Contents
How to plan a trip to Antalya
Antalya province is hundreds of kilometres of coast; don't stay in Kaleiçi and assume Kaş, Alanya and Side are 'close' on the same day. Choose either the centre–eastern ancient cities line or the centre–western nature line.
A resort holiday and a city break are different. An all-inclusive hotel may be in Lara/Kundu; daily transfer time to the historic centre and museum eats up more time than budget.
Things to do in Antalya
Kaleiçi and the harbour
Walk Hadrian's Gate, the Yivli Minaret and the harbour in the morning; check the status of the cliff lift/stairs. In the living streets, night-time music and vehicle access are limited.
Konyaaltı, the Museum and the waterfalls
The Antalya Museum and Konyaaltı suit the same day. The Upper and Lower Düden waterfalls are not the same spot; map the lower one that drops into the sea on the Lara coast correctly.
Perge, Aspendos and Termessos
Perge–Aspendos can be combined on the eastern line. Termessos, to the west, involves a mountain hike and requires separate transport; don't go at summer midday.
Area by area: where to go
Kaleiçi offers atmosphere but noise/parking issues; Muratpaşa/Üçkapılar transport and budget; Konyaaltı beach and city; Lara coast and restaurants; and Kundu/Belek resorts.
Where to stay in Antalya
For a city trip, the outer edge of Kaleiçi or Muratpaşa; for sea + city, Konyaaltı. When booking a resort, read the distance to the centre, the beach type, transfers and off-season service coverage.
What to eat in Antalya
Antalya piyaz is distinctive for its tahini dressing; it's eaten with şiş köfte. Hibeş, pumpkin dessert, bitter-orange jam, burnt-milk ice cream and seafood round out the region.
Kaleiçi terraces sell location, Lara and central eateries the produce, and the coastal districts fish/local herbs. A 'serpme' breakfast spread should be ordered with the number of people and food waste in mind.
Getting to and around Antalya
From AYT airport, the tram and municipal buses go to the centre; the transfer route for Lara and distant resorts is different. Check Terminal 1–2 and the international terminal location for your flight.
The Antalyakart is used on trams/buses. Kaleiçi is explored on foot, Konyaaltı by tram + bus; Perge, Aspendos, Termessos and the coastal districts need a separate transport plan.
Cafés, nightlife and shopping
Kaleiçi bars are lively and noisy, Lara more restaurants/cocktails, and Konyaaltı focused on seafront walks. For bitter-orange jam, tahini, local weaving and olive oil, check the place of production/label.
Day trips from Antalya
Side–Manavgat lies on the eastern line, Phaselis–Olympos on the western line and Termessos to the north-west. Don't link opposite directions in a single day. Kaş and Alanya deserve their own accommodation.
Best time to visit Antalya
April–June and September–October balance the sea + history. July–August is very hot; visit ancient cities at opening time. Winter is mild for exploring the centre, but pool/boat services may be limited.
How to budget for your trip
Although a hotel package looks cheap, read whether transfers, ancient city tours and drinks are included. Archaeological sites covered by the Museum Pass/MüzeKart offer an advantage; private beaches and sunbeds cost extra.
Safety and common mistakes
Agree taxi/transfer fares before getting in. Don't underestimate the lack of water and shade at ancient cities in the sun. Don't assume the Düden, Kurşunlu and Manavgat waterfalls are the same place.
Where to eat: selected places
These aren't places to tick off one by one — they're the stops that best capture how the city eats. Opening hours and prices change, so check before you go.
7 Mehmet
UpscaleAtatürk Culture Park · Antalya and Mediterranean cooking
For trying local produce on a wide menu over a long meal.
Book ahead.
Piyazcı Ahmet
BudgetMerkez · Tahini piyaz and şiş
For trying Antalya's signature duo in a simple way.
Topçu Kebap
Mid-rangeMerkez · Şiş köfte with piyaz
A quick, classic city meal.
