Very nice ruins, lots of history, and if your lucky archaeologists will be doing live digs in the area

I enjoyed photographing and exploring the ancient architecture

Treasure trove of history ! It was quiet and not busy, definitely worth a visit for all those that love going back in time. A chance to take some amazing photos too!

Renovation/preservation work in progress by the looks of it. But impressive as it is.

Nothing to see here.

But its not men temple it is demether’s temple

(Translated by Google) Everything was perfect when I visited Men Temple! The beautiful architecture and tranquil atmosphere made me feel at peace. I also appreciated how friendly and helpful the staff was. I definitely want to visit again. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (Original) Men Tapınağı'na gittiğimde her şey mükemmeldi! Harika mimarisi ve sakin atmosferiyle kendimi huzurlu hissettim. Personelin güleryüzlü ve yardımsever olması da ayrıca hoşuma gitti. Kesinlikle tekrar ziyaret etmek istiyorum. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Worth a visit, we enjoyed walking across and the views of the river are cool. Definitely a local hangout so more trash than you want to see.

Lovely restored old arched bridge, its quite unique as its dog legged and not straight over the river. They have done a great job of the restoration. It's just a shame that there is so much rubbish, glass and plastic bottles on the floor, it need tidy. Also some one has been lighting fires on the bridge and around the bridge which is a mess. Place needs looking after.

Interesting bridge. Especially because it's not straight

Beautiful functioning Bridge. Great views and not crowded with tourists. Worth a stop to just take some photos and soak in the view.

Good histroic site, you should make a 5 min stop while on your way to Aspendos Ancient Ruins. However there isnt much axplanation, but a really nice view nevertheless

Very serene and calm watched the locals fishing with a rod and conical net 🤔

Beautiful bridge with amazing views of the river. Unfortunately it was raining when we got there so couldn’t spend much time there.

Aspendos Theatre is absolutely stunning! The architecture and preservation of the theatre make it one of the most beautiful historical sites I’ve visited. You can really feel the history when standing inside—it’s amazing to imagine the performances that took place here centuries ago. That said, it is quite far from Antalya city, and getting here isn’t the easiest. Taxis are hard to find, especially for the return trip, so I’d recommend arranging transport in advance or coming with a tour group. Overall, a must-visit if you love history and ancient sites—just plan your transportation well!

One, if not THE, best preserved ancient roman theatre in the world. Funny enough, it was thanks to the Ottoman using part as a caravansarail. The acoustics are incredible. The level of details of the marble carving just let you wonder how magnificent it must have been when just completed and fully made of shiny marble.

22/12/2024 I visited the Aspendos Theatre, and it was a truly breathtaking experience. As I walked through the ancient ruins, I couldn't help but think of the iconic song 'Tu Jaane Na' from the Bollywood movie Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani. The theatre's stunning architecture and rich history transported me to a bygone era, and I felt a deep connection to the ancient culture of Aspendos. It was a truly unforgettable experience, and I felt grateful to have had the chance to witness the grandeur of this ancient wonder.

It is an entire site not just the theatre, but while the theatere is magnificently preserved, the rest is dust and poorly maintained/exposed ruins. I deducted one star for the poor conditions on the rest of the site. Be aware of disrespectful tourists that have only purpose, to Braga about being photographed there and annoy the other visitors.

An amazing theater in a great shapes after 2 millenia. It was constructed in Roman era in 1st century CE. There are still many marble seats. The acoustics are impressive. Go and sing out loudly. It is about an hour drive from Antalya.

Lol Greco-roman theater still used today while being restored. Spend 30-60 minutes exploring. There are huge segments of a viaduct standing nearby. 5-10 minutes drive from theatre.

i was here for the show "Fires of Anatolia", which was very entertaining, from which the drum performance impressed me the most. the ancient theatre (not amphitheater!) adds the unforgettable atmosphere, you feel the history, you get the greatest sound possible and there is no issue of having a sticking out head in front of you. careful while climbing up and down: millions of feet through the history of this place make stones slippery, especially the lower levels. however, take your time and effort to go to the top to enjoy the colonnade geometry and the theatre view. if you come to watch a show, i recommend to take something soft to sit on: big folded towel would do, or a thick hoodie. otherwise sitting for more than 1 hour on the bare stones is not really nice :)

Beautiful clean ottoman mosque .. went for Juma must go early

Jummah khutbah starts at 1pm Jummah Salah starts at 1.10pm 7min walk from Granada Luxury Belek resort Shuttle service available from the resort which departs at 12.45pm (2 mins drive by shuttle service) Also has 5 daily Salah

Realy beutifull inside

Nice place to get cheap stuff

Went to the market and belek mosque. Lovely place.

