Things to Do in Side Old Town: A Seasonal Guide
Things to do in Side Old Town: the temple, theatre, harbour, beach and hammam. 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, Side Museum and the harbour. You can walk around all of them in 3–4 hours. So loving Side doesn't require a long schedule, but the month and time of day determine how comfortable your visit is.
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 lies on the peninsula of Side, which belongs to the district of Manavgat. The ancient ruins stand among modern streets, so rather than visiting an archaeological site, you wander 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 town.
- Agora and monumental fountain: Near the theatre. Walking among the columns, it's a shaded place to rest.
- Side Museum: Housed in a former Roman bathhouse. Sculptures and sarcophagi are displayed indoors, so it's 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. The evening walk is at its best here.
- Eastern and Western beaches: Stretching along both sides of the peninsula. It's easy to swim between sightseeing stops.
Spring (April–May): Is it the most comfortable time to visit?
Yes, very suitable for walking. Temperatures hover around 18–25 °C, the stone streets are not scorching, and you can stay among the ruins for a long time. The sea is still cool. Come for sightseeing, not for the beach.
What to wear: a comfortable T-shirt, a light cardigan to bring along, non-slip shoes. Ancient marble and stone surfaces become slippery when they are damp or dusty.
Summer (June–August): What time is best for sightseeing?
The midday heat can be very oppressive. With little shade, the theatre and temple areas are challenging around noon. The local routine is: early morning for the ruins, afternoon for the beach or museum, and late afternoon back to the harbour.
Hat, 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 hammam is a good choice. A hammam 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 very pleasant. Temperatures are around the low 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 the Temple of Apollo for sunset too late. Bring a light jacket, as the wind blows off the sea on the peninsula.
If you're 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 pickup combines Side and Manavgat Waterfall, along with the Temple of Apollo, in half a day. It lasts about 6 hours.
Winter (November–March): What is there to do in Side?
Temperatures are around 12–20 °C. The ruins are quiet and cafés are less crowded. On rainy days, the museum and hammam are the two obvious plans. Some seasonal businesses may be closed, so check your destination in advance.
Bring a waterproof jacket and flat shoes. Theatre steps require care when wet.
If you want a short trip 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 suits families with children, couples and first-time visitors. The walk covers short distances, but there are stone surfaces and steps. Some sections are difficult for those touring with a wheelchair or walker.
How do I book?
No reservation is needed to walk around the old town. Check the entry arrangements for the museum and archaeological site before your visit. For a hammam or day tour, you can view options with hotel transfer from licensed local agencies via TurB2C.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours should I set aside for Side Old Town?
If you only want to see the ruins, 2–3 hours is enough. If you add the museum, harbour and beach, spread it over half a day.
Can Side Old Town be visited in the evening?
Yes. The harbour and seafront promenade are livelier in the evening. Check whether the archaeological areas are open, as hours can vary by season.
Is Side Old Town the same place as the ancient city?
Largely yes. The remains of the ancient city are within the modern streets of the peninsula. That's why it's 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, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
