Antalya
Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asia · Turkey
Did you know?
- The old town blends Roman ruins, modern resorts and a lively food scene.
- The Golden Orange Film Festival is held in October.
- Perge and Aspendos sit within the city's day-trip orbit.
See also
Overview
Antalya pairs a historic old town and Roman remains with Mediterranean resorts, waterfalls, and a lively food scene. It also works well as a base for day trips to Perge, Aspendos, and the wider coast.
Languages: Turkish
Why go?
Antalya is a bustling metropolis on the Turkish Mediterranean coast, known as the gateway to the 'Turkish Riviera'. It combines a historic old town (Kaleiçi) with modern resorts, offering Roman ruins, waterfalls, and a vibrant food scene. The city is a hub for day trips to ancient sites like Perge and Aspendos.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Understand
Originally named Attaleia after King Attalos II of Pergamon, Antalya grew around the Roman harbour. It was later ruled by Seljuks and Ottomans. The climate is Mediterranean: hot, rainless summers and mild, stormy winters. The best seasons for sightseeing are April-May and October-November.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get in
Antalya Airport (AYT) receives flights from all over Europe, Russia, and domestic hubs like Istanbul. The airport has two terminals connected by a free shuttle. The inter-city bus terminal is 6 km NW of the city centre, reachable by tram.
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Get around
The city has a tram network (AntRay) connecting the airport, bus terminal, and old town. Buses and dolmuş minibuses serve the wider area. Taxis are plentiful but agree on fares beforehand.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
See
Highlights include Hadrian's Gate (free), the Fluted Minaret Mosque, the Roman Hıdırlık Tower (free), and the vast Antalya Museum (340 TL). The old town Kaleiçi is filled with historic buildings, and the Düden Waterfalls offer a scenic spectacle. Out of town, visit the ruins of Perge (250 TL) and Aspendos (340 TL).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Do
Take boat trips from the harbour, visit aqua parks like Waterhill, or hike sections of the Lycian Way. Football fans can watch Antalyaspor at the Corendon Airlines Park. The Golden Orange Film Festival is held in October.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Buy
Shopping centres include MarkAntalya AVM and TerraCity. Migros supermarkets are common. Farmers' markets are held in various districts, especially Konyaaltı. AVM means shopping centre, pazarı means bazaar.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Eat
Try Antalya-style piyaz (bean salad) at Piyazcı Sami, or kebabs at Özkan Kebap. For budget eats, Gizem Cafe Fast Food serves shawarma and dürüm. In the old town, Hasanağa offers traditional Turkish food in a garden setting.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sleep
Budget-friendly pansiyons like Sibel Pansiyon (1500 TL) and Alp Paşa Hotel (1000 TL) are in the old town. Mid-range options include DoubleTree by Hilton and Hotel Su. Luxury resorts line Lara beach.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Stay safe
Take standard precautions against traffic, water and sun safety, and protect valuables. Avoid drunks and be cautious with stray dogs. Tourists have little reason to visit rough districts.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connect
Antalya has 4G from all Turkish carriers, with 5G in limited areas. Free WiFi is available in many public squares and cafes.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
West to Kemer and the Lycian coast, east to Belek (golf), Manavgat (waterfalls), Side (Roman ruins), and Alanya (citadel). Inland, Termessos is a ruined city in the Taurus Mountains.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Akra Hotels
Smart efficient hotel, limited sea access.
Recorded price: B&B double 3000 TL
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Alp Paşa Hotel
Atmospheric hotel in the historic district with good restaurant.
Recorded price: B&B double 1000 TL
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Aska Lara Resort
Family-oriented hotel with lots of children's activities.
Recorded price: B&B double 4000 TL
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Ayar Meyhanesi
Friendly restaurant with a great selection of fresh fish. The swimming pool is a puzzle, is it a vivarium where lobsters choose which human bather to eat?
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Bolero Büfe
Serving lamb, chicken and other meat kebabs. Garlic mayo is available on request.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Gizem Cafe Fast Food
Inexpensive place for trad shawarma and dürüm.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Grand Friends
Fish and steak to a high standard, friendly service.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Hasanağa
Long-established family-run restaurant, pleasant garden setting and great trad food.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
4G available from all Turkish carriers. Free WiFi in many public areas.
Culture
Dress modestly when visiting mosques. Remove shoes before entering.
Food
Street food is abundant and cheap. Try piyaz, kebabs, and çiğ köfte.
Language
Turkish is the main language. Some English in tourist areas.
Money
Local currency is Turkish Lira (TL). ATMs are common. Bargaining is expected in markets.
Safety
Standard city precautions: watch for traffic, sun, and pickpockets. Avoid stray dogs at night.
Transport
Tram (AntRay) connects airport, bus station, and old town. Buses and dolmuşes cover the area.
Weather
Mediterranean climate: hot, rainless summers; mild, wet winters. Best in spring and autumn.