Top Things to Do in Antalya, Turkey
Antalya is a city on Turkey’s southern coast, right by the Mediterranean Sea. It’s known for its sunny weather, ancient ruins and dramatic mountains. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore old Roman cities or enjoy walks with sea views, Antalya has something for you.
Contains affiliate links
12 Best Things to Do in Antalya
In this guide, I’ve shared the top things to do - each with quick, useful tips to help you plan your time easily.
Wander Kaleiçi Old Town
Antalya’s old town, called Kaleiçi, is one of the best places to start. It’s full of narrow cobbled lanes, whitewashed Ottoman houses with wooden balconies and little shops selling handmade goods. You’ll spot lots of cats lounging in sunny corners and colourful bougainvillaea spilling over stone walls. One of the highlights is Hadrian’s Gate - a grand Roman arch built in the year 130 AD to welcome Emperor Hadrian.
From there, keep walking downhill and you’ll reach the old harbour. It’s now a peaceful spot with fishing boats, cafes and sea views. We loved getting lost on foot in Kaleiçi - there’s something to see around every turn, and it’s the kind of place that rewards slow wandering. If you enjoy walking like I do, this part of Antalya will definitely be a favourite.
Snap Hadrian’s Gate Up Close
Hadrian’s Gate is one of the most famous landmarks in Antalya. It was built by the Romans in 130 AD to honour Emperor Hadrian’s visit to the city. The gate has three grand arches and still shows signs of its original carvings and columns. It stands right at the entrance to the old town, so you can’t miss it.
It’s free to visit, and you can walk through it just like people did nearly 2,000 years ago. For the best photos, go early in the morning when the light is soft and the streets are quiet.
Sail Past the Düden Waterfalls
There are two main Düden Waterfalls to visit - Upper and Lower - and both offer something different. The Upper Düden Falls are set in a leafy park, just outside the city centre. You can walk behind the waterfall through a natural cave, which is a fun (and slightly wet!) experience. There are benches, snack stalls and shaded areas, making it a great spot for a quiet picnic. It’s best to wear shoes with a bit of grip as the paths can be slippery.
The Lower Düden Falls (pictured above) are much more dramatic, as the water drops straight off a cliff into the sea. You can see them from the viewing platform above or take a boat trip from the harbour to see the falls from below. The boat ride is especially nice in the afternoon when the sunlight hits the water just right. Don’t forget a light jacket or poncho for the splash zone if you’re sitting near the front!
Chill on Konyaaltı & Lara Beaches
Antalya has two main beaches - Konyaaltı and Lara.
Konyaaltı has a long stretch of pebbles with a stunning mountain backdrop. It’s popular with locals and has plenty of places to eat and shower facilities. Lara Beach (pictured below) is sandy and better suited if you like lying down without pebbles poking your back! It’s also home to bigger hotels and beach clubs. Both beaches have umbrellas and loungers for hire, but I’d recommend bringing your own hat or sunshade if you’re planning to stay a while.
We stayed at Grand Park Lara, which made beach days really easy. The hotel has its own private section on Lara Beach with sunbeds, umbrellas, and a bar, so you don’t have to worry about finding a spot. It was nice having everything nearby and being able to dip in and out of the sea whenever we liked.
Day Trip to Perge & Aspendos
We visited Perge and Aspendos on separate days, each as part of a guided tour, which made the experience smooth and informative.
Perge is just 30 minutes from Antalya and is full of wide Roman streets, ancient gates, and ruins of baths and a stadium. Our guide helped bring the place to life by pointing out details we would have missed on our own.
A few days later, we toured Aspendos, about 45 minutes away, known for its well-preserved Roman theatre that still hosts concerts today. Some operators offer a combined Perge–Aspendos tour, which is a good option if you’re short on time. You can also buy a combined entry ticket to save money if visiting both.
Ride the Tahtalı (Olympos) Cable Car
The Tahtalı (Olympos) Cable Car takes you up to the top of Mount Tahtalı, 2,365 metres above sea level. The ride itself is quite scenic and at the top, you get panoramic views of the mountains and the sea. There’s a café where you can relax with a drink while enjoying the view. It can get windy and chilly even in summer, so it’s worth bringing a jumper or light jacket.
Hike Ancient Termessos in the Taurus Mountains
The Ancient Termessos site is hidden in the Taurus Mountains and takes around 45 minutes to climb from the car park to the ruins. The path is rocky and uneven, so wear good walking shoes and carry water and snacks. The ruined theatre is perched high above the valley and has stunning views all around. It is a great spot if you enjoy being in nature and away from the crowds.
