How To Spend 24 Hours In Antalya Turkey

Known as one of the most beautiful summer destinations in Turkey, Antalya impresses with beautiful beaches and historic ruins. If you happen to find yourself in this amazing city for a day, make sure to follow our list of essential experiences.

Walk through 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.

Hadrian’s Gate is one of the most important historical landmarks in Antalya

Explore Kaleiçi

The harbour in the old town of Kaleiçi is a picturesque spot for a stroll

Have a real 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 favourites 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.

A traditional Turkish breakfast is a must-try in Antalya

Visit the Antalya Müzesi

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.

Antalya Museum is home to a variety of ancient treasures

Eat börek at Börekçi Tevfik

When lunchtime rolls around and you’re getting hungry, make sure to try the famous börek (filled pastries) of Tevfik Bey, whose shop has been open since the 1930s. Very thin dough, rolled out expertly by hand, is filled with such ingredients as lor cheese, white cheese with parsley or minced meat before being baked to crispy perfection. The sweet börek topped with powdered sugar is also a favourite.

Go swimming at Konyaaltı Beach

Of course, no Antalya trip would be complete without a cool dip in the sea and some time relaxing under the warm sun. One of the most popular beaches is Konyaaltı Plajı, which stretches out in a haze of white sand and light blue water. You’ll also find lots to do in the nearby bars, cafes and nightclubs.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.