Antalya is the most touristic city in Turkey, and even the first city that comes to mind when it comes to tourism. With its beaches stretching for kilometers, ancient cities that have hosted important civilizations, canyons where nature is generous, waterfalls, streams and valleys, Antalya is a center of attraction. The popularity of Antalya comes from its districts, beaches, ancient cities and canyons rather than the city center. However, there are many places to visit and many activities to do in the city center of Antalya. The history of Antalya, transportation to Antalya and most importantly the list of places to visit in Antalya center and much more Antalya center travel guide This article is waiting for you, have a pleasant reading!
What You Will Find In This Article
Antalya Center Places to Visit Video
You will see the video I prepared for places to visit in Antalya city center below. I would be very happy if you watch and share your comments.
Places to Visit in Antalya Center – The Best Stars*
There are many places to see in Antalya city center and most of them are within walking distance of each other. If you stay in the city center, in Kaleiçi or close to Kaleici, you can reach almost anywhere on foot, and you can enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Kaleici. Since I have been to Antalya many times at different times, the list of places to visit is quite long, of course I have not visited every place on the list every time I go. However, I added an asterisk (*) next to the ones I think you should definitely see, you can parse it from there.
Bride, Places to visit in Antalya city center Let's look at the list together.
Ataturk House and Museum*
To the left of the west entrance of Karaalioğlu Park in the city center of Antalya Ataturk House and Museum exists. The building, which belonged to the Antalya Governorship in the first years of the Republic, was allocated to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who visited Antalya on 6-12 March 1930, and stayed in this building for the next two visits. This building, where Atatürk stayed when he came to Antalya on different dates, has been serving as a museum since 1986. There is a study room, bedroom, living room, personal belongings and a room where stamps with photographs of Atatürk in Turkey and the world are exhibited. The two-storey building immediately diverges on Işıklar Caddesi with its beautiful architecture.
Ataturk House and Museum entrance is free.
You will see another beautiful building on the same street, it also serves as the Teacher's House, you can stop by for a break for food, drink, tea and coffee.
Karaalioğlu (Karaoğlan) Park*
It is impossible to go to the center of Antalya and not stop by Karaalioğlu Park. When I was a kid, we used to call it Karaoğlan Park, now it's called Karaalioğlu. A green park right next to Kaleici. It has walking paths, playgrounds, benches, ice cream shops, cafes, whatever you can look for. The western corner of the park leads to Kaleici.
Hidirlik Tower
At the end of Karaalioğlu Park or at the beginning depending on where you enter, there is the Hıdırlık Tower, which is left of the Antalya city walls. The tower, which is estimated to have been built in the 2nd century, is 14 meters high, the lower part is square and the upper part is round. Some sources say that it was built for security and defense purposes, while some sources say that it may have been used as a lighthouse and observation tower. After the tower, which was built in the Roman period, it continued to be used in the principalities and the Ottoman period.
The tower overlooking the Marina and its surroundings are under restoration as of March 2021, and are therefore closed to visitors.
Antalya Kaleici*
If you ask where is the most enjoyable place to visit in the city center of Antalya, I would definitely say Kaleiçi. This is the center of old Antalya and the first settlement in the city. Kaleiçi, surrounded by walls and the sea, is adorned with the Marina, Historical Clock Tower, Hadrian's Gate and Hıdırlık Tower. In addition to the castle ruins, there are also important touristic spots of Antalya such as the Yivli Minaret, Karatay Madrasa, Ethnography Museum in Kaleiçi. Old Antalya houses, most of which have been restored and turned into hotels, boutique hotels, restaurants or cafes, gift shops, give Kaleiçi a different texture. There are many places where you can listen to live music in the area, which is lively day and night. If you come to Kaleici just to visit, it will be enough to spare a few hours, but if you want to have some fun and visit all the museums, one day is only enough.
Ethnography Museum*
You can start your tour in Kaleiçi from the Ethnography Museum. Thus, before you start touring Antalya, you will get a lot of information about Antalya's culture. Each room is animated by a different subject. You can visit the rooms where many subjects unique to Antalya such as an exemplary bedroom, the living room called the head room, the place where meals are made, carpet weaving looms. In addition, there is a large exhibition in its garden with examples of Ottoman tombstones.
