Things to do in Antalya
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Restaurant 36
Popular with the backpacker crowd, in part because of its location near to the cheaper pensions, yet also because of its distinctively laid-back vibe. The somewhat international menu offers items like tuna fish salads and omelettes along with the usual mix of mezes, kebaps and grills. Because the indoor dining area appears to also be the living room of the owner's home, front patio noshing is recommended.
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Antalya Museum
On no account should you miss this comprehensive museum about 2km west of the centre and accessible on the tramvay (tram). The museum is large, with exhibitions in a dozen large halls that cover everything from the Stone and Bronze Ages to Byzantium, so allow sufficient time. Unmissable are the Hall of Regional Excavations, which exhibit finds from Lycian (eg Patara and Xanthos) and Pamphylian cities; the Marble Portraits Hall, with evocative busts bearing incredibly realistic expressions and emotions; and the sublime Hall of Gods.
Even those not especially interested in Greek mythology will be moved by this collection, which includes representations of some 15 Olympian go…
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Ottoman houses
Wander into Kaleiçi, now a historical zone protected from modern development. Many of the gracious old Ottoman houses have been restored, then converted to pensions, hotels, or, inevitably, carpet and souvenir shops. The northern part of Kaleiçi is the most touristy; persevere and explore the quieter backstreets abutting Karaalioğlu Parkı.
The Roman harbour at the base of the slope was restored during the 1980s and is now a marina for yachts and excursion boats. It was Antalya's lifeline from the 2nd century BC until late in the 20th century, when a new port was constructed about 12km west of the city, at the far end of Konyaaltı Plajı.
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Suna & İnan Kiraç Kaleiçi Museum
In the heart of Kaleiçi, just off Hesapçı Sokak, this small but well-formed ethnography museum is housed in a lovingly restored Antalya mansion. The 2nd floor contains a well-executed series of life-size dioramas depicting some of the most important rituals and customs of Ottoman Antalya. Much more impressive is the collection of Çanakkale and Kütahya ceramics found in the exhibition hall behind, the former Greek Orthodox church of Aya Yorgi (St George), which has been fully restored and is worth a look in itself.
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Sokak Café & Bar
Like its next-door neighbour, Hasanaga Restaurant (a low stone wall separates the two), every square inch of this café's back garden is covered in a delightful canopy of light-strung trees. Literally. But since Sokak is still the new kid on the block, crowds are generally light. (Might have something to do with the music being way too loud.) Otherwise, an acceptable place to kill an evening over cups of çay or, more realistically, glasses of Efes (local beer).
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Paul's Place
The good word comes in coffee cups at this informal expat 'club' on the 2nd-floor of the St Paul Cultural Center. Regardless of your faith, enjoy the espresso or filter coffee and home-baked pastries on offer. There's a well-stocked lending library with 2500 books.
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Excursion yachts
Excursion yachts tie up in the Roman harbour in Kaleiçi. Some trips go as far as Kemer, Phaselis, Olympos, Kale (Demre) and Kaş. You can take one-hour or two-hour trips or a six-hour voyage which visits the Lower Düden Falls, Gülf of Antalya islands and some beaches for a swim. It's a good idea to ask about lunch when comparing prices; there's a big difference between a sandwich and a three-course seafood feast. Also ask if alcoholic beverages are included.
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Konyaaltı Plajı
Neither of Antalya's two beaches have much to recommend them - at least not as far as silken sand nor paradise views are concerned. For a good dose of well-rounded beach culture amusement, head to Konyaaltı Plajı; it can be accessed by taking the tram to its final stop (Müze), and then walking further west and down the snaking road. Dolmuşes run from Fevzi Çakmak Caddesi to Lara Plajı, passing the aquapark.
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Lycian Way Coastal Walk
8 days (Antalya)
A self guided walk along Turkey's stunning Lycian Coast.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$1,020 -
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Parlak Restaurant
Opposite the jewellery bazaar and just off the pedestrian Kazım Özlap Caddesi is this sprawling open-air patio restaurant in an old caravanserai favoured by locals and famous for its slow-roasted chicken (one-half TL8) and excellent meze.
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Gizlı Bahçe
A sort of luxury compound featuring two separate restaurants - one Turkish and one Italian - as well as a bar, this is undoubtedly one of Kaleiçi's most dramatically located dining and entertainment spots. The restaurant is almost as lovely to gaze at as the view, and the food (traditional grills, mezes and pasta) and service are equally supreme. Smart dress is encouraged, although prices are kept relatively low.