Small but lovely mosque. In Belek centre so very easy to get to. Taxi base next door so easy to get a cab back too.

All the necessary amenities, separate section for ladies, amazing calligraphy

Great experience. Was £36 each 6/9/25. Cable carts hold roughly 30 people. You can spend along as you want at the top. Mosque was closed, expo space was closed. Parking free at bottom. Nice road to the cable cart. Had fun racing up and down. Be careful as no barriers and if you go off you're probably dead.

Taking the Olympos Teleferik sounded exciting, but unfortunately, the weather wasn’t on our side. When we reached the top, everything was covered in thick fog we could barely see anything! It was a bit disappointing, especially since the ticket is quite pricey. If you plan to visit, definitely check the weather forecast beforehand. On a clear day, the view must be absolutely stunning, but in foggy conditions, you miss out on what makes the trip special. Most of the other activities at the top were also closed because of the weather. All in all, it was still an experience, but I wouldn’t go again. Once is enough and next time, I’d make sure to visit on a sunny day!

Excellent cable car ride. We didn’t have long to explore at the top though before we had to go sadly as we were accosted by the photographers who said there was no obligation to buy. We said no thank you numerous times and then gave in because they wouldn’t leave us alone. After having photos done in an out of bounds section at the top, the photographer took us to show us the photos. Even just one photo was 17 Euros alone so we declined even though they were very good. Despite not being obligated to buy, the photographer was not happy with us and pulled his face at us which I felt was rude. The gift shop was a little expensive but very good. The coffee shop was good value but staff were a little ignorant, looking me up and down. I enjoyed the cable car ride down. Recommended just to see the views alone.

Great place, beautiful views. Suitable for kids, gets crowded after a while but still very much worth it. Better to get the tickets online rather than local guides as it's cheaper.

To get to the lift there is a 20 min car journey from the road. The cable car is large and takes about 30 people. The height covered is so big that my es ached from the pressire changes. The view st the top was amazing. Take a jacket as it is cold. The building is spacious and the food adequate.

We went there with a rented car. Car broke down 800m from destination. Staff were very helpfull and found a man thats had jump leads to start the car and helped with this regard. Great views, and surprisingly cheaper prices on top of the mountain than at the bottom.

Great view - really nice excursion. However, the price tag is a bit high. We paid a bit below 200 € for 3 adults and two kids. The view is fantastic. Combine it with Paragliding and it is really worth it 👍.

Great view of snowy hill on the side of sea, foggy weather prevented view of the open sea but it was good to get a few glimpse, it’s on the mind as unable to capture from the lens

Incredible scenery, you can almost see forever. Weather is cool, calm and comfortable today. Worth the money!

Gorgeous mountain with great infrastructure. Loved the experience - visited on the sunset tour and it was trully worth going there for the sunset. The colours are stunning. It is jot as crowded. There is a jumping rope there - quite fun thing to try. Wear something worm - it is a lot colder at this altitude, especially in the evening. On the top you have a coffee shop and restaurant. Nice place to warm up.

Very beautiful place, really nice view from the top of the mountain 👍👍

iIncredible and mind-blowing! The teleferik is awesome for going up and down. The view from the top is divine. Onex tur - you are on top!

4 km cable car. €32 pp. Expensive gift shop and the cafe.

Even on the hottest day, it's comfortable and cool here.Turkey's most beautiful beaches can be seen from this mountain. From a height of 2,375 meters, you will see beautiful cities, beaches and greenhouses in Turkey. Our children really enjoyed going uphill and flying from the mountain to the beach with paragliding. We're going to go back to fly.

Great view of snowy hill on the side of sea, foggy weather prevented view of the open sea but it was good to get a few glimpse, it’s on the mind as unable to capture from the lens

Incredible scenery, you can almost see forever. Weather is cool, calm and comfortable today. Worth the money!

