Top Things to Do in Antalya: Beaches, History & Local Adventures

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Antalya, you’ve come to the right place. This city blends the rich history of Turkey with the stunning Mediterranean coastline. Known as the Gateway to Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, Antalya offers a little bit of everything – whether you’re into adventure, relaxing on beautiful beaches, or diving into history.From ancient ruins to scenic beaches and exciting outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone here. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or just want to soak up the culture, Antalya has it all.

Antalya is a dazzling blend of Mediterranean charm, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes, making it one of Turkey’s top travel destinations. From ancient ruins to pristine beaches and lively bazaars, the list of unforgettable things to do in Antalya is as diverse as it is exciting. Often hailed as the Gateway to the Turquoise Coast, the city offers a perfect mix of relaxation, culture, and adventure for every type of traveller.

Before you pack your bags, explore this guide to uncover the must-see sights and local gems that make Antalya truly unforgettable

Discover Kaleiçi: Antalya’s Historic Old Town

Each Antalya travel guide simply must start with a mention of the historic Old Town (Kaleiçi). By visiting it, you will get to enjoy its narrow cobblestone streets, Ottoman-era houses, and the ancient city walls.

At the heart of Kaleiçi, there is Hadrian’s Gate, which is a triumphal arch built to honour the Roman Emperor’s visit. The Yivli Minare Mosque, which is a part of the World Heritage List by UNESCO, is also a must-see. Do make sure to take home some unique handicrafts from there.

Hadrian’s Gate

Hadrian’s Gate is located at the entrance to Kaleiçi, so it is an easy stroll from wherever you stay in Antalya. It is included in our list of things to do in Antalya due to its intricately carved stonework, which will leave you imagining what life was like during the Roman Empire.

• Opening hours: Open 24/7
• Ticket price: Free

Hidirlik Tower

Moving on, the Hidirik Tower is another landmark tower of tawny stone, and it is believed that the Roman Empire was built on a square plan. However, shortly after, it was remodelled into a circular tower, with the Byzantines later using it as a military outpost.

Opening hours: Summer (09:00–19:00) / Winter (08:30–17:30)
Ticket price: €1.10

The Old Harbour

The Old Harbour is a heritage from Antalya’s past. It was once a place where boats from both the Ottoman and Roman Empires docked. Now, it is stacked with restaurants and businesses. We suggest you take a short boat trip from the harbour and enjoy some breathtaking views. All these activities make the Old Harbour one of the most notable Antalya things to do with kids.

• Opening hours: Always 24/7
• Boat Tour Prices: Start from €20 per person.

Relax on the Best Beaches in Antalya

The entire Antalya region stretches for over 400 kilometres along the Mediterranean coast, so, as you can imagine, there are some stunning, sun-drenched beaches you can visit. Here are a few beaches that will take your breath away:

1. Konyaaltı Beach: One of the most popular beaches in Antalya, widely known for its long, pebbly shoreline. The beach is packed with beautiful cafes and playgrounds, but if you are only on the lookout for free things to do in Antalya, then Konyaaltı is perfect for you.
2. Lara Beach: Another interesting beach in Antalya is Lara Beach, which is located a bit east of the city centre. It is most famous for its long stretches of sand, shallow waters, and the wide range of beach clubs and resorts.
3. Kaputaş Beach: If you are an Instagram guru, then Kaputaş Beach is a must-visit place. Stunning views come with a cost, though, as you will need to go through a long flight of steps.

As you can see, all beaches in Antalya have one common denominator – crystal clear waters – so we guarantee you will thoroughly enjoy your swimming and sunbathing. Then, when you get hungry or thirsty, you can choose one of the cosy bars and restaurants nearby. If you are fond of relaxing in the sun, then the best time to visit Antalya is during the summer.

Visit the Antalya Archaeological Museum

Undoubtedly one of Turkey’s best museums, the Antalya Archaeological Museum will open your eyes to the bygone eras. The exhibits here come from all the archaeological sites in the Antalya Province, including the Karain Cave, the ancient city of Perge, as well as the ancient world of cities of Lykian civilisation.

Due to the wealth of collections and the unique presentation, we can easily rank the Museum as one of the top things to do in Antalya. In 1988, the Council of Europe handed it the “Museum of the Year” award due to the international value and significance it has gained.

