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Planning a trip to Side? Compare 2 tours and activities from licensed local guides, read genuine reviews and book online in minutes. Prices start from €25 per person.
Side is a small resort town on Türkiye's Mediterranean coast, and it is one of the few places in the country where a Roman theatre, a temple of Apollo and a sandy beach sit within a short walk of each other. It suits travellers who want history and sea in the same day, couples and families who like an easy base with plenty of restaurants, and anyone curious about the country's bathing traditions. If you are planning things to do in Side, the old town is compact enough to explore on foot, which sets it apart from larger coastal resorts.
Most visitors base themselves in or near the old town, where the ancient ruins, the harbour and the main shopping streets are. The newer hotel zones stretch along the coast and have long, sandy beaches. Side works well for a few days of sightseeing, a relaxed beach holiday, or a combination of both, with easy day trips inland and along the coast.
The hamam is the most distinctive experience in town, and our Side Turkish Hamam with Kese Peeling, Foam Massage and Transfer tour (/tour/side-turkish-hamam-with-kese-peeling-foam-massage-and-transfer-107) takes about 1.5 hours from start to finish. You wash and relax in warm marble chambers, then a kese (a coarse mitt) removes dead skin, and a foam massage follows. It is a social, slow ritual rather than a spa treatment in the Western sense. Book a session in the late morning or afternoon so you are not rushing afterwards. For a full introduction, read our Side Turkish Bath guide.
The Roman theatre at the eastern end of the old town is one of the largest ancient structures in the area and dates back to the Roman period. Its tiers of stone seating look out over the sea, and the stage area still shows the layout of the performance space. Go early in the morning or in the late afternoon, when the light is softer and the site is less crowded. Plan on at least an hour, and bring water and a hat, as there is little shade.
Near the harbour, the columns of the Temple of Apollo stand as a landmark of the old town. The site is small, so it works well as a quick stop between the theatre and the harbour. The columns look particularly good in the golden hour before sunset, and the small sculptures and inscriptions nearby are worth a look if you enjoy quiet detail rather than grand monuments.
The museum occupies a building that was part of the ancient bath complex, and its collection covers sculpture, coins, everyday objects and statues from the surrounding ancient city. It is a good indoor option on a hot afternoon, and it gives useful context before you walk the ruins. Check the current opening hours before you go, as they can change between seasons.
The Manavgat Waterfall is a short drive from Side and is one of the most visited natural sights in the region. The falls are fed by the river and are at their most impressive in spring and early summer, when water levels are higher. Expect a busy site on weekends and in peak season. Wear comfortable shoes, as the paths can be slippery near the water, and allow a couple of hours for the visit and a stop for lunch nearby.
Aspendos is a well-preserved Roman theatre that many visitors consider the highlight of a day trip from the coast. It is a longer journey from Side, so it works best as a full-day excursion. Our guide to day trips from Side explains how to combine it with other stops. Go in the morning, when it is cooler, and wear sun protection, as the site is largely open.
The harbour is the social centre of Side in the evening. Boats moor along the quay, and the restaurants and cafés fill up after sunset. Walk through the narrow streets of the old town during the day to see the ancient masonry built into shops and houses. Eat at a place with a view of the water, and remember that prices in the most central spots are higher than in the side streets.
Side has long stretches of sand and shallow water, which makes it suitable for families and for swimmers who prefer calm sea. The main beaches are within walking distance of most hotels, and many have sunbed rentals. Arrive before 10 a.m. for a good spot in summer, and bring reef shoes if you plan to walk out over the rocks at the edges.
Beyond the hamam, Side has a wide range of boat trips, cultural tours and inland excursions. Our overview of tours and excursions in Side and the Side tours guide cover what is typically offered and how to choose. Check each tour's inclusions, meeting point and duration before booking, since these differ from one operator to another.
Spring, from April to early June, is widely considered the best season. Temperatures are pleasant for walking the ruins, the sea is warming up, and the crowds are smaller than in summer. Autumn, from September to October, offers similar weather and a relaxed atmosphere, although the sea is still warm in early autumn.
Summer, from July to August, is hot and busy, with strong sun and peak prices for hotels. If you visit in these months, plan sightseeing for early morning and late afternoon, and spend the middle of the day at the beach, at the hamam or in a museum. Winter is mild by northern European standards but quiet, and some seasonal businesses close. For a month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds and activities, see our best time to visit Side guide.
Antalya Airport (AYT) is the main gateway to Side and is about 1 hour away by road. Most visitors take a transfer from the airport, and you can book a private airport transfer through our airport transfer service. If you are planning a trip to Alanya as well, our article on how far Alanya is from Side explains distances and route options.
Within Side, the old town and harbour are best explored on foot. Taxis and dolmuş minibuses connect the resort areas, and day trips to nearby sights are usually arranged through tour operators or hotels.
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