12 Best Things to do in Antalya, Turkey

Planning a trip to Antalya? You’re in for a treat!

Antalya might be famous for its sunshine and gorgeous Mediterranean beaches, but trust us, there’s SO much more to this Turkish coastal gem than working on your tan! Between wandering the charming streets of the Old Town, hunting for treasures in colorful bazaars, and heading off on incredible day trips, you’ll have plenty of reasons to leave that sun lounger behind.

And don’t worry, there’s still plenty of time for the beach! We’ve rounded up our 12 favorite things to do in Antalya to help you experience the best of both worlds. Let’s get into it!

Antalya At A Glance 

Before you start exploring Antalya, here are a few things to know to make your trip a little easier. Here are our top tips!

Get an AntalyaKart: If you’re planning to use public transport, we recommend picking up an AntalyaKart. It’s a card that you can use to pay for buses and trams around the city, and it’s easy to top up at designated machines and local shops. It’s a handy way to get around without relying on taxis!

Be prepared for the summer heat: Antalya gets seriously hot in July and August. It’s also peak tourist season, so expect busy beaches and plenty of crowds! We’d recommend visiting in April or May, or September through October, when the weather is generally more comfortable for exploring. November can also be very pleasant, as long as you don’t mind cooler temperatures.

Keep some cash handy: While cards are widely accepted, it’s worth carrying a few smaller Turkish lira notes and coins, especially since some public restrooms charge a small fee. And if you’re planning to shop at the local markets and bazaars, don’t be afraid to bargain a little! It’s all part of the experience, although shops with fixed prices are a different story.

How We Would Spend Three Days in Antalya

🌊 Day 1: Waterfalls, Old Town Charm & Sunset Drinks
Discover Antalya’s beautiful waterfalls and historic Old Town on a guided city tour, then enjoy sunset drinks and a delicious dinner, finishing up with an evening stroll along the Old Marina.

🐎 Day 2: Colorful Bazaars, Beach Time & Horseback Riding
Explore Kaleiçi’s colorful bazaars, then relax on the beach before finishing the day with a sunset horseback ride along the Mediterranean coast.

🏛️ Day 3: Ancient Ruins & Unforgettable Day Trips
Choose between a day trip to Pamukkale’s famous white terraces and Hierapolis or a guided tour of the ancient cities of Perge, Aspendos, and Side.

Want to see the full day-to-day plan? Check out our detailed 3-day Antalya itinerary here!

Things to do in Antalya

1. Explore the cultural landmarks of Perge, Aspendos, and Side

If you’re interested in history, you’ll love Antalya! There are some incredible ancient cities just outside the city center, and this full-day guided tour is a great way to explore three of the best without arranging transport or planning a route yourself.

First up is Perge, an ancient city where you can wander Roman streets, admire the remains of grand buildings, and get a glimpse of what life was like here thousands of years ago. We think there’s something pretty amazing about walking through a place with so much history!

Next, you’ll visit Aspendos, which is home to one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world. When you see its sheer size, you’ll understand why it’s such a big deal. It’s incredible to think people gathered here for performances almost 2,000 years ago.

You’ll also explore Side, a beautiful coastal town where ancient ruins sit alongside modern shops and restaurants. One highlight is the Temple of Apollo, which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. It’s an amazing backdrop for photos; we can promise you that much! And on top of all this, there’s a stop at Manavgat Waterfall, plus lunch at a local restaurant.

We particularly like that you get a knowledgeable guide to explain the history behind everything, rather than just wandering around wondering what you’re looking at! And with hundreds of 5-star reviews, this is clearly a popular choice.

2. Take a day trip to see Pamukkale, Hierapolis, and Cleopatra’s Pool

Have you ever seen photos of Pamukkale’s incredible white terraces? They almost look like something from another planet! The good news is you can visit this amazing place on this guided day trip from Antalya.

Pamukkale means “cotton castle” in Turkish, and when you see the bright white limestone terraces, you’ll understand why! They’ve formed over thousands of years as mineral-rich thermal water has flowed down the hillside, creating natural pools and some pretty extraordinary scenery.

