Best Things To Do In Antalya, Türkiye

Antalya is a gorgeous city on the Mediterranean coast with numerous things to see and do. Whether you go for the lovely beaches, the many historical sites, or the incredible waterfalls spread out in the countryside, you will remember your trip to Antalya for a long time.

A great way to get to know a city is to walk around its historic center, and it’s heaven to sit back with a Turkish coffee and watch the world go by. Many different societies have gone through this part of the world over the years. This fantastic city is full of history and will teach you about modern-day Turkey and those.

Tunek Tepe

Tunek Tepe is a big hill that rises above the west side of Antalya. From the top, you can see the city, the Gulf of Antalya, and the shoreline that goes off into the distance. A cable car ride up the side of the hill is one of the best ways to get to the top. A restaurant and a bar are at the top so you can dance the night away in a unique place. If you prefer to avoid going to clubs, Tunek Tepe is still worth visiting for its beautiful views.

Lara Beach

East of the historic center, about ten kilometers away, Lara Beach is a lovely place to take it easy and soak up some sun. You can lay out in the sun and listen to the waves of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a quiet place with many tourist facilities, so it’s easy to get a drink or meal at one of the nearby restaurants. If you want to stay even closer to the beach in Antalya, there are a lot of hotels and other places to keep up a bit further back.

Yivli Minaret

Yivli Minaret stands tall above its surroundings and is one of the most famous sights in Antalya. It is a beautiful example of the Seljuk building. Yivli is in the historic center and is part of the mosque built in the 1300s, which is still used today. From the top, you can see beautiful views of the red houses. Yivli is a 38-meter-tall building that means “fluted minaret” in Turkish. It is now home to the Antalya Ethnographic Museum, which has a lot of old and interesting things to look at.

Kursunlu Waterfalls

The Kursunlu Waterfalls are in the same-named nature park, about 12 kilometers from Antalya. They are a great place to visit. The water comes from the Aksu River and runs through the farmland before falling into the pretty blue pool below Kursunlu. Green plants surround the pool, and the wall of water makes the scene even better. There is a lot of wildlife in this quiet, out-of-the-way place, and it almost feels like you’re in a fairy tale because of how perfect it is.

Antalya Aquarium

The great aquarium in Antalya is one of the most prominent aquarium buildings in the world. It’s educational and fun, with 40-themed tanks that are great for the whole family. The largest tube aquarium in the world is one of the many things to see and do. The tropical snake house is also fascinating. The complex also has a Snow World and an Ice Museum. In the snowy wonderland, you can play and have ice fights.

Konyaalti Beach

This beautiful sand beach is west of the city and goes on for over seven kilometers. It’s a great place to go to relax in the sun. If you get hungry, many shops, snack bars, and restaurants are nearby. If you want to get out of the sun, Antalya Beach Park is right behind it and has many green spots.

The beautiful Beydaglari Mountains make a beautiful backdrop for Konyaalti Beach, a great spot to relax by the water and take in the view. If you want to do something more energetic, you can go jet skiing or to the nearby Aqualand water park.

Antalya Archeological Museum

The Antalya Archaeological Museum is one of Turkey’s best and most important museums. It has a vast collection of items from the city and the surrounding area, and you should take advantage of it.

It has enormous historical areas with amazing murals, silver jewelry, and statues from Perge and Byzantium that history buffs will love. Over 5,000 years of history are shown in the displays, with impressive ruins and relics from the Bronze Age to the Roman and Byzantine eras.

Hadrian’s Gate

Hadrian’s Gate is a beautiful structure built to honor the Roman Emperor Hadrian, who came to Antalya in 130 AD and left a lasting impression. The triumphal arch has been kept in perfect shape and is still one of the main entrances to the old Kaleici neighborhood.

Along the three arches are pillars, and the roof inside has beautiful paintings. On either side of Hadrian’s Gate, two old towers make a perfect frame. Much of the city is still surrounded by the old defense walls, but Hadrian’s Gate is the only entry gate that is still there.

Duden Waterfalls

There are about 12 kilometers between the city center and the Duden Waterfalls. The waterfalls are beautiful, and locals and tourists love visiting them. The water comes from the Taurus Mountains and flows through the rocky landscape around Antalya. At the Lower Duden Waterfalls, it drops dramatically into the Mediterranean Sea.

The best way to see the lower falls is from a ship, but the upper falls are a great place for lunch because they are in a beautiful little gorge. In this case, you can go into a cave behind the waterfall, which is a fascinating experience as the water pours off the rock before you.

Kaleici

The city’s historic center is full of beautiful Roman and Byzantine sites and buildings, as well as charming old Ottoman family homes. That’s why Kaleici is so much fun to walk around; its winding streets are great for getting lost and taking in all of Antalya’s sights and sounds.

There is a lot to see and do. There are many restaurants, shops, and cozy bars to choose from. You can also look around in several lovely small art shops. The small streets are lined with beautiful buildings, like the 18th-century Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Mosque and the elegant Kesik Minaret. The main square, which is very pretty, is where all the action is.

Conclusion

Antalya is a blend of history, natural beauty, and vibrant coastal life, making it a dream destination on Türkiye’s Mediterranean coast. Whether you’re relaxing on the sun-soaked sands of Lara Beach and Konyaaltı Beach, marveling at the ancient arches of Hadrian’s Gate, or exploring the charming, narrow streets of Kaleiçi, there’s something in Antalya for every kind of traveler. Be sure to visit the refreshing Kursunlu Waterfalls to escape the city’s heat and enjoy a lush oasis. With endless ways to unwind, explore, and immerse yourself, Antalya is sure to leave you enchanted and eager to return!

For more unforgettable experiences, check out our guide to the top activities in Antalya and make the most of your Mediterranean adventure! And when you’re ready to book your stay, explore our top hotel recommendations in Antalya for the perfect base to relax and recharge after your daily adventures!