Destination guideAntalya · Türkiye
25 Things to Do in Antalya (2026)
Antalya, located on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, contains a chronological history dating to the 2nd century BC when it was founded as Attaleia by King Attalus II of Pergamon.
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The city's historical heritage includes structures from the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods. A primary architectural landmark is Hadrian's Gate, a triple-arched marble gateway built in 130 AD to commemorate the visit of the Roman Emperor. The historic center, known as Kaleiçi, is characterized by narrow, cobblestone streets and Ottoman-era houses, many of which feature traditional wooden bay windows.
- 25 spots
- 8 must-try dishes
- Researched September 2026
- 24 sources
Must-try in Antalya8 dishes
Antalya Piyazı Where to order it in Antalya
Antalya Şiş Köfte Where to order it in Antalya
Yanık Dondurma (Burnt Ice Cream) Where to order it in Antalya
Antalya Serpme Börek Where to order it in Antalya
Hibeş Where to order it in Antalya
Grida (White Grouper) Where to order it in Antalya
Tandır Kebabı Where to order it in Antalya
Kabak Tatlısı with Tahini Where to order it in Antalya
The short answer
- The top things to do in Antalya, from 24 sources researched September 2026, start with:
- Hadrian's Gate (Barbaros)
- Aspendos Theatre (Belkıs)
- Dervish Lodge Museum (Selçuk)
- Suna & İnan Kıraç Kaleiçi Museum (Barbaros)
- Lower Duden Waterfalls (Çağlayan)
- 8 must-try dishes are on the map, each with the places to order them.
25 places worth your time in Antalya
Things to see and do
Hadrian's Gate
Why it’s on the map
A triumphal arch built in 130 AD to commemorate the visit of Roman Emperor Hadrian. This triple-arched gate features four Corinthian columns on each facade and original Roman-era stone walkways that show the ruts of.
Barbaros, Atatürk Cd, Barbaros, Hadrian Kale Kapısı, 07100 Muratpaşa/Antalya, Türkiye
Aspendos Theatre
Why it’s on the map
Widely regarded as one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world, this 2nd-century AD structure was designed by the architect Zenon.
Belkıs, Aspendos Yolu, 07500 Serik/Antalya, Türkiye
Dervish Lodge Museum
Why it’s on the map
Located within a 13th-century Seljuk complex, this museum is dedicated to the history and spiritual practices of the Mevlevi Order.
Selçuk, Selçuk Mah No:36, 07100 Muratpaşa/Antalya, Türkiye
Suna & İnan Kıraç Kaleiçi Museum
Why it’s on the map
A private ethnographic museum housed in two meticulously restored historic buildings: a traditional 19th-century Antalya mansion and the former Orthodox Church of Hagios Georgios.
Barbaros Mah. Kocatepe Sok, Barbaros, Kaleiçi No: 25, 07100 Muratpaşa/Antalya, Türkiye
Lower Duden Waterfalls
Why it’s on the map
A rare natural spectacle where the Düden River cascades over a 40-meter limestone cliff directly into the Mediterranean Sea.
Çağlayan, Lara Cd. No:457, 07230 Muratpaşa/Antalya, Türkiye
Place to see · Liman
Mosque · Selçuk
Aquarium · Arapsuyu
Hiking Area · Aksu
Beach · Arapsuyu
Water Park · Kadriye
Historical Landmark · Karaman
Amusement Center · Muratpaşa
Museum · Selçuk
Museum · Meltem
Tourist Attraction
Where to eat
Market · Selçuk
Restaurant · Meltem
Bakery
Restaurant · Altındağ
Coffee Shop · Kılınçarslan
Restaurant · Gençlik
Restaurant · Sinan
Shops and markets
Shopping Mall · Merkez
Shopping Mall · Fener
20 more places on the map
7 to eat · 11 to see and do · 2 to shop · 8 must-try dishes with where to order each
Start
When is the best time to visit Antalya?
- The best time to visit Antalya is during the shoulder seasons of April to June and September to October, when the weather is warm and pleasant for both sightseeing and swimming. Summer (July and August) brings intense heat exceeding 35°C (95°F) and heavy crowds, while winter is mild but often rainy and unsuitable for beach activities. For the best balance of lower prices and manageable tourist numbers, aim for May or late September to avoid the peak summer rush.
How do I get around Antalya?
- Antalya Airport (AYT) & AntRay Tram Fly into Antalya Airport and use the modern AntRay tram (Line T1A) for a direct, affordable connection from Terminal 1 to the city center and the main bus terminal (Otogar).
- AntalyaKart & Public Buses Purchase an AntalyaKart to access the extensive municipal bus network, including Route 600 (Airport to Bus Terminal) and Route 800 (Airport to Lara/Konyaaltı beaches), which run frequently throughout the day.
- Dolmuş (Shared Minibuses) Use these flexible, budget-friendly shared minibuses for shorter local routes and reaching specific neighborhoods or nearby coastal towns where larger municipal buses may not frequently travel.
What should I know before visiting Antalya?
- Use the 'Antalyakart' for all public transportation as drivers do not accept cash or credit cards on buses and trams.
- Remove your shoes before entering a local home and always greet the eldest person first as a sign of respect.
- Carry a small amount of Turkish Lira in cash for markets and small vendors, as many local shops may not accept international credit cards.
- Stay hydrated and use high-factor sunscreen during the afternoon hours to avoid heatstroke, as coastal temperatures often exceed 35°C in summer.
What’s new in Antalya in September 2026?
- Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival: The 2026 season is currently running at the 2,000-year-old Roman theatre, featuring world-class performances through early October.
- Wyndham Garden Antalya Konyaaltı: A major new hotel opening as of July 2026, trending for its modern 'extended stay' concept and proximity to Konyaaltı Beach.
- 63rd Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival: Turkey's most prestigious film event is the current talk of the city, with the official lineup recently announced for the upcoming festival dates of October 24–31, 2026.
- COP31 Preparations: Antalya is trending globally as it prepares to host the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in November 2026, with major infrastructure and summit planning currently underway.
Research receipt
How this Antalya guide was researched
- Live web search, 14 of 14 research areas completed.
- Places verified against real place data — address, hours and coordinates come from the place record, not the article.
- Researched September 2026. A newer build for Antalya replaces this page automatically.
Sources checked
Planning questions
What are the top things to do in Antalya?
Start with Hadrian's Gate, Aspendos Theatre, Dervish Lodge Museum, Suna & İnan Kıraç Kaleiçi Museum, and Lower Duden Waterfalls: the places Varedelo's research (from 24 sources researched September 2026) puts first, each with its reason in the list on this page. All 25 places are pinned on the Antalya map.