Antalya Ethnography Museum entrance is free. It is open to visitors between 08:30-17:30 during the winter period.
Goat Park*
If you entered Kaleiçi from the side of the Hıdırlık Tower, if you exit the lower gate of the Ethnography Museum and proceed towards the green area you see in front, you will reach a park built on the cliffs and overlooking the Marina. A wooden goat statue made in honor of the goats, which is an important part of the nomadic culture, will welcome you in the park. Here, you can enjoy the view by sitting on the benches or by sitting in the cafe on the shore of the cliff.
Karatay Madrasa
While wandering the streets of Kaleiçi, you will see the “Karatay Madrasa” sign that will divert you from the main road in one of the busiest streets leading down to the Marina. Seljuk Sultan II. The most striking part of the building, which was built during the reign of Izzeddin Keykavus and between 1250-51, is the crown-shaped door. There is now a cafeteria inside. I recommend not going with high expectations.
Yivli Minaret and Complex*
Yivli Minaret is one of the symbols of Antalya. In fact, the miniature of the Yivli Minaret is exhibited in Miniatürk, which is located in Istanbul Eyüp and where miniatures of important works from many parts of Turkey are exhibited.
The Yivli Minare Mosque, which was built in 1 by the Anatolian Seljuk Ruler, Alaaddin Keykubat I, differs from its examples with its fluted minaret, which is unique in Anatolian Turkish Architecture. There were also embroideries made with blue stones around the minaret, but unfortunately they did not survive. In addition, this structure is one of the first Turkish Islamic structures in Antalya.
The Yivli Minare Complex is a complex consisting of many Anatolian Seljuk works. There are Yivli Minaret, Yivli Mosque, Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev Madrasa, Seljuk Madrasa, Mevlevihane, Zincirkıran Tomb and Nigar Hatun Tomb in the complex. The six-domed worship space of the Yivli Mosque is considered to be the oldest surviving example of the multi-domed mosque type in Anatolia.
Imaret Madrasa – Seljuk Madrasa
The Imaret Madrasa, located opposite the Yivli Minaret, is also a part of the Yivli Minare Complex. Since the epitaph of the madrasah, which has a typical Seljuk architecture, was destroyed, it is not known exactly when it was built and the reason for its use. It is currently serving as a bazaar, but when I went it was closed, probably due to the pandemic.
Historical Clock Tower*
If you enter Kaleiçi from Karaalioğlu Park and exit from Cumhuriyet Caddesi, like me, you will come across one of the symbols of Antalya. Historical Clock Tower will come out. The Clock Tower was built on the north-facing bastion of the outer walls. Its base is pentagonal and the tower where the clock is located is square. It is not known exactly when the clock was made. It has survived to the present day with additions and corrections made in the Ottoman and Republican periods. Only the bell has survived from the old time, on which there are reliefs of Jesus, Mary and Saints crucified, and Greek inscriptions, and the bell is exhibited in the Toy Museum in Kaleiçi.
Since the Clock Tower is at the entrance of the bazaar, it is surrounded by a taxi stand, tram stop, wires, and many other things. One cannot help but wish that there was a better landscaping.
Hadrian's Gate – Üçkapılar*
As you draw a circle around Kaleiçi, you will see a magnificent three-arched gate entering Kaleiçi as you move towards Karaalioğlu Park by Dönerciler Çarşısı. This Gate is known as Hadrian's Gate or Üçkapılar. In ancient times, this was the place where the road from Side, Aspendos and Perge ended. It was built in honor of the famous Roman Emperor Hadrian's visit to Antalya, Attaleia at that time. There are two inscriptions dedicated to Hadrian on the door and written in bronze letters, these letters are now exhibited in the Berlin and Oxford Museums.
Koç University Suna & İnan Kıraç Kaleici Museum
*Photograph Akmed.ku.edu.tr taken from.
Suna & İnan Kıraç Kaleiçi Museum is a museum established to reflect Turkish tradition and culture. It emerged as a result of the purchase and restoration of an old Antalya House and Aya Yorgi Church, which were registered as cultural assets in Kaleiçi.