But that’s only half the attraction! We got to explore Hierapolis, an ancient Roman spa city built around the area’s hot springs. People came here to enjoy the thermal waters almost 2,000 years ago, and the site still has fascinating ruins, including a huge Roman theater and an enormous necropolis. 

There’s also Cleopatra’s Pool, where you may be able to swim in warm mineral-rich water among ancient stone columns. How cool is that? Swimming costs extra, though, but it’s definitely worth it if the pool is open when you visit – sadly, it wasn’t when we went! 

Now, we won’t pretend this is a quick little outing. It was a long day from Antalya, but with transport, lunch, and a knowledgeable guide included, we could just sit back and enjoy the experience, so it was much less tiring than if we’d decided to go it alone. And with thousands of glowing reviews, we’re obviously not the only ones who enjoyed it.

3. Enjoy the beach 

You can’t visit Antalya without spending at least a little time at the beach! And luckily, there are plenty of beautiful spots to choose from, whether you want to stay close to the city or venture a little further along the coast. Here are some of our favorite beaches to check out:

• Konyaaltı Beach: One of the easiest beaches to reach from Antalya, with a long pebbly shoreline and gorgeous mountain views. There are plenty of cafés nearby, so you can easily spend a whole afternoon here!

• Lara Beach: Prefer sand between your toes? Lara Beach is known for its golden shoreline and lively beach clubs, making it a great spot to soak up the sunshine.

• Mermerli Beach: Tucked beneath the cliffs of Kaleiçi Old Town, this little beach is perfect for cooling off after sightseeing. Just keep in mind that you’ll usually need to pay for access.

• Olimpos Beach: About 90 minutes from Antalya, this beach has a more natural, laid-back feel, with ancient ruins nearby. It’s a great excuse to rent a car and make a day of it!

• Kaputaş Beach: This gorgeous little cove is surrounded by towering cliffs and some of the bluest water you’ll ever see! It’s about three hours from Antalya and gets VERY busy, so we’d recommend arriving early.

• Patara Beach: If you love long stretches of golden sand, this one’s for you! It’s one of Turkey’s longest beaches and an important nesting site for sea turtles, so be sure to respect any protected areas.

4. See Antalya’s top sights in one day: Düden Waterfalls, Hadrian’s Gate, and a boat trip

Want to see some of Antalya’s best sights in one day? Well, this guided city tour makes it pretty easy!

One of the biggest highlights is Lower Düden Waterfall, where water cascades straight over the cliffs into the Mediterranean Sea. It’s quite a sight! You’ll also visit Upper Düden Waterfall, surrounded by greenery, and Kurşunlu Waterfall, which is tucked away in a beautiful nature park.

But it’s not all waterfalls! The tour also takes you into Kaleiçi, Antalya’s charming Old Town, where you’ll see Hadrian’s Gate. This impressive Roman gateway dates back to the 2nd century, and it’s amazing that it’s still standing today. You’ll also have some time to wander the narrow streets and soak up the atmosphere.

And if you choose the boat trip option, you’ll head out from the historic marina for an hour-long cruise along Antalya’s coastline. It’s a good chance to admire the city from the water, with the region’s famously dramatic cliffs as your backdrop!

We highly recommend booking the option that includes the boat trip and lunch to get the most out of your day. With a guide and transport taken care of, it’s a convenient way to explore, especially if you’re short on time.

5. Explore the Old Town on a walking and tasting tour

We love exploring a new city with a local guide, especially somewhere with as much history as Antalya’s Old Town! So we opted for the private version of this walking and tasting tour, and it was an amazing way to get to know Kaleiçi.

What really makes this tour special is the guide, Önder. He’s incredibly knowledgeable about Antalya’s history, but he’s also friendly, funny, and full of local recommendations. We love that he shares little stories about the city rather than just rattling off historical facts. He was definitely born to be a tour guide! 

