Things to Do in Side Old Town: A Seasonal Guide
Things to do in Side Old Town: the temple, theatre, harbour, beach and hamam. What to wear in each month, how many hours to set aside, and which tour suits you, all here.
Most things to do in Side Old Town are gathered on a small peninsula: the Temple of Apollo, the ancient theatre, the agora, the Side Museum and the harbour. You can walk around all of it in 3–4 hours. So you don't need a long schedule to enjoy Side, but the month and the time of day determine your comfort.
In this guide I describe the same route by season: what to wear when, what time to set out, and what to do when the weather isn't suitable.
What is there to see in Side Old Town?
The old town is on the peninsula of Side, which belongs to the district of Manavgat. The ancient ruins stand among modern streets, so you don't feel like you're entering an archaeological site, but rather strolling through a town.
- Temple of Apollo: At the tip of the peninsula, facing the sea. The few standing columns are the most photographed spot at sunset.
- Ancient theatre: One of the large Roman theatres in Anatolia. From the upper rows you can see both the stage and the city.
- Agora and monumental fountain: Near the theatre. A shady place to pause while walking among the columns.
- Side Museum: Housed in a former Roman bath building. Since the statues and sarcophagi are indoors, it is a good option on hot or rainy days. Check the opening hours before your visit.
- Harbour and seafront promenade: Small boats, cafés and narrow streets. This is the most beautiful part of an evening stroll.
- Eastern and Western beaches: They stretch along both sides of the peninsula. Swimming between sightseeing stops is easy.
Spring (April–May): Is it the most comfortable time to visit?
Yes, it is very suitable for walking. The temperature ranges around 18–25 °C, the stone streets are not scorching, and you can linger among the ruins. The sea is still cool. Come for sightseeing, not for the beach.
What to wear: a comfortable T-shirt, a thin cardigan to bring along, non-slip shoes. Ancient marble and stone surfaces become slippery when damp or dusty.
Summer (June–August): What time is best for sightseeing?
Midday heat can be very oppressive. Since there is little shade, the area around the theatre and temple is demanding at midday. The local rhythm goes like this: early morning for the ruins, afternoon for the beach or museum, and late afternoon back to the harbour.
Hats, sunscreen and water are essential. Going to the temple in the late afternoon for sunset means crowds, so arrive a little early to find a spot.
If you're looking for a break from the summer heat, a hamam is a good choice. A hamam programme in Side with kese peeling and foam massage is described in the Side: Turkish Hamam with Kese Peeling, Foam Massage and Transfer tour, including transfer. It lasts about 1.5 hours.
Autumn (September–October): Is it a good time to go now?
The date of this article is 30 October 2026. So visiting Side these days is possible and quite pleasant. The temperature is around the 20s °C, and crowds are noticeably smaller than in the summer months. The sea is still swimmable, but mornings can feel cool.
The sun sets before six in the evening. Don't leave your plans for the Temple of Apollo too late for sunset. Bring a thin jacket, as the wind blows from the sea across the peninsula.
If you are staying in Alanya in September or October, you can also see Side in a single day. The Alanya: Side and Manavgat Waterfall Day Tour with Hotel Pickup tour with hotel transfer combines Side and Manavgat Waterfall, along with the Temple of Apollo, in a half-day. It takes about 6 hours.
Winter (November–March): What is there to do in Side?
The temperature is around 12–20 °C. The ruins are quiet and cafés are less crowded. On rainy days, the museum and hamam are the two plans that come to mind first. Some seasonal businesses may be closed, so check your destination in advance.
Bring a waterproof jacket and flat-soled shoes. The theatre steps require care when wet.
If you want a short getaway from Side to another city, the Side : Day Trip To Alanya with Cable Car and Hotel Pickup tour, with hotel pickup, takes you to Alanya. You go up to the castle by cable car, see Damlataş Cave, and have free time at Cleopatra Beach. It lasts about 6 hours.
Who is Side Old Town suitable for?
It is suitable for families with children, couples and first-time visitors. The walking distances are short, but there are stone surfaces and steps. Some sections are difficult for those touring by wheelchair or walker.
How do I make a reservation?
No reservation is needed to walk around the old town on foot. Check the entry arrangements for the museum and archaeological site before your visit. For a hamam or day tour, you can view options offered by licensed local agencies with hotel transfer through TurB2C.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours should I set aside for Side Old Town?
If you are only visiting the ruins, 2–3 hours is enough. If you add the museum, harbour and beach, plan for half a day.
Can Side Old Town be visited in the evening?
Yes. The harbour and seafront promenade are livelier in the evening. Check in advance whether the ruin areas are open, as hours may vary by season.
Is Side Old Town the same place as the ancient city?
Largely, yes. The ancient city ruins are within the modern streets of the peninsula. That's why it is visited as a single walking route rather than as a separate area.
Which month is the best to go?
April–May and September–October are the most comfortable months for walking. In the summer months, sightsee early in the morning or in the late afternoon.