Gorgeous mountain with great infrastructure. Loved the experience - visited on the sunset tour and it was trully worth going there for the sunset. The colours are stunning. It is jot as crowded. There is a jumping rope there - quite fun thing to try. Wear something worm - it is a lot colder at this altitude, especially in the evening. On the top you have a coffee shop and restaurant. Nice place to warm up.

Very beautiful place, really nice view from the top of the mountain 👍👍

iIncredible and mind-blowing! The teleferik is awesome for going up and down. The view from the top is divine. Onex tur - you are on top!

4 km cable car. €32 pp. Expensive gift shop and the cafe.

Even on the hottest day, it's comfortable and cool here.Turkey's most beautiful beaches can be seen from this mountain. From a height of 2,375 meters, you will see beautiful cities, beaches and greenhouses in Turkey. Our children really enjoyed going uphill and flying from the mountain to the beach with paragliding. We're going to go back to fly.

We visited with our 3-year-old son. I had read the negative reviews beforehand but didn’t take them seriously. Don’t make the same mistake! The park is ridiculously expensive. You can see everything in 2 hours, and it costs €25 per adult. For that price, you get to see a few dinosaurs that are somewhat run-down, with seating for children that is almost falling apart, and distressed animals that are clearly not well. Besides the absolutely terrible prices: • 10 minutes of electric car: 100 Lira • 10 minutes of digging: 150 Lira • 2 ice creams: 400 Lira The playground equipment is just rundown and dangerous. While the water in the pool was clean, there was a lot of dirt on the bottom, and the stones were extremely slippery. We will definitely never come back!!! For the money, it’s better to enjoy a nice meal and let the children play in a playground.

Went here for lunch as part of a tour, I can see in the summer this place would be a lot of fun for kids as several parts were closed up such as a small water park and some rides.

*WARNING* We took our son here as a break from our all inclusive. We stupidly didn't check the reviews first and can confirm much of the other reviews. There’s no ticket prices on their website and probably just make it up as they go. The place cost us €75 to enter with two adults and a 4 year old. We actually turned around and got back in the taxi but our 4 year old was distraught about leaving so decided to take the steep leap! We were met by a photographer who wanted to take a family photo and really wouldn’t take no for an answer. We didn't partake. We walked the dinosaur trail in about 45min. Most of the dinos are animatronic and pretty rundown and in disrepair. Everything was dirty and neglected. We visited the trampoline area which was neglected and and looked unsafe. The rest of the park was horrible and super expensive. Needless to say we cut the visit short and called our taxi back. We just tried to make the best of it for our son but don’t make the same mistake we did and read the reviews. Save your money and skip this one!

£20GBP per person to get in. We arrived 3:45pm on a 23 degree hot Wednesday afternoon. Told before buying the tickets the place closed at 6pm but told ‘plenty time’ to check everything out. We walked around the whole place within 25mins inc stopping to take pics. No water park, not even 1 food place open, no where to grab a drink. Even tho paying £20 EACH (family of 2 adults and 3 kids under 7) to get in, then have to pay additional if you want to use the playground areas, trampolines, animal feed (to feed 3 goats) and donkey/horse rides. Devastated there was no water park as I actually brought swim suits and Towels with me as they advertise a waterpark. It’s a joke of a place and I would most definitely not reccomend. Waste of £100 and taxi fare.

The dinosaurs are very good & very life-like. Sometimes a bit too life-like, a little boy was in tears. But they had an extra bit to walk through on the way out with lots of pieces of dead bodies, very scary for the children. The food was nice, but the toilets weren't the best

Very nice area with the restaurant. We started with a dinner of kabbab and fresh pomegranate juice and both are amazing. Then moved to the dino park with the kids and its very enjoyable with all the dino statues and info about them. A playground for kids available with many activities some are free others paid. A good place to have a break

Please save yourselves and avoid this place!!! My kids are slightly traumatized from the experience, and so am I. The dinosaurs are more or less fine but the rest of the park is extremely outdated and unsanitary, to say the least. Plus, the trampolines etc are definitely not safe. The worst 150€ spent (for 6 people).

Beautiful natural wonder right by the Antalya coastline. The waterfalls drop directly into the Mediterranean, which makes for a stunning view, especially at sunset. You can enjoy the sight from nearby parks or take a boat tour for a closer look. Quite crowded during peak hours, but definitely worth visiting if you’re in Antalya.

