Antalya: what to see in the city, from Kaleiçi to waterfalls and beaches
Mykyta Dzhus · Updated 2026-10-20 · 3 min read · Where to go
Most tourists only see Antalya from the transfer window, but the city itself deserves a few days: Kaleiçi old town inside its walls, the Roman Hadrian's Gate, waterfalls plunging straight into the sea and a long beach backed by mountains.
Contents
In short
- Kaleiçi: the old town with Ottoman houses and a harbour.
- Düden waterfalls: the Lower one drops off a cliff into the sea, the Upper one is in a park.
- Beaches: Konyaaltı (pebbles, mountain views) to the west, Lara (sand) to the east.
- How many days: 2–3 for the city, or a day trip from the resorts.
Getting in from the airport
Antalya airport is east of the city. The T1A tram runs to Kaleiçi, about 50 minutes to the İsmetpaşa stop; a taxi or transfer is faster. City transport is paid with an AntalyaKart. Taxis are easiest to book through apps; prices and tips in “Taxis from Turkey's airports in 2026: fares, apps and how not to overpay”.
Kaleiçi and Hadrian's Gate
Kaleiçi is the historic centre inside the old walls: narrow lanes of wooden Ottoman houses, boutique hotels, courtyard cafés and souvenir shops. You can enter through Hadrian's Gate, a triumphal arch built for the Roman emperor Hadrian's visit in the 2nd century.
The city's symbol is the Yivli Minaret with its fluted brickwork. At the edge of the old town stands the round Hıdırlık Tower overlooking the sea, and below is the old harbour with yachts and pleasure boats.
Düden waterfalls
Lower Düden drops off a cliff straight into the Mediterranean on the east side of the city, near Lara. The best view is from the park above the falls or from the sea: boats from the old harbour come right up to it. Upper Düden is in a shady park in the north of the city, with cascades, little bridges and a walkway behind a curtain of water.
Beaches
Konyaaltı is a long city beach to the west, with pebbles and a view of the Taurus Mountains. Along it runs a promenade with a cycle path, cafés and parks. Lara to the east has sandy beaches and big hotels. You'll want water shoes on Konyaaltı.
The museum and trips nearby
- Antalya Archaeological Museum: one of the best in Turkey, with statues from Perge, sarcophagi and mosaics.
- Perge and Aspendos: an ancient city with colonnades and a Roman theatre that still hosts performances.
- Termessos: ruins high in the mountains, without the crowds.
- Kemer and Phaselis: the coast's resorts are compared in “Kemer, Belek, Side or Alanya: which Antalya resort to choose”.
When to go
The swimming season is May to October. Spring and autumn are best for exploring the city, as summer days are very hot. Winter in Antalya is mild and sunny, a good time for the city, museums and ruins without crowds.
What to book ahead
- Boat trip and Düden waterfalls on GetYourGuide.
- Pamukkale in a day from Antalya on GetYourGuide.
Links to 12Go, GetYourGuide and Klook are partner links: the price for you is the same, and a small commission helps us run this blog.
Internet in Antalya
Turkey isn't in the EU, so roaming on your home SIM is expensive there. For the tram, taxis, maps and booking trips, install a travel eSIM at home: Turkey starts at $2.99, 5 GB for 30 days is $7.49, a week of unlimited is $14.99. Useful apps in “Turkey travel apps: BiTaksi, Uber, transport, maps, translation”.
FAQ
What can I see in Antalya in one day?
Kaleiçi with Hadrian's Gate and the old harbour, the Lower Düden waterfall and Konyaaltı beach at sunset.
How do I get from Antalya airport to Kaleiçi?
By tram T1A to the İsmetpaşa stop, about 50 minutes, or by taxi.
Which beach in Antalya is sandy?
Lara, east of the city; Konyaaltı to the west is pebbly.
How do I pay for transport in Antalya?
With an AntalyaKart.
Does EU roaming work in Turkey?
No, Turkey isn't in the EU. Your options: “eSIM for Turkey: which plan to choose”.
I got tired of overpaying for SIM cards that didn't work and of searching for where to go next. So I built this site: travel guides and an eSIM that just works.
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