You’ll wander through Kaleiçi’s narrow streets, passing historic landmarks like the Clock Tower and Yivli Minare Mosque. You’ll also see the beautiful Old Marina, the Ethnography Museum, and fantastic viewpoints overlooking the Mediterranean.

One of the best things about booking the private tour is that you can explore at your own pace. You won’t have to rush to keep up with a big group, and you can ask as many questions as you like!

And to finish things off, you’ll get to try irmik helvası, a traditional Turkish semolina dessert served with ice cream, tahini, and peanuts. We definitely appreciated a sweet treat after all of that walking. This tour was one of the best things we did on our trip, and we highly recommend booking the private option if possible—it’s 100% worth it.

6. Relax in a Turkish Bath 

After all that sightseeing, how about treating yourself to a traditional Turkish bath? Known as a hammam, this is one of Turkey’s oldest bathing traditions, and Antalya is a great place to experience it. In fact, we would go so far as to say that it’s non-negotiable! 

Now, a hammam isn’t quite the same as your usual spa day. You’ll start by relaxing in a warm, steamy room, often on a heated marble platform. Once you’ve worked up a sweat, an attendant will give you a thorough scrub using a special exfoliating mitt called a kese. And when we say thorough, we mean it.

Next comes the fun part: you’ll be covered in fluffy soap bubbles and given a relaxing foam massage, then rinsed off. Some hammams also offer oil massages and other spa treatments if you fancy a little extra pampering.

You can try this in several places in Antalya. DEMIRHAN Bath offers a more traditional experience, with separate sections for men and women. For something a little more luxurious, FALEZ Hamam & Spa has private spa options and massages. Onay Hamamı is also a large Turkish bath in the Kepez area that locals love.

Just remember to bring a swimsuit or spare underwear, and check what’s included in your package beforehand. You’ll leave feeling squeaky clean, and hopefully very relaxed!

7. Get the best views on a sunset horseback ride

Watching the sunset over the Mediterranean is lovely, but doing it on horseback takes it to the next level. If you’re looking for something a little different to do in Antalya, this guided horseback riding experience takes you through scenic forest trails and along Lara Beach. We highly recommend the sunset option for those gorgeous golden-hour views!

You’ll spend about an hour on horseback, starting with a ride through the forest before heading toward the coast. Once you reach the beach, you’ll have the chance to admire the Mediterranean Sea from the saddle and stop for some photos. 

And don’t worry if you’ve never ridden a horse before! The experience is designed for beginners and more confident riders alike, with a guide on hand to help you get comfortable and show you what to do. The horses are accustomed to guided rides, so you can enjoy the scenery without needing any previous experience.

We also like that this isn’t a huge time commitment, so it’s easy to fit around your other plans. Just make sure you select a sunset departure when booking, and confirm the pickup arrangements with the operator beforehand. We think this would be an amazing way to end a day in Antalya!

8. Shop around Kaleici Old Town 

While we love taking a guided tour to learn about a place’s history, we also think it’s worth taking some time to explore Kaleiçi Old Town on your own after your initial introduction. Its narrow streets are packed with little shops and beautiful old buildings, and we spent a very happy few hours just wandering around this charming quarter.

First, make sure you explore the bazaars! You’ll find everything from colorful Turkish rugs and handmade ceramics to clothes, jewelry, and little souvenirs. And don’t be afraid to bargain a bit. It’s all part of the fun, and although we felt a bit awkward about it at first, we soon got into the swing of things. 

If you’re a cat lover, you should also look out for the little Cat Garden near the panoramic elevator. It’s a small spot where rescued street cats are cared for, and we think that’s a pretty good excuse to stop for a few cuddles.

We’d also recommend wandering down to the Old Marina, where you’ll find boats bobbing in the harbor beneath the historic city walls. It’s a great place to take photos and soak up the atmosphere for a while.

And you can’t leave without visiting the colorful Umbrella Street! Stop at a nearby café for a strong Turkish coffee and admire the umbrellas hanging overhead.

