Things to Do in Side: 10 Tips from a Local Guide
Things to do in Side: the ancient theatre, Temple of Apollo, beach, hammam and night 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 have 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. One and a half to two hours is enough to wander among the ruins. Opening hours and entry conditions may change, so check before you go.
- 2. Be sure to climb the ancient theatre. From the upper rows, the rooftops of the old town and the sea are visible together. The steps are uneven in places, 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 at the end of October, so plan your afternoon accordingly.
- 4. Don't skip the Side Museum. The museum is housed in an old Roman bath building and displays sculptures unearthed in the city. It is also useful on rainy days. Check the opening hours in advance.
- 5. Explore the old town without a car. Keep in mind that driving into the peninsula may be restricted. The most convenient option 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. The side away from the wind is usually calmer. For families with children, the side without waves is more comfortable.
- 7. Head down to the harbour in the evening. After sunset, a stroll along the harbour and fish dinner go well together. Before sitting down, it is 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 good way to relax after walking. For a hammam tour with transfer in Side, see Side: Turkish Hamam with Kese Peeling, Foam Massage and Transfer; it lasts about 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 about 7 hours including hotel pick-up and drop-off. Guests are collected from nearby areas including Side; 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; half a day is enough for the waterfall and river boat trips. Departure times and routes may vary by season, so check in advance.
What to do in Side if it rains?
On rainy days, the Side Museum, the hammam indoors and the small shops in the old town are good options. In late October and winter, showers may be brief. Going to 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 take this into account.
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 open areas tend to capture children's interest. Still, keep a close eye on small children on the theatre steps. Stopping for an ice cream at the harbour at the end of the day makes the walk lighter.
What to do in Side for couples and at night?
For couples, the best order is: a hammam in the afternoon, the Temple of Apollo at sunset, and the harbour for dinner. If you want something livelier at night, the show in Belek is a suitable alternative. The old town of Side stays quiet in the evenings, so do not expect a long nightlife.
How to book a tour in Side?
Open the tour page on TurB2C, choose the date and complete the booking. Tours are operated by licensed local agencies in Türkiye. For tours that include transfers, you need to enter your hotel name and meeting details correctly during booking. Tour times and pick-up points may change, so check your confirmation message.
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Side in one day?
In the morning, the ancient city and theatre; in the afternoon, the beach or a hammam; at sunset, the Temple of Apollo; and in the evening, dinner at the harbour is a good order. 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 wet stone surfaces.
What to do in Side at night?
A harbour walk and dinner are the most common plans. For a livelier night, the Land of Legends show in Belek can be taken with a hotel transfer: Antalya / Alanya Land of Legends Night Show with Hotel Transfer.
Is Side suitable for families with children?
Yes. The beach, the ruins in open areas and short walks go well with children. Keep a close eye on small children on the theatre steps and during hot hours.
