Visit Hadrian’s Gate

One of Antalya’s most important historical sights, Hadrian’s Gate dates back to 130CE and was built to commemorate the visit of powerful Roman emperor Hadrian. Back then, Antalya was known as Attaleia or Attalia, and the marble-and-granite gate’s ornate friezes with floral motives and cornices are all visual reminders of an entirely different era. The fact that the gate is the entrance to the city’s old town is also quite befitting.

Explore Kaleiçi

Speaking of the old town, you must discover every corner of Kaleiçi, Antalya’s most popular neighborhood. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the old stone and wooden houses, do some shopping in the many souvenir shops, and visit the Broken Minaret Mosque (formerly a Roman temple built in the second century). When you’re ready to walk to the seaside, take the famous Kırkmerdiven, an ancient staircase built by the Venetians to connect Kaleiçi to the harbour.

Turkish breakfast

When you’re in Turkey, every morning should begin with a hearty Turkish breakfast, including different varieties of cheeses, olives, marmalades, and pastries with endless rounds of Turkish tea. One of our favorites is the Big Man in the Lara district, which, despite its interesting name, offers a delicious breakfast with an amazing view of the sea and mountains.

Antalya’s Musium

If you’re an enthusiast for the historical side of things, then the Antalya Museum is a must-visit to get a real sense of the city’s past. It’s one of the largest museums in Turkey, and you’ll find an excellent collection in 13 exhibition halls, including statues from the Roman era, mosaics from the Byzantine period and Ottoman-era inscriptions, to name just a few. You can visit as part of Culture Trip’s epic 12-day Turkey tour, led by our Local Insider.