In fact, these Roman town walls are some of the best preserved in the world. I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. Located on Turkey's beautiful Mediterranean coast, it is filled with things to see and do. Every room has a different theme, including a Play Station and large LED TV. However, it is a lot more rugged. Nonetheless, Antalya is located on the Mediterranean Sea, which means you could also get here by ferry from nearby islands like Cyprus or Rhodes. But be warned, its a 1000-meter uphill staircase through the forest to get there, which can be pretty challenging! Its now the gateway between the old town and the busier downtown area. On the opposite side of town, Dden waterfalls crash off a cliff into the sea. When visiting, a visit to the old town of Antalya is a must. The cable car runs from Kemer up Mount Tahtali, which is part of the Beydalar Coastal National Park. Theres something for everyone in Antalya. Built in the name of Roman emperor Hadrian back in 130 AD, this triumphal arch is now one of Antalyas most important historical sights, and entering the old town through it is quite a happening. Whether youre looking to sunbathe, relax by the sea, or go shopping; if you enjoy museum-hopping, sightseeing tours, and beautiful architecture; whether you like Old Towns that breathes history and have a certain charm; if you like your beaches crowded with people, beach clubs, and huts laid out alongside them; or even if you prefer secluded expanses of sand and tranquil waters, Antalya has something for you. This pebble beach offers easy access to restaurants and cafes, which can be reached strolling along the boardwalk. This remote location has helped protect the ruins over the years and is one of the cities Alexander the Great could not conquer. Nonetheless, the flames are well worth it, and the forest paths and mountain views and spectacular along the way! from $47.40. The Best Two Weeks in Thailand Itinerary Part Two, The Best Things to do in Thailand: A 2-Week Itinerary Part One, 13 Top Things to do in Bangkok Plus 3 Essential City Tips. Antalya Old Town: What follows is some free time in Antalya's Old Town, to spend as you wish. Whilst many people will make the trip to the Lower Duden waterfalls during their time in Antalya, not as many people travel to the Upper Duden Falls. Or, you could travel there by road, but be prepared for a pretty lengthy 8-9 hour journey. The Antalya Aquarium is widely considered one of the best things to do in Antalya, primarily for its 131 metre-long glass tunnel, the longest in the world. From empty bowling alleys, to abandoned roller coasters, there was even an entire hotel inside the theme park that was completely abandoned. The starting point of all these incredible things to see and do is the old town; Antalyas historical centre, celebrated for its maze-like cobblestone laneways, lively harbour and ancient Roman structures. If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO. Tactically situated at the core of Antalyas fortified old town, the Kaleici Harbour is a hip and happening place that is bursting with positive energy, especially on a warm summers evening. Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. A gift shop and spa are also on the premises. Antalya is a huge city and Turkey 's top travel destination, offering an outstanding balance of luxury hotels, stunning beaches, and the city and surrounding area full of history and beautiful nature, ready for exploring. 1. If you head up to the top, you can even cook an egg there. Cost | Sun loungers and umbrellas should cost 20 to 40 TL (2 4) a day, Bring | Swimwear, a towel and a good book. Konyaalt Beach (West of town) Lara Beach (East of Town) North of city Further out of town Do Buy A word of caution Eat Sleep Old Town/Kaleii Lara Beach Stay safe Antalya is the largest city on the Turkish Mediterranean coast, and is one of the hubs of the so-called Turkish Riviera. I got a taxi there for a few pounds. There are some well-preserved carvings on the ceiling of the arch if you take a peek up as you stroll through, but just be warned that if its been raining, the stone floor will be super slippy. In 2005, the small seaside town of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, found itself in the eye of Hurricane Katrina. Note: The Hidirlik Tower sits at one edge of the park on the cliffs at the entrance to Kale Ici. Things to Do in Antalya Antalya Bazaar Antalya Bazaar See all things to do Antalya Bazaar 4 1,055 reviews #33 of 190 things to do in Antalya Points of Interest & Landmarks Flea & Street Markets Write a review About The Antalya Bazaar, also called the Old Bazaar, is Antalya's main marketplace. You can find these companies at Terminals 1 & 2. We got enormous portions and tried a little bit of everything. With its various beaches ranging from pebble to soft sand, its easy to see why many travel here to take advantage of the views and turquoise blue water. Turkish nationalists eventually drove them out of