A great place to kick off any trip to Antalya is in Kalei\u00e7i, the city\u2019s historic district. You could spend an entire day roaming this area\u2019s knotted backstreets, poring over market stalls and pausing for drinks at sun-dappled terraces or caf\u00e9s spilling onto sidewalks.<\/p>\n
History buffs will appreciate some of Kalei\u00e7i\u2019s top landmarks too. The district is crammed with impressive architectural feats from Ottoman-style houses to vestiges of the Roman era. Hadrian\u2019s Gate, with its grand arches and columns, is one of the most striking structures left behind by the Romans \u2013\u00a0built for Emperor Hadrian in 130 AD, it stands proud at the entrance to the city. Also look out for the domes and minarets of Tekeli Mehmet Pa\u015fa Camii, a significant Ottoman mosque.<\/p>\n
A sundowner at the city\u2019s Roman harbour is the best ways to cap off a day\u2019s exploring.<\/p>\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/antalya-484060_1280.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Image by\u00a0hanatour04<\/a><\/p>\n Beach lovers will be spoilt for choice in Antalya. Oodles of sandy stretches are within easy reach of the city, and they range from umbrella-peppered strands to quieter spots beloved by locals.<\/p>\n A great all-rounder is Konyaalt\u0131 Beach, a favourite with Antalyans and backpackers alike. One of the region\u2019s most picturesque strands, it\u2019s framed by mountains and mostly made up of fine shingle. Plenty of caf\u00e9s line the shore and the beach\u2019s sheer size saves it from becoming overcrowded.<\/p>\n Lara Beach is Konyaalt\u0131\u2019s showier sister and is often tipped as Antalya\u2019s answer to Las Vegas. Located east of the city proper, Lara is a pretty sweep of honey-coloured sand close to many of the region\u2019s top resorts. Expect fine restaurants, even finer hotels and lots of people.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re craving some solitude, head a little further out to Cirali Beach, a quiet, tree-hemmed swathe of pebbles and sand. Here, you\u2019ll also be close the famed chimaera: eternal flames that burn in the surrounding mountains.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Image by\u00a0sulox32<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>No trip to Antalya would be complete without taking in one of the region\u2019s top natural wonders. The D\u00fcden Waterfalls are a pair of equally impressive cascades \u2013 the Upper D\u00fcden Waterfall and the Lower D\u00fcden Waterfall.<\/p>\n The Upper falls are clad in greenery and are best seen from the cave that sits behind the curtain of water \u2013 the area is also a popular picnic spot.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the Lower falls crash some 40 metres directly into the Mediterranean Sea and you\u2019ll get a stunning view if you plump for a boat ride.<\/p>\n Image by\u00a0yusuf kazanc\u0131<\/a><\/p>\n This fascinating museum \u2013\u00a0one of the most celebrated in the country \u2013 will give you a thorough grounding in Turkish history. An afternoon spent here is a great way to add some context to your adventures.<\/p>\n It\u2019s brimming with archaeological treasures, from artefacts belonging to the Early Bronze Age (think intricate idols and earthenware pots) to sculptures from the Roman era. The museum is carved up into 13 separate halls, so you can dip into your preferred exhibits if you\u2019re short on time. The Hall of Gods, filled with ornamental statues of deities, is one not to miss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you\u2019re searching for some shade and a favoured local hangout, head to Karaalioglu Park. It\u2019s dominated by Hidirlik, a brooding Roman tower, and grants visitors sweeping views of the city and harbour below.<\/p>\n Whether you come in the afternoon armed with a picnic, or in the evening to catch the sunset, this green oasis offers respite from the thrumming city.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ancient sites stud the areas surrounding the city and exploring the ruins of historic civilisations remains one of the top things to do in Antalya.<\/p>\n There are plenty of atmospheric sites to choose from, but the ancient city of Aspendos, situated east of Antalya, remains a crowd-pleaser. It\u2019s thought that the city had its heyday during the 5th century BC and a Roman theatre dating to around 170 AD remains the highlight. The city\u2019s crumbling aqueducts and basilica love the camera too.<\/p>\n Also within easy reach of the city is Perge, an ancient capital of the former Pamphylia region, best known for its stadium and pillared agora. The ruins of ancient Olympos are another archaeological hotspot, while modern Olympos is a backpacker haven known for its quirky tree-house hostels.