Suna-İnan Kıraç Museum is closed on the first day of religious holidays, the first day of the year and on Mondays. However, it is temporarily closed to visitors until March 31, 2021, in accordance with the warnings regarding the Coronavirus from the Ministry of Health and YÖK and the decision taken by Koç University as a precautionary measure. I couldn't visit because it was closed when I went.
You can see the entrance fees to the Suna-İnan Kıraç Museum below:
- Full: 5 TL
- Discounted: 2,5 TL (Students over 14 years old, teachers, academics, groups of 10 or more)
- Free: Disabled people and their companions, children aged 14 and under, KoçAilem members, ICOM card holders, MMKD members, members of the press, museum personnel, persons aged 65 and over)
Broken Minaret – Sehzade Korkut Mosque
Another symbol of Antalya is the Broken Minaret. In 123, a cone was attached to the minaret of the Şehzade Korkut Mosque, known as the Broken Minaret, in Kaleiçi, and drew a serious reaction. The structure, which was converted from a church to a mosque after the Seljuks conquered the city, was destroyed by the fire in 2009. It was still closed when I went.
Dumlupinar Secondary School
I really enjoy getting lost in its side streets while visiting a city. There was a building behind high iron bars on the street I entered while looking for the Broken Minaret in Kaleiçi, it was a historical building as far as I could see from the railing, but I did not know what it was. While I was lingering in front of the bars, the iron door opened and I came across this middle school through the opened door. Please continue reading before you say "What's up with this school on the list of places to visit Sevil". When the door opened, a woman appeared in front of me, I asked if I could go in and take a picture, she just let me enter the garden. The history of the school was written on a plaque at the entrance, I am quoting it exactly:
“Dumlupinar Secondary School
Our school was built in 1905 as Greek Girls' School. During the First World War, the hospital and Doctor Burhanettin Onat were used as an administration room and an operating room. (This information was learned from Artillery Captain Gazi Mustafa Ertuğrul Aker, who led the Ağva defense).
1927-28 yearsnIn 1929, it was used as a trade school and it started education as Mader-i Vatan (Medar-i İftar-i) Primary School, and in 1929 it was named Dumlupınar Primary School.
The building material is stone and consists of ground, first floor and basement. The building is registered as 1st Group Building in Kaleiçi Urban and III. Degree Archaeological Site."
A few things struck me as I read this note. First; how important people's own archives and information are in order to preserve the history of a place. That's why I'm so happy to have started writing this blog. Secondly, I thought how lucky the students studying in this school were, they were studying in history, intertwined with history. Third and last, I am very happy that the historical value of this school is known and preserved. Because of all these, I wanted to include Dumlupınar Secondary School in this article.
Toy Museum
Antalya Toy Museum is located in an inn with three palm trees in its garden as it descends from Kaleici towards the marina. The museum, which is the third toy museum in Turkey after Istanbul and Izmir, was established under the consultancy of Sunay Akın, the founder of the Istanbul Toy Museum. Nearly 1860 domestic and foreign production toys from the 1980s to the 3s, which have antique value, are exhibited in the museum. It is a must-see place, especially for families with children and those who keep the child alive.
Marina
Kaleiçi surrounded the sea and Antalya Yacht Harbor emerged. Antalya Municipality operates the port with a capacity of 1000 boats. You can go to see the cliffs, Antalya coastline and lower Düden Waterfall with private boat tours departing from the port.
Panoramic Elevator
An elevator was built from Tophane Park to the Marina, so that both the tourists coming to Antalya and the residents of this region can easily reach Cumhuriyet Square, so that they can easily get on and off the Marina. You can see it on the far left in the Marina photo above. The elevator, which has a capacity of 20 people, is made of glass so that the view of the harbor can be enjoyed while going up and down.
Marine Biology Museum
Another museum you can visit in Antalya Kaleiçi is the Marine Biology Museum, which was designed as a sunken pirate ship. There are exhibitions about sea creatures and halls where you can see the biological diversity of the Mediterranean and Turkey. The museum is open to visitors between 09:00-18:00 every day except Mondays.
- Entrance fee: Full: 6 TL Student: 3.5 TL Teacher: 3.5 TL Retired: 3.5 TL
- Mother, father and child (Family Card) : 6 TL (extra 1 TL is charged for each other child)
- Group discounts: Student groups of 10 or more: 2 TL per person.
