Things to Do in Antalya

Places to Visit in Antalya City Center

Kaleici

Kaleiçi is one of the most enjoyable places to visit, especially in spring, as it’s not too crowded during this season. Its narrow streets, old houses, and charming, colorful cafes are ideal for spending time. There are also shops if you wish to do some shopping. I recommend stopping by Dem-lik Café/Bar in Kaleiçi, a lovely place with a garden.

Hadrian’s Gate

This three-arched gate, one of the monumental structures in Kaleiçi, is quite popular for taking photos, though it didn’t particularly catch our interest.

Karaalioglu Park

Located near Kaleiçi, this park is ideal for a walk, offering both scenic views and green spaces. You can also enjoy a cup of tea at the sea-view cafes.

Other Places to Visit in Antalya

Damlatas Cave

Damlataş Cave is located in Alanya, a district of Antalya. I visited twice as a child, and both times, I have photos of my scared face. The natural formations inside the cave, with their sharp stalactites and slippery surfaces, scared me. However, it’s quite impressive to have such a cave in our country.

Dimcayi

Also located in Alanya, Dimçayı’s ice-cold waters were a perfect remedy for Antalya’s scorching sun—I never wanted to leave. The restaurants where you can dine while dipping your feet in the water were also a nice touch. I believe some establishments have added slides now, and it seems the crowds have increased, but according to reviews, it still remains enjoyable, especially during quieter times.

Manavgat Waterfall

Manavgat is not a high waterfall like the others but flows vigorously from a low height. From what I remember, it doesn’t offer as much shade as Kurşunlu and Düden, so it might not be the best choice during the hottest hours. The sound of the water was very relaxing, making it one of my favorite spots.

Duden Waterfall (Upper Duden)

Although not located in the city center, this is a must-visit spot for nature lovers. Compared to Kurşunlu, it’s closer to the city, which is an advantage. You can relax in the cool atmosphere and enjoy something to drink or even dine at the waterfall-view restaurant. Be sure to descend to the cave next to the waterfall to watch it from below—it’s very soothing with the sound of water. It could be a great first stop on your trip.

Kurşunlu Waterfall

Like Düden, Kurşunlu Waterfall is a place where you can find shade under the trees and relax with the sound of the water, even though it’s not as powerful. If I recall correctly, it’s one of the waterfalls that flows from a slightly higher point. When we visited, there were café and restaurant options by the waterfall, which I believe are still available according to recent reviews.

In addition, I recall Alanya Castle being quite large, and if you visit during hot hours, you might not just faint figuratively—you could actually pass out from the heat. Köprülü Canyon was quite crowded when we visited, as were the facilities at the entrance, but you can go if you’re thinking of rafting. I also remember being impressed by the Aspendos Ancient Theater, which is very well-preserved and large.

Beaches in Antalya

When it comes to bays, I can say that Alanya İncekum is more sandy. We once stayed at Belconti in Belek, and the sea at this hotel was also nice. Side was mostly wavy when we visited its center. Patara was similarly wavy, but it had a very long beach. I remember liking Cleopatra’s sand. We took a boat to Kekova, if I remember correctly, and it was one of the more enjoyable bays.

Note: I think we’ve been to Antalya about 10 times since my childhood; we mostly went with a focus on hotels, and once we did an Aegean-Mediterranean tour. The last time we visited its center was in 2017 for a day trip. Of course, we visited many more places, but in this post, I tried to share the spots I remember and cross-referenced with today’s reviews.