If you’re into a good walk, try walking from the center of Antalya to the Lower Düden Waterfalls. You’ll see a lot more of the city along the way, and the view at the end is beautiful! If you still have some energy left, you can continue to the sandy beach just behind it. I took the bus back and had a really nice day trip!

Absolutely stunning beauty 🤗 If you are thinking to choose upper or lower please choose this but again my personal opinion. Beautiful has a park around to walk with lots of local vendors plus photo spots, zip liners and restaurant etc… A bit too sunny now so take water and cap/hat to protect from the heat and oh don’t forget the sunscreen, bath in it to guard from the harmful rays but otherwise definitely worth spending 2 hours looking around. You can easily access this place using local transport or taxi fyi. Definitely must visit in Antalya 👍

Worthwhile to see, but it’s a pity we didn’t see the boat to go under the waterfall. If you plan to come by bus, better to visit Lara Beach together with Duden waterfall, because bus KL08 can go to these two places. I heard upper Duden is pretty and has a cave. But did’t manage to visit it.

Breathtaking views of the waterfall, perfect for photos. You can also catch planes flying past. Shops on site for snacks and drinks. Zipline available on site. Worth visiting.

Breathtaking spot! 🌊 The Manavgat River meets the Mediterranean Sea in a stunning display, complete with a picturesque waterfall. 🌴 The contrast between fresh and saltwater is mesmerizing. Plus, the nearby parks and restaurants are a bonus. 👍 Highly recommend a visit!

Very beautiful place, with great nature! Feeling fresh and wet air, especially at 40°C weather. But there are a lot of annoying people, who wants to scam tourists, so be careful and don't sleep!

Beautiful park overseeing the canyon. 1.9 km of trekking either through the forest (there is sign on the tree) or through the dirt road where there is many 4x4 driving with tourists both ways every few minutes but it didn’t bother us as the views were much better. At the end there are bars and restaurants and beautiful pond with turquoise water and view to the mountains and stream. Too commercial for us but nature is spectacular and there is few spots where you can find peace and quiet.

Definitely a must-see around Kemer. A beautiful canyon, stunning nature, and crystal-clear water. The trail is suitable for everyone — nothing challenging here. The entrance fee is $5 or 200 TRY. There are restaurants at the beginning and the end, but they’re quite expensive — a beer costs around $8. It’s worth coming early in the morning before the crowds arrive. We visited off-season, and there were only a few people besides us, but as we were leaving, tour buses started to arrive.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 A Must-Visit Natural Wonder in Antalya! Göynük Kanyon is absolutely breathtaking! Located near Kemer in Antalya, this hidden gem offers stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. The hike through the canyon is both scenic and refreshing, surrounded by towering cliffs, lush greenery, and the soothing sound of flowing water. There are plenty of opportunities for swimming, zip-lining, and even canyoning if you're feeling adventurous. The cool mountain water is perfect for escaping the summer heat. The staff were helpful and friendly, and the area is well-maintained with clear signage and safety measures in place. The entry process was smooth, and there are facilities like lockers, changing rooms, and cafés available at the entrance. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful escape into nature, Göynük Kanyon is a must-visit. It’s one of the most beautiful spots in the region, and I’d highly recommend adding it to your Antalya itinerary!

Approx 5 km hike back and forth. Entrance 5 eur. All canyon is wired with zip-lines, they cost 25 eur, but I did not see anyone using them. At the very end of the route you can go rafting, also 25 eur. I did not so nothing to say about that. I have came on foot from Goynuk hotels area, that took me 3 hours with total 17 km (depends on location of your hotel), totally doable if you like and able to hike. Visited on 5th of November, not many people, cafes also already nor working.

Ziplining was amazing! For the boat trip you should really go in the morning, because of clearer waters. Very friendly staff. You should negotiate for buying the picture and videos tho. The food was very delicious.

Very, very beautiful. We came by minibus from Beldibi and walked. The views are stunning. There are cafes, toilets. I recommend everyone to go on a wonderful hike

Real nature attraction must visit. Boat trip is recommended as well. Perfectly organised. One can take a car to get up.