Raft or Hike in Köprülü Canyon
We spent a full day at Köprülü Canyon on a rafting tour and it was a real adventure.
The tour operator picked us up from our hotel in the morning and drove us to the canyon, about 90 minutes away. After getting our safety gear and a quick briefing, we were off on a fun rafting trip down the river, with calm stretches and a few exciting rapids. The scenery was lovely, with green cliffs and old Roman bridges. Lunch was included and we were dropped back to the hotel in the evening—tired but happy! If you're not into rafting, the area is also great for hiking.
Explore the Antalya Museum
The Antalya Museum is located just west of the old town, near Konyaaltı Beach. It’s one of the top museums in Turkey and is full of beautifully displayed Roman statues, sarcophagi and artefacts from nearby ancient cities like Perge and Aspendos. The Hall of Emperors and the children’s section are especially worth seeing.
Entry is free for children on weekends and the museum is easy to get to by tram or taxi. It’s a great way to spend an hour or two, especially if you want a break from the heat.
Shop Local: Antalya Bazaar & Modern Malls
Antalya’s local markets and bazaars are great places to shop for Turkish souvenirs - and haggling is part of the fun. Some of the most popular things to bargain for include colourful Turkish towels (known as peshtemals), handmade ceramics, and dried spices. The stalls are full of vibrant sights and smells, and you’ll usually get a better price if you’re polite, friendly, and willing to walk away.
When it comes to sweets, look out for boxes of Turkish delight (lokum) in flavours like rose, pomegranate, and pistachio, as well as baklava layered with nuts and syrup. Many visitors also take back apple tea, mixed nuts, or small evil eye charms for good luck. Most shops will let you taste before you buy, especially at the sweet and spice stalls - so take your time and enjoy the experience.
Have Fun at The Land of Legends
The Land of Legends, near Belek, is Turkey’s largest theme and water park. It features Adventure Land rides, over 40 water slides, a giant wave pool, dolphin shows, and even Nickelodeon-themed areas, making it feel a bit like a Turkish version of Disneyland . Evening boat parades and light shows keep the mood lively.
Taste Local Food
Antalya has plenty to offer if you eat meat. One of the most popular dishes is şiş kebab - grilled meat on skewers, usually served with rice, salad and flatbread. Tandır kebab, a slow-cooked lamb dish, is also worth trying if you like rich flavours. In many restaurants, you’ll find köfte (Turkish meatballs), often served with yoghurt or tomato sauce. For something more local, look out for hülüklü çorba, a meatball and chickpea soup that’s often made in Antalya homes, especially in colder months.
If you're vegetarian like me, there are still lots of tasty options. Piyaz, a bean salad with tahini, is originally from Antalya and tastes lovely with fresh bread. Gözleme is another favourite – a thin stuffed flatbread cooked on a griddle, often filled with spinach, cheese or potato. Many meze dishes are vegetarian too, like stuffed vine leaves, aubergine dips and lentil balls.
For dessert, try baklava with pistachio or kazandibi, a sweet milk pudding with a caramelised top. Turkish ice cream (dondurma) is also fun to try - it’s chewy and doesn’t melt as quickly in the sun!
Plan Your Antalya Trip (FAQs)
- When is the best time to visit Antalya?
The best time is April to June or September to October when the weather is warm but not too hot. July and August are great for the beach but can be very hot. - How many days do you need in Antalya?
Three to five days is enough to see the main sights. If you plan to do day trips or just want to relax, a full week is ideal. - Do I need a visa for Turkey?
UK travellers need an e-Visa, which is quick and easy to apply for online. EU citizens can enter visa-free for short stays. - How to get from Antalya Airport to the old town?
You can take the T1A tram (about 30 minutes), a Havaş shuttle bus, or a taxi with a meter straight to Kaleiçi. - Is Antalya safe for tourists?
Yes, it’s generally very safe in tourist areas. Just take the usual precautions with valuables, especially in busy spots. - Is English widely spoken?
Yes, especially in hotels, shops and tourist attractions. Still, locals appreciate it if you learn a few basic Turkish words. - What should I pack?
Bring light clothes, a sun hat, high-factor sun cream and good walking shoes. A light jacket is handy for cooler evenings or mountain trips.
Antalya is one of those places that really has something for everyone. History lovers can explore ancient Roman cities and hidden mountain ruins, beach fans can relax on warm sands or swim in clear blue water, and walkers like us will enjoy scenic lanes, cliffside views and nature trails. If you’ve been or have any questions, feel free to share your tips or ask in the comments below - I’d love to hear from you!
Post a Comment