Side-Turkey.

Antalya is the largest city on the Turkish Riviera and the capital of Antalya province — a busy Mediterranean hub where ancient ruins, an Ottoman-era old town and long beaches sit side by side. If you are staying in Side, Manavgat or one of the nearby resorts and planning to explore the city and its surroundings, a little forward planning goes a long way. This guide pulls together honest, practical tips on getting around and shaping your visit so you spend more time enjoying Antalya and less time wondering where to go next.

Getting your bearings: where the highlights sit

The heart of Antalya is Kaleici, the old town of narrow lanes and Ottoman-era houses wrapped around the old harbour. You enter it through the Roman Hadrian's Gate (Hadrianus Kapisi), a marble arch built for the Emperor Hadrian's visit. Nearby rises the Yivli Minare (the Fluted Minaret), a 13th-century Seljuk landmark and one of the city's defining silhouettes. Within easy reach you also have the well-regarded Antalya Museum (Antalya Muzesi), rich in classical-era sculpture, the Duden Waterfalls (Upper and Lower Duden, the lower falls spilling straight into the sea), and the long sweeps of Konyaalti and Lara beaches on either side of the centre.

Getting around Antalya

On foot in the old town

Kaleici is compact and best explored on foot. From Hadrian's Gate you can wander down toward the old harbour at a relaxed pace, passing the Yivli Minare square along the way. Wear comfortable shoes — the lanes are cobbled and sloping.

Trams, buses and cards

Antalya has a tram network, including a nostalgic heritage line that trundles past the old town, plus a modern tram and city buses. Public transport generally uses a rechargeable travel card rather than cash on board; you top it up at machines or via the local app. Exact fares, routes and timetables change, so check the current details locally — confirmed at booking / check the official site.

Taxis and pick-ups

Metered taxis are widely available. If you are joining one of our excursions, the simplest option is a hotel pick-up — no parking, no navigation, no stress.

Planning day trips beyond the city

Some of the region's greatest sights are short journeys out of Antalya. The ancient cities of Perge and Aspendos (famous for its remarkably preserved Roman theatre) and the dramatic mountain ruins of Termessos are all within day-trip reach. Pair history with the coast — a morning among the ruins and an afternoon by the water makes a balanced day. If you would rather not drive or work out logistics yourself, a guided excursion handles the route, timing and entries for you.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Varies by excursion, confirmed at booking
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking
• Includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, organised transport, local guidance (specifics confirmed at booking)
• Excludes: Personal spending, optional entrance fees and meals unless stated — check official site / confirmed at booking
• Family Friendly: Yes — suitable for most ages
• Best Season: Spring through autumn for warm, settled weather
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate; some walking on uneven ground and steps

Related Excursions

• Antalya excursions & things to do
• Side tours & day trips
• Alanya excursions
• Kemer tours
• Belek excursions
• More travel tips on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to get around central Antalya?

Kaleici old town is best on foot, while the tram, city buses and taxis connect the wider city. For day trips out of town, a guided excursion with hotel pick-up is the easiest, stress-free option.

How do I pay for the tram and buses?

Antalya's public transport generally uses a rechargeable travel card topped up at machines or via the local app rather than cash. Current fares and methods should be checked locally — confirmed at booking / check the official site.

Is Hadrian's Gate worth seeing?

Yes. It is the historic gateway into Kaleici, a marble Roman arch built for the Emperor Hadrian's visit and a natural starting point for exploring the old town on foot.

Can I visit Antalya as a day trip from Side?

Absolutely. Side, Manavgat and the nearby resorts are within day-trip reach, and we offer hotel pick-up so you can explore Antalya and its surroundings without arranging your own transport.

Which ancient sites are easiest to reach from Antalya?

Perge, Aspendos and Termessos are all within day-trip reach and are popular choices for combining ruins with the coast.

When is the best time to visit Antalya?

Spring through autumn generally offers the warmest, most settled weather for sightseeing and the beach, though Antalya is a year-round destination.

How much does an excursion cost?

We don't list fixed prices here because details vary by trip and season. Booking DIRECT with us removes agency and OTA commission, and we back it with a best-price guarantee — just message us for your tailored quote.

Do you offer hotel pick-up?

Yes — we provide hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat and nearby resorts, with the exact time confirmed at booking.

Ready to plan your Antalya adventure? Book DIRECT with the Murat Atalay team — message us on WhatsApp or email info@side-turkey.com. As a local operator you skip the agency and OTA commission, and every excursion comes with our best-price guarantee. Tell us your dates and we'll do the rest.