Going2Turkey Antalya ancient-sites guide

Side Ancient City Guide

Walk through a Roman port city beside the Mediterranean: ancient theatre, agora, colonnaded streets, Side Museum and the Temple of Apollo at the end of the peninsula.

Plan your visit Tour option

Photo: Exocetus / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.

Start here

Side is one of Antalya's easiest places to combine archaeology, old-town atmosphere and the sea.

Side Ancient City sits on a narrow peninsula in the Manavgat district. Official Turkish cultural information describes Side as one of ancient Pamphylia's most important port cities.

The experience is unusual because ancient remains and modern Side share the same peninsula. You can move from Roman streets and the monumental theatre toward cafes, the harbour and finally the Temple of Apollo beside the Mediterranean.

Allow around three to four hours for a good first visit. Add extra time if you want Side Museum, a meal or sunset at the Temple of Apollo.

What to see

Four Side highlights that explain the ancient city.

Main monument

Side Ancient Theatre

The current Turkish Museums page calls the theatre the most valuable jewel of Side. Its Roman engineering is especially interesting because much of the seating structure rises on arches and vaults rather than relying only on a natural hillside.

Sea landmark

Temple of Apollo

The surviving columns stand near the ancient harbour at the tip of the peninsula. Official Ministry material highlights the temple as one of Side's signature sights, especially in late light.

City plan

Agora and colonnaded streets

Walk the ancient streets rather than jumping straight from theatre to temple. The agora, monumental routes and public-building remains help you understand Side as a functioning port city.

Museum

Side Museum

The museum occupies a restored Roman bath building and displays sculpture and finds from Side excavations. It is a useful addition if you want the objects that once belonged to the ruined city around you.

Why Side matters

A major Pamphylian port with layers from antiquity to the modern town.

Early settlement

Side developed on the peninsula

Turkish cultural authorities describe Side as an important settlement by the 7th century BCE, later passing through Lydian, Persian and Hellenistic control.

Roman period

The city's most monumental phase

Side prospered strongly in the Roman era. The theatre, public streets, baths, agora and harbour-side temples are the clearest remains of this period for visitors today.

Late antiquity

An important Christian centre

Side later became an important Christian city and the metropolitan centre of eastern Pamphylia, adding another layer to the peninsula's long urban history.

Modern Side

Ancient ruins inside a living destination

In the early 20th century, Cretan migrants established Selimiye village over and around the ancient remains. Modern Side grew from this settlement, creating today's unusual mix of archaeology and resort town.

Visitor information · updated September 2026

Current official Side Ancient City visitor information.

The Turkish Museums website currently lists Side Archaeological Site open every day from 08:00 to 18:45.

The same official page also lists night museum hours from 19:00 to 22:00, with the ticket office closing at 21:30. Night arrangements can change, so check the live listing for your exact date.

Side Museum is a separate stop. Its official page currently lists 08:30–21:00 daily. This guide does not list foreign visitor ticket prices because live prices can change.

Check official Side site information →Check Side Museum information →

Go earlier for archaeologyThe Roman streets and open ruins are exposed to sun. Morning is easier in hot weather.

Save Apollo for later lightThe sea-facing temple is especially photogenic in late afternoon and around sunset.

Wear walking shoesYou will move between ancient paving, uneven stone and modern pedestrian streets.

Check night access liveOfficial night-museum programmes can change by season, event or conservation needs.

Simple route

A practical first walk through Side.

1 · Start

Ancient gate and main ruins

Begin at the archaeological entrance side of the peninsula and follow the monumental remains toward the centre rather than starting at the harbour.

2 · Main stop

Theatre + museum area

Give the theatre proper time, then add Side Museum if sculpture and excavated objects interest you.

3 · Finish

Old Side + Temple of Apollo

Continue through the living old town to the harbour-side temple area. This order works especially well if you want the Temple of Apollo near sunset.

Independent or guided?

Side is easy independently; a tour mainly solves the transport between several ancient sites.

Independent

Best if Side is your main destination

Go independently if you want several hours in Side, want to stay for sunset, or plan to combine archaeology with lunch and the harbour without a fixed departure time.

Relevant guided option

Perge + Aspendos + Side day tour

This GetYourGuide option specifically includes Perge, Aspendos, Side and Manavgat Waterfall. Entry-fee inclusions vary by booking option, so read the live details before paying.

Check Side ancient-sites tour

Affiliate link. Going2Turkey may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby guides

Continue your Antalya route.

Roman theatre

Aspendos Theatre

The easiest major ancient-site pairing west of Side.

Ancient city

Perge Ancient City

A larger city-layout experience with baths, stadium and colonnaded streets.

Central Antalya

Kaleici Old Town

Return to Antalya for Hadrian's Gate, old streets and the harbour.

Travel guide

Antalya Guide

Compare attractions, tours and activities for the rest of your stay.

FAQ

Side Ancient City planning questions

Is Side Ancient City worth visiting?

Yes. Side combines a major Roman theatre, colonnaded streets, agora remains and the Temple of Apollo with a living Mediterranean old town, making it one of the easiest archaeological sites to combine with a coastal walk.

How long do I need at Side Ancient City?

Allow around three to four hours for the main archaeological route, theatre, Temple of Apollo and a relaxed walk through old Side. Add more time if you also want Side Museum or a meal by the harbour.

What are the current Side Ancient City opening hours?

As reviewed in September 2026, the official Turkish Museums page lists 08:00–18:45 daily and also lists night museum hours from 19:00–22:00. Check the live official page before travel because schedules can change.

Is Side Museum included with Side Ancient City?

Treat Side Museum as a separate visitor stop with its own official hours and ticket arrangements. The museum is housed in a restored Roman bath and displays finds from excavations at Side.

What is the best time to see the Temple of Apollo?

Late afternoon and sunset are popular because the surviving columns stand beside the Mediterranean. Arrive earlier if you also want the theatre and wider archaeological route before the evening light.

Should I visit Side independently or on a tour?

Independent visiting works well if you have transport and want more time in Side. A guided tour is useful if you want to combine Side with Perge and Aspendos in one day without arranging transfers yourself.

Continue Antalya

Next attraction guide.

Next attraction