Antalya

Antalya is Turkey's most-visited destination, pulling in 17.5 million international tourists by the end of 2025, with a record-breaking 2026 already underway. The city has a metro population of around 2.

6 million but feels layered: a genuine working Turkish city underneath all the resort infrastructure. Russian-speaking staff are everywhere in Konyaaltı and Lara (about one in four Konyaaltı residents is foreign), German package tourists dominate the all-inclusive hotel strips, and Kaleiçi attracts the backpackers and history crowd. The old town of Kaleiçi is 2,000 years of continuous urban history in a walkable quarter.

Hadrian's Gate was built in 130 AD to honor a Roman emperor's visit. The Yivli Minaret dates from Seljuk rule in the 13th century. Atatürk himself stood near Karaalioğlu Park in 1930 and reportedly said, "Without a doubt, Antalya is the most beautiful place in the world.

" That quote is still engraved on a monument near the park. Hospitality is not a slogan here — Turks will invite you for tea with no sales agenda attached. Accept it.

Tipping runs 5-10% of the bill, in cash, because service charges are rarely included. Remove shoes before entering someone's home. During Ramadan, be aware that fasting locals aren't eating or drinking during daylight hours; eat discreetly in local neighborhoods out of respect.

Say merhaba when entering any shop or restaurant — walking in silent feels abrupt to locals, even in touristy areas.. Accept tea when offered. Refusing can come across as cold.

You're not obligated to buy anything afterward.. Remove shoes before entering a private home. Mosques also require shoes off and shoulders covered — carry a scarf..

Bargain at bazaars and markets, but do it politely. Start at 40-50% of the asking price and treat it as a conversation, not a confrontation.. Tip 5-10% in restaurants, in cash, handed directly — service charges are rarely included in the bill..

During Ramadan, eat and drink discreetly in non-tourist local neighborhoods during daylight hours. Beach resort areas are generally unaffected.. Always decline 'Dynamic Currency Conversion' at card machines — choose TRY and let your bank do the conversion at a better rate..

Timeshare touts are aggressive in Kaleiçi. They will offer you free tours, free boat trips, and free meals. Nothing is free.

Walk past with a polite but firm 'hayır teşekkürler' (no thank you).. Fresh fish at harbor restaurants is often priced by weight. Confirm the price before ordering or the bill will surprise you.

Antalya is genuinely safe for tourists. The tourist zones in Kaleiçi, Lara, and Konyaaltı are busy and well-lit day and night, and most visitors have zero issues. That said, a few things to watch for.

Pickpockets operate in the Kaleiçi old town — use a crossbody bag and don't flash expensive cameras or phones in narrow alleyways. Taxi overcharging is common: always insist the driver uses the meter, or use the Uber app (which works in Antalya). Timeshare touts in Kaleiçi are persistent and creative — they'll pose as friendly locals asking for directions before pivoting to a sales pitch.

Turkey has regional tensions in its southeast, but Antalya is on the Mediterranean coast and is far removed from those areas. The Antalya Museum is currently listed as closed in 2026 — verify before making a trip. The Antalya Museum of Ethnography and the Mevlevihane Museum are free alternatives worth visiting instead.

Note that the e-visa costs $60 and your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date.

Antalya Airport (AYT) sits about 13km east of the city center and handles direct flights from most major UK airports (London Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Manchester, Birmingham) as well as international routes. From the airport, the AntRay tram connects directly into the city — get off at İsmetpaşa for Kaleiçi, then walk, or continue to the intercity bus terminal (Otogar). The HAVAŞ shuttle bus to 5M Migros/Otogar costs roughly $4.

68/₺211 and is a reliable option. Within the city, the Antray tram covers the main corridor between Konyaaltı and the Antalya Museum. Pick up an AntalyaKart (contactless travel card) at any tram stop — rides cost about $0.

78/₺35. Buses cover the rest of the city on the same card. Taxis are affordable but always check the meter is running.

For day trips to Aspendos (38km) or Perge (15km), renting a car at the airport makes the most sense — roads are good, and you can combine multiple ruins in one run. Dolmuş (shared minibuses) connect smaller coastal towns cheaply if you want to explore independently. The local bus terminal in Kepez serves intercity routes if you're heading to Pamukkale or elsewhere overnight.