Antalya City Guide

Antalya City Guide – Best Places and Activities

Antalya is a destination that combines sun, history, culture, and modern amenities. The Antalya City Guide provides everything you need to plan your trip, from tourist attractions and beaches to hotels, restaurants, and insider tips. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this guide is designed to help you make the most of Antalya. Whether you are traveling solo, with your family, or in a group, you can be sure to find what you are looking for in this guide.

You can also get information about the general view of the city and places from the live map below.

1. Top Attractions in Antalya

  1. Kaleiçi (Old Town) – Cobblestone streets, Ottoman-era architecture, Hadrian’s Gate, Hıdırlık Tower, and Kesik Minare.
  2. Düden Waterfalls – Lower Düden falls drop into the Mediterranean; perfect for picnics and photography.
  3. Konyaaltı Beach – Pebble beach with cafes, water sports, and family-friendly areas.
  4. Lara Beach – Sandy beach with beach clubs, umbrellas, and sunset views.
  5. Antalya Aquarium – One of the largest aquarium complexes in Europe with themed tunnels and interactive exhibits.
  6. Antalya Toy Museum – Unique collection of historical toys; fun for families with children.

2. Historical Sites

  1. Aspendos Theatre – Well-preserved Roman theater, famous for its summer opera festival.
  2. Perge Ancient City – Roman ruins including stadium, baths, and streets, 17 km east of Antalya.
  3. Termessos – Mountain ruins offering panoramic views and hiking opportunities, 30 km northwest.
  4. Antalya Museum – Artifacts from Pamphylia, Lycia, and Pisidia; highly recommended for history lovers.
  5. Yivli Minare Mosque – 13th-century Seljuk minaret with historical complex and gardens.
  6. Hadrian’s Gate – Roman triumphal arch built in 130 AD, a must-see landmark in Kaleiçi.

3. Beaches and Outdoor Activities

  1. Konyaaltı Beach – Swimming, jet-ski, and beach volleyball opportunities.
  2. Lara Beach – Sandy beach with resorts, water parks, and evening beach events.
  3. Olympos Beach & Chimera – Visit natural eternal flames and swim in crystal-clear waters.
  4. Phaselis Beach – Ancient ruins along the beach; ideal for history + sea combination.
  5. Kaputaş Beach – Small cove with turquoise waters, perfect for photography and relaxation.
  6. Karpuzkaldıran (Kurşunlu) Waterfall – Nature walks and picnic spots near Antalya city.

4. Where to Stay in Antalya

Luxury Hotels

  1. Rixos Downtown Antalya – Sea view, all-inclusive, spa, and family-friendly.
  2. Akra Hotel – Modern design, panoramic views, private beach.
  3. Regnum Carya – 5-star resort with golf courses, beach access, and spa facilities.
  4. Kempinski Hotel The Dome – Ultra-luxury in Belek, private pool villas available.
  5. Maxx Royal Belek – Adult-friendly luxury, Michelin-star dining options.
  6. Titanic Deluxe Golf Belek – All-inclusive, golf packages, and beachfront.

Boutique & Budget Hotels

  1. Tuvana Hotel – Ottoman-style boutique in Kaleiçi.
  2. Puding Marina Residence – Modern boutique near the marina.
  3. Camel Pension – Affordable, family-run hostel in Kaleiçi.
  4. Antalya Hostel – Dorms and private rooms, central location.
  5. Hotel 1207 – Cozy boutique in the old town with terrace views.
  6. Oscar Boutique Hotel – Budget-friendly, close to restaurants and attractions.

5. Food & Dining in Antalya

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Piyaz – Traditional bean salad with tahini and boiled eggs.
  2. Kabak Çiçeği Dolması – Zucchini flowers stuffed with rice and herbs.
  3. Antalya-Style Kebab – Flavorful meat dishes with local spices.
  4. Lavaş & Gözleme – Turkish flatbread and stuffed pancakes from local eateries.
  5. Seafood Mezze – Fresh fish and small dishes near the marina.
  6. Baklava & Turkish Delight – Local desserts, perfect with Turkish tea or coffee.

Top Restaurants

  1. 7 Mehmet Restaurant – Famous for traditional Turkish cuisine.
  2. Seraser Fine Dining – Ottoman-style dishes in a historical building.
  3. Saklıkent Fish Restaurant – Fresh seafood near the marina.
  4. Vanilla Lounge – Contemporary Mediterranean dishes and cocktails.
  5. Pio Gastro Bar – Trendy spot with international fusion cuisine.
  6. Liman Restaurant – Seafood with sea views and casual dining atmosphere.

6. Getting Around Antalya

  1. From the Airport – Taxi (~50–70 EUR), shuttle buses (~20 EURO), or private transfers (~50–100 EURO).
  2. Public Transportation – Buses and tram connect city center to beaches and districts (~1 EURO per trip).
  3. Tram Line – Efficient way to reach Lara and Konyaaltı beaches.
  4. Car Rental – Recommended for day trips to Perge, Aspendos, or Termessos.
  5. Bike Rental – Popular along Konyaaltı promenade.
  6. Walking Tours – Best in Kaleiçi, where streets are pedestrian-friendly.

7. Shopping & Entertainment

Shopping Destinations

  1. Antalya Bazaar – Traditional souvenirs, carpets, jewelry, and spices.
  2. TerraCity Mall – International brands, restaurants, and cinemas.
  3. MarkAntalya – Modern shopping center with local and international stores.
  4. Suna-Ertuğ Handicraft Center – Local crafts and unique gifts.
  5. Kaleiçi Shops – Boutique stores with Turkish goods and souvenirs.
  6. Antalya Market (Weekly) – Fresh fruits, spices, textiles, and handicrafts.

Nightlife & Entertainment

  1. Up Club – Live music and DJ events in the city center.
  2. Ally’s Bar – Popular nightlife spot for cocktails and live music.
  3. Beach Clubs on Lara & Konyaaltı – Summer parties, sunset drinks, and DJ nights.
  4. Antalya State Opera & Ballet – Cultural performances in historic venues.
  5. Cinema & Theaters – Modern complexes like Deepo AVM Cinema.
  6. Antalya Aquarium – Evening visits and interactive experiences for families.

8. Practical Tips for Travelers

  1. Best Time to Visit – April–June or September–October for mild weather and fewer crowds.
  2. Currency – Turkish Lira (TRY); credit cards widely accepted.
  3. Language – Turkish is official; English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.
  4. Safety – Generally safe; usual travel precautions apply.
  5. Health & Emergency – Hospitals in Antalya city center, pharmacies widely available.
  6. Local Etiquette – Respect local customs, dress modestly in mosques, and greet with “Merhaba.”

Live Map

By reviewing the carefully selected and listed topics above, you can explore the activities in our Antalya city guide that suit you. If you need transportation, you can also use our 24/7 Car Rental with Driver service to visit the areas you choose.

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