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Güneyliler
With its cafeteria-style interior, this reasonably priced locals-only joint isn't much to look at. But the wood-fired lahmacun (Turkish-style pizza; TL6) and expertly grilled kebaps are served with so many complimentary extras, you'll want to return. If you get lost, ask for directions at the landmark Best Western Khan Hotel at Kazım Özlap Caddesi 55.
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7 Mehmet Restaurant
Antalya's most famous eatery is a couple of kilometres west of the centre, and its spacious indoor and outdoor dining areas occupy a hill overlooking Konyaaltı Plajı and the city. The menu of grilled mains, fish and meze is unsurprising but reliable; ask for a peek in the enormous kitchen.
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Yivli Minare
Antalya's symbol is the Yivli Minare, a handsome and distinctive 'fluted' minaret erected by the Seljuk sultan Aladdin Keykubad I in the early 13th century. The adjacent mosque is still in use. Within the complex is a heavily restored Mevlevi tekke (whirling dervish monastery, which probably dates from the 13th century) It now houses Güzel Sanatlar Galerisiwith changing exhibits. Next door are two türbe (tombs) from the late 14th century. The broad plaza to the west with the bombastic equestrian statue of Atatürk is Cumhuriyet Meydanı.
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Sim Restaurant
A choice of seated areas makes this simple but charming restaurant a unique experience. When the weather's fine, dine underneath the canopy in the narrow passageway at the front wedged against ancient Byzantine walls. Inside, global graffiti gives it a youthful pulse, while upstairs, eclectic antiques complement köfte, white bean salads and glorious cobra (soups).
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Hasanağa Restaurant
Expect to find the garden dining area here packed on Friday and Saturday nights, when traditional Turkish musicians and folk dancers entertain from 8pm onwards. Dishes are predictable – köfte, mixed grills and the like – although the cooks do produce some veggie dishes (around TL15).
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Tekeli Mehmet Paşa Camii
Go down Uzun Çarşi Sokak, the street opposite the clock tower. On the left is the Tekeli Mehmet Paşa Camii, built by the Beylerbey (Governor of Governors) Tekeli Mehmet Paşa. The building was repaired extensively in 1886 and 1926. Note the beautiful Arabic inscriptions in the coloured tiles above the windows.
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Ulker Fırın & Café
Take care not to over-order at this thoroughly modern bakery, which is packed with both traditional and nontraditional Turkish sweets - the tiny pieces of şöbiyet (walnut curd) and fistıklı (pistachio)baklava are significantly more filling than they first appear. It's close to Plaza Cinemas.
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Roof
The strobe lights inside this cramped 2nd floor dance club are enough to give you a brain aneurysm, but the music - banging techno and jungle - more than makes up for it. The crowds here are generally small and, although the music is played at a ridiculously high volume, there's an outdoor balcony well suited to conversation.
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Club Arma
Current tenant of a former oil depot built right into the cliff-side above the harbour, this pricey fish restaurant specialises in meze (brought to you properly on a tray to choose from) and seafood in its infinite variety. As its name implies, the place moonlights as a club and is one of Antalya's sexiest venues to sip a gin and tonic. Just be careful not to fall off the fabulous open terrace or you'll literally end up in the drink.
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Can Can Pide ve Kebap Salonu
Looking for something very cheap and cheerful? Fantastically prepared çorba (soup), pide and Adana dürüm (beef kebap rolled in pitta) are here at bargain prices. It's opposite the landmark Plaza Cinema.
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Rock Bar
Something of a throwback to the grunge era, this dark tavern features local guitar bands playing covers of alt-rock classics. Located down an alley directly across the street from Natta Travel Centre on Uzun Çarşi Sokak; look for the excavation site to the left.
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Association for the Unity of Mankind
The Association for the Unity of Mankind is a yoga, meditation and aerobics studio offering different morning and evening classes daily, as well as classes in group meditation and arts and crafts. A weekly schedule is posted outside the front door. Yoga takes place on Thursdays only, from 10.30 to 11:30.
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Plaza Cinemas
First-run Hollywood blockbusters and the occasional Turkish film are shown at this four-screen cinema, located on the ground floor of a modest shopping centre. Exit Kaleiçi from Hadrian's Gate, walk straight ahead, and look for the large building with 'Antalya 2000' posted across the façade.
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Dem-Lik
Dem-Lik is located (mostly) in a large garden behind high stone walls, where Antalya's university crowd reshapes the world between ice-cold beers, while listening to (mostly) rock and blues.
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