10 Things to Do in Side: Tips from a Local Guide
Things to do in Side: the ancient theatre, Temple of Apollo, beach, hammam and evening programme. Practical tips for rainy days, families with children and couples.
Most things to do in Side fit on a small peninsula: in the morning, the theatre, agora and museum in the ancient city; in the afternoon, the beach or a hammam; in the evening, a walk around the harbour and the Temple of Apollo at sunset. The old town is best explored on foot, so even a single day gives a good first impression. Below, I've listed what to do, how long it takes and who it suits.
What to see and do in Side? 10 local tips
- 1. Explore the ancient city before midday. There is little shade on the stone paths, so mornings are more comfortable. A ride of one and a half to two hours is enough to wander among the ruins. Opening hours and entry requirements may change, so check before you go.
- 2. Be sure to climb the ancient theatre. From the upper rows, you can see the rooftops of the old town and the sea together. Some steps are uneven, so wear shoes with good grip.
- 3. Visit the Temple of Apollo close to sunset. The few standing columns facing the sea look their best in evening light. The sun sets early in late October, so plan your afternoon accordingly.
- 4. Don't drop the Side Museum from your list. The museum is housed in an old Roman bath building and displays sculptures unearthed from the city. It's worth a visit on rainy days too. Check the opening hours in advance.
- 5. Explore the old town without a car. Bear in mind that vehicle access to the peninsula may be limited. The easiest approach is to take a dolmuş or taxi to the entrance and walk the rest.
- 6. Choose your beach according to the wind. There are beaches on both sides of the peninsula. Whichever side the wind blows from, the other side is usually calmer. For families with young children, the sheltered side is more comfortable.
- 7. Head down to the harbour in the evening. After sunset, a stroll along the harbour and a fish dinner go well together. Before sitting down, it's a good habit to check the menu and portion sizes.
- 8. Set aside time for a hammam session. The classic hammam ritual of sauna, kese scrub and foam massage is a great way to unwind after a walk. For a hammam tour with transfer in Side, see Side: Turkish Hamam with Kese Peeling, Foam Massage and Transfer; it takes around 1.5 hours.
- 9. For the evening, consider the water, light and music show in Belek. The Land of Legends show is an evening plan of around 7 hours, including pickup from your hotel and return. Pickups are available from Side and nearby areas; for details, see Antalya / Alanya Land of Legends Night Show with Hotel Transfer.
- 10. Set aside half a day for Manavgat. There are dolmuş services to Manavgat; a half day is enough for the waterfall and river boat trips. Departure times and routes may change with the season, so check in advance.
What to do in Side if it rains?
On rainy days, the Side Museum, the indoor hammam and the small shops in the old town are good options. In late October and the winter months, showers can be brief. Visiting the ancient city in the morning and switching to the museum or hammam when the rain starts is a sensible order. Stone surfaces become slippery when wet, so keep this in mind.
What to do in Side with children and as a family?
The easiest plan for children is a short tour of the ancient city, followed by a long break on the beach. The theatre steps and the ruins in the open areas tend to capture children's interest. Even so, keep a close eye on small children on the theatre steps. Stopping for an ice cream in the harbour at the end of the day makes the walk feel lighter.
What to do in Side as a couple and in the evening?
The best order for couples is: hammam in the afternoon, the Temple of Apollo at sunset, and the harbour for dinner. If you want something livelier in the evening, the show in Belek is a suitable alternative. The old town of Side stays quiet in the evenings, so don't expect a lively nightlife scene.
How to book a tour in Side?
Open the tour page on TurB2C, choose your date and complete the booking. Tours are run by licensed local agencies in Türkiye. For tours that include transfers, you need to enter your hotel name and meeting point details correctly during booking. Pickup times and locations may change, so check your confirmation message.
Frequently asked questions
What can you do in Side in one day?
A good order is the ancient city and theatre in the morning, the beach or a hammam in the afternoon, the Temple of Apollo at sunset, and dinner in the harbour in the evening. This programme can be done comfortably on foot.
What to do in Side on a rainy day?
The Side Museum and a hammam are the easiest options. You can take a short tour of the ancient city between showers, but be careful on the wet stone surfaces.
What to do in Side at night?
A stroll along the harbour and dinner are the most common plans. For a livelier evening, the Land of Legends show in Belek Antalya / Alanya Land of Legends Night Show with Hotel Transfer can be reached by transfer from your hotel.
Is Side suitable for families with children?
Yes. The beach, the ruins in the open areas and short walks go well with children. Keep a close eye on small children on the theatre steps and during the hot hours.