Antalya Archeology Museum*
The finds of Antalya, which is at the intersection of important ancient civilizations such as Lycia, Pamphylia and Pisidia, are exhibited in the Archeology Museum. There are 30.000 square meters of space and 14 separate exhibition halls for exhibiting the remains of such great civilizations.
The Archeology Museum came into existence when teacher Süleyman Fikri Erten wanted to protect historical artifacts from the occupation forces during World War I. The museum was established in Alaeddin Mosque in Kaleiçi in 1 and moved to its current building in 1922.
The museum is open to visitors every day between 08:30-19:00 in the summer and 08:30-17:30 in the winter.
Entrance fee to the museum is 45 TL, Müzekart is valid.
Ataturk Culture Park
One end of the Atatürk Culture Park, right next to the museum, stretches to the Konyaaltı beach. Like Karalioğlu park, there are many green areas, cafes and restaurants in this park. In the park; There is a large artificial lake, open-air theatre, glass pyramid, Atatürk Cultural Center and aquapark. If you are tired of the heat of Antalya, this place is a candidate to be one of the escape points.
Konyaalti Beach*
Konyaaltı Beach may be Antalya's benefactor. What a chance for a metropolitan city to have such a long and beautiful beach in the city centre. Doesn't the idea of quitting work and throwing yourself overboard sound so good? Konyaaltı Beach is located in the west of the city center, namely Kaleici. The beach, which is approximately 7 kilometers long, has the status of a public beach and has a blue flag. You can take your towel and swim in the sea without paying a fee, there are also places where you can rent sunbeds and take advantage of the eating and drinking facilities.
Tünektepe Cable Car
There is a cable car that goes to Tünektepe, located in the Sarısu district of Antalya, from the Sarısu coast. By climbing the cable car called Tünektepe Cable Car, you reach the summit, which is 10 meters above sea level, with a 605-minute journey. You can watch Konyaaltı Beach, Sıçan Island, the harbor and the cliffs from a wide panorama from the hill. There are Social Facilities at the point you exit the cable car. Here you can eat, drink and enjoy the view.
Tünektepe Cable Car and Social Facilities provide service between 10:00-18:00 (Cable car box office closing), 18:30 (Social facilities closing) every weekday. Cable car fee is 20 TL per person.
Places to Visit near Antalya Center
If you have more than a few days in Antalya, you can add places close to the center to your list of places to visit in the center of Antalya. Güver Cliff and canyon (it was closed when I went, it is worth checking if it is open), Termessos Ancient City, Karain Cave, Perge Ancient City, Aspendos Ancient City, Düden Waterfall, Kurşunlu Waterfall are some of the places that can be added to your list.
Map of Places to Visit in Antalya
You can see the places to visit in Antalya and the places to eat and drink on the map of places to visit in Antalya below. By clicking on the image Google Maps You can view the map on it.
I had previously prepared a list of places to visit district by district, outside the center of Antalya. To see the list Places to visit in Antalya Check out my post.
Antalya Travel Guide
We went over the list of places to visit in Antalya, but I know that you also need information about Antalya's history, transportation, the best time to go, accommodation, food and beverage. Because I need to go somewhere.
History of Antalya
The researches and the finds unearthed in the recent excavations show that Antalya's history goes back to the Paleolithic Age. Located in the Karain Cave, 27 kilometers from the center of Antalya, BC. It was determined that there was life 50.000 years ago. 50 thousand, even when you say it, you can't believe it. Although Antalya's history goes back so long, many sources only date back to BC. It references 14th and 15th century Greek legends.
Antalya takes its name from its founder, Attalos II, and it means Attalos Yurdu. After the end of the powerful Pergamon Kingdom, the city of Antalya remained independent for a while and then fell into the hands of pirates. B.C. It was taken by Commander Servilius Isauricus in 77 and included in Roman territory. Hadrian visited Attaleia in 130 AD, built gates in his honor, and this visit enabled the city to develop and gain importance. During the Eastern Roman rule, Attaleia became the episcopacy center. It was captured by the Seljuks in 1207 and joined the Turkish lands.