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you\u2019ve had your fill of ancient ruins, Antalya has natural wonders aplenty too. The city is a stone\u2019s throw from several national parks, each with their own particular attractions.<\/p>\n K\u00f6pr\u00fcl\u00fc Canyon National Park is made up of dense pine and cedar forests and rugged cliffs, with the K\u00f6pr\u00fc\u00e7ay River beating a path through the landscape. It\u2019s also one of the country\u2019s top spots for white-water rafting, so thrill-seekers can make a splash while soaking up the scenery.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Mount G\u00fcll\u00fck-Termessos National Park is a must-visit for wildlife lovers with mountain goats and deer calling the preserve home. Its forested expanse also boasts yet more ancient ruins: the wonderfully preserved city of Termessos.<\/p>\n There are few finer starts to the day than a traditional Turkish breakfast and Antalya has a great selection of places to sample one. A top spot is The Big Man bistro, with locations in both the Lara and Konyaalt\u0131 areas \u2013 their belly-busting breakfast platter comes complete with Turkish cheeses, olives, fresh bread and dried fruits.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re hankering after a sweet treat later on, also look out for Antalya\u2019s traditional burnt goat\u2019s cheese ice-cream in parlours around the city and province.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Kalei\u00e7i, Antalya\u2019s historic district, comes to life at night, with buzzing bars filled with both tourists and locals, plus spots to dance and listen to live music. Head to Up Shot Bar with its exposed brick walls and pumping DJ sets, or the Filika (Lifeboat) Caf\u00e9-Bar for live music, a down-to-earth vibe and a great outdoor space.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re planning a big night, set your sights on the Lara area and Club Arma (formerly Club 29). This mammoth seaside nightclub serves colourful cocktails and throbs until the wee hours.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you\u2019re hoping for a quieter evening, check out what\u2019s on at the Antalya Cultural Centre. The best place for culture vultures to pass the night, this modern arts complex hosts exhibitions, dance performances, music shows and more. Music and movie buffs will also be pleased to know it hosts the annual film festival and the Antalya International Piano Festival each autumn too.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n About the author:<\/strong><\/p>\n Jacqui is a freelance travel writer and editor. When she\u2019s not on the road, you\u2019ll find her eating her way around north London or stalking dogs on Hampstead Heath. Follow her adventures in the USA, Europe and beyond on\u00a0Instagram<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Twitter<\/a><\/p>\n The Turkish city of Antalya and its surrounding province are often passed off as a package-holiday destination \u2013 but that\u2019s a mistake. Sure, you\u2019ll find your fair share of ritzy resorts and family-focused attractions along Antalya\u2019s coastline, but there\u2019s plenty to occupy the independent traveller too. From a tangle of ancient sites in the city\u2019s…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":59,"featured_media":136444,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9473],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-118962","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel-tips","wpbf-post"],"yoast_head":"\n2. Bask on Antalya\u2019s sun-drenched beaches<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/kaputas-2519481_1280.jpg\")
<\/p>\n3. Drink in the D\u00fcden Waterfalls<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/duden-waterfalls-2708327_1920-664x875.jpg\")
<\/p>\n4. Pore over exhibits at the Antalya Museum<\/strong><\/h2>\n
5. Picnic at Karaalioglu Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n
6. Get lost in the region\u2019s ancient cities<\/strong><\/h2>\n
7. Experience the national parks on Antalya\u2019s doorstep<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/GettyImages-1046293260.jpg\")
<\/p>\n8. Kick off the day with a traditional Turkish breakfast <\/strong><\/h2>\n
Things to do in Antalya at night<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u00a09.\u00a0<\/strong>Go bar-hopping in Antalya\u2019s historic district<\/strong><\/h2>\n
10. Catch a show at the Antalya Cultural Centre <\/strong><\/h2>\n
Keep reading:\u00a0
![\"\u2b07\ufe0f\"](\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/11\/svg\/2b07.svg\")
<\/b><\/h2>\n![\"\ud83c\udf1f\"](\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/11\/svg\/1f31f.svg\")
\u00a010 things to do in Cappadocia\u00a0<\/a><\/h4>\n\u00a016 things to do in Istanbul<\/a><\/h4>\n\u00a0The best hostels in Istanbul<\/a><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"