In this material, we have collected all the best sights of Antalya and the surrounding area, which you can visit on your own or with a tour. A selection of the most interesting and beautiful places with photos and descriptions. At the end of the article, you will find a map of the location of objects, which will facilitate planning the route of the walk. As a bonus, we have indicated several cafes and restaurants that must be visited in the evening.
Among the cities of Turkey, Antalya remains the most attractive for tourists and rest by the sea in luxury all-inclusive hotels. The city became famous not only for the beaches of the Mediterranean coast, but also for historical monuments from the times of Byzantium, the Roman and Ottoman empires. Today, beach holidays are widely developed here, during which you will be offered excursions in Antalya to sightseeing, numerous entertainment and various shopping.
Despite being recognized as a resort town, there are a lot of historical monuments, unique artifacts, beautiful ancient architecture. Let's get to know this gem, find out what you can see in Antalya, what interesting places to visit. We offer you a short description of the thirty attractions of Antalya.
Antalya Museum
It is the most important in the city, located in its center and has more than 2 thousand exhibits located in 13 thematic exhibition halls. Many of them are unique. No wonder at the beginning of the 20th century, during the Italian occupation, they wanted to take the exhibits to Italy. In the open-air galleries there are about 5 thousand more historical objects. Entrance fee is 36 TL.
The ancient city of Olympos and the Fire of the Chimera
The sights of the city of Antalya are represented by one of the interesting places where the ruins of the walls of the ancient city, colonnades, necropolis and the remains of a theater have been preserved. Olympos is located on the Chimera mountain peak (Yanartash mountain), from the depths of which fire constantly breaks out. It turns out that deep underground there is a gas field, which ignites spontaneously when in contact with air.
We advise you to definitely take a guided tour, a visit at sunset would be ideal. At the same time, stock up on water and strength, climbing the mountain up the stairs requires a certain amount of physical activity.
Kaleici
The oldest historic quarter, where the architecture of the most different periods of the city's history meets. You will see the fortress and the old port, Ottoman mansions, walk along the narrow winding streets, see the products of local workshops - hand-woven carpets, jewelry, furniture and be sure to buy photos of the Old City.
Demre
The ancient city, formerly called Mira, where Nicholas the Wonderworker read his sermons, has become a place of pilgrimage for many tourists for a reason. Saint Nicholas was buried in one of the churches, but at the beginning of the 11th century the church was destroyed and the relics were stolen. And only at the end of the century they were transported to Italy, the city of Bari, where they are still.
It is one of the most popular destinations in terms of sightseeing tours. It is pointless to go here on your own, be sure to take an excursion with a Russian-speaking guide and do not spare money, you will learn a lot of simply amazing facts.
Termessos
Another ancient city located 34 km from Antalya. This is a monument of ancient architecture. The theater, the market square of the Agora, the gymnasium, the Odeon - the seat of the parliament, the ancient Necropolis and others have survived to this day. The entrance to the park costs 5 Turkish liras.
Hadrian's gate
They are an arch with towers, marble columns and capitals, built during the Roman Empire. The object is included in all excursion routes around the city and is one of the main attractions in Antalya (Turkey).
Aspendos
Continues the series of ancient cities of Antalya. Until recently, the amphitheater, perfectly preserved in the city, was a venue for concerts and festivals. The ancient streets, the basilica, the acropolis, and the aqueduct are perfectly preserved.
Advice! You should not go here with small children in hot, sunny weather, as the objects are located in an open area not protected from the sun. The same rules apply to visiting Pamukkale! Otherwise, stock up on sufficient water.
Madrasah Karatay
Located near Antalya in the town of Konya. It is a palace that served as the famous School of the Koran. The palace is interesting for its interior and exterior decoration. Ancient vases, dishes, ceramics, jewelry, antiquities attract close attention.
Hidirlik tower
It is called one of the most mysterious sights of the old city of Antalya. Historians have not yet decided on its true purpose: whether it was a lighthouse, or a fortification. They even put forward a version that the tower became the tomb of a Roman family.
Mevlevihan
The holy place, visited by pilgrims, served as a monastery where they learned the philosophy of the great poet Mevlana. Now it houses a gallery of contemporary art. You can visit it from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm. You can get there by bus 210 and KL08.
Minaret Kesik
An architectural structure embodied on the basis of various styles. At the beginning of our era, it served as an antique temple, then as a Byzantine church. In the 13th century, a minaret was added to it and the church was transformed into a mosque. Over the next centuries, the structure again changed its purpose, survived a lightning strike and the destruction of walls. But it remained one of the most visited places by tourists.
