Antalya brings together beautiful beaches, deep history, and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. You can wander through old streets, swim in clear blue water, explore ancient ruins, and enjoy local food all in one trip. Whether relaxing or exploring, the city offers something special for every traveller.

Antalya is a coastal city located along the Mediterranean Sea in Turkey, where history, relaxation, and modern life all come together. Surrounded by the Taurus Mountains and with turquoise waters, this vibrant city attracts visitors looking to see ancient Roman ruins, explore quaint old town streets, and visit spectacular waterfalls. Explore the ruins of an ancient theatre, sail down the coastline, or relax by the beach, there is a variety of things to do in Antalya, making each day feel unique and exciting. The city offers a wide range of activities and attractions for every type of traveller—cultural and natural sites, marketplaces, and nightlife.

Best Things to Do in Antalya

• Explore Kaleici Old Town and the Hadrian Gate
• Relax at Konyaalti and Lara Beaches
• Visit the Ancient City of Perge and the Aspendos Theatre
• See the Duden Waterfalls
• Ride a Cable Car to Tunektepe Hill
• Discover Antalya Museum
• Enjoy Adventure at Koprulu Canyon
• Explore Local Bazaars and Taste Turkish Food
• Go on a Boat Tour along the Coast
• Experience Nightlife in Antalya
• Day Trips to Phaselis and Termessos

Explore Kaleici Old Town and the Hadrian Gate

A walk in the old town of the city called Kaleici is one of the most rewarding things to do in Antalya. It is a lovely neighbourhood with paved streets, buildings of the Ottoman period, galleries of small hotels and cafes.

The major attractions here are:

• Hadrians Gate which is a Roman triumphant gate
• Yivli Minare Mosque which is an important landmark of the city
• The ancient harbour where you can take boat tours and get a glimpse of the sea

Kaleici is one of the best places to visit in Antalya - you get to explore the culture, architecture and local life of the city in a single stroll.

 

Relax at Konyaalti and Lara Beaches

Antalya boasts of a long coastline area, and one of the top things to do in Antalya is spending time on its beautiful beaches. The Konyaalti Beach provides dramatic mountainous scenery, and Lara Beach is known to have soft luxury and upscale hotels.

At these beaches, you can:

• Swim in crystal-clear waters
• Enjoy sunbeds and beach cafes
• Try some water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing

Konyaatli beach is one of the best places to go in Antalya to enjoy the vibrant nightlife and beautiful sunsets. With a variety of beach clubs, bars, and restaurants lining the shore, visitors can dance the night away. 

 

Visit the Ancient City of Perge and the Aspendos Theatre

History lovers will find a treasure trove of things to do in Antalya just outside the city limits. The ancient town of Perge showcases Roman streets, gates and ruins of stadiums, whereas Aspendos has one of the finest preserved Roman theatres in the world.

Why you should go:

• Walk through 2,000-year-old ruins
• Visit the huge Aspendos theatre
• Learn about the ancient Pamphylian civilisation

These are some of the most marvellous tourist attractions near Antalya for cultural exploration and get a glimpse of the glorious Roman empire.

 

See the Duden Waterfalls

Another Antalya tourist attraction which is not to be missed is Duden Waterfalls. The Upper Duden Falls is located in a serene park, while the Lower Duden Falls dramatically plunge directly to the Mediterranean Sea.

Highlights include:

• Shaded picnic areas and walkways
• Boat trips to see the falls from the sea
• Cave of Wishes nearby

Visiting the waterfall is a magical experience as you can stand on the edge and look down at the cascading water, making it one of the beautiful places to go in Antalya.

 

Ride a Cable Car to Tunektepe Hill

To have panoramic views of the city and coastline, take the ride on Tunektepe cable car. The cable car carries people to the hilltop amidst the scent of pine trees, fresh air, and spectacular views of the Mediterranean and Taurus mountains.

At the top, you can:

• Have tea or coffee at a café with a viewpoint
• Witness the beautiful sunset painting the coastline of Antalya
• Take in the cool mountain breeze

It is among the quieter places to visit in Antalya for couples and families.

 

Discover Antalya Museum

To learn more about the rich history of the region, a visit to Antalya Museum is a must. The museum houses the ancient statues, mosaics and artefacts of the ancient cities such as Perge and Termessos. One of the best archaeological museums in Turkey, visiting it and seeing the ancient artifacts makes history come alive.

Key highlights:

• Open-air exhibit
• Ottoman collection of weapons
• Hall of Sacrophagi
• Hercules Marble statue

It is also among the best tourist spots in Antalya which is highly favoured among cultural enthusiasts.

