What to do and see in Side, Turkish Mediterranean Coast: The Best Things to do
Approximately 60 miles east of Antalya lies Side, another once important port town in antiquity. Side has become a popular holiday destination all by itself, but is well worth a day trip from Antalya. The village offers picturesque, narrow streets and lovely gardens while the long, white beaches invite swimming. Imposing monuments of antiquity, such as the Roman bath and the columns of the Apollo temple by the sea, complete the picture of a perfect combination of modern-day vacation pleasure and the treasures of history.
Restaurants in Side
1. Side Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,266 reviews
Reviewed By Marianchetotosheva - Sofia, Bulgaria
A very nice museum, with a beautiful garden, which also has interesting exhibits, you can admire the sea.
2. Temple of Apollo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,998 reviews
Reviewed By GaryMWar - Southport, United Kingdom
Nice walk round Side Town leads you to this, The Temple of Apollo, this is open and free to take a look around and is great to see, local bars nearby and shops, well worth a visit
3. Greek Amphitheater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,210 reviews
Reviewed By mammakate2016 - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Absolutely stunning, breathtaking, to stand in this and imagine what it was like all those years ago is amazin, didnt get to watch a show as itcwas daytime and we were just taking in the sights, well worth a visit x
4. Monumental Fountain (Nymphaeum)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 505 reviews
Reviewed By KatharineReviews - Newbury, United Kingdom
This is one of the nearest ancient city parts to the parking and public transport area but, along with the Apollo temple and the amphitheatre, one of the most stunning. Great to think how it may have worked when fully functioning but some noticeboards also give guidance. A must-see for any visitor to Side.
5. Tyche Tapinagi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
Reviewed By pinkpanda409 - Manchester, United Kingdom
So atmospheric, I was shocked at how vast this historic site was and that you are walking on, around and in such history, simply amazing!
6. Vespasianus Aniti
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 202 reviews
Reviewed By Lane-English - Huddersfield, United Kingdom
The archway that is a beacon for tourists trying to get an amazing photo is on a busy road. There is a pathway to the side that is wide enough to allow people to take photos whilst other walk past. The archway itself has obviously been altered to look the way it does and in my opinion is probably to strengthen the site and to avoid accidental damage caused by motorist. Still, it is rather beautiful and worthy of a visit. Whilst waiting your turn to get a photo here (it does get busy but doesn't seem to have impatient people pushing in if the see you waiting) it is thoroughly entertaining watching the vehicles creating gridlock and beeping horns as it's every driver for themselves to get through the archway. The bonus of this place is that it is free to visit and the amphitheatre is literally next to it. The whole area by this is a mixture of building and ruins that are mostly free to visit.
7. Side Antik Kenti
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 279 reviews
Reviewed By FlippertyG - Carlisle, United Kingdom
Side old town is peppered with ancient ruins and monuments. As soon as you disembark from the dolmus at the bus station you will find history in front of you The ancient city, is very much still visible. You can take the main road to the left and walk along the colonnaded streets to the ampitheatre, or take a detour among the fields around the bus station and explore the ancient houses, hospitals, churches. You can spend all day here just wandering from ruin to ruin. The stones are a haven for lizards who bask in the sun, and the birdlife is amazing too. The paved streets of the ancient romans are still in tact, and many of the old pillars still stand along the sides of the streets. The ampitheatre is a must see, and as you head down the peninsula to the see you will find the beautiful temple of apollo- a great place to see the sun set. Interspersed with the ancient ruins are modern souvenir stalls and cafes, so you can spend all day here at your leisure and even take a dip in the sea, soak up the sun or visit the harbour. Beautiful place to visit