Finally, don’t miss the chance to ride the panoramic glass elevator. An elevator might not sound like much of an attraction, but this one’s built against the cliffs overlooking the Old Marina! As you ride up, you’ll get beautiful views of the historic harbor and the sea, with the mountains in the distance. There’s also a glass viewing platform at the top, which is a fantastic spot for photos. Best of all, it’s completely free and saves you from walking up those steep streets, so it’s a win-win! 

9. Take a Turkish mosaic lamp workshop 

You know those gorgeous, colorful mosaic lamps you see hanging in Turkish bazaars? Well, how about making your very own? We think this Turkish mosaic lamp workshop sounds like such a fun way to spend a couple of hours in Antalya!

The workshop is located just a short walk from Kaleiçi Old Town, and you’ll start by learning a little about the history of Turkish mosaic art. Then it’s time to get creative!

You’ll have more than 30 colors of glass pieces and beads to choose from, so you can design your lamp however you like. Go for a traditional pattern or something completely unique. The instructors will guide you through the process, so don’t worry if you’re not particularly artistic. Although we think choosing your colors might be the hardest part!

And because this is Turkey, there’s plenty of hospitality involved, too! You’ll be treated to Turkish tea and Turkish delight while you work, which we love. And then once you’ve finished, you can take some photos of your creation before it’s carefully packaged up for you to take home. 

We love the idea of having a beautiful handmade lamp as a reminder of your trip, and we also think that this is a great indoor activity if you fancy a break from the summer heat. It gets pretty hot here, so it’s nice to take a break and do something creative amid all of the sightseeing.

10. Go paragliding 

We love this tandem paragliding adventure because it delivers an adrenaline rush and lets you admire Turkey’s beautiful coastline from a completely different perspective. What’s not to love?

This tour takes you to Alanya, where you’ll fly above the stunning Mediterranean coastline with a professional pilot. And the best part? You’ll get incredible views of Cleopatra Beach, with its golden sand, turquoise water, and the Taurus Mountains stretching out in the distance. We can’t think of a much better place to go paragliding!

Now, if the thought of running off a mountain makes your stomach do a little flip, don’t worry. You’ll be securely strapped in with an experienced pilot who handles the flying, so you don’t need any prior experience. After takeoff, you can sit back and enjoy the views as you glide through the air.

The flight lasts about 10-20 minutes, depending on the weather. And while that might not sound very long, we reckon it’s plenty of time to get your adrenaline fix! The whole experience takes around six hours in total, which includes transfers from Antalya and time for your flight. If you’re looking for a little adventure during your Antalya vacation, we think that this is absolutely perfect!

11. See sunset from Karaalioğlu Park

Looking for the perfect place to watch the sunset in Antalya? Allow us to introduce you to Karaalioğlu Park!

This large, historic park sits right on the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, with beautiful views across the bay towards the Taurus Mountains. And while it’s a pretty place to visit at any time of day, we’d definitely recommend coming in the late afternoon, when the sun starts turning everything golden.

Plenty of shady walking paths, gardens, and benches are scattered throughout the park, but the real highlights are the viewing terraces along the cliffs. From here, you can watch the boats out on the water and admire the mountains in the distance. It’s an amazing backdrop for some sunset photos! 

While you’re here, make sure you check out Hıdırlık Tower, too! This impressive stone tower dates back to Roman times, around the 2nd century, and stands right at the edge of the park. Its square base and circular upper section make it quite distinctive, and the surrounding area offers some fantastic coastal views.

Best of all, Karaalioğlu Park is just a short walk from Kaleiçi Old Town, so it’s easy to add to your itinerary. In fact, we spent a fantastic afternoon exploring the old streets before heading here to watch the sunset. It was the perfect way to end the day! 

12. Cruise out to the Sunken City Kekova

Did you know there’s an ancient city partially submerged beneath the Mediterranean Sea? Yup, it’s nicknamed “the Turkish Atlantis,” and you can discover it on this full-day tour to Kekova, Demre, and Myra. It’s easily one of the most fascinating day trips from Antalya—after all, how often do you come across a sunken city?

