Self-Guided Walking Tour of Antalya, Turkey (2025)

The Old City Marina (Kaleiçi Marina) was once the lifeblood of ancient Antalya, a bustling harbor where Roman and later Ottoman ships traded goods across the Mediterranean. Today, it’s a beautifully restored area filled with yachts, cafés, and restaurants. The marina’s semicircular layout and surrounding cliffs give it a picturesque charm that invites leisurely strolls and panoramic photos.

You can still see remnants of the ancient breakwater and stone steps where goods were once loaded onto ships. The harbor is also a great place to take a short boat trip, offering a new perspective on the city’s sea cliffs and turquoise waters. Whether you stop for coffee by the water or simply admire the view, the Old City Marina captures the essence of Antalya’s maritime soul.

The İskele Mosque is one of Antalya’s most peaceful and picturesque stops, perfectly situated along the steps leading down to the Old Harbor. Built in the late nineteenth century, this small stone mosque seems to rise naturally from the surrounding rocks and greenery. Its design is simple yet elegant, supported by four pillars built above a natural spring that flows directly beneath it—a rare architectural feature that gives the mosque a tranquil, almost floating quality. The soft sound of water mingles with the distant hum of the marina, creating a soothing contrast to the lively streets of Kaleiçi above.

As you make your way toward the harbor, the mosque comes into view nestled beside the gleaming yachts and turquoise water. It’s a quiet reminder that Antalya’s beauty lies not only in its grand Roman gates or Ottoman towers but also in its hidden corners of serenity. While it’s not among the city’s major monuments, the İskele Mosque is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Antalya, offering a moment of calm reflection before continuing your exploration of the Old Port and surrounding sights.

To reach the Republic Square you need to use the Kaleici Panoramic Elevator. 

From the square, you can look out over the cliffs to the sea, with the Old Town just a short walk away. Republic Square represents the modern face of Antalya—a lively contrast to the ancient ruins and Ottoman architecture of Kaleiçi. It’s the perfect final stop on your walking tour, linking the city’s deep history to its vibrant present.

The Yivli Minaret (Fluted Minaret) rises prominently above Antalya’s skyline, serving as both a landmark and a symbol of the city. Built in the early 13th century by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I, the minaret is part of the Yivli Minare Mosque Complex, which also includes medreses and tombs. Its fluted design, created by a series of eight vertical grooves in brick and turquoise tiles, gives it a distinctive silhouette visible from nearly anywhere in the Old Town.

Climbing the steps nearby brings you to panoramic views over Kaleiçi and the harbor. The Yivli Minaret marks a turning point in Antalya’s history—from a Roman and Byzantine city to a thriving Islamic and Seljuk center. It remains one of Turkey’s earliest examples of Islamic architecture and an essential stop for anyone tracing the city’s cultural layers.

The Tekeli Mehmet Paşa Mosque is one of Antalya’s most important Ottoman monuments, located just a short walk from the Clock Tower. Built in the 18th century, it’s dedicated to Mehmet Paşa, an influential Ottoman statesman. The mosque’s architecture features a large central dome supported by semi-domes and elegant calligraphy panels inscribed with verses from the Qur’an, all reflecting the artistry of its time.

Inside, the peaceful atmosphere contrasts beautifully with the busy streets outside. Delicate stained-glass windows allow filtered light to spill across the prayer hall, highlighting its intricate tilework and graceful arches. Visitors are welcome to view the mosque respectfully outside of prayer times, making it a serene pause on your walking tour through the city’s historic core.

Standing proudly at the edge of the Old Town, the Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi) is one of the most recognizable symbols of Antalya. Built in the late 19th century during Ottoman rule, the tower was part of the city’s defensive walls and once served as a watchtower before being fitted with its clock mechanism. Its square stone structure, topped with battlements, reflects a blend of practicality and elegance typical of Ottoman civic architecture.

Today, the Clock Tower anchors the lively Kale Kapısı area, surrounded by cafés, markets, and the hum of everyday life. From here, you can look toward the city’s bustling modern center on one side and the entrance to Kaleiçi on the other. As the bells chime, it’s easy to imagine the days when this tower marked time for traders, travelers, and residents navigating between the old harbor and the surrounding countryside.