The first museum in Antalya was founded in 1919, and initially, all collections were stored at the Yivli Minaret Square, but in 1972, a new building was built, with the mosque instantly turning into an Ethnographic Museum.

• Opening hours: 08:30–21:00 / Box Office Closing Time: 20:30
• Ticket price: €15
• Location: Muratpaşa, Konyaaltı
• How to get there: Easily accessible by public transport or car

Take a Day Trip to Ancient Ruins and Nearby Towns

Antalya boasts plenty of attributes and attractions. It is comfortably the second-most visited holiday destination in Turkey. One particular type of activity that has gained the attention of tourists is day trips to historical cities.

The well-preserved ruins fit in with the country’s initiative to welcome more than 70 million tourists annually by 2028. There are several peaceful natural escapes and charming coastal towns, so there are more than enough fun things to do in Antalya that don’t include beaches, swimming and sunbathing.

Perge

The ancient city of Perge is one of the most important archaeological sites in the country. The ruins there are very well-preserved and highlights include the stadium, agora, ancient theatre, and the Acropolis, dating back to the Bronze Age. Perge was once the capital of ancient Pamphylia, and its deep historical roots make visiting it one of the top 5 things to do in Antalya.

• Opening hours: 08:30–19:00 (summer) / 08:30–17:30 (winter)
• Ticket price: €11
• Location: Aksu
• How to get there: Easily accessible by car, taxi, or public transport

Aspendos

Aspendos is one of the most coveted Greco-Roman ancient cities in Turkey. It is just a 40 km ride from Antalya, and its Aspendos Theatre is one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world. Unfortunately, what remains of the city is largely in ruins, but the theatre itself is more than worth visiting to imagine how 15,000 people once gathered there.

Note: Entrance fees apply to the theatre.

• Opening hours: 08:00–19:00 (summer) / 08:30–17:30 (winter)
• Ticket price: €15
• Location: Serik
• How to get there: Reachable by car, taxi, or organised tours

Termessos

Termessos is one of the most impressive ancient cities in the region, uniquely located over 1,000 metres above sea level in the Taurus Mountains. Its strategic mountaintop position meant that even the Greeks and Romans couldn’t fully conquer it. The site offers an adventurous visit, with dramatic views and a hilltop theatre overlooking the distant peaks.

• Opening hours: 08:00–19:00 (summer) / 08:30–17:30 (winter)
• Ticket price: €3.50
• Location: Mount Güllük-Termessos National Park
• How to get there: Best reached by car or taxi, as public transport is limited

Side

Side is a historic coastal town in the Antalya province, offering a unique blend of ancient ruins and seaside charm. Just a one-hour drive from Antalya, it features prominent Greco-Roman remains such as the Temple of Apollo, Roman theatre, and State Agora, all located near the old town’s vibrant cafes and shops.

• Opening hours: Ancient city open 24/7; Side Museum: 08:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30)
• Ticket price: Ancient city: Free / Museum: €17
• Location: Manavgat
• How to get there: Easily accessible by car, bus, or organised tours

Enjoy Nature and Stunning Waterfalls

If you are looking for a relaxing experience when visiting Antalya, then the Waterfalls should be top of your priority list, as they will leave you speechless. These are some of the most beautiful places in Antalya, and they are a haven for nature lovers. Let’s take a look at some of the attractions there that will refresh your mind.

Düden Waterfalls

Düden Waterfalls are just a short drive from the Antalya centre, so this is a worthy half-day excursion. There are two separate Düden sites that you can visit while you are there. The upper falls are set in a peaceful park with a lot of picnic areas, while the lower falls get a bit more dramatic – it is where the Düden River cascades down the cliffs.

• Opening hours: 8:30–19:30
• Ticket price: Varies
• Location: Kepez
• How to get there: Accessible by public transport, car, and tours

Kurşunlu Waterfall

Up next, we have the Kurşunlu Waterfall, which is one of the best things to do in Antalya if you search for a bit of tranquillity. It is hidden behind a dense pine forest, and as you follow the twisting trails, the sound of rushing water gets louder and louder. And, once you get to the waterfall, you will get to see a turquoise pool that looks straight out of fairytales.

