Things to Do in Antalya: 2026 Guide

The top things to do in Antalya are exploring the Kaleici old town, seeing the Duden Waterfalls, visiting the Antalya Museum, and touring nearby ancient cities Aspendos, Side and Perge. For the coast, head to Konyaalti and Lara beaches; for nature, the Olympos/Chimaera flames stand out. Below you'll find each with distances, durations and rough 2026 prices.

What are the must-see places in Antalya?

The most iconic area in the city is the historic Kaleici, a walled old town overlooking the sea. Its narrow stone lanes easily fill a few hours, and entry is free.

Kaleici and the Roman Harbor

• Hadrian's Gate (Uckapilar): A three-arched marble gate built in AD 130 to honor Emperor Hadrian. The main entrance to Kaleici and a top photo spot.
• Yivli Minaret: Antalya's 13th-century symbol, with its fluted brick shaft rising about 38 meters.
• Kesik Minaret (Broken Minaret): A historic building that shifted from Roman temple to church to mosque, now with a truncated top.
• Roman Harbor (Yat Limani): The protected ancient marina, now home to boat tours and seafood restaurants.

Karaalioglu Park and Hidirlik Tower

Right beside Kaleici, Karaalioglu Park offers a free stop with sunset and Beydaglari mountain views. At its edge, the 2nd-century AD Hidirlik Tower stands out with its cylindrical stone form.

Where can you see waterfalls in Antalya?

The Duden Waterfalls are at two separate points:

• Upper Duden (Duden Park): 10-14 km from the center, 20-25 minutes by car. Known for its walkway and cave passing behind the falling water. Entry in 2026 is around 50-100 TRY.
• Lower Duden (Lara): A cliff where the water plunges 40 meters straight into the sea. The best view is from a boat or the viewing terrace on the Lara coast; terrace entry is free.

Which beach should you visit in Antalya?

• Konyaalti Beach: The closest to the center, a wide pebble shore with Beydaglari views, a promenade, cafes and free public sections.
• Lara Beach: A fine-sand eastern coast lined with resorts. Its shallow-entry stretches are ideal for families.

If you'd like to pick a stay by beach, browse the hotel options.

Which ancient cities can you visit near Antalya?

Antalya has one of Turkey's densest concentrations of ancient sites.

• Aspendos: 45 km, ~50 minutes. One of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world, seating 15,000. Tickets in 2026 are around 400-600 TRY.
• Side: 65 km, ~1 hour. The seaside Temple of Apollo columns are especially striking at sunset.
• Perge: 18 km, ~25 minutes. An easy-to-walk ancient city with a grand colonnaded street, stadium and baths.
• Termessos: 34 km, ~45 minutes. Set 1,000 meters up in the mountains; it requires a light climb but rewards you with unmatched views.

The Antalya Museum, holding statues and sarcophagi excavated from these sites, is one of Turkey's richest archaeology museums. It sits 3 km from the center near Konyaalti. Tickets are around 200-400 TRY.

What can you do outdoors in Antalya?

• Chimaera (Yanartas): Near Olympos, ~80 km from the center. Famous for eternal flames of natural gas seeping from the ground; best seen after dark. A short climb is required.
• Tunektepe Cable Car: Rises from the western end of Konyaalti to a 605-meter summit for a panoramic bay view; tickets around 200-350 TRY.

Where to go in Antalya with kids?

• Duden Park's walkways and waterfall views
• The Antalya Aquarium at Konyaalti (one of the world's longest tunnel aquariums)
• The shallow, safe-entry sections of Lara beach
• The nostalgic tram ride around Kaleici

For current family-friendly activities, check the events calendar.

What are the free things to do in Antalya?

• Wandering the streets of Kaleici and the Roman Harbor
• Watching the sunset from Karaalioglu Park
• The public sections of Konyaalti beach
• Viewing Hadrian's Gate and the Broken Minaret from outside
• The Lower Duden cliff view from the terrace

For more trip ideas, see our blog guide.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Antalya?

The center and Kaleici take 1-2 days. Adding ancient cities like Aspendos, Side and Perge makes 4-5 days ideal.

Can you reach the ancient cities by public transport?

Perge and Side are reachable by bus/minibus, but for Aspendos and Termessos renting a car or taking a tour is far more practical.

Is the Museum Pass valid at the ancient sites?

Yes, the Museum Pass covers Antalya Museum, Perge, Aspendos, Side and many other official sites, making it good value for frequent visitors.

When is the best time to visit Duden Waterfall?

Water flow peaks in spring. For the Lower Duden cliff, afternoon light gives the best photos.