15 Most Amazing Things to Do on Holidays to Antalya, Turkey!
A very scenic part of Turkey (or the Republic of Türkiye), Antalya is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, magical waterfalls, historical wonders, and an impressive collection of luxury hotels. It's also a very cheap place to travel. Additionally, there are ample things to do in Antalya for free, making this eclectic Turkish region affordable for tourists on a tight budget.
With pleasant Mediterranean weather year-round, you can book trips anytime you want to come and explore the best Antalya tourist attractions, leaving with priceless memories from an enriching getaway. Enjoy excursions to historical sites, beach-hop, tour quaint villages, and revel in the eclectic local nightlife.
First-timers to the region wondering where to begin can make use of the following guide of the absolute best things to see and experience in this beautiful area embellishing the dramatic Mediterranean coast.
Top Sights in Antalya: Best Antalya Things to Do
1. A Stroll through Hadrian's Gate
A leisurely walk through the historic gateway to Antalya's Old Town is among the most incredible and cheap things to do in Antalya. Offering Insta-worthy photo ops, Hadrian's Gate is a well-preserved Roman and Hellenistic town wall that dates back to AD 130, featuring imposing towers, intricate structures, delicate carvings (leaves, lion heads, and rosettes!), and marble arches.
A visit to this remarkable ancient ruin, still standing after millennia of human and natural devastation, is a must for history buffs booking all inclusive tours to Antalya.
2. Whitewater Rafting in Köprülü Canyon National Park
If you're an avid outdoor enthusiast looking for the coolest of Antalya tourist attractions, whitewater rafting in the captivating Köprülü Canyon National Park is one activity you won't want to miss! You'll need to undertake a 1.5-hour off-road safari tour before you can make your way across the glistening turquoise river's class II rapids flowing gracefully between rugged cliffs.
Other adrenaline-pumping adventure activities to indulge in at the park include zip-lining, camping, hiking, and nature photography.
3. Visit Lara Beach
Antalya’s been nicknamed the Turquoise Coast for the sheer number of fantastic fine-sand stretches it offers. Boasting a Blue Flag status, the hugely popular Lara Beach is the ideal place for a fun seaside break. Lined with countless luxury hotels and resorts, the scenic 12-kilometre-long beach offers safe waters, clean sands, and a generous smattering of café, restaurants, bars, and bistros.
Besides boats, umbrellas, and sun loungers on rent, there are ample water sports as well, elevating your beach escape.
4. Delve into History at Antalya Archaeological Museum
History and culture vultures will find the most interesting of Antalya things to see at this famed museum, allowing them an invaluable peek into the region's rich past. It boasts a vast collection of artefacts (numbering over 5,000!) dating back to the Bronze Age, up until the Byzantine era. There is a 2nd-century marble sarcophagus featuring images of the 12 Labours of Hercules, that's simply mind-blowing.
Hosted across various sections, the museum displays other spectacular exhibits, including statues discovered in Patara, Xanthos, and Perge, intricate traditional jewellery, wine jugs, hand-made figurines, and ancient coins, to name a few.
5. Traverse the Ancient Ruins at Aspendos
History lovers must see to believe how amazing this ancient Greco-Roman city is, with an impressive amphitheatre built around AD 155, and still pretty much intact. It was designed to hold at least 12,000 spectators in the bygone eras to watch nail-biting gladiator fights. Today, the striking almost-100-metre-tall theatre is the venue for the annual Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival.
Besides the amphitheatre, you can also explore other ruins nearby, such as an archaic basilica, agora, and aqueduct. Although ancient, these are priceless architectural marvels that have withstood the test of time.
6. Be Charmed by the Düden Waterfalls
Visiting these breathtaking waterfalls is among the most romantic things to do in Antalya, Turkey, for couples on budget holidays. Located just outside Antalya city, the waterfalls originate in the renowned Taurus Mountains and can be explored in two parts: lower and upper. The upper falls cascade beautifully over an impressive clifftop, gracefully falling into the Mediterranean Sea.
You can make a day trip of the upper falls visit, or catch the lower falls via a boat ride. The tour will take you around highlights of the city centre before getting you as close to the lower falls as possible.
7. A Cable Car Ride to Tünek Tepe Hill
For adventure enthusiasts wondering what to do in Antalya, Turkey, for an unforgettable thrill, nothing beats a cable car ride up to the very top of the famous Tünek Tepe hill. Take pictures of the stunning scenery below as the car makes its way to the top, and then click some more amazing shots once you've reached the peak!
In addition to panoramic views, the hilltop is home to a small bazaar, a charming café, a playground for kids, and a rotating restaurant offering views of the breathtaking surroundings from all possible angles.
