WANDERING THE STREETS OF ANTALYA OLD TOWN

Without a doubt, one of the things you absolutely must see in Antalya is Kaleiçi, or the Old Town. How come? Because of its charm, beauty, and vibrancy, it presents you with a whole different image of Antalya than the city has today. It is almost hard to imagine that you are enjoying a cup of coffee in Antalya’s old town when you are surrounded by a bustling metropolis with 1.3 million residents and a significant summer tourist population. With its many restored historic homes, small hotels, cafes, and winding lanes, the old city is almost like a world unto itself. Come along for a stroll through Kaleiçi.

ANTALYA OLD TOWN: PICK AN ENTRY GATE

Built in the style of an amphitheatre, Kaleiçi is situated around Antalya’s ancient harbour, a little marina where gulets wait to take guests on boat tours. There are so multiple ways to reach Antalya Old Town, depending on how you got here and what direction you were coming from. If convenience is your goal, we recommend that you begin your walk at the contemporary glass lift, which offers an amazing view from its summit, or go directly to the clock tower, which doubles as a tram stop.

Arriving at the port

You’ll have to admit, this is quite an entrance! But as imposing as this gate may be, right after you walk up the stairs on the other side, the narrow streets and pretty old houses take over.

 KALEIÇI: SO PRETTY ONE FORGETS THE BIG CITY!

The ancient part of Antalya is a tangle of winding cobblestone alleyways with a lot of renovated homes, a market full of souvenirs and spices, lots of bars, boutique hotels, and, of course, a few historical artefacts. You get transported back in time while meandering through those neighbourhoods without feeling uncomfortable or like you’re in a museum. Even though Antalya’s Old Town has maintained its original appearance, the restaurants and bars in this area of the city are ultra-modern and very much active. Because Kaleiçi provides the finest of both worlds, you should definitely visit it while you’re in Antalya.

THE FLUTED MINARET MOSQUE AND BYZANTINE RUINS

Old Antalya dates back many years. It was a Roman town during the Byzantine era, ruled by the Seljuks, and then became an Ottoman Turkish town. The city walls, the mosques, and the ruins in the old part’s centre all still bear witness to this past. From a distance, the city walls are interesting, but up close, they’re even more so. They conceal a lengthy passage that the city’s guards utilised to stay safe. The patio of the Vista Restaurant provides breathtaking views and is the only way to enter the hidden corridor.

The many mosques are well-preserved and, apart from the broken minaret mosque, are all still in use today. Visitors are allowed inside, provided they are wearing appropriate clothing. We do advise that you plan ahead, since visiting a mosque should be done outside praying times.

If, after all these narrow streets, you feel like spending some time in open space, head towards Karaalioğlu Park at the southwestern edge of Kaleiçi to take in the views surrounded by greenery. You’ll see that this is where the locals are heading.

HIDIRLIK KULESI SEASIDE: OLD MEETS NEW

A famous meeting point in Antalya old town for young and old alike is the viewing point adjacent to Hıdırlık Kulesi and Karaalioğlu Park. It is the perfect spot for sunset views, romantic dinners, or for finding some shade in the park on a hot day. Locals love this place, and it is easy to see why. Enjoy the perfect sea and mountain views contemplating your day in Kaleiçi.

And, if you still feel like squeezing in one more thing to do in Antalya Old Town, consider a boat trip. You may not be a fan of the big themed gulets and party boats, but some smaller gullets docked in the harbor offer private boat tours for a very affordable price.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR VISITING ANTALYA OLD TOWN, TURKEY

Never just take our word for it. Have a look at what other travelers have to say about Kaleiçi on TripAdvisor. If you plan on staying the night in the old town, be sure to check that your hotel is not located on the bar street if you are not a party animal yourself. Things can get noisy at night.
If you’re driving to Kaleiçi, you’ll have to park your car outside of the old town. Make sure to make the necessary arrangements with your accommodation if you’re carrying a lot of luggage.

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