Antalya travel guide

Turkey

Turkey's Mediterranean coast, anchored by a walled old town and Roman ruins.

Antalya has grown into Turkey's fastest-expanding coastal city on the strength of its beaches, but Kaleiçi, the walled old town behind Hadrian's Gate, still holds the city's character: Ottoman houses, narrow lanes, and a working harbour.

Antalya — current status

Open. (Status checked 2026-08-30.)

Antalya — TL;DR

Antalya at a glance

What are the best things to do in Antalya? Balance one or two headline sights with unhurried time in the neighbourhoods highlighted in this guide — that mix is what makes a Antalya trip feel like more than a checklist.
How many days do you need in Antalya? Three to four full days is the sweet spot for a first visit to Antalya — enough to cover the main neighbourhoods on foot, sit down for two or three proper meals, and still keep a day for a nearby…
When is the best time to visit Antalya? April, May, and October offer warm Mediterranean weather without July and August's peak heat and crowds.
Where should I stay in Antalya for the first time? First-time visitors do best in one of the walkable central neighbourhoods covered in the Where to Stay section of this guide — the ones that put you within a short walk of dinner and public transport.
How do you get around Antalya? Antalya rewards visitors who mix walking with the local public transport network.

Antalya overview

April, May, and October offer warm Mediterranean weather without July and August's peak heat and crowds.
Antalya's tram network connects the old town, harbour, and modern city centre; Kaleiçi itself is walkable and largely pedestrianised.
Turkish Lira (TL)
Turkish. English is common in tourism.
TRT (UTC+3)
Kaleiçi's old town continues to add small boutique hotels and restaurants inside restored Ottoman houses, while the harbour area sees steady investment in waterfront dining.

Where to eat, drink & do in Antalya

Antalya neighborhoods

Kaleiçi (Old Town) The walled historic quarter behind Hadrian's Gate, its narrow lanes packed with restaurants, cafés, shops, and small hotels.
Konyaaltı A large coastal district known for its long pebble beach and the Antalya Museum nearby.
Lara The main resort district east of the centre, home to large all-inclusive hotels and beach clubs.

Practical info for Antalya

Getting around in Antalya? Antalya's tram network connects the old town, harbour, and modern city centre; Kaleiçi itself is walkable and largely pedestrianised.
When to go in Antalya? April, May, and October offer warm Mediterranean weather without July and August's peak heat and crowds.
What's changing now in Antalya? Kaleiçi's old town continues to add small boutique hotels and restaurants inside restored Ottoman houses, while the harbour area sees steady investment in waterfront dining.
Seek out Antalya harbour lower town in Antalya? The old harbour below Kaleiçi's cliffs, quieter in the early morning before the day-trip boats depart.
Base yourself in Kaleiçi (Old Town) in Antalya? The walled historic quarter behind Hadrian's Gate, its narrow lanes packed with restaurants, cafés, shops, and small hotels. Known for hadrian's gate, ottoman houses, harbour.

Frequently asked questions about Antalya

What are the best things to do in Antalya? Balance one or two headline sights with unhurried time in the neighbourhoods highlighted in this guide — that mix is what makes a Antalya trip feel like more than a checklist. Book any high-demand entries in advance, keep evenings loose for a proper dinner, and leave at least one afternoon completely unplanned for the small discoveries Antalya tends to reward.
How many days do you need in Antalya? Three to four full days is the sweet spot for a first visit to Antalya — enough to cover the main neighbourhoods on foot, sit down for two or three proper meals, and still keep a day for a nearby day-trip or a slow morning. Extend to five or six days if you plan to combine the city with the surrounding region.
When is the best time to visit Antalya? April, May, and October offer warm Mediterranean weather without July and August's peak heat and crowds.
Where should I stay in Antalya for the first time? First-time visitors do best in one of the walkable central neighbourhoods covered in the Where to Stay section of this guide — the ones that put you within a short walk of dinner and public transport. Avoid staying next to the main transit hubs unless convenience trumps atmosphere for your trip.
How do you get around Antalya? Antalya rewards visitors who mix walking with the local public transport network. Rideshare and taxis fill the gaps for late-night moves or trips outside the centre.

Browse all AVARA city guides