Antalya - Top Tourist Attractions
5 Experiences to Never Miss When You’re in Antalya
Antalya used to only be a gateway to the Turkish Riviera, but it has evolved into a destination of its own over the last few years. From its scenic location on Turkey’s western Mediterranean coastline to its rich historical wonders, Antalya definitely deserves a place in your bucket list. Here are five top attractions to never miss when you’re in Antalya:
Antalya Museum
Located two kilometers west of the Kaleici district is Antalya Museum, one of the most comprehensive museums in all of Turkey. One of Antalya’s top attractions, the museum boasts of an impressive display of artifacts from the Stone and Bronze Age up to the Byzantium Era. The Hall of Gods exhibits the statues of 15 Olympian gods while the Hall of Regional Excavations has displays from the ancient cities of Phrgyia and Lycia.
Old Town
Walking through the cobblestone streets of Kaleici or Old Town feels like a dream. This maze-like neighborhood is home to some beautiful red-roofed Ottoman mansions, art galleries, hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops that make it perfect for strolling. But it also has some top attractions that you have to check out including the 19th century Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Mosque and the Kale Kapisi or main square.
Yivli Minare
Dominating Antalya’s skyline is Yivli Minare or the fluted minaret, one of its top attractions and perhaps its most distinctive landmark. The minaret was built by the Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Keykubad and features unique Seljuk architecture. It also has a 14th-century mosque that is still used today.
Old Harbor
Old Harbor was once the major economic hub of Antalya when most of the trade was brought through this main port. But today, Old Harbor is a picturesque spot filled with bazaars, cafes and boutiques where you can shop and enjoy a cup of coffee while watching yachts coming and going. And if you want to do more than just relax by the harbor, you can hop on one of the boats for a day on the Mediterranean waters.
Aspendos
Most tourists who visit Turkey come to Antalya to visit Aspendos, an archaeological site 47 kilometers east of the city that has the most preserved Roman theatre in the world that can sit 15,000 spectators. The rest of this once glorious ancient town still lies in ruins making it a great place for walking and marveling at how this town must have looked like during the 2nd and 3rd centuries.
Of course, you can’t leave Antalya without sampling its food. And if you’re looking for authentic kebap in the city, you only need to search for one place: Donerciler Carsisi. This street lined with a canopy of umbrellas serves some of the best kebaps in town. You should also try the fish or lamb sandwiches, Turkish-style pizzas, and guvec or a classic stew that locals love.
Antalya may not be as popular as Istanbul or Cappadocia, but it will definitely surprise you with all its hidden wonders and good food. So, if you’re planning a trip to Turkey, make sure to include Antalya as one of your stops.