The highlight is a boat trip around Kekova Island, where earthquakes centuries ago left parts of an ancient settlement beneath the water. As you cruise along the coastline, you’ll see traces of stone walls, staircases, and buildings along the shore. You can catch a glimpse of some of the underwater ruins, and with that gorgeous turquoise sea surrounding you, the scenery is also well worth admiring.

But there’s more to this tour than Kekova! You’ll also visit the ancient city of Myra, where elaborate Lycian tombs were carved directly into the cliffs. And just wait until you see the impressive Roman theater! It’s hard to believe these incredible structures have been standing for centuries.

Then it’s on to Demre to see the Church of St. Nicholas. Yes, that St. Nicholas! The bishop who inspired the legend of Santa Claus lived in this region, and the church is an important historical site. We actually had no idea he was from Turkey – you learn something new every day! 

We think this tour is an amazing way to dive into the Antalya region and its fascinating history. It really showcases what makes this part of Turkey so unique and special, beyond all of the resorts.

Where to Stay in Antalya, Turkey

If you’re wondering where to stay in Antalya, we’d recommend basing yourself in Kaleiçi Old Town! We love the idea of stepping outside your hotel and being surrounded by historic streets and traditional Turkish restaurants. Plus, you’ll be within walking distance of many of the city’s best attractions, including Hadrian’s Gate and the Old Marina.

Here are three great places to stay, depending on your budget!

Casa Sur Antalya – $$$

If you’re looking for somewhere special, Casa Sur Antalya is a gorgeous boutique hotel right beside the ancient city walls, just steps from Hadrian’s Gate.

What really makes this place stand out is its beautiful botanical garden, filled with orange, mandarin, and banana trees. Imagine enjoying a leisurely Turkish breakfast surrounded by all that greenery! The individually designed rooms are full of character, with a beautiful mix of historic details and modern comforts.

There’s also an excellent on-site restaurant serving Mediterranean and Turkish-inspired food, plus a terrace bar for evening drinks. We think this would be a wonderful choice for a romantic getaway. Rooms typically cost around $200–$280 USD per night, although rates vary by season. Read the amazing reviews and availability at Casa Sur Antalya here!

Saye Konak Hotel – $$

For something charming without a luxury price tag, take a look at Saye Konak Hotel. It’s a small boutique hotel that’s set in a beautifully restored historic mansion in the heart of Kaleiçi. The rooms are cozy and comfortable, and there’s a scenic courtyard where you can enjoy breakfast before heading out to explore.

Speaking of breakfast, the hotel is known for its traditional Turkish spread, complete with homemade local jams. And the location is fantastic! You’re just a few minutes’ walk from Hadrian’s Gate, Mermerli Beach, and plenty of restaurants. We think it’s a great middle-ground option if you want somewhere with plenty of character and a convenient location. Rooms start at around $80–$170 USD per night, making it great value for the location! Check prices and availability at Saye Konak Hotel here!

Kaleici Hotel – $

If you’re traveling on a tighter budget, Kaleici Hotel allows you to stay right in the Old Town without spending a fortune.

The rooms are fairly simple, but they have the essentials, including air conditioning, and the hotel’s location is hard to beat. You can easily walk to the marina, Hadrian’s Gate, and lots of cafés.

But the real surprise here is the outdoor swimming pool. It’s tucked in a cute little stone courtyard and surrounded by shrubs and flowers, and we think it’s a huge bonus for such an affordable stay. Rooms can start from as little as $35 USD per night, which is a fantastic deal for this location! Check prices and availability at Kaleici Hotel here!

Want more choices? Check out all the hotels listed for Antalya here!

Thanks for reading!

Before you pack your bags, be sure to check out our other Turkey travel guides! There’s so much more to discover in this incredible country. Or keep scrolling below for more of our favorite travel tips and inspiration to help you plan your next adventure. Happy travels!

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