Monument to Ataturk
Installed in honor of the first President of Turkey Mustafa Kemal Ataturk on Republic Square in the center of Antalya. Atatürk is depicted sitting on a horse, surrounded by female and male figures, personifying the people of Turkey, following their leader. Behind the monument there is an observation deck with a beautiful view of Antalya.
Ataturk park
An ideal place to go in Antalya on your own, we definitely recommend the whole family. We set aside at least half a day to relax in nature and breathe in the sea air. Frankincense trees exude a subtle pleasant scent, drawing visitors for evening walks. Here you can ride horses, visit the autodrome and a large trampoline, carousels and a glass pyramidal cafe.
Karaalioglu park
The most beautiful and largest park in Antalya, located on a high rocky coast. It is an excellent viewing platform in Antalya for tourists with a panoramic view of the city. Here you can learn about the history of the city by visiting the ancient Hidirlik tower, see the municipality building, the house-museum of Ataturk. The park's vegetation is beautiful: tangerine trees, palms, flowers. To services of visitors there are many cafes, a mini-zoo, tea establishments.
Umbrella street
“We advise where to walk in Antalya and get an amazing experience. This is a street adorned with numerous multi-colored umbrellas along its entire length ”. Walking through this interesting place, you will receive not only positive emotions, but also great photos on Instagram.
Monument to Attalus II
Grateful residents of Antalya erected a monument to the founder of their city in 2004. Attalus II ruled in the 2nd century BC. At that time, he decided to create a city on the seashore and give it his name, which was transformed into Antalya. The monument was created by the Turkmen sculptor Ouezov. Attalus is depicted as a Greek hero on a white marble pedestal.
Ruins of the city of Perge
Located near Antalya. The city was built at the beginning of the 2nd century. Remains of walls, gates and rounded towers have survived to this day. Outside the gate was a courtyard with statues of gods and emperors. There was also an amphitheater, a bathhouse, a stadium.
Cave Karain
The natural cave serves as a place to see in Antalya and the surrounding area on your own at any time. Located 27 km from Antalya.Its historical value lies in the fact that it once served as a settlement in the Paleolithic era. There are 7 halls open for access, on the walls of which you can see ancient inscriptions. "Bring a flashlight, drink and warm clothes when going to the cave." The ticket price is 5 TL.
Murat Pasha Mosque
The operating old Ottoman mosque is named after the ruler. A prayer hall is located under a large dome. Tourists are allowed here after the end of the prayer. Various texts can be read on the walls inside. One of the main places to see in Antalya is recommended to all tourists, therefore it is included in all city tours.
Minaret of Ivli
The minaret can be seen in all photos of the city; it is the main symbol. It was erected in the 13th century on a square pedestal and decorated with azure mosaics. Vertical depressions on the walls of the minaret make it easy to recognize it from anywhere in the city. It can be entered via a spiral staircase leading to a balcony.
Amusement Park "Aktur Park"
A popular entertainment place where to go and what to see on your own in Antalya is primarily with kids. It started with a mobile amusement park, and now there are about 40 various attractions, a tea garden, and many funny carousels for kids. And also a room of laughter and a Ferris wheel. There are extreme attractions for adults.
To enter the park, you need to purchase a plastic card for 2 lira and put money on it to visit the attractions. The cost of one entertainment is from 4 to 9 TL. Luna Park is open from 3 pm to 2 am on weekends, on weekdays it opens from 5 pm.
Duden waterfalls
One of the natural places to see from the sights in Antalya is the beautiful waterfalls: Upper and Lower Duden. Numerous streams of water flow into the sea at a wide distance, creating an impressive panorama, which is why the beach resort is sometimes called the capital of waterfalls. There are many observation platforms and recreation areas around the waterfalls.
Upper Duden (photo # 1) (another name: Alexander the great waterfall) is the oldest natural wonder, founded 600 years ago. It is located 11 km northeast of the city center. The entrance to the park costs 6 Turkish liras. The height of the highest point where the water falls is 28 meters. You can get to the park by buses No. CV17, VML55, VML55A, VF66A, MK80, VF66.
Lower Duden (photo # 2) (another name: Karpuzkaldyran) is located east of the city center. The very first sight of the Turkish land, which can be observed when landing in an airplane. Equipped with a free observation deck and walkways. The examination is free. We recommend first of all to visit in the evening, it is then that the backlight turns on.
