Open Travel Guide
Attractions in Antalya

Antalya Attractions Guide 2026

Antalya's essential sights and the lesser-known places locals would rather you found.

This guide covers 26+ attractions in Antalya — Kaleiçi Old Town, Aspendos Theatre and Düden Waterfalls (Upper) top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

Antalya is Turkey's premier Mediterranean resort province, stretching along the stunning Turquoise Coast and offering a captivating blend of ancient ruins, dramatic waterfalls, and pristine beaches. The region is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world alongside luxurious all-inclusive resorts and a vibrant old town.

Top attractions

The most popular and significant attractions in Antalya.

  1. 1

    Kaleiçi Old Town

    landmarkAdult Free (outdoor area) · Child Free3-4 hours

    Antalya's enchanting Roman-era old quarter features narrow cobblestone streets lined with restored Ottoman mansions, ancient city walls, and a picturesque Roman harbor. The area is centered around Hadrian's Gate, a stunning triumphal arch built in 130 AD to commemorate Emperor Hadrian's visit.

    Tip: Visit early morning to avoid heat and crowds · Many cafes and restaurants within the walls · Free to wander the streets

  2. 2

    Aspendos Theatre

    landmarkAdult $10 · Child $52-3 hours

    Built in 155 AD by Greek architect Zeno, Aspendos is one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world, with a capacity of 15,000 spectators. The theatre still hosts the annual Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival and is remarkably complete with its original stage building intact.

    Tip: Visit early to avoid tour groups · Aspendos Opera Festival runs in June-July · Combine with Perge on same day trip

  3. 3

    Düden Waterfalls (Upper)

    natureAdult $2 · Child $11-2 hours

    The Upper Düden Waterfalls cascade through a lush park setting 12km northeast of Antalya city, where the Düden River plunges through a dramatic gorge. Visitors can walk behind the main falls through a cave passage for a unique perspective.

    Tip: Can walk behind the waterfall · Beautiful picnic area · Best in spring when flow is strongest

  4. 4

    Lower Düden Waterfalls (Lara Falls)

    natureAdult Free · Child Free1 hour

    The spectacular Lower Düden Waterfall plunges 40 meters directly into the Mediterranean Sea from a dramatic cliff face, creating a stunning natural spectacle. Boat tours from Antalya harbor pass directly beneath the falls for unforgettable views.

    Tip: Best viewed from boat tours · Small viewing platform above · Boat tours from harbor cost $15-25

  5. 5

    Perge Ancient City

    landmarkAdult $10 · Child $52-3 hours

    One of the most important cities of ancient Pamphylia, Perge features excellently preserved colonnaded streets, a 12,000-seat stadium, well-preserved baths, agora, and city walls dating back to the Hellenistic period. The site is less crowded than Aspendos but equally impressive.

    Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes · Bring water as there's no shade · Combine with Aspendos for a full day of Roman ruins

  6. 6

    Termessos Ancient City

    landmarkAdult $8 · Child $43-4 hours

    Perched dramatically at 1,050 meters elevation in the Taurus Mountains, Termessos is a remarkably well-preserved Pisidian city that even Alexander the Great failed to conquer. Reached via a scenic mountain hike through Güllük Dağı National Park, it offers breathtaking ruins amid forest and spectacular views.

    Tip: Bring water and snacks, no facilities inside · Wear sturdy hiking shoes · Allow 2 hours for the hike up and down

  7. 7

    Köprülü Canyon National Park

    natureAdult Free (park entry), rafting from $25 · Child $15Full day

    One of Turkey's most spectacular national parks, Köprülü Canyon features a 14-mile-long gorge with sheer cliffs up to 400 meters high carved by the Köprüçay River. White-water rafting, hiking, and zip-lining are popular activities, and the ancient Oluk Bridge spans the canyon.

    Tip: Book rafting in advance during peak season · Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet · Beekeeping villages along the canyon offer honey

  8. 8

    Konyaaltı Beach

    natureAdult Free (public areas) · Child FreeHalf day to full day

    Antalya's main city beach stretches for 7km of blue-flag certified pebble and sand beach with the dramatic backdrop of the Taurus Mountains. The beach is backed by Konyaaltı Beachpark with numerous restaurants, cafes, and water sports facilities.

    Tip: Paid sunbed areas and free public sections · Less crowded on weekdays · Beautiful sunset views

  9. 9

    Hadrian's Gate

    landmarkAdult Free · Child Free30 minutes

    A magnificent triple-arched triumphal gate built in 130 AD to honor Roman Emperor Hadrian's visit to Antalya, this is one of the finest examples of Roman monumental architecture in Turkey. The gate stands at the entrance to Kaleiçi and features ornate marble carvings.

    Tip: Best photographed in early morning light · Part of Kaleiçi walking tour · Information boards explain history

  10. 10

    Antalya Museum (Archaeological Museum)

    museumsAdult $8 · Child $42-3 hours

    One of Turkey's largest and finest archaeological museums, housing artifacts from the region's ancient cities including Perge, Aspendos, and other sites spanning thousands of years. The Hall of the Gods features remarkably preserved Roman-era statues, while the Children's Gallery houses unique child burial artifacts.

