hosts drama and opera festivals, such as the well-known Aspendos Opera Festival. Outside the theatre, guests will find the agora, nymphaeum, bouleuterion, acropolis, and a third-century aqueduct. Visiting this ancient masterpiece is one of the best things to do in Antalya if you're interested in classical engineering and architecture.
How to spend 1 day in Antalya?
Starting your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast at The Big Man Lara Cafe & Bistro, with expansive views of the Bey Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, is highly recommended. This will give you the energy you need for your Antalya outdoor activities. From there, head straight to Kaleiçi, the Old Town, where the narrow cobblestone streets are lined with historical sites in Antalya, such as Hadrian’s Gate, the Fluted Minaret, and the Clock Tower. For a mid-morning snack, try Antalya's most well-known börek at Börekçi Tevfik or browse neighbourhood shops for handcrafted souvenirs. After exploring the marina and walking the Venetian Kırkmerdiven staircase, continue your Antalya City tour with a short walk to Karaalioğlu Park.
Just a short drive from Kaleiçi, head to 7 Mehmet for lunch. Before embarking on afternoon Antalya excursions, it's the ideal spot to eat seafood and mezes while overlooking Konyaaltı Beach. A highlight of any Antalya travel itinerary is the nearby Antalya Museum, accessible with the Museum Pass Turkey, which houses priceless Roman sculptures and mosaics.
In the late afternoon, chill out in one of the world's largest tunnel aquariums, the Antalya Aquarium. The Antalya shopping scene offers a chance to finish off with some quick retail therapy at Antalya Migros Shopping Centre or take advantage of special outlet bargains at Deepo Outlet Centre.
Go back to Kaleiçi for dinner and eat at Yemenli Meyhanesi, where a lively nightlife and live Turkish music collide.
An Antalya city day trip harmoniously combines stunning beach views, rich history, vibrant shopping, and mouthwatering cuisine.
Things to do in Antalya in 2 Days
Without having to rush, visitors can easily arrange Antalya's rich local culture, ancient history, waterfront recreation, and decadent dining experiences in just two days. Take a boat cruise from Antalya Marina to start your first morning. Take in the breathtaking Lower Düden Waterfalls, which cascade from rocky cliffs into the sea, while gliding along the turquoise coast and pausing for a swim in the Mediterranean Sea. Go back to the city and have a leisurely lunch in Kaleiçi. Try baklava, tangy ezme, and grilled köfte with strong Turkish tea at the quaint cafes serving traditional Turkish cuisine.
Spend the afternoon exploring Kaleiçi, the Old Town. Its winding cobblestone streets are dotted with Roman and Ottoman buildings. Stop at Hadrian's Gate, ascend to Hidirlik Tower for a view of the sea and cliffs, and take in the 13th-century Seljuk Yivli Minaret Mosque. Browse ceramics and locally made jewellery boutiques in between landmarks. After enjoying a drink by the water at the Roman Harbour as the sun sets, eat at Vanilla Restaurant, which connects Mediterranean elegance with contemporary Turkish cuisine.
On your second morning, you can either head inland to Düden Park for a more sedate experience or visit the Antalya Aquarium, which has one of the longest tunnel aquariums in the world along with interactive attractions like Snow World and Wildpark. The Upper Düden Falls, which have a secret cave that allows you to view the falls from behind, are perfect for a picnic.
Go to Konyaalti Beach for lunch, where you can eat grilled sea bass and meze at a restaurant by the shore. Rent jet skis and paddleboards for the afternoon. A quick horseback ride along the coast or a quad bike tour into the mountains are more active options if you're more of a nature person.
To wrap up your Antalya trip, indulge in a traditional hammam experience in the evening. After getting a full body scrub and massage, enjoy a Fire of Anatolia dance performance. To commemorate your last night in Antalya, order a plate of testi kebab or a vegetarian güveç and pair it with a local wine for a late dinner on an outdoor terrace overlooking the sea.
What to Do in Antalya in 3 Days?
Start your three-day journey in Antalya with a classic Turkish breakfast at Castle Café & Bistro in Kaleiçi, where you’ll dine with a view of Hıdırlık Tower and the Mediterranean horizon. Spend the morning walking through the cobbled alleys of the Old Town. Here, you’ll pass Hadrian’s Gate, the Clock Tower, and the Yivli Minaret Mosque while browsing local handcraft shops and Ottoman-era mansions now home to boutique hotels, cafés, and souvenir shops. Choose a meze plate or grilled sea bass for lunch at Nar Beach Bistro. Explore the Antalya Museum in the afternoon to view statues of Heracles, Zeus, and Apollo that were unearthed from neighbouring ruins. Enjoy tea at a café perched on a cliff at sunset to cap off your day in Karaalioğlu Park. Later, savour dinner at Aynalı Restaurant in the marina, which is well-known for its seafood platters and traditional Turkish wines.
The second day begins early with a visit to the Upper Düden Waterfalls, where you can walk behind the curtain of water through natural caves. Continue to the Antalya Aquarium, where the thematic sections, submarine replicas, and sea-life sculptures designed and decorated by Italian artist Benedetti are displayed. For lunch, sample a traditional gözleme or a fresh pita sandwich close to MiniCity. In the evening, return to Kaleiçi for dinner at Seraser Fine Dining Restaurant.
Day three begins with the sunrise over Konyaaltı Beach. Have a late breakfast at Cay-Tea’s Lunchroom & Deco Home in Kaleiçi. Explore the Suna-Inan Kıraç Kaleiçi Museum in the afternoon to discover Ottoman culture and life through life-size replicas and ornamental ceramics. Take a sunset yacht cruise from Kaleiçi Harbour, passing cliffs and waterfalls, to conclude your Antalya adventure.