Things to do in Sıde
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Paşaköy Bar & Restaurant
More theme park than restaurant, the infamous Paşaköy is well worth an evening of absurdist dining. It's hidden in a lush garden with hanging lamps, a bubbling brook and caged parrots fighting for space, the decor growing weirdly familiar with every drink. The food – a mix of standard Turkish and Italian – is reliable.
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Temples of Apollo & Athena
Although small, these are among the most romantic sites you'll encounter on this Mediterranean coast. Dating from the 2nd century BC, they are at the southwestern tip of Side harbour. A half-dozen columns from the Temple of Athena have been placed upright in their original spots, and after dark a spotlight dramatically outlines their form.
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Moonlight Restaurant
The waterfront Moonlight, in situ since 1983, offers an extensive Turkish wine list and professional but unfussy service. The mostly seafood offerings are well presented and very fresh. The biggest drawcard, however, is the romantic back terrace, which is regularly filled with happy couples.
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Oxyd
Resembling a sci-fi sandcastle (apparently) inspired by a church in Morocco, this super-duper club 3km north of town in Kumköy is among Turkey's best, and all about love-it-or-leave-it extravagance. Pack a swimming costume; there's a pool alongside. Best get there by taxi (TL15).
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Soundwaves Restaurant
This ship-shaped institution with the Jolly Roger logo is in the same family as the Beach House Hotel, so the vibe is expectedly friendly and relaxed. But with 150 items on the menu we're not talking specialisation here, so best not to stray too far from international favourites like pizza and standard Turkish.
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Theatre
Built in the 2nd century AD, the spectacular theatre rivals nearby Aspendos for sheer drama. In fact it's one of the largest in the region and could seat up to 20,000 spectators. Look to the wall of the skene (stage building) for reliefs of figures and faces, including those of Comedy and Tragedy.
East of the theatre and across the road from the museum are the remains of an agora, which once held a slave market. Nearby is the ruined circular-shaped Temple of Tyche dedicated to the goddess of fortune, and an arresting latrine with two-dozen marble seats.
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Trio's Restaurant
Directly across the street from Pettino's Pension, this is a good choice for standard Turkish fare. International fast foods, such as spaghetti and America-style pizza, are also available. Show up any Friday evening throughout the summer for Turkish folk dancing.
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Aphrodite Restaurant
Dozens of tables sit outdoors - mere steps from the water - at this meat and seafood standby. Not only is this an idea spot to soak in the harbourside drama at eye level, it's also a recommended location for grills and köfte (meatballs).
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Club Apollo
The entrance to this open-air club sits just a few metres from the Temples of Apollo and Athena. Expensive cocktails, a killer light show and packs of beautiful people are some of what you'll find here. Women get discounted drinks every Sunday night.
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Agora Museum
Within the remains of an agora you'll find a good number of columns, although a chain-link fence restricts access.The museum is a ruin itself; its rather impressive, if small, collection of statues and sarcophagi resides inside the old Roman baths.
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Ottoman Restaurant
Host Rasim and the terrace high above Side's main (and always busy) drag are the main reasons for dining at this excellent restaurant off Liman Caddesi, which serves a lot of fish.
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Club Lighthouse
Fishing boats docked alongside the outdoor patio here lend a much-needed aura of elegance to an otherwise Bacchanalian discotheque. House and techno DJs are among the usual offerings here, as is the occasional bubble party.
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Field of Ruins
Check out Side's spectacular field of ruins, among them a library, an agora and a Byzantine basilica. All warrant some exploration, but be forewarned that this area gets scorching hot during the height of summer.
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Kiss Bar
This neon-lit open bar located just up from the water is a great spot for people-watching and a popular venue with Side expats and visitors.
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Stones Rock Bar
This dance bar with canned music and spectacular views is an excellent pre-club venue and perhaps all you need to reach the tiles.
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Mehmet's Bar
This ever-popular booze shack opposite the beach might be better suited to a tropical island than a Turkish promontory. It's decidedly laid-back and ideal for sipping a quiet drink while listening to the surf and reggae music.
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Side Paradise Restaurant
Our new favourite seafood place in Side, this family-first restaurant has a large play area for the wee ones, a substantial kids menu and very accommodating staff led by the affable Emrah. Adults, meanwhile, can enjoy fine sea views with their excellent meze and seafood.
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Side Museum
Contained within a 5th-century bathhouse, the museum has an impressive (if small) collection of statues and sarcophagi.
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Royal Castle Pub
The most bizarre of the venues making up the nightlife zone area just up from the harbour, the always busy RCP takes the phrase 'theme bar' to new heights (or depths, depending on your view). Staff dressed like Robin Hood (or Elvis or Zorro or Vikings, depending on the night/mood) bounce quality cocktails (TL16 to TL18) to giggling tourists. Big screens show all manner of sports, and the faux-Britishness extends to a menu of pub grub. You've gotta love it.
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Light House
Italian and seafood restaurant by day, cheesy music factory by night, the Light House has the advantage of a makeshift marina where fishing boats dock alongside the outdoor patio. It's techno and Turkish pop mostly, with the odd (accent on) addition of pole dancers.
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Emir
The Emir almost leans on the ruins of the Roman baths where Cleopatra is said to have dallied. The open kitchen produces some excellent meze, grills and a generous array of vegetarian dishes (TL10 to TL13).
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Beaches
The main Western Beach is north of the centre; follow the main road out of town (Side Caddesi) and turn left at Şarmaşık Sokak opposite the otogar (bus station). Closer is the smaller Eastern Beach off Barbaros Caddesi. On the way here you'll pass the large State Agora. There's a much longer beach further east.
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Apollonik
Hidden within the ruins around the Temples of Apollo and Athena, the Apollonik is prima facie evidence that travel can be fun, romantic and full of surprises. It does food too, with mains (mostly grills) TL12 to TL20.
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