Best Things to Do in Side, Turkey (2025)

The Temple of Apollo stands proudly at the edge of Side’s old harbor, its marble columns gleaming under the Mediterranean sun. Built in the 2nd century CE, this ancient sanctuary dedicated to Apollo — the god of light and prophecy — was once the heart of Side’s spiritual life. The temple’s setting is one of the most beautiful in Turkey, perched dramatically beside the sea, offering views that stretch across the coastline.

Visiting at sunset is a must. As the light fades, the ruins glow golden and the sea shimmers in the background — a perfect moment for photographers and romantics alike. Couples gather to watch the sun sink behind the horizon, while street performers and vendors bring a lively atmosphere. It’s truly one of the must-see places in Side, blending natural beauty with timeless history.

Side’s Roman Theatre is one of the largest and best-preserved in Asia Minor, capable of seating around 15,000 spectators. Built in the 2nd century CE, it hosted dramatic performances, concerts, and gladiatorial games. Its towering arches, stone tiers, and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape reveal the grandeur of Roman architecture at its finest.

Climbing to the top offers a stunning view over the old town and the turquoise sea beyond. The site is often included in walking tours of Side, allowing visitors to explore its history alongside nearby ruins. The acoustics are still impressive — stand at the center of the stage and your voice carries clearly through the vast amphitheater, a haunting echo of ancient applause.

Stretching from the city’s monumental gate to the ancient forum, the Colonnaded Street once formed the bustling heart of Side. Its marble columns, stone-paved road, and remnants of shops and fountains hint at a city that once thrived with trade and conversation. Walking along this ancient boulevard gives visitors a true sense of Side’s grandeur.

Today, the street is one of the top sights in Side and a great place to visit on a walking tour of Side. The blend of ruins, scattered statues, and sunlit columns make it ideal for photography, especially in the early morning. Take your time to admire the architectural details, and imagine merchants calling out their wares as chariots rolled down the same path two thousand years ago.

Housed in a beautifully restored Roman bathhouse, the Museum of Side offers an intimate and fascinating look at the region’s archaeological treasures. Its courtyards and stone chambers are filled with ancient sculptures, inscriptions, coins, and mosaics — each telling part of Side’s story from the Hellenistic to the Byzantine period.

The museum’s atmosphere feels more like stepping into history than visiting a modern exhibit. Highlights include statues of Apollo, Aphrodite, and Roman emperors, alongside sarcophagi adorned with intricate carvings. It’s a peaceful retreat from the heat of the day, and one of the best things to do in Side for anyone wanting to connect deeply with its past.

The Vespasian Monumental Gate forms a grand entryway into Side’s ancient city, a triumphal arch built to honor Emperor Vespasian in the 1st century CE. Standing at the junction between the city walls and the Colonnaded Street, the gate once marked the ceremonial entrance to the city. Passing beneath its arch feels like stepping into another era, where Roman power and architectural precision meet.

Visitors can admire the gate’s limestone structure and the decorative details that survive after centuries of weathering. The arch’s location provides one of the most striking photo opportunities in Side, especially when viewed against the backdrop of the nearby Nymphaeum. It’s one of the top attractions in Side and a perfect place to begin your exploration of the ancient ruins.

Encircling the old town, Side’s Ancient City Walls stand as a testament to the city’s strategic importance. Built during the Hellenistic period and strengthened under Roman and Byzantine rule, they once protected the city from pirates and invading forces. Today, they mark the transition between the modern town and the ancient world.

Strolling alongside the weathered stone walls gives you a vivid sense of Side’s scale and endurance. The main gate, towers, and defensive ramparts are particularly well preserved, and the path along the walls offers views of both the ruins and the surrounding countryside. It’s one of the best places to see in Side for anyone interested in the military history of the ancient world.

The Nymphaeum of Side is one of the city’s most impressive ancient monuments, standing proudly near the main entrance gate. Built during the 2nd century CE, this grand Roman fountain once greeted visitors with cascades of flowing water and ornate marble carvings. Dedicated to the nymphs of springs and rivers, it symbolized abundance and beauty — a fitting welcome to one of the Mediterranean’s most prosperous cities. Its multi-tiered façade, framed by Corinthian columns and statues, would have shimmered in the sunlight as water poured from intricate spouts into a large basin below.

Today, though the water no longer flows, the structure remains breathtaking. The scale and artistry of the Nymphaeum make it one of the top sights in Side for history lovers and photographers alike. Standing before its towering arches, you can still imagine the lively sounds of Roman citizens gathering here, cooling off after their journey into the city. This spot is one of the best places to see in Side and a highlight of any walking tour of Side, especially when paired with the nearby Vespasian Monumental Gate and Colonnaded Street.

Tucked within the archaeological zone, the Byzantine Hospital is a lesser-known but fascinating site that reveals another chapter of Side’s long history. Dating from the 5th or 6th century CE, it offers a glimpse into early Christian-era healthcare and community life. The complex, believed to have included treatment rooms, a chapel, and accommodation for caretakers, was once a place of compassion and healing for the sick and weary travelers. Its walls, built from local stone, still outline the structure’s layout and give visitors a sense of its original purpose.

Exploring the ruins feels like uncovering one of the quieter stories of ancient Side — not one of power or conquest, but of humanity and care. The surrounding area is peaceful, often shaded by trees and less crowded than the main attractions, making it ideal for those who enjoy history at a slower pace. It’s a great place to visit on a walking tour of Side, connecting the city’s grand Roman past with its Byzantine legacy. For travelers who love discovering hidden corners rich with meaning, the Byzantine Hospital is a truly rewarding stop.

The Commercial Agora is one of the best places to see in Side, Turkey, offering a vivid glimpse into the city’s vibrant Roman past. Once the bustling hub of trade and daily life, this vast square was surrounded by colonnades and filled with shops selling goods brought in from across the Mediterranean. In the center stood the circular Temple of Tyche, dedicated to the goddess of fortune, reminding merchants that prosperity was as much a matter of luck as skill. Walking through the sunlit ruins, you can almost hear the echoes of traders calling out prices and the rhythmic footsteps of citizens moving between stalls.

Today, the Commercial Agora remains one of the top sights in Side for those who love history and archaeology. Its open layout and proximity to the Roman Theatre make it a great place to visit on a walking tour of Side, allowing visitors to easily imagine the city’s thriving ancient economy. The blend of architectural detail, mythological symbolism, and everyday life gives this site a uniquely human dimension — where business, faith, and community once intertwined beneath the same Mediterranean sky.

Side’s coastline stretches for kilometers, offering sandy shores and crystal-clear water perfect for swimming and sunbathing. East Beach is known for its calm atmosphere, ideal for families and those looking for a peaceful escape. West Beach, closer to the old town, buzzes with beach clubs, cafes, and water sports.

Both beaches are within walking distance of the historic center, making it easy to combine sightseeing with seaside relaxation. Rent a sun lounger, try parasailing, or simply unwind with a cold drink as waves lap gently at your feet. The golden sunsets here are as unforgettable as Side’s ancient monuments.