Things to do in Antalya

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All about Antalya

When to visit

If you’re a sun-seeker, then visit during the summer months (June to August). However, temperatures can soar over 86°F (30°C), and the beaches often are crowded at this time. For those seeking a cooler climate and fewer crowds, the best time to visit is in the spring or fall. This is when the city is a little quieter, and temperatures remain moderate throughout the day. Winters are cold, with temperatures around 45°F (7°C), and especially rainy in January.

Getting around

Antalya is a well-connected city. The local bus network is affordable and efficient, with many routes around the city that run to a set timetable. You’ll also find minibusses (dolmuses) that run around town and offer more of a hop-on and hop-off option, with more flexibility and cheaper prices for short trips. The things to do in Antalya and its city center can be easily explored on foot, and the seaside offers bike-friendly paths.

Traveler tips

One of the highlights of Antalya is indulging in the local delicacies. Start your day with a Turkish coffee as you look out at the coastal view, or take a traditional tea in the afternoon. Seafood is plentiful in the city: Try fried fish—typically served with a tahini paste, lemon, oil, salt, and garlic. As you drink and dine, be aware that it’s customary to leave tips, around 10 percent of the total bill, in restaurants and cafés.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Antalya famous for?

Antalya is the gateway to Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, and famous for its beautiful Blue Flag beaches, atmospheric Old Town (Kaleiçi), and nearby Düden Waterfalls. The city is also a popular starting point for tours to the ancient ruins of Aspendos Theater, Termessos, and Perge.

How many days in Antalya is enough?

Plan a minimum of three days to allow enough time for all the things to do in Antalya including exploring the Old Town (Kaleiçi), enjoying the beaches and nightlife, and taking a boat trip along the coast. With a week or more, you can also include day trips to Duden Waterfalls and the ancient ruins of Aspendos, Termessos, and Perge.

Is Antalya good for nightlife?

Yes, Antalya has some of the best nightlife along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. Head into the Old Town (Kaleiçi) to hop between bars, pubs, and live music venues, party into the early hours at one of the beachfront nightclubs, or attend a spectacular night opera at Aspendos Theater.

Which part of Antalya is best?

The Old Town of Kaleiçi is Antalya’s historic heart and most atmospheric district, and many visitors opt to stay here or around the Old Port. To the west, the beachfront district of Konyaalti is lined with resorts and fringed by the Taurus Mountains, while Lara Beach to the west is a family favorite.

What activities are there to do in Antalya?

Antalya’s beaches are ideal for swimming and water sports, but you can also take a boat cruise from the Old Port, enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving along the coast, or go quad biking in the Taurus Mountains. Day trips to the Düden Waterfalls and ancient Aspendos and Termessos are also popular.

Which is better Antalya or Bodrum?

If you want beautiful urban beaches, ancient ruins within easy reach, and a buzzing nightlife, Antalya is the better choice. However, Bodrum can be more affordable, quieter, and less crowded than Antalya, with some great beaches nearby and boat cruises to the Greek islands.

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