    Tip: Air-conditioned interior perfect for hot afternoons · Audio guides available for rent · Photography allowed in most galleries

Attractions by category

Explore by your interests.

Landmarks

Landmarks

Kaleiçi Old Town

Roman-era harbor quarter with Ottoman mansions and ancient walls

Landmarks

Aspendos Theatre

World's best-preserved Roman theatre, built 155 AD

Landmarks

Hadrian's Gate

Triple-arched triumphal arch built 130 AD for Emperor Hadrian

Landmarks

Perge Ancient City

Hellenistic and Roman city with colonnaded streets and stadium

Landmarks

Termessos Ancient City

Mountain city at 1,050m that Alexander the Great couldn't conquer

Landmarks

Alanya Castle

13th-century Seljuk fortress with 83 towers and sea views

Landmarks

Side Ancient City

Greco-Roman city with Temple of Apollo at the water's edge

Landmarks

Phaselis Ancient City

Three-harbor Lycian city with ruins you can swim around

Landmarks

Patara Ancient City

Birthplace of St. Nicholas, capital of Lycian Federation

Museums

Museums

Antalya Archaeological Museum

One of Turkey's finest museums with artifacts from regional ancient cities

Museums

Side Museum

Excellent Hellenistic statues in a restored Roman bath complex

Museums

Alanya Museum

Local history and artifacts from the Alanya region

Nature

Nature

Upper Düden Waterfalls

Walk-behind waterfall in park setting northeast of city

Nature

Lower Düden Waterfalls

Waterfall cascading 40m directly into the Mediterranean Sea

Nature

Köprülü Canyon National Park

Dramatic 14-mile canyon with white-water rafting

Nature

Konyaaltı Beach

7km Blue Flag beach with Taurus Mountain backdrop

Nature

Cleopatra Beach

Legendary golden sand beach with Alanya Castle backdrop

Nature

Kaputaş Beach

Dramatic turquoise cove between towering limestone cliffs

Nature

Patara Beach

18km pristine beach, one of Turkey's longest

Nature

Olympos Beach

Pristine beach in ancient valley with treehouse camps nearby

Cultural

Cultural

Yivli Minaret

Iconic 38m ribbed Seljuk minaret from 1230 AD

Cultural

Kesik Minaret

Roman temple turned Byzantine church turned mosque

Cultural

Kalkan Village

Elegant hillside Ottoman village with boutique atmosphere

Cultural

Kaş Town

Charming harbor town with Lycian tombs and diving culture

Hidden gems

Off-the-beaten-path attractions worth seeking out.

Hidden gem

Termessos at Sunrise

The mountain city of Termessos shrouded in early morning mist is one of Turkey's most magical experiences

Where: Güllük Dağı National Park, 30km northwest of Antalya

Hidden gem

Uzumlu Village

A picturesque mountain village in the Taurus Mountains where locals grow grapes and make traditional wine and spirits

Where: 40km north of Antalya in Taurus Mountains

Hidden gem

Karain Cave

The largest prehistoric cave in Turkey, inhabited continuously for over 500,000 years with ancient artifacts and cave paintings

Where: 27km northwest of Antalya

Hidden gem

Saklıkent Gorge

A narrow, 300m deep gorge with icy cold meltwater from the mountains, visitors wade through the waters to reach restaurants and waterfalls

Where: Near Fethiye, western Antalya border

Hidden gem

Kekova Sunken City

A partly submerged ancient Lycian city where ruins of houses, staircases, and cisterns are visible through the crystal-clear water from a kayak or glass-bottom boat

Where: Near Kaş

Practical information

What you need to know before you go.

Hours
Most archaeological sites open 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM in summer, 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM in winter
Fees
Museum cards valid for multiple sites. Average ancient site entry $5-10 per adult
Best Times
April-May and September-October for pleasant weather and smaller crowds
Booking
Major sites can be visited without advance booking except during Aspendos Festival (June-July)

Tips for visiting attractions

Make the most of your sightseeing time.

Tip

A Museum Pass Turkey covering major archaeological sites provides significant savings if visiting multiple ruins

Tip

Hire a local guide at major sites like Aspendos and Perge for context that greatly enhances the experience

Tip

Many sites have limited or no shade; wear a hat and carry water, especially in summer

Tip

Dolmuş (minibuses) run to many sites from Antalya city; check schedules as they can be infrequent

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season to visit attractions in Antalya?

April-May and September-October offer ideal weather, manageable crowds, and lower prices than peak summer

Are guided tours available for Antalya's attractions?

Available at all major sites; typically $15-30 per person for 2-hour tour

Can I take photos at attractions in Antalya?

Allowed at all outdoor sites; flash photography restricted in museums

How much time do I need for Antalya's main attractions?

Plan minimum 4-5 days to see major highlights; 7-10 days to explore the full province