Antalya in 3 Days: Budget Itinerary Through the City

Morning: walk through Kaleici
Start your day with a free tour of Kaleici. Hadrian's Gate (Meltem Mahallesi, 07070) is the main entrance to the old town. Built in 130 AD, it's remarkably well preserved. Then walk to the Yivli Minaret (Kaleici, 07100) — the symbol of Antalya. Entrance is free. Head down to the harbor (Kaleici Marina) to admire the yachts and city panorama. For breakfast, stop at Simitci (Cumhuriyet Street, 07100) — a simit (Turkish bagel) with cheese and tea will cost $1-2.

Day: museum and beach
At 11:00 visit the Antalya Museum (Konyaalti Caddesi, 07030). Entry is $5, but free with the Museum Pass Antalya. The collection includes artifacts from Perge and Aspendos. After the museum head to Mermerli Beach (Konyaalti, 07070) — a free city beach with fine pebbles. Lunch: grab a doner at Konyaalti Doner (Konyaalti Caddesi, 07070) for $3-4.

Evening: sunset by the lighthouse
At 17:00 climb up to the Kaleici lighthouse (Kaleici, 07100) — the best sunset spot. Dinner: at Lokanta 7 (Hesapci Sokak, 07100), try local meze and flatbreads for $5-7 per person. In the evening, wander the streets of Kaleici — free.

Morning: Upper Duden
Leave at 9:00 on bus #202 from the Konyaalti stop (ticket $0.50). The upper Duden waterfall (Dudenbasi, 07230) is free, located in a park. You can walk right up to the edge. Bring water and sandwiches — eating on a bench saves money.

Day: Karaalioglu Park
At 12:00 return to the center and visit Karaalioglu Park (Meltem Mahallesi, 07070). Entry is free. This is a huge park with fountains, ponds, and turtles. You can have a picnic here (buy supplies at the nearby Migros — Meltem Street, 07070). Lunch: the park has cheap stalls with gozleme (stuffed flatbreads) for $2-3.

Evening: stroll along the boulevard
At 16:00 walk along Ataturk Boulevard (Ataturk Bulvari, 07070) — free. Plenty of benches with sea views. Dinner: at Siscі Ramazan (Cumhuriyet Caddesi, 07100) — chicken kebab with rice for $4-5. In the evening — a free concert in the park (Fridays and Saturdays).

Morning: Perge
At 8:30 board bus #101 from the Otogar stop (ticket $1) to Perge (Perge Antik Kenti, 07170). Entry is $5. The city was founded in 1000 BC; colonnades, the stadium, and the agora are preserved. The visit takes 2-3 hours. Bring water with you — cafe prices nearby are inflated.

Day: Aspendos
At 12:00 take a dolmus ($1) to Aspendos (Aspendos, 07190). Entry is $5. The amphitheater seats 15,000 spectators and is still used for concerts. Lunch: at the roadside kebab spot Aspendos Kebab (next to the ruins) — a kebab portion with lavash for $4.

Evening: return to the city
At 16:00 head back to Antalya by bus ($1). Dinner: at Pideci 28 (Kizilsaray Mahallesi, 07100) — pide (Turkish pizza) for $3-4. End the evening with a free promenade along the waterfront.