8. Family Fun at Land of the Legends
Spending a day at this colossal park is among the most exciting things to do in Antalya for families. The impressive complex comprises a water park, a theme park, restaurant zone, shopping mall, and a hotel, making it the crowning jewel of family getaways. Take to high-speed roller coasters for an incredible thrill or pick safer rides to enjoy with toddlers.
There are ample gourmet restaurants on-site to ensure folks have a delicious feast during their visit. You can also catch several fountain shows, live music performances, and other entertainment programs hosted on the premises.
9. Explore the Old Town of Kaleiçi
A leisurely stroll through Kaleiçi's maze of captivating Ottoman architecture, quaint cafés, and an array of boutique hotels and restaurants is among the top things to do in Antalya Old Town. Soak in views of the iconic 19th-century clock tower, Saat Kulesi, featuring rough stone walls, as you make your way across a labyrinth of narrow lanes, alleyways, street hawkers, and adorable cafés.
Marred in a fire during the 19th century, the Kesik Minare, otherwise called the Broken Minaret, is also worth exploring. Other highlights include the Tekeli Mehmet Paşa Cami Mosque, Hadrian's Gate, and a centuries-old Roman harbour.
10. Explore the Old Marina
Discovering the beauty of the Old Marina located in a charming cove among craggy cliffs is among the best things to do in Antalya at night. Dotted with boats, the turquoise waters shimmer under night lights thrown by restaurants and cafés lining the shore. It's a great setting to enjoy a romantic meal with your beloved on adult-only breaks.
Post meal, you can walk through winding streets leading away from the marina and back into the city centre. This is also a fantastic spot from where you can head out on a boat trip to explore the surrounding Turkish coastline.
11. A Day Trip to Antalya Aquarium
Antalya city in Turkey is home to a range of attractions that the whole family can enjoy, with a prominent one being the world-renowned Antalya Aquarium. The stellar place features the longest ever shark tunnel worldwide, enabling visitors to look at tropical fish, majestic rays, fierce sharks, and other exotic marine life up close as they walk through it.
Plan your tour wisely, as there are over 60 themed tanks, a Snow World, a WildPark home to amphibians and reptiles, and an Ice Museum. Don't miss the feeding time show, where you can watch expert staff wear scuba gear and feed hungry stingrays and sharks - by hand!
12. Hike the Lycian Way
Every hiker's dream, the Lycian Way is a picturesque trail that spans around 540 kilometres overall, running all the way from Antalya to Olu Deniz. In addition to picking your choice of trail, you can also opt for a bike ride for part of the journey. Make sure to carry a good camera so you can stop along the way and take spectacular images cataloguing your hike.
Note: It's crucial to carry enough sunscreen, wear suitable clothes, note down emergency contacts, and take other precautions and preparations seriously for a safe trek. Amateurs are advised to go along with local experts and avoid pushing themselves during the hike.
13. Shop at Antalya Bazaar
Shopaholics will never have to wonder what to do in Antalya, as it’s home to several eclectic traditional souks and vast shopping areas selling pretty much everything at dirt-cheap rates. The colourful and illustrious Antalya Bazaar is one such place, allowing visitors the chance to freely bargain and get fantastic deals on jewellery, clothes, hand-made crafts, artworks, and more.
The historic market offers a unique look into the region's culture and the authentic Turkish way of life. Also, there are ample food outlets where avid shoppers can eat amid intense buying sprees.
14. Karain Cave Exploration
To the north of the resort lies the mysterious Karain Cave, an ancient natural wonder that was once home to a number of priceless artefacts dating back to the Palaeolithic ages. Exploring the mesmerising secrets of this impressive cave is among the most unusual things to do in Antalya, Turkey, besides offbeat city breaks.
Discover jagged stalactites hanging inside the cave's tall ceiling, and study stalagmite formations rising out of the ground. Once you've witnessed the magic of the cave, visit the museum for a look at unique historical exhibits, including teeth and bones belonging to Neolithic people.
15. Relish the Local Cuisine
Delving into the local food and drink scene is among the most thrilling Antalya things to do and see for gastronomy lovers. Top dishes like the shish-meatball and piyaz, featuring minced meat, spices, herbs, and more are a must-try! Hibes is another delicacy that will take you on a food adventure unlike another. The Alanya Bohcasi is an inspiring creation, filled with lamb and other mixtures the chefs desire.
Dessert lovers will relish Fineke Banana, ice creams, Baklava, Knafeh, and milky rice pudding. Popular drinks to try in Antalya include Turkish tea, Raki (alcoholic drink made from white grape pomace), Boza (fermented beverage), and Sherbet (non-alcoholic fresh fruit drink).
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