the country and its remained part of Turkey ever since. Yes, absolutely. This gate was initially built to honor the Roman Emperor Hadrian and his 130 CE visit. Wedged in between the cliffs, a natural and strategic location, Antalyas old town harbour is a great place for a sunset stroll. Whether youre planning to enjoy a few sunset drinks in a trendy bar, take a relaxing evening stroll with a scoop of gelato in hand, or sit down at a dock to take in the sunset instead, youre ensured of a wonderful evening anyhow. Apollo Temple 7. Locals refer to this area as Kaleii, meaning "inside the city's walls.". Visiting Antalya Old Town: What To Do In Kaleii, Turkey Kaleii, the historic center of Antalya, is a beautiful port city on the Mediterranean. Hop on the AC03 bus to Aksu and walk from there. There are several activities that you can participate in at Goynuk, including canyoning, zip-lining, and boat trips. Another major historic site is Perge, which once was the capital of Pamphylia. Youll find plenty of little hidey-holes away from the crowds, but youll also find the hotspots with tour agencies, Turkish spas, and crowded bars and restaurants. Its famous for where Alexander the Great set up his winter residence. Momondo is also a great site for finding cheap flights. There are no signs that point you in the right direction. Heymondo | Whether youre going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way plus full covid-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Youll simply need to flag the minibus down and tell the driver where you want to go. Definitely a lazy place to chill out and relax. Adventures of Alice . While most people come here for a half-day trip to go rafting, theres plenty more to see if you want to extend your stay. He should be called Hadrian the Gate. This ancient Lycian port dates back to 334 BCE. This was one of my favourite things to do during this trip, and easily one of the best things to do in Antalya. Make sure you click the link to see if this palace-like hotel is for you. Be wary though that during the winter these villages mostly close down and become ghost towns. Its open to visitors from sunrise until sunset but closed during services. Unfortunately, I only heard of the Upper Dden Waterfall after leaving for Istanbul, but from what Ive heard it must be equally as impressive as the Lower Dden Waterfall. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Its about 30 45 minutes by taxi (depending on traffic in town), but well worth it for some time in the sun and sea. Home to several statues and monuments, Karaalioglu is a great park to head to if you want a break from all of the sightseeing. The stunning city of Antalya lies in one of the most picturesque areas of Turkey, known as the Turkish Riviera or the Turquoise Coast. Stroll the cobblestone streets to the iconic Ottoman mansions, and visit local shops, cafs, and restaurants as you head down to the Old Town Harbor. If you plan on arriving at Antalya Airport, youll find several transportation options, including taxis, buses, light rail, and car rentals. Youll be soaring above the forest and rocks below, and then a panorama of the beautiful turquoise Turkish coast unfolds before you. You can either view them from above, go down the canyon and explore along its banks. Its one of the most treasured historic monuments in all of Antalya. You just stumble across the ruins in the middle of the forest and explore them as you like. Something worth noticing is an ancient inscription placed next to the entrance of the Yivli Minare, as it seems to illustrate the building process of the minaret. I've written this guide for things to do in Antalya Old Town. Hidirlik Tower is a tower located where Kaleii meets Karaalioglu Park. Reel in the day's catch. Youll find many cafes and tea gardens to sit and relax before heading into Kale Ici. For those who want to view additional historic sites, Phaselis is an excellent option. Kaleici has lots to do within its narrow streets of bars, restaurants, shops, and cafs. ello Caf Bar Raven Pub Up Shot Bar Nightclubs in Kemer Club Aura Club Inferno Seraser Fine Dining Restaurant Antalya State Opera and Ballet at Aspendos Summary You're sure to have a wonderful time. The canyon itself is beautiful its full of greenery, stunning waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs. The Antalya Museum has 13 halls open to visitors with more than 5,000 artefacts on display at any given time. Even though it was built many years prior, the mosque has remained relatively intact and well-preserved. B, Dont listen to the people trying to put you dow, Theres just something so peaceful about the mou. And a lot of people, when they head to the country, make a beeline for Antalya. Due to its long and multi-faceted history (as briefly covered above), Antalya has tons to show for itself. For stunning views that literally look out of this world, you can take a ride on the Teleferik Cable Car. Having said that, if youre looking to escape the