Museum of Side

Museum in Side

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Dosseman

The Museum of Side is a hidden gem for anyone fascinated by ancient history and archaeology. Set within a restored Roman bathhouse just a short walk from the Roman Theatre, the museum holds an impressive collection of artifacts excavated from Side and the surrounding region. From marble statues and inscriptions to delicate mosaics, the museum offers a fascinating window into the city's golden age. This spot is one of the best places to see in Side and a highlight of any walking tour of Side, blending cultural depth with seaside charm.

Unlike many large institutions, the Museum of Side feels intimate and authentic. Its open-air courtyards and stone chambers create an evocative setting, where history feels close enough to touch. The combination of ancient architecture and carefully curated exhibits makes it one of the top attractions in Side, ideal for travelers who want to understand the stories behind the ruins scattered across the town.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
Nearby Attractions
Practical Tips
How to Get There
Is the Museum of Side Worth Visiting?

History and Significance

The museum was established in the mid-20th century within the remains of a 2nd-century Roman bath complex. The structure itself is part of the exhibit, with high vaulted ceilings, marble floors, and remnants of heating systems once used by Roman citizens. The artifacts on display come from archaeological excavations carried out in Side, Perge, and nearby ancient cities. Highlights include statues of Apollo, Aphrodite, and Roman emperors, as well as sarcophagi, coins, and reliefs that trace the evolution of Side from a Greek colony to a Roman metropolis.

Things to See and Do

Stroll through the museum's main halls and open-air courtyards, where statues of gods and heroes stand among olive trees and ancient columns. Don't miss the intricately carved sarcophagi, mosaics depicting mythological scenes, and the collection of Roman glassware. The museum's setting within the ancient bathhouse adds another layer of history, offering insight into Roman daily life and architectural innovation. It's a great place to visit on a walking tour of Side, especially if you've already explored the nearby ruins and want to see the treasures discovered there.

Nearby Attractions

Roman Theatre - Just steps away, one of the largest and best-preserved in Asia Minor.
Temple of Apollo - Iconic seaside ruins perfect for sunset views.
Nymphaeum - The monumental fountain that greeted visitors entering ancient Side.
Ancient City Walls - Forming part of the museum's original outer defenses.
Vespasian Monumental Gate - A grand triumphal arch marking the city's entrance.
Colonnaded Street - The ancient main road leading from the gate through the city.

Practical Tips

Best time to visit: Morning or early afternoon to enjoy quiet exploration
Entrance fee in Euros: Around €2-€3
Opening hours: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm (hours may vary by season)
How long to spend: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Accessibility: Some uneven flooring due to the ancient structure
Facilities: Restrooms and shaded seating areas
Photography tip: Capture the marble statues in natural light filtering through the bathhouse arches
Guided tours: Available at the entrance or through local tour agencies
Nearby food options: Cafes and restaurants in the nearby old town and harbor area

How to Get There

The Museum of Side is located near the Roman Theatre in the old town, easily accessible on foot from anywhere in central Side. From Antalya, it's about an hour's drive along the coastal highway, or you can take a bus to Manavgat and a short dolmuş or taxi ride into Side. The museum is clearly signposted within the archaeological zone.

Is the Museum of Side Worth Visiting?

Definitely. The Museum of Side is one of the must-see places in Side for anyone curious about the region's ancient heritage. Its location inside a Roman bathhouse, combined with a remarkable collection of artifacts, creates a museum experience that feels both immersive and authentic. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a casual traveler, it's a captivating stop that enriches your understanding of this ancient seaside city.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (2,234)

Side Museum is a small, nicely presented museum housed in an ancient building that displays relics and sculpture from nearby excavations, with an open-air, sculpture-garden feel overlooking the sea and seating to relax while you view carved stones and fragments. Inside the old Roman bath are cases of smaller finds — coins, metal and clay artifacts, statues and an impressive marble façade section — with information panels in Turkish and English (including a panel about the Side alphabet). The site is often visited together with the adjacent archaeological area (colonnaded streets, agora and ruins) on a single ticket; there's a small shop/café with a terrace and helpful staff, and the whole visit typically takes around an hour.

Pete Radcliff

a month ago

"Joint ticket for museum and archeological site ~ 10€ definitely worth it. Exciting to be on a working site and it wasn’t too difficult to see theirstrategy for restoration. We didn’t have a guided tour but I guess there is a lot of interesting information being revealed about Side’s history..."

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Miranda Coull

a month ago

"Do not put off going here because it's called a 'museum', and, stereotypically, museums are indoor places with artifacts in glass cases. Mostly, thisis a wonderful kind of sculpture garden, overlooking the sea, with plenty of benches and seating areas to sit and relax in the sun (or shade) while you admire the precious carvings and artifacts taken from the various local archaeological sites, to be preserved and protected. Inside the old Roman bath building, there is a collection of smaller items: coins, metal and clay artifacts, (in glass cabinets!) plus statues and a very impressive section of a marble facade. Information about artifacts was given in Turkish and English language - I didn't notice if there were other languages. There was also fascinating panelling on the wall between the cafe and the toilets about the old Side language, including the Side alphabet. There is a lovely little shop/cafe for refreshments, with a terrace overlooking the promenade and the sea. Didem, who works there, was very knowledgeable and helpful, and helped me identify various characters depicted in statues, carvings and coins. A brilliant little exhibition!..."

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Iqbal Mxd

a month ago

"This is a small and partly open-air museum in the Side ruins, included in the ticket with the theatre and forum. Ticket is free for children and €10for adults. It’s well worth €10 if the theatre is open. The theatre is currently closed (2025) so you get less for your money buy in my opinion, it’s still worth buying for the museum and forum. The museum is a lovely, ambient place with very nice exhibits from Side. It has a nice gift shop (where you can and should haggle, despite being listed price). The museum will take you about an hour at most to get through...."

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The Museum of Side appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Side!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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