My friend and I decided to visit Perge at the last minute, and it turned out to be a really great experience. We didn’t have tickets in advance, but when we arrived around noon, we didn’t have to wait in line at all, everything was quick and smooth. Tickets were 11 euros each, purchased on-site. I definitely recommend bringing water, as even in autumn the temperatures can be quite high. The site is beautiful, so bring sunscreen and a hat. Right outside the park, there are small shops selling hats and souvenirs. You can explore the whole park in about two hours at a comfortable pace, but if you’re like me and enjoy taking photos, videos, and reading all the inscriptions, you’ll probably need at least three hours. Signage inside the park is limited, so it’s a good idea to do some research beforehand or download information about the city’s history. There is also an area across the street from the main park that is technically outside the park but was open when we visited. Parking requieres a fee The site itself is incredibly well-preserved. Some sculptures, according to my friend who has visited multiple times, have been moved to the Antalya Archaeological Museum, which is currently under renovation. The museum houses original pieces up to 2–3 meters in size. We visited around noon on a weekday, and getting there was much faster than we expected. We thought it would take 45 minutes, but there was no traffic and we arrived very quickly. Overall, Perge is a stunning and well-maintained archaeological site and well worth a visit!

Interesting but poorly managed site Perge Ancient City is an interesting and impressive place to visit, full of history and beautiful ruins. However, tourists are charged much more than locals for entry, which feels unfair. The audio guide wasn’t available on the day of our visit, and there are very few signs or explanations to help visitors understand the site. Additionally, the toilets were dirty and had no toilet paper, which was quite disappointing for such an important tourist attraction. Overall, it’s worth seeing, but the experience could be much better with cleaner facilities, clearer information, and fairer pricing.

Impressive place worth to visit. Ancient large stadium for 12K visitors is good. Long streets decorated by numerous columns. Pity that the theatre is closed for visitors. But one should visit the Perge in my opinion. November is a perfect time to explore. Just a few people around, quiet and not too hot.

Magnificent, wonderful ancient site. It is huge and it exceeded my expectations. The site is huge, reserve a few hours if you like ancient history and want to visit the entire site. Bring lots of water and comfortable shoes, it is dusty.

One of the best conserved ancient city I have ever seen. It literally takes hours to really go through the site. Went there with a guide in the early morning. It was empty and we had the whole all site almost to ourselves. The Gate of Alexander, the main street and the Agora are mindblowing.

We visited Perge Ancient City on a weekday and it was very easy to reach from the city center by tram. From the tram station, it’s about a 1.4 km walk to the entrance. The archaeological site itself is astonishing — the ruins are well-preserved and the area is incredibly impressive to explore. There is also a small café and a merchandise shop where you can take a break and relax. Overall, a beautiful and historic site that’s definitely worth visiting, especially with such convenient access from central Antalya.

Perge Ancient City is an impressive site with so much history, but there are definitely areas for improvement. The ruins are fascinating, but there aren’t enough markers with directions or distances, which makes it a bit confusing to navigate such a large area. Unfortunately, during our visit the theatre—the main attraction—was closed. It was disappointing since that’s one of the key highlights of Perge. I also think ticket prices should be adjusted when major sites are closed, as it doesn’t feel fair to pay full price in those situations. Still, it’s worth visiting if you’re interested in ancient history, but go with managed expectations and plenty of water, as the site is spread out.

Visited the canyon with many different waterfalls and went rafting downstream afterwards. We drove the car there ourselves and got ourself a local operator on the spot who offered a personal guide on a private raft for just our group of 5 which was the best decision we made. We negotiated a price of €20p.p. for a total of 2 hours(1hr canyon, 1 hr rafting)+transport back to start point by car. We had time to enjoy the sights, take a dip/ dive in the river multiple time and had an amazing time. The youngest on our group was 9 and the oldest was 60+ but fit and fully mobile. Canyon is doable for elderly as the water is running, but no huge obstacles. The rafting part was a bit wild but also very fun! If you are with family and appreciate private space, rent a car, find your own operator and guide on spot, get a private raft and skip the lines. We noticed a significant amounts of trash on the sides of the river which was sad to see. Please collect all your trash and dispose appropriately.

Put on like, please. Very beautiful and the events are more than wonderful, especially rowing in the river SUVs, but the place is far away and there is no public transport mechanism at all, so it is recommended to rent a car, take a taxi or register with a tourist office.