city, Lara Beach is a great place to do it. To find great activities in any area I use Get Your Guide and Viator. Please check out ourdisclosure policyfor more details. Ramada Plaza Antalya | Just 700 metres from Antalyas historic Kaleii, Ramada Plaza offers world-class service, modern spacious rooms with sea view, a swimming pool, and a superb sundeck on a cliff next to the Mediterranean. Kemer is the biggest, but Tekirova and amyuva are pretty cool too. The city was founded by Rhodian colonists around 1000 BCE and later conquered by Alexander the Great in 333 BCE. Number 11 on the map. We opted for a canyoning and zip-lining combination, which is the best of both worlds. Cars can't really drive in the old town so it was such a pleasant escape in the middle of a busy city. Its a wonderful place for a picnic, but if youd rather see the falls from the water, you can also visit via a boat tour. Yes, Antalya is worth visiting for multiple reasons. Here, youll find the mind-boggling mountainous ruins of Olympos. At midday, the aquarium staff gear up in scuba outfits to feed the marine life by hand. A guided tour lets you learn more about places like Old Town Antalya. Good walking shoes would also come in handy, especially if you plan to walk back to Antalya as I did. This theatre can seat 15,000 people but the rest of the archaeological site is mostly just ancient ruins. . Its actual name is Karpuzkaldiran Waterfall, but thats quite a mouthful and everyone will know what you mean if you say Dden waterfalls. Its one of the best museums in the country and covers every period from prehistory to Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman times. While Turkey is completely safe for travellers, I always aim to enter a foreign country with my travel insurance sorted out, and I highly advise anyone else to do the same. With over 1 million inhabitants and loads of travellers during the summer months, the capital of the Antalya region is considered Turkeys fifth-most populous city. Antalya is a popular beachside destination on Turkeys picturesque southwest coast and is flanked by the incredible Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. You should also know that there are technically two Dden waterfalls. Plus, if you choose a clear day, you can actually see Phaselis from the top of the mountain. Once youve bought the card itself, you can easily top it up at certain booths located around the city. It covers an area of over 11,000 square meters and features hundreds of species from various parts of the world as well as different ecosystems around Turkey. This 5-star hotel sits seaside in Antalya, offering exquisite views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Taurus Mountains during a stay. All in all, its a great seaside town with ruins, waterfalls, hikes, adventure activities, water activities, beaches, amazing food and nightlife. For all the adrenaline seekers out there, Kprl Canyon National Park is 90 km northeast of Antalya and its one of the ultimate day trip destinations from the city centre. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Home About me Places Photography, Copyright 2023 Where the Souls Wander Work with me Privacy policy, Instagram Facebook Youtube Pinterest, Uncover the best of travel from my perspective @wherethesoulswander, 7 Wonderful things to do in Antalya, Turkey, search for accommodations in Antalya on booking.com, A guide to a hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia, A complete guide to Love Valley in Cappadocia, A guide to the Red & Rose Valley in Cappadocia, A guide to a Hot Air Balloon in Cappadocia, 13 Awesome things to do in Istanbul, Turkey, 13 Wonderful things to do in Cappadocia, Turkey, A complete guide to Love Valley in Cappadocia, Turkey. Once you arrive in Olympos, you will find yourself surrounded by lush greenery and mountain views. It is popular to enjoy a beer while watching the beautiful sunset from this location, but you will need a car. DISCOVER CARS For cheap car hire around the world. Lara Beach is a fantastic option for soft white sand beaches. Konyaalti is much less crowded, and not quite as well connected, but still has a tonne of things to do, a beautiful beach, and plenty of high-quality accommodation. Given its position in the Mediterranean, Antalya is an attractive destination at any time of year. With its cobblestone streets, antique buildings, and historical monuments, it is the best way to transport oneself to a different place. BOOKING.COM For affordable hotels and accommodation. There are public transport options from the centre, but you may have to change buses or trams. A short walk away youll find a bunch of locally-made sculptures too. When we went, it was 6 degrees at the top trust me, I was very thankful that Id brought a jacket! Below, youll find details on each type of transport. Nestled on a towering cliff on Antalyas stunning coastline, the Lower Dden Waterfall is a 40-metre high waterfall that flows directly into the Mediterranean. The