• Opening hours: 8:30–19:30
• Ticket price: Varies
• Location: Kepez
• How to get there: Accessible by public transport, car, and tours

Manavgat Waterfall

You will find the Manavgat Waterfall located along the Manavgat River, and it is one of the most idyllic places you can visit in Antalya. The water here gently cascades down the rocks, and the waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation.

• Opening hours: 08:00 – 19:30 (1 April – 31 October) / 08:00 – 18:00 (31 October – 1 April)
• Ticket price: €2
• Location: Manavgat
• How to get there: Accessible by public transport, car, and tours

Ride the Olympos Teleferik (Cable Car) to Tahtalı Mountain

Continuing our list of Antalya things to see and do, we have to mention something for the thrill-seekers. The Olympos Cable Car Ride offers you a thrilling journey to the top of the Tahtali Mountains, which are also near Antalya.

• Opening hours: 09:00 – 15:00 (Fall & Winter) / 09:00 – 17:00 (Spring) / 09:00 – 18:00 (Summer)
• Ticket price: €19,55
• Location: Kumluca
• How to get there: Mainly accessible by car or tours

This ride takes no more than 10 minutes, but it will take you 7,760 feet above sea level, and you will get some breathtaking 360-degree views of the Beydaglari National Park and the shiny Mediterranean coastline. Once you find yourself at the top, you can indulge in activities such as bungee swinging.

Enjoy a Traditional Turkish Hammam Experience

If you are looking to spoil and relax yourself at the end (or maybe even at the beginning) of your vacation in Antalya, then there is no better option than the traditional Turkish Hammam experience.

A hammam bath will see you enjoy several cleansing rituals across a wide plethora of rooms – saunas, steam rooms, scrubbing rooms, pools, as well as salt rooms. The hammam was created when the Turks sought to combine their love for steam rooms with Roman baths to create their own versions of Turkish baths.

Note that the exact combination of treatments will vary from one bathhouse to another. But mostly, hammams will accept a couple of reservations every day, the usual duration is around 1 to 2 hours, and prices may vary depending on the package you are purchasing, but it is safe to say that the starting point is around €25. With that in mind, the likes of Demirhan Hammam and Sefa Hammam are popular among tourists, and visiting one should be near the top of your Antalya things to do.

Explore Antalya’s Local Cuisine and Markets

Continuing our discussion on things to do in Antalya, Turkey, we cannot neglect the importance of the local cuisine. It has a very long history and it has been influenced by the nomadic Turkic people, as well as the Persian, Kurdish, Arabic, and Armenian cuisines and the cuisines of the Mediterranean and the Caucasus areas.

Must-Try Dishes

The Antalya Piyaz is surely something you must try out. It is a dish made of small white beans with a lot of tarator sauce poured on it, alongside tahini. And let’s not forget the highly coveted Turkish kebabs, which are magical due to the quality of the meat used and the spices.

Where to Eat

Regardless of the place you visit, a general rule of thumb is to avoid tourist traps and focus more on hidden local favourites. Traditional taverns like Ayar Meyhanesi, seaside restaurants for seafood fanatics, as well as local street food vendors, will offer a very authentic experience.

Markets to Visit

Bazaars have a very rich history in Turkey, as they date back to the Ottoman Era. They function as much more than just places of commerce, as they are cultural locations where local tradition thrives. Depending on your expectations, you can visit the Kaleiçi Bazaar for souvenirs or the Antalya Bazaar for spices and clothes.

Wrapping Up Your Antalya Adventure

With all of the above-mentioned in mind, Antalya undoubtedly presents the perfect blend of history, natural beauty, beaches, and cultural experience. That way, it has emerged as a go-to destination for every type of traveller. From the mesmerising seaside all the way to modern things to do in Kemer, Antalya, there is something for everyone, which explains why Antalya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sound appealing to you? If you have already bought into the idea of visiting Antalya, make sure to ease your time there with the best Turkey eSIM option. Choosing Esimatic will allow you to stay connected while travelling in Turkey, regardless of whether you are at the distant waterfalls or exploring the Belek area. There are plans for everyone’s taste, so select one and enjoy a travelling experience without roaming costs.