Kaleici Suna and Inan Kirach Museum
The house-museum presents an ethnographic exhibition of the everyday life of a Turkish family and city dwellers. The museum consists of two buildings of cultural value. The first building is decorated with murals and wood paneling, the second formerly served as an Orthodox church. Here you will be told about national traditions, about the sights of Antalya with photos and descriptions. The entrance to the museum is 3 Turkish Lira.
Kursunlu waterfall
It is a national park located among pine trees and other woody vegetation, 21 km from the city, and is considered one of the main attractions for tourists with children. The park is equipped with numerous observation bridges, paths, steps. You can take a camel ride.
Believe it or not, here you can see ducks, hares, feed the fish in the riverbed, look at turtles.
The entrance ticket costs 7 Turkish liras, children under 6 years old are admitted free. When planning a trip on your own, we advise you to take bus number 81 and get to the stop Kurşunlu Şelalesi.
Mount Tunektepe
One of the best viewing areas in Antalya is located at an altitude of 607 meters, from which the city, port, sea and mountains are perfectly visible. For the most complete perception of the view, we have posted a panoramic view.
Aqualand
The open water entertainment complex was opened in 1996 and has become one of the places where all tourists are offered to go in Antalya. The area of 3.6 hectares can accommodate 1,500 people at the same time. On its territory there are many slides, a wave pool, a dolphinarium, and many entertainment shows are held. “Don't take food and drinks with you. This is not permitted by the visiting rules. "
Opening hours from 10 am to 5 pm. A child under 6 years old is admitted free of charge. Tickets cost from 45 TL for children from 7 years old, from 65 TL - adults.
Butterfly park
The park was recently opened in 2015. From that moment on, it became a tourist destination not only for local residents, but also for Russian tourists. We advise you to visit here especially with children. Anyone who has been there will say that visiting a butterfly park in Antalya is a must. More than 50 species of butterflies and other insects in the amount of several thousand were brought from 25 world countries. Entrance to the park is 30 Turkish lira.
Antalya old port
Mentioned from the 2nd century BC. Served as anchorage for large merchant ships. In 1988 it was extensively reconstructed into an embankment and a yacht club. Taking a boat trip, you will discover very picturesque places of the coast, Mouse Island, Duden waterfall.
Saat Kulesi Tower
It is also called the clock tower. In the 19th century, Emperor Wilhelm II presented several front clock mechanisms to the Turkish Sultan Hamid. Some of them are installed on this tower, which has been preserved in its original appearance.
Konyaalti beach
It is also one of the places that you can easily see in Antalya on your own. The six-kilometer pebble beach leaves a wonderful impression with its cleanliness, transparency of the sea, numerous cafes and bars, and upscale hotels.
Attractions of Antalya on the map
Where to eat deliciously?
Now let's take a look at the best restaurants in Antalya, where you can eat delicious traditional Turkish cuisine. All places were selected according to reviews of tourists and ratings of independent agencies.
- One of the most visited restaurants by tourists - Yemenli meyhanesi located at Kilincaslan Mh. Hesapci Sokak 60 (500 meters from Kaleici). An ideal place where you can spend an evening with live music in a cozy interior with a fountain. Here you can taste fresh seafood and national dishes. Average bill for one 240TL.
- Balikci meyhanesi at the address: Kaleici Hıdırlık No. 17 (Kılıcarslan Mahallesi). A street restaurant on a cozy territory, many people choose it because of the delicious preparations of both fish dishes and Turkish cuisine. The prices for the menu will pleasantly surprise you, the average bill will be about 170 TL for one person.
- Another great option is Meyhanet located at: Kilicarslan Mahallesi Hesapci No. 65. Ideal for lovers of walks in the Old Town, at the end of the trip we go here to eat meat and fish dishes.
- Fish Ayar Meyhanesi for Kilincarslan Mahalesi Hesepci # 59. A place with a cozy atmosphere and unobtrusive service, food for every bill.
- For lovers of beautiful presentation, we recommend Vanilla in the Old Town at the address: Hesapci №33. The place is more suitable for tourists who are accustomed to good service, stylish interior, and delicious food. The author's menu will bring new flavors to your gastronomic life.
- Where to sit in Antalya with a gorgeous panoramic view? A restaurant Arma on Iskele Cd. No. 75. We recommend a place for a romantic dinner in the evening.
- Well, the last place with a panoramic view of the cities and the sea - 7 Mehmet located at Meltem Mah. Dumlupinar Bulv. No. 201. An excellent place with a well-groomed area in a quiet place where you can relax with the whole family (there is a playground). Average bill for one dinner is from 180TL.
* Photo of 7Mehmet restaurant courtesy of the establishment.