After the disintegration of the Seljuks, the period of principalities began in Anatolia, and Antalya came under the rule of the Hamitoğulları, a branch of the Teke Tribe. The Teke Turkmens are a tribe that came here from today's Turkmenistan, the former homeland of the Turks, in the 11th century. The Lakes Region, which is north of Antalya and a part of Isparta and Burdur, is known as Teke Region today.
The city, which gained strength during the Ottoman period, became one of the most important cities of our country after the Republic thanks to tourism, agriculture, weaving and animal husbandry.
Where is Antalya, How to Go?
Antalya is the most popular tourism city in the south of our country, on the Mediterranean coast. North; Burdur, Isparta, Konya, east; Karaman is surrounded by Mersin and to the west is Muğla. And the south of the city consists of 630 kilometers of Mediterranean coastline.
Since Antalya is one of the most popular cities in our country, there are many transportation options. By plane, you can find direct flights from many cities in the country and abroad.
As it is one of the most preferred holiday destinations for summer holidays Antalya flight ticket Prices may rise during the summer season, especially during public holidays and holidays. When you plan your summer vacation in Antalya early, it will be easier to find affordable flight tickets.
Antalya Airport is 20 km away from the city center and there is the possibility of transportation by rail system, namely metro. The rail system for transportation in the center of Antalya serves on a very long line. For transportation to Antalya by air, in addition to Antalya Airport, you can also choose Alanya Gazipaşa Airport.
You can reach all big cities and nearby cities by bus.
Best Time to Go to Antalya
Antalya is one of the cities that receive the most sunlight in our country. 9 months of the year the sun shows its face. The worst time to go to Antalya is December-January-February. Whenever you go outside of these months, you can find an activity to do. If you are not good with hot weather like me, Antalya is a place with high humidity in addition to the temperature in July and August. This causes the perceived temperature to increase. Therefore, July-August may not be a good time to even take a sea vacation. Even if you go on those dates, try not to be outside at noon and when the sun is high.
If you are going to Antalya for nature and history like me, spring and autumn are the best times. The sun is not too hot and the weather is warm. Ideal times to wander around the ancient cities, where there is no shade, without the burning of the sun.
Antalya Center – Where to Stay?
My suggestion for staying in the center of Antalya is to stay close to Kaleici. Many old Antalya houses in Kaleiçi have been restored and serve as boutique hotels. I preferred Best Westen Khan Hotel and Akra Barut Hotel for my stays in the center of Antalya.
Weekend Antalya Getaway Check out my post too.
Antalya Center – What to Eat, Where to Eat?
When you go to Antalya city center, there are three foods that you should not leave without eating:
- Burnt flavored ice cream: Unfortunately, you cannot find burnt ice cream in Antalya Kaleiçi or at touristic spots in the city centre. There is Maraş ice cream, Italian ice cream, American ice cream, but Antalya does not have the famous burnt ice cream. Whoever you ask will say you will find it in Akdeniz Patisserie. If you think it's worth changing your way and going to Akdeniz Patisserie, if you haven't tasted it before, it is definitely worth it.
- Tahini piyaz: It would not be a lie if we say that Antalya's most famous dish is tahini piyaz. Piyazcı Sami or Piyazcı Ahmet, close to Kaleiçi, on the way to the Ancient City of Perge, Aksu Şimşek Köftecisi – Köfteci İsa are just a few names for eating tahini flatbread. But it's simple to make, I'm sure you'll catch a certain flavor wherever you eat it. Aksu Şimşek Köftecisi – Köfteci İsa's prices are very affordable. You pay for ayran, greens, tea and sweet treats. You only pay for meatballs and piyaz.
- Antalya doner kebab: Antalya's doner kebab is famous, but unfortunately, there is no doner shop recommended in Donerciler Bazaar just outside Kaleici. I even saw two Berlin Döner shops in Dönerciler Çarşısı, but there is no good Antlaya Döner restaurant. The name I got from the people of Antalya for Döner is Arzum Döner.
- Bergamot jam: Antalya is famous for its jams, especially sour orange jam. You can find these jams under the Yenigün brand both in Antalya and in many parts of Turkey.
The locations of all the places I suggested on the map I shared above are marked.
If you want to drink something in the city center of Antalya, listen to music, and enjoy the city in the evening, the most suitable place will be Kaleiçi or Yacht Harbor area.
Stay healthy!
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