Came here on a 5in1 activity days. The monster jet boats are awesome! The reps are always trying to upsell you something, photos, safety gear etc but it doesn't ruin a great day out. Dune buggys, white water rafting, zip lining, fishing, jet boats, monster trucks!!! 😀

If you’re looking for a river where you can enjoy some fun and adventure, this is the perfect spot! The water is crystal clear—you can even see the riverbed sparkling under the sunlight. The river isn’t too wild, so it’s an excellent choice for beginners. It was our first time rafting, and we had an amazing experience. We did a combination of activities in the same area, including quad biking, ziplining, and rafting. It was a fantastic day full of excitement and great memories!

Amazing, will be 100% back next year with even more people. Extra thanks to the man that was like our guide from Sudan, he was perfect and fun.

The most wonderful place I have ever visited (thanks to Traum Tour company). The best instructor from Sudan (ahah, we still don't remeber name completly, however our comand was the best. Small and rapid waterfalls, a lot of boats, people and fun.

Fabulous canyon lots of walks around great scenery. Can go canoeing or white water rafting.

Incredibly delicious Turkish food. Sedat is a great host and very friendly and knowledgeable of the menu. We highly enjoyed the aubergine with meat dish, Adana kebab, and chicken skewers which were all very flavourful, tender, and well cooked. The aubergine was sensational Everything was well seasoned and cooked nicely. The restaurant is also very clean and in a great location in the Old Town

Amazing service, very kind and helpful and honest staff. Both dishes were very tasty, juicy and fresh. The brought us free mezze and yoghurt dip with fresh bread before the food which were tasty as well. After lunch they brought us free tea which was very good too. They will recommend getting salad or soup, or the fresh juice which they also make instead of the bottled juice for example, but up selling is part of any good waiter's job, if you say no they're extremely respectful and polite about it of course. We came for the reviews and we were not let down, we were very vary of not getting scammed while dining in the center but instead they ended up charging us TOO LITTLE, and when I brought it up with the waiter and then the owner that we should be paying MORE they were super friendly and still charged us the lower amount, so we just tipped instead. Ibrahim was out waiter, and unlike other restaurants, these guys didn't ask us to review them but I feel like it's only fair to appreciate their good work amongst so many other tourist traps.

I had a wonderful experience at this restaurant! The food was absolutely delicious – fresh, flavorful, and authentically Turkish. The service was excellent, the staff were very welcoming and attentive. What made it even more special was that the owner kindly offered us tea and coffee at the end, free of charge – a lovely gesture of hospitality. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and I will definitely come back again. Highly recommended!

Good restaurant, good service. Went with my wife loved the food, the hosts are really friendly, welcoming. Suggest to have indoor seating as well as there is place inside too, which is unused. The heat can be difficult to have a nice meal.

The adana and urfa kebabs are nice, the soups/lahmacun are good too. I had no issues but based on other peoples experiences check the prices I suppose Portions are a bit small for what you pay but I feel that's the case for most places in old town No free tea for me tho... Anyways my main issue was the shop guy opposite, must have smoked a whole forest as I was trying to enjoy my food

Fantastic restaurant! Had the best meal, service was outstanding. Would definitely recommend visiting, we were made to feel like family.

By far the BEST restaurant I’ve visited in Kaleiçi. Every dish is delicious, my personal favorite being the Beyti Kebab with yogurt. The Adana is amazing. The host is very genuine and uplifting, he’s got great energy and a great crew. You will feel very welcomed and you will enjoy your food 100%

The Antalya Archaeology Museum is a great place to explore, especially if you enjoy Roman history — they have an impressive collection of statues, mosaics, and artifacts. Entry is about 30 GBP per person for foreigners, which feels a bit expensive but the exhibits are well worth it. One thing to note: they try to sell you an audio guide at the entrance, but honestly, it’s not really worth the extra cost — the museum has plenty of written descriptions in English. Overall, a beautiful and rich museum experience, just be mindful of the extras.

Interesting and very well maintained museum, not too big - you will probably not get too tired :) Too expensive though...€15 for the entrance fee without the audio guide, which costs extra (€5-7)....And no WI-FI available for visitors..

Outstanding museum, especially for statuary and sarcophagi from Perge and other nearby sites. The current price is 13 euro. The entrance is on Attaturk Cd.

This museum tells us a great deal about Ancient Anatolians, Romans and Christians in general. There are amazