2-Day Antalya Local Experience: Nightlife, Food & Wine with Friends

Antalya, Turkey

2 days

Hadrian's gate
Ancient ruins of the temple of Apollo in Side
Duden waterfall park
Organized sandy beach
Street in the old town

About Antalya, Turkey

Experience the captivating blend of ancient history and modern luxury in Antalya, Turkey. Nestled on the Mediterranean coast, Antalya offers a rich tapestry of turquoise beaches, Roman architecture, and vibrant bazaars. Explore the old city, Kaleiçi, with its narrow cobbled streets, historic Ottoman houses, and the impressive Hadrian's Gate. Visit the Antalya Museum, home to a vast collection of artifacts from the Bronze Age to Byzantium. Enjoy a leisurely boat trip to the Duden Waterfalls, a stunning natural wonder. Indulge in traditional Turkish cuisine and shop for local crafts in the bustling markets. Whether you're seeking relaxation on the beautiful Konyaalti Beach, adventure in the Taurus Mountains, or cultural immersion, Antalya promises an unforgettable journey.

2-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the History and Culture of Antalya

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the Antalya Museum, where you can explore the rich history and culture of the region. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts from the prehistoric times to the Ottoman era.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant. Try some of the local delicacies like kebabs, mezes, and baklava.

Afternoon

Head to the Old Town, also known as Kaleiçi. Here, you can stroll through the narrow, winding streets, visit the historic Hadrian's Gate, and shop for souvenirs.

Dinner

Have dinner at a seafood restaurant by the harbor. The fresh catch of the day, paired with a glass of local wine, is a must-try.

Evening

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Antalya at a local bar or club. Enjoy live music, dance, and meet new people.

Morning

Start your second day with a visit to Düden Waterfalls. The natural beauty of the area is a perfect spot for photography and relaxation.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local restaurant near the waterfalls. Try the local trout, grilled to perfection.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon at Konyaaltı Beach. Enjoy the sun, sea, and sand. You can also try water sports like jet skiing and parasailing.

Dinner

Dine at a beachside restaurant. Enjoy the sunset while having a delicious meal of fresh seafood and local dishes.

Evening

End your day with a visit to a local wine bar. Taste a variety of Turkish wines and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

Attractions in Itinerary (5)

Antalya Museum

1
Antalya Museum

One of Turkey's largest museums, it includes 13 exhibition halls and an open-air gallery.

Attractions
Museums
Cultural Experiences
Hadrian's Gate

2
Hadrian's Gate

An ancient Roman gate built in honor of Emperor Hadrian's visit in 130 AD.

Monuments
Landmarks
Architecture
Düden Waterfalls

3
Düden Waterfalls

A group of waterfalls in the province, a popular tourist destination.

Attractions
Parks
Landmarks
Konyaalti Beach

4
Konyaalti Beach

A popular beach in Antalya with a stunning view of the mountains.

Attractions
Beaches
Tours
Old Town (Kaleiçi)

5
Old Town (Kaleiçi)

The historic heart of Antalya, known for its narrow cobbled streets, Ottoman-era houses, and Roman-era walls.

Attractions
Landmarks
Cultural Experiences
Architecture
Neighborhoods

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Adana Kebab

Adana Kebab

A popular dish in Antalya, Adana Kebab is a spicy minced meat kebab, named after the city of Adana in Turkey. It's usually served with flatbread, salad, and a yogurt sauce.

Şiş Kebap

Şiş Kebap

Şiş Kebap is a traditional Turkish dish made of marinated meat skewered and grilled over charcoal. It's a must-try for meat lovers visiting Antalya.

Pide

Pide

Pide is a Turkish pizza-like dish topped with various ingredients like cheese, meat, and vegetables. It's a popular fast food in Antalya and throughout Turkey.

Lahmacun

Lahmacun

Lahmacun is a thin piece of dough topped with minced meat, vegetables, and herbs, then baked. It's a popular street food in Antalya.

Baklava

Baklava

Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. It's a traditional dessert in Antalya and throughout Turkey.

Turkish Tea

Turkish Tea

Turkish Tea, or Çay, is a staple in Antalya and is often served in a tulip-shaped glass. It's a strong black tea that's typically served without milk.

Raki

Raki

Raki is a traditional Turkish anise-flavored spirit often served with seafood or meze. It's a popular drink in Antalya and is often referred to as 'lion's milk' due to its cloudy appearance when water is added.

Meze

Meze

Meze is a selection of small dishes served before the main meal. It's a traditional way to start a meal in Antalya and can include a variety of dishes like hummus, stuffed vine leaves, and eggplant salad.

Döner

Döner

Döner is a Turkish dish made of meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, usually lamb, beef, or chicken. It's a popular fast food in Antalya and is often served in a sandwich or wrap.

Köfte

Köfte

Köfte is a Turkish meatball made from ground meat, often lamb, mixed with spices and onions. It's a popular dish in Antalya and can be found in many local restaurants.

Turkish Coffee

Turkish Coffee

Turkish Coffee is a strong, unfiltered coffee that's a staple in Antalya. It's traditionally served in a small cup and is often accompanied by a piece of Turkish delight.

Lokum

Lokum

Lokum, or Turkish Delight, is a sweet treat made from sugar and starch, often flavored with rosewater, lemon, or mint. It's a traditional dessert in Antalya and is often served with coffee.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Antalya, Turkey is between April and October. During these months, the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for beach activities and exploring the city's historical sites. The peak tourist season is from June to August, when the city is bustling with activities and events. However, if you prefer a less crowded time, consider visiting in the shoulder months of April, May, September, and October. These months still offer pleasant weather but with fewer tourists.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

April 9

Tue

Ramadan Feast Eve

April 10

Wed

Ramadan Feast

April 11

Thu

Ramadan Feast Holiday

April 12

Fri

Ramadan Feast Holiday

April 23

Tue

National Sovereignty and Children's Day

May 1

Wed

Labor and Solidarity Day

May 19

Sun

Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day

June 15

Sat

Sacrifice Feast Eve

June 16

Sun

Sacrifice Feast

June 17

Mon

Sacrifice Feast Holiday

June 18

Tue

Sacrifice Feast Holiday

June 19

Wed

Sacrifice Feast Holiday

July 15

Mon

Democracy and National Unity Day

August 30

Fri

Victory Day

October 29

Tue

Republic Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Public buses are a popular and affordable way to get around Antalya. They operate on numerous routes throughout the city and surrounding areas. The buses are modern and comfortable, and most have air conditioning.

Antalya has a modern tram system that connects many of the city's main attractions. The trams are a convenient and efficient way to get around, especially if you're staying in the city center.

Minibuses, or dolmuş, are another common form of public transportation in Antalya. They operate on set routes, but unlike buses, they can stop anywhere along the route to pick up or drop off passengers. They're a good option for short trips within the city.

Taxis are readily available throughout Antalya. They're a convenient option for getting around, especially if you're traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage. All taxis are metered, and rates are regulated by the city.

Ridesharing services, such as Uber, are available in Antalya. They can be a convenient and cost-effective way to get around, especially if you're not familiar with the local public transportation system. You can book a ride using the app on your smartphone.

Antalya is a bike-friendly city with numerous bike lanes and paths. Many hotels and rental shops offer bicycles for rent, making it a fun and healthy way to explore the city.

If you're comfortable driving in Turkey, renting a car can give you the freedom to explore Antalya and the surrounding region at your own pace. Numerous car rental companies operate in the city, offering a range of vehicles to suit different needs.

Boats are a great way to explore Antalya's beautiful coastline. There are numerous boat tours available, or you can hire a private boat for a more personalized experience.

Many of Antalya's main attractions are located within walking distance of each other, especially in the old town (Kaleiçi). Walking is a pleasant way to explore the city, especially in the cooler morning and evening hours.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency₺ TRY

Time zoneUTC+3

Driving sideRight

Emergency phoneAmbulance: 112; Fire: 112; Police: 112

Drinking waterOpt for bottled water

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type F

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Antalya, Turkey as a first time visitor

1

Turkish is the official language in Antalya, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

2

The currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller vendors.

3

Antalya has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The average summer temperature is around 86°F (30°C), while in winter it's around 59°F (15°C).

4

Tipping is customary in Turkey. A tip of 10-15% is expected in restaurants. For taxi drivers, rounding up to the nearest lira is common.

5

The standard voltage in Turkey is 220V, and the frequency is 50Hz. The power plugs and sockets are of type F. If you live in the U.S. or Canada, you will need a power plug adapter.

6

Tap water is generally safe to drink in Antalya, but most tourists prefer to drink bottled water.

7

Public transportation in Antalya is efficient and affordable. It includes trams, buses, and minibuses called 'dolmuş'.

8

Turkish people are known for their hospitality. Don't be surprised if you're invited for tea or a meal.

9

The dress code in Antalya is generally casual. However, when visiting religious sites, it's respectful to dress modestly.

10

Smoking is very common in Turkey and is allowed in many public places, but not in enclosed public spaces.

11

Antalya is generally safe for tourists, but like in any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

12

The emergency number in Turkey is 112 for medical emergencies, 155 for police, and 110 for fire.

13

Haggling is common in Turkish markets. Don't be afraid to negotiate the price, especially in the bazaars.

14

Turkish cuisine is diverse and delicious. Don't miss out on local specialties like kebabs, mezes, and baklava.

15

If you're planning to visit any of the ancient sites around Antalya, it's a good idea to hire a guide to fully appreciate the history.

16

Turkish baths, or 'hamams', are a must-try experience. Just remember to bring your own towel and soap.

17

It's considered polite to remove your shoes when entering a Turkish home.

18

The sale and consumption of alcohol is legal in Turkey, but public drunkenness is frowned upon.

19

If you're planning to drive in Antalya, remember that Turks drive on the right side of the road.

20

It's a good idea to purchase travel insurance before your trip to cover any unexpected incidents or cancellations.

Basic Turkish to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Merhaba

mehr-HAH-bah

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Hoşça kal

HOSH-cha-KAHL

Saying goodbye

Please

Lütfen

LOOT-fen

Making a request

Thank you

Teşekkür ederim

teh-shehk-OOR ed-AIR-im

Expressing gratitude

Yes

Evet

EH-vet

Agreeing or confirming

No

Hayır

HAH-yuhr

Disagreeing or denying

Excuse me

Affedersiniz

AH-feh-der-SIN-iz

Getting someone's attention or apologizing

I don't understand

Anlamıyorum

AHN-lah-MEE-yoh-room

When you don't understand what was said

Do you speak English?

İngilizce konuşuyor musunuz?

EEN-gee-LEEZ-jeh koh-NOO-shoo-yor moo-SOO-nooz

Asking if someone speaks English

Where is the bathroom?

Tuvalet nerede?

too-VAH-let neh-REH-deh

Asking for directions to the bathroom

How much does this cost?

Bu ne kadar?

BOO neh KAH-dahr

Asking the price of something

I need a doctor

Bir doktora ihtiyacım var

beer dohk-TOH-rah eeh-tee-YAH-chuhm vahr

In case of a medical emergency

Can you help me?

Bana yardımcı olabilir misiniz?

BAH-nah yahr-DUHM-juh oh-LAH-bee-LEER mee-SEE-neez

Asking for help

I'm lost

Kayboldum

kai-BOL-doom

When you can't find your way

Water

Su

SOO

When you want to order water

Food

Yemek

YEH-mehk

When you want to order food

Beer

Bira

BEE-rah

When you want to order beer

Coffee

Kahve

KAH-veh

When you want to order coffee

Tea

Çay

CHAI

When you want to order tea

Cheers

Şerefe

SHEH-reh-feh

When toasting drinks

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Lightweight clothing

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • Swimwear

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Flip flops for the beach

  • Sunglasses

  • Hat for sun protection

  • Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings

  • Toiletries

  • Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner

  • Body wash or soap

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Sunscreen

  • Lip balm with SPF

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Travel-sized first aid kit

  • Prescription medications

  • Insect repellent

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Driver's license or ID card

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash in local currency

  • Hotel and transportation reservation confirmations

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Emergency contact information

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Headphones

  • Portable power bank

  • Camera

  • Charger for camera

  • Universal travel adapter

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Travel pillow

  • Earplugs and eye mask

  • Snacks

  • Water bottle

  • Books or e-books for leisure reading

  • Travel guidebook for Antalya

  • Reusable shopping bag

  • Beach towel

Weather Conditions

Antalya, Turkey is known for its Mediterranean climate, which means it experiences hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. If you're planning to visit during the summer months (June to September), expect temperatures to range from 75°F to 95°F (24°C to 35°C). This is the perfect time for beach activities and water sports, so don't forget your sunscreen, hats, and light, breathable clothing to protect yourself from the intense sun. The winter months (December to February) in Antalya are relatively mild with temperatures ranging from 45°F to 60°F (7°C to 15°C). However, this is also the rainy season, so pack a waterproof jacket or umbrella. Despite the rain, winter can be a great time to visit if you prefer fewer crowds and enjoy exploring historical sites. Spring (March to May) and autumn (October and November) are also great times to visit Antalya. During these seasons, temperatures are typically between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C), providing comfortable conditions for outdoor activities like hiking or sightseeing. Regardless of when you visit, keep in mind that weather can be unpredictable. It's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip and pack accordingly. Enjoy your visit to Antalya!

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

15° / 6°

January is the coldest month in Antalya, with occasional rain, so pack some warm clothes and a raincoat.

February

16° / 6°

February is slightly warmer but still has some rainy days, a good time to visit historical sites.

March

18° / 8°

March sees the start of spring, with more sunny days and blooming flowers.

April

23° / 11°

April is a pleasant month with moderate temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities.

May

28° / 15°

May is warm and sunny, a great time to hit the beach and enjoy water sports.

June

33° / 20°

June marks the start of summer with high temperatures, don't forget your sunscreen.

July

35° / 23°

July is the hottest month, with long sunny days, ideal for sunbathing and swimming.

August

35° / 23°

August is equally hot, with a high chance of clear, sunny days.

September

31° / 20°

September is slightly cooler, but still warm enough for beach activities.

October

26° / 15°

October offers comfortable temperatures, perfect for exploring the city and nearby attractions.

November

20° / 10°

November is cooler with occasional rain, a good time to visit museums and indoor attractions.

December

16° / 7°

December is cool and wet, with fewer tourists, offering a more relaxed atmosphere.

Did you know?

Did you know that Antalya is known as the 'Turkish Riviera' due to its stunning blue sea, sandy beaches, and year-round sunshine?

1 of 10

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