Where to Go in Antalya: Best Places to Visit & Things to Do

Antalya is far more than just a beach destination. Yes, the Mediterranean is stunning — but the city and its surroundings are packed with ancient ruins, dramatic waterfalls, stunning canyons, and some of the finest old-town architecture in Turkey. Here’s a guide to the best places to go in and around Antalya.

Kaleiçi — Antalya’s Old Town

Kaleiçi is the historic heart of Antalya and the single most important place to visit in the city. The old town is built on a clifftop above the Roman harbour, enclosed by ancient walls, and filled with beautifully restored Ottoman mansions, Roman ruins, and bougainvillea-draped alleyways. Hadrian’s Gate — a stunning triumphal arch built in 130 AD — marks the main entrance to the old town. The harbour below is one of the most picturesque spots on the entire Turkish coast.

Don’t miss: Hadrian’s Gate, the Roman harbour, the Hıdırlık Tower, and a rooftop dinner with sea views.

Book a guided walking tour of Kaleiçi Old Town:

👉Antalya Old Town Walking Tour

Düden Waterfalls

Antalya has two spectacular waterfalls, both called Düden. The Upper Düden Falls are located in a park north of the city center — a pleasant picnic spot where the river plunges into a gorge surrounded by greenery. The Lower Düden Falls (also known as Kepezaltı) are the more dramatic of the two — the river cascades directly off a cliff into the Mediterranean Sea, and they can be viewed from the clifftop above or from a boat on the water below.

See the Lower Düden Falls from the sea on a boat trip:

👉Antalya Boat Trip with Düden Waterfall

Antalya Museum

The Antalya Archaeological Museum is one of the finest in Turkey — a world-class collection of artifacts from the ancient cities of the surrounding region, including Perge, Aspendos, and Termessos. The Hall of Gods alone, with its extraordinary collection of Roman-era statues, is worth the visit. If you have any interest in ancient history, this museum should be high on your list.

Perge & Aspendos — Ancient Ruins

Two of Turkey’s best-preserved ancient cities are within easy reach of Antalya. Perge, about 18 km east of the city, is a remarkably complete Roman city with colonnaded streets, a stadium, baths, and agora. Aspendos, around 47 km east, is home to one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world — still used today for concerts and performances. Both are excellent half-day trips from Antalya.

Book a guided Perge & Aspendos day tour from Antalya:

👉Perge and Aspendos Day Tour from Antalya

See also: How Many Days Do You Need in Antalya?

Köprülü Canyon & Rafting

About 90 km northeast of Antalya, Köprülü Canyon is one of Turkey’s most impressive natural landscapes — a dramatic gorge carved by the Köprüçay river, spanned by ancient Roman bridges still standing after 2,000 years. White-water rafting through the canyon is one of the most popular adventure activities in the Antalya region, and organised trips run daily throughout the summer season.

Book a rafting trip in Köprülü Canyon:

👉 Köprülü Canyon Rafting Tour from Antalya

Konyaaltı Beach & Antalya Aquarium

Konyaaltı Beach is Antalya’s main city beach — a long pebble shore backed by a well-maintained promenade with cafes, restaurants, and cycle paths. Just behind the beach, the Antalya Aquarium is one of the largest tunnel aquariums in the world and a fantastic visit for families and anyone who loves marine life.

See also:Lara Beach vs Konyaaltı: Which is Better?

Termessos — The Unexcavated City

For those who want to go off the beaten track, Termessos is one of Turkey’s most atmospheric ancient sites. Located high in the Taurus Mountains about 30 km northwest of Antalya, this ancient Pisidian city was never conquered — even Alexander the Great turned back. The site is largely unexcavated and dramatically set among pine forests, with stunning views over the mountains and a real sense of discovery.

Day Trips from Antalya

Antalya is an excellent base for exploring the wider region. Popular day trips include Pamukkale and its famous white travertine terraces (about 3 hours), the beach town of Side with its temple ruins right on the sea (about 1 hour), the resort town of Kemer and the Taurus Mountains (45 minutes), and a full-day boat trip along the coast visiting caves, bays, and waterfalls.

Destination	Distance	Best For
Kaleiçi Old Town	City center	History, atmosphere
Düden Waterfalls	10–15 km	Nature, boat trips
Perge	18 km	Ancient ruins
Aspendos	47 km	Roman theatre
Köprülü Canyon	90 km	Rafting, adventure
Termessos	30 km	Off the beaten track
Side	75 km	Beach + ruins
Pamukkale	~200 km	Travertine terraces

Browse all Antalya tours and day trips:

👉All Antalya Tours & Day Trips

Multi-day tours covering Antalya and beyond:
👉 Turkey Tours from Antalya

See also: Antalya vs Side: Where Should I Stay?

See also: How to Get from Antalya to Cappadocia

See also: Antalya Tourism Statistics

See also: How Far is Antalya from Istanbul?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most famous attraction in Antalya?

Kaleiçi Old Town and Hadrian’s Gate are the most iconic attractions in the city itself. Further afield, the Aspendos Roman Theatre is one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in the world and a must-see for any visitor to the region.

Is Antalya worth visiting for more than just the beach?

Absolutely. Antalya has a remarkable depth of history, natural scenery, and cultural attractions that make it one of the most rewarding destinations in the entire Mediterranean — not just a beach resort.

What is the best day trip from Antalya?

Aspendos and Perge combined make an excellent full-day trip for history lovers. For nature, Köprülü Canyon rafting is hard to beat. For something more relaxed, a boat trip along the coast visiting sea caves and the Lower Düden Waterfall is a highlight for most visitors.