Börekçi Tevfik
BudgetMerkez · Serpme börek
For a local, lightly layered börek at an early breakfast.
Parlak Restaurant
Mid-rangeMerkez · Chicken and a classic lokanta
A quick, old-style meal in the city centre.
Vanilla
UpscaleKaleiçi · Contemporary Mediterranean cooking
For quieter, more structured service on a Kaleiçi evening.
Dietary preferences
Vegan and halal restaurants in Antalya
For Antalya we picked one plant-based place and one aimed at Muslim travellers. Halal labels don't all mean the same thing: certification, the restaurant's own declaration and "some halal options" are shown separately on each card.
Vegan Pick
Fully veganLEVEL Vegan & Gluten Free
Kaleiçi · Vegan and gluten-free world cuisine
A restaurant preparing bowls, pasta, soups and desserts that are all vegan and gluten-free.
Why we picked it: A safe stop with a wide menu in Kaleiçi, shown to be current by 2026 reviews.
Verification note
The venue's plant-based coverage was checked in the directory; reconfirm the menu and opening days before booking.
Source: Plants Pack Turkey directory of fully vegan venues ↗Halal Pick
Re-check recommendedHasan Antalya Restaurant
Muratpaşa · Turkish grill
A central family restaurant serving kebabs, pide and stews.
Why we picked it: A strong candidate for trying local cooking from a wide menu; ask about its halal scope in advance.
Verification note
As no current independent certificate record was found, reconfirm meat sourcing, the shared kitchen and alcohol policy with the business.
Source: GİMDES current halal certificate search ↗Menus, suppliers and certifications change. If you keep strict halal, confirm the current certificate, alcohol, sauce ingredients and shared-kitchen risk directly with the restaurant.
Day-by-day itinerary
- 01
Day 1 — Kaleiçi
- Morning
- Hadrian's Gate–the old streets
- Afternoon
- The harbour and museums
- Evening
- An evening in Kaleiçi/Lara
- 02
Day 2 — Konyaaltı
- Morning
- The Antalya Museum
- Afternoon
- Konyaaltı beach
- Evening
- A seafront walk
- 03
Day 3 — Perge–Aspendos
- Morning
- Perge
- Afternoon
- Aspendos and, conditions permitting, Side
- Evening
- Back to the centre
- 04
Day 4 — The west
- Morning
- Termessos or Phaselis
- Afternoon
- Your chosen nature/coast
- Evening
- A light evening
Before you go
Antalya travel tips: what to know before you go
Provincial distances
Don't plan Kaş and Alanya as if they were neighbourhoods of central Antalya.
Summer timing
Visit archaeological sites at opening time.
Resort location
Look at the actual district on the map, not the hotel's name.
MüzeKart
Check valid sites and special sections in the current app.
Continue your Türkiye route
This city works well on its own; if you have time, the stops below add a different region and city to the same trip.
From Antalya to Kaş
A small scale, diving and Kekova.
Read the guide →Alanya on the eastern coast
The castle peninsula and a long beach.
Read the guide →Continue to the Lycian coast
Ölüdeniz and hiking.
Read the guide →The Antalya–Cappadocia route
From the coast to volcanic valleys by bus/plane.
Read the guide →Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need for Antalya?+
2 days for the centre; 4–5 days with ancient city and coast days.
Where to stay in Antalya?+
Kaleiçi/Muratpaşa for history, Konyaaltı for city + beach, Lara/Kundu/Belek for resorts.
Do you need a car in Antalya?+
Not for the centre; useful for combining ancient cities flexibly.
Bodrum or Antalya?+
Antalya for resorts, a long season and a variety of ancient cities; Bodrum for peninsula coves, marinas and Aegean evenings.
Note: Museum and business hours, event calendars, transport fares and entry fees change periodically. Re-check places that require reservations only through official channels, close to your visit date. Last updated: .
Official sources and latest check
Visa, transport, entry and visiting rules change — re-check them with these official sources before you travel.