Ayhan Mortepe in Muratpaşa, Antalya: 19 Spots

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Antalya

Must-try foods in Antalya

• Antalya Piyazı
  Antalya PiyazıThe city's most legendary signature dish, distinct from any other Turkish bean salad. It features small white beans drenched in a rich, velvety sauce made from tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and vinegar, typically topped with hard-boiled eggs, fresh tomatoes, and parsley.
• Antalya Şiş Köfte
  Antalya Şiş KöfteHand-minced, spiced meatballs grilled over charcoal on flat skewers. Unlike the standard round variety, Antalya's version is long and thin, traditionally served alongside the local tahini-based piyaz and charred peppers for a classic 'piyaz-köfte' pairing.
• Yanık Dondurma (Burnt Ice Cream)
  Yanık Dondurma (Burnt Ice Cream)A unique local delicacy made from fatty goat's milk and wild orchid root (salep). The milk is intentionally scorched during boiling to create a sophisticated, smoky, and slightly bitter-sweet flavor profile that is highly addictive and found only in the Antalya region.
• Tandır Kebabı
  Tandır KebabıLamb slow-cooked for hours in a traditional underground clay oven until the meat becomes so tender it literally falls off the bone. It is typically served on a bed of fresh flatbread to soak up the rich, natural juices.
• Hibeş
  HibeşA vibrant, creamy meze staple unique to Antalya. It is a thick dip crafted from tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and a heavy dose of cumin and red pepper flakes, usually served as a starter with warm, crusty bread.
• Tahinli Kabak Tatlısı
  Tahinli Kabak TatlısıAntalya's elevated take on pumpkin dessert. Soft, syrup-soaked pumpkin chunks are generously drizzled with thick tahini and sprinkled with crushed walnuts, creating a rich contrast between the sweet vegetable and the savory nuttiness of the sesame.

Trip guide

• About Antalya
  About AntalyaBarbaros is a central neighborhood located within the historic Kaleiçi (Old Town) district of Antalya. Its historical heritage spans several millennia, with the city founded around 150 BC by King Attalus II of Pergamon as a naval base named Attaleia. The neighborhood contains physical remnants of the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit Barbaros, Antalya, is during the shoulder seasons of April to June and September to October, when the weather is pleasantly warm (20°C–30°C) and ideal for exploring the historic streets of Kaleiçi. While July and August offer peak beach weather, temperatures often exceed 35°C with high humidity and significant crowds, making outdoor sightseeing more taxing. Off-peak winter months (November to March) are much quieter and more affordable.
• Getting around
  Getting around Antalya

  • Public Bus and Dolmuş Extensive bus routes (like KL08, KC06, and LC07A) connect Barbaros to the city center and Antalya Airport. Use an AntalyaKart for payment, which can be purchased at kiosks or major transit hubs.
  • AntRay Light Rail (Tram) The T1A and T1B tram lines provide a direct link from Antalya Airport and the main bus station (Otogar) to the İsmetpaşa station, which is within walking distance of the Barbaros neighborhood.
  • Taxi and Private Transfer Taxis are widely available 24/7 and offer door-to-door service. For a more comfortable experience from the airport, pre-booked private transfers are a popular and often cost-competitive alternative to standard taxis.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Purchase an AntalyaKart for the AntRay tram and local buses, as cash is not accepted for public transit fares.
  • Always accept the first offer of tea (çay) in local shops or homes, as declining can be seen as a rejection of hospitality.
  • Remove your shoes before entering a local home or a carpet shop, placing them on the provided racks at the entrance.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Antalya

  • Antalya Fashion Week (IX AFW) - Showcasing global designers in historic venues across the city center in June 2026.
  • Butterfly World Antalya - A new major eco-attraction opening in 2026, trending as a top family-friendly discovery.
• Antalya Muratpaşa Belediyesi↗
  Antalya Muratpaşa BelediyesiThe official municipal website for Muratpaşa, providing information on local tourism, historical sites like Kaleiçi, and regional cultural activities.