 

Enjoy Adventure at Koprulu Canyon

Koprulu Canyon National Park is an hour’s drive from the city centre. The roads serpentine over the clear, flowing mountain river and pass through verdant forests and rippling waterfalls. The national park is ideal for activities such as rafting and hiking if you like thrills and nature.

Activities here include:

• Rafting in the cold rivers
• Ziplining across the canyon
• Walking along Roman stone bridges

This park is counted among the most popular attractions near Antalya for a day trip.

 

Explore Local Bazaars and Taste Turkish Food

Antalya has colourful markets and bazaars offering affordable handicrafts, jewellery, spices, carpets, and many more, making it a shopper’s paradise. Moreover, Food is a big part of the Antalya experience. Wandering through local bazaars and trying regional dishes is one of the most satisfying things to do in the city.

What to try:

• Piyaz, a local bean salad
• Fresh seafood by the marina
• Baklava and Turkish delight

Exploring bazaars allows you to experience the local life and buy spices, textiles, and souvenirs.

 

Go on a Boat Tour along the Coast

A boat cruise along the coast of Antalya offers a different view of the cliffs, caves and hidden beaches. You can book the boat tours from the old harbour and explore the stunning turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

On a typical tour, you can:

• Swim in quiet coves
• See sea caves and waterfalls
• Enjoy lunch on board

These cruises show some of the most beautiful Antalya tourist attractions from the water.

 

Experience Nightlife in Antalya

When night falls, the city comes alive. The best places in Antalya for nightlife include Kaleici, Kas Harbour, Side’s Old Town, Belek, and Alanya Harbour. Historic buildings turn into lively bars and music venues, making it the best area in Antalya for nightlife.

Evening options include:

• Rooftop bars overlooking the harbour
• Clubs set inside stone buildings
• Quiet lounges for laid-back evenings

Numerous clubs, bars, diverse live shows, and night markets offer an immersive and happening nighttime entertainment in Antalya.

 

Day Trips to Phaselis and Termessos

One of the most rewarding activities one would ever wish to engage in is exploring Antalya and the ancient cities that surround it. Phaselis is a mix of Roman ruins and gorgeous beaches, whereas Termessos is a great place with great views located high in the mountains.

These trips offer:

• Ancient theatres and temples
• Forest trails and panoramic views
• Fewer crowds as compared to other major sites

From strolling along the town of Paseleis and hiking in Termessos, these cities have history embedded in every corner. Each step that is taken is a journey through time.

 

Best Time to Visit Antalya

The best time to visit Antalya is during the spring and autumn seasons which are ideal for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and comfortable weather. Summer is best for beach lovers, though it can get quite hot. Many travellers consider May the best month to visit Antalya, thanks to warm temperatures, blooming landscapes, and lighter crowds before peak season.

Antalya is more than just a beach destination; it’s a place where history, nature, culture, and modern comfort blend seamlessly. From wandering through ancient cities and swimming beneath waterfalls to enjoying lively evenings in Kaleici, every experience adds a new layer to your journey. No matter how long you stay, the city has a way of making each day feel full and memorable. For travellers who want a smooth and well-organised holiday, Antalya tour packages can be a great choice. They take the stress out of planning and allow you to focus on enjoying the sights, flavours, and moments that truly matter.

 

FAQs

Q1. Why is Antalya more than just a beach destination?

Beyond its coastline, Antalya sits at the crossroads of ancient Lycia, Pamphylia and Roman civilisations. Activities such as exploring Termessos or Perge reveal dramatic mountain-backed ruins that rival coastal attractions for depth and atmosphere.

Q2. Which experiences in Antalya offer the strongest sense of local life?

Visiting neighbourhood markets, traditional hammams, and tea gardens in districts like Muratpaşa provides a window into daily routines that most resort-focused visitors never encounter.

Q3. When are Antalya’s outdoor activities at their most enjoyable?

Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking, rafting and archaeological exploration, as milder temperatures make inland adventures far more comfortable than the intense summer heat.

Q4. How do Antalya’s natural landscapes shape what visitors can do?

The Taurus Mountains, waterfalls and canyons create opportunities for paragliding, canyon walks and river rafting, giving Antalya one of Turkey’s most diverse activity ranges within a short travel distance.

Q5. Are Antalya’s popular attractions compatible with responsible tourism?

Yes, particularly when visitors choose guided small-group tours, respect protected sites like Köprülü Canyon, and support locally run excursions rather than large-scale, high-impact operators.