Good to know
Good to Know
- Museums are generally open from 9:00-19:00 in April-September and 9:00-17:00 in October-March, but check official websites before visiting as hours can vary seasonally
- Children aged 0-8 can enter Antalya Museum for free
- Photography is allowed in some areas of the Antalya Archeology Museum while adhering to rules regarding exhibits to maintain their safety
- Organized tours are recommended for large historic sites like Perge, as guides provide detailed explanations
- Full-day tours to Perge, Aspendos, and Side typically include waterfalls and lunch
Must See Museums
Antalya Archaeological Museum
- Location
- Conveniently located in the city center, on the western side of Antalya Bay
- Ticket Price
- TRY 750
- Opening Hours
- Everyday, from April to October between 08:30-18:45 and from October to April between 08:30 to 17:30
- Description
- Turkey's premier showcase of ancient history and one of the country's largest and most significant museums, holding a vast collection of artifacts from ancient Pamphylia and Lycia.
Highlights
- Hall of Gods, featuring breathtaking sculptures that were meticulously restored
- Sculptures from the ancient city of Perge
- Awe-inspiring mosaics from the ancient city of Seleukeia, detailed sarcophagi from Perge, and impressive artifacts from the ancient city of Side
Historical Landmarks
Hadrian's Gate
- Description
- Marking the eastern entrance to Kaleiçi—Antalya's historic Old Town, dating back to AD 130, named in honor of Roman emperor Hadrian after his visit to the city, the triple-arched gateway is decorated with marble columns and is one of Antalya's most distinctive landmarks.
Kaleiçi (Old Town)
- Description
- The historic Old Town with its charming cobblestone streets and Ottoman-era houses, enjoying panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.
Ancient Sites And Ruins
Perge Ancient City
- Description
- An ancient Greek city famous for its Roman ruins dating back to 1300 BC and its big amphitheater with a capacity of 15,000 people.
Highlights
- Roman temple, old school buildings, baths and the impressive entrance
Aspendos Theatre
- Description
- A massive Roman theatre that has been incredibly well preserved, so much so that modern concerts and shows are still performed here.
Highlights
- A remarkably well-preserved Roman structure that can seat 20,000 spectators
Side (Ancient City)
- Description
- The ancient Greek city's spectacular natural harbor setting made it one of the most important cities in Pamphylia, and one of the most significant centers for trade, especially of olive oil and slaves.
Highlights
- Side's coastal Temple of Apollo
Termessos
- Description
- An ancient city built high in the Taurus Mountains, located 17 kilometers north of the city.
Highlights
- This area is largely left to nature and is less touristy than Side or Perge
Olympos Ancient City
- Description
- A unique destination that combines historical significance with natural beauty, located in a lush valley near the Mediterranean coast, featuring Roman baths, a Byzantine church, and ancient necropolises.
Highlights
- The natural phenomenon of the Chimera flames—gas emissions that have been burning for thousands of years
Phaselis Ancient City
- Description
- Notable for its three harbors, which were vital to its history as a major port city, with well-preserved ruins including an ancient theater, Roman baths, and aqueducts, surrounded by pine forests and beaches.
Highlights
- Three harbors, ancient theater, Roman baths, aqueducts
Karain Cave
- Description
- A key site for anyone interested in prehistoric history, containing artifacts and fossils that date back over 500,000 years, offering a fascinating glimpse into early human life.
Highlights
- Stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and artifacts in one of Turkey's largest and most fascinating natural caves
Passes And Practical Tips
Booking Tips
- Book tickets in advance to avoid queues
- Multilingual audio guides are available to rent
- A visit to see the entire Antalya Museum will take a minimum of two hours
Museum Pass Turkey
- Name
- MuseumPass Türkiye (National Pass)
- Price
- TRY 7,700
- Coverage
- Over 350 museums and archaeological sites scattered across the country, including the epic ruins of Aspendos and the sun-kissed temples of Patara.
- Validity
- Valid for fifteen days after first use
Museum Pass Mediterranean
- Name
- Museum Pass Mediterranean (Mediterranean Region)
- Price
- TRY 4,200
- Benefits
- You don't have to queue anywhere with it
- Coverage
- Archaeological sites: Side, Aspendos, Perge, Termessos, Karain Cave, Phaselis, Olympos, Arykanda, Myra, St.Nicholas Church, Simena, Patara, Xanthos, Letoon (6 km away from Xanthos but already in Muğla province). Museums: Alanya Fortress, Alanya Archaeological Museum, Side Museum, Antalya Archaeological Museum.
- Validity
- Valid for seven consecutive days
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this history, museums & sightseeing research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Antalya
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.