walk is around 20-30 minutes and is in a safe and quiet neighbourhood. Antalya old town, Kaleii. The harbour is also home to Antalyas fish market, where you can buy fresh seafood from stalls lining the streets. Recommended tour | This 8-hour tour of Antalya includes a boat ride to the Lower Dden Waterfall plus a trip to the Upper Dden Waterfall and Antalya Old Town. Youll find a lot of locals here, especially on weekends and in the evenings. There are three bays where you can spend the afternoon swimming or picnicking by the water. There are ancient ruins everywhere you look, from old churches to sarcophagi. This beach also offers lovely views of the Antalya Mountains. It also offers great Turkish tea and coffee at some stalls, as well as souvenirs, spices, and fake branded clothing. When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar. Head to TerraCity Mall, the city's largest shopping mall with over 150 stores and 30 restaurants, and you'll be sure to find whatever it is you're looking for. If youre after an organized tour of Antalya and its surroundings, here are some of the best picks. Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations Carved orthostat from Carchemish in the Stone Hall Highlights: Neolithic wall paintings, Bronze Age stonework, Hittite clay cuneiform tablets, and Phrygian gold The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is reason enough to include Ankara on your Turkey itinerary. Explore the areas long history at Grand Hadrians Gate and the Tekeli Mehmet Paa Mosque. The aim is to show contemporary art in all its forms and guises, so expect to see everything from paintings and sculptures to photography, installations, and digital art from established and up . Table of Contents 1. A taxi should cost no more than 60 TL (15,-), and takes only 20 minutes. Add to that incredible nature (make sure you check out the Dden Waterfalls), loads of excellent dining options, and several exciting day trips within reach, and you understand why Antalya has become a favourite among travellers and locals alike. This site is about 15 km from Antalya and is a wonderful ancient city to explore. Fortifications which have been strengthened and rebuilt numerous times through history. Its not really open to visitors, but you can see it from outside and see the surrounding ruins that theyre still excavating. For us as budget travelers, Antalya was just incredible! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can rent a car directly at the airport, making this a convenient option, especially for travelers planning day trips from Antalya. One of the best (or, for some, worst) things you can try in this region is burnt or pan-fried ice cream - a local specialty of Antalya. As a major summer destination in Europe, youll be amazed at how easy it actually is to get to Antalya via plane, especially during the peak summer months. The minaret, which rises above the Ottoman tiled roofs of the Old Town, adds a level of verticality to the district. Side Museum 3. Youll often find fruit sellers and street musicians that give the place a really nice vibe. If you want to take a break from the city, head out to Lara Beach. Not far away, youll also find an Ottoman clock tower thats worth checking out. You can hike up to the mountaintop ruins of Termessos if you prefer outdoor activities. Additional amenities include a kids club, tennis courts, five swimming pools, and bicycle rentals. You can find everything by Konyaalti Beach: clubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, souvenir shops, shopping malls. Its one of the best sunset spots in town and youll often find it quite crowded on an evening. If youre lucky, youll catch a guy selling Turkish simits here. Popular things to do Full-day Tours Day Trips Parks Cultural Tours 4WD Tours Beaches Bus Tours City Tours Shopping Malls Historical Tours Scuba Diving Points of Interest & Landmarks Walking Tours Food, Wine & Nightlife Speciality Museums Sporting Events Airport & Hotel Transfers Sacred & Religious Sites Top Picks Luxury & Special Occasions Its one of the best things to do in Antalya, or at least from Antalya. You can point or you can ask for a mix of everything which is what we recommend. Snack shops, cafes, and restaurants galore. If you wish to have the freedom to travel around Antalya on your own terms, you might want to consider renting a car. Whether you prefer a trip that primarily includes days spent sunning at the beach, or tours of important historic sites that feature architecture from the Hellenistic and Roman eras, Antalya offers various interests. It has served many different purposes over the years. Antalya is one of the most visited places in all of Turkey. You can also catch a pirate ship boat cruise from the harbour around the bays and see some of Antalyas famous waterfalls from the ocean. This former capital was established about 1000 BC. Its about one and a half an hours drive from Antalya, and you can either get there by taxi or guided tour.