Perched on the edge of Karaalioglu Park, Hıdırlık Tower is a mysterious stone structure dating from the 2nd century CE. Originally built by the Romans, it’s thought to have served as a watchtower, a lighthouse, or possibly even a mausoleum. Its round upper section sits atop a square base, a typical Roman design that has intrigued historians for generations.

From the tower’s vantage point, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea, Antalya’s harbor, and the surrounding cliffs. It’s a perfect place to pause on your walking tour and imagine ancient sailors navigating toward this beacon of stone. As the sun sets, Hıdırlık Tower becomes one of the most romantic and photogenic spots in the city.

Hadrian’s Gate, or Üçkapılar in Turkish, is one of Antalya’s most famous landmarks and a magnificent entry point into the Old Town. Built in 130 CE to commemorate the visit of Roman Emperor Hadrian, it’s the only remaining entrance from the ancient city walls that still stands today. The triple-arched gate, framed by Corinthian marble columns, once marked the grand entrance to Roman Antalya and continues to impress visitors with its elegant design and symmetry.

As you pass beneath the arches, look down at the original Roman paving stones worn smooth by centuries of footsteps. The intricate carvings and friezes above tell stories of imperial glory, and the contrast between the white marble and the surrounding sandstone city walls makes for a striking sight. It’s an ideal starting point for your walking tour, symbolizing the gateway between Antalya’s ancient and modern worlds.

The Kesik Minaret, or “Broken Minaret,” tells the layered story of Antalya’s religious and architectural evolution. Originally built as a Roman temple in the 2nd century CE, it was later converted into a Byzantine church dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul, and finally became a mosque under the Seljuks in the 13th century. A devastating fire in the 19th century left the minaret partially destroyed—hence its name.

Today, the ruins stand quietly among the narrow streets of Kaleiçi, symbolizing Antalya’s diverse cultural and religious history. The site is especially atmospheric at sunset, when the warm light catches the weathered stones and the call to prayer echoes through the Old Town. It’s a poignant reminder of the city’s resilience and constant transformation over two thousand years.

Set within a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion, the Suna & İnan Kıraç Kaleiçi Museum offers a glimpse into traditional Antalya life. The museum showcases Ottoman-era furnishings, clothing, and household items that tell the story of how locals once lived in Kaleiçi. Each room is arranged to reflect different aspects of daily life—from guest reception areas to kitchens and bedrooms—allowing visitors to step back in time.

The museum also includes a recreated Orthodox church on the same property, emphasizing Antalya’s multicultural past. Exhibits often explore themes of coexistence, craftsmanship, and architecture. For anyone interested in understanding the cultural heart of the Old Town beyond its monuments, this small but thoughtfully curated museum is a must-see.

Nestled just below the Old City Marina, Mermerli Beach is one of Antalya’s most charming hidden gems. This small, sheltered cove offers crystal-clear water, dramatic cliffs, and a peaceful spot to cool off after exploring the city. Access is through a restaurant of the same name, and the beach retains a quiet, local feel despite being steps away from the bustling marina.

The name “Mermerli” comes from the marble (mermer) that once adorned the nearby Roman harbor walls. Swimming here feels like taking a dip in living history, surrounded by ancient stone and Mediterranean sun. It’s the perfect end to a long walking tour, where you can relax and reflect on the beauty and history that define Antalya.

At the southern edge of Kaleiçi lies Karaalioglu Park, a lush green escape offering some of the most spectacular views in Antalya. As you enter, palm-lined paths lead toward dramatic sea cliffs that drop sharply into the deep blue Mediterranean. The park is dotted with statues, flower gardens, and shaded benches, making it a favorite local retreat.

From here, you can spot Hıdırlık Tower standing guard over the coastline and watch boats gliding in and out of the harbor far below. The sound of waves crashing against the rocks adds a natural rhythm to your walk, and the area is particularly beautiful at sunset. Karaalioglu Park is where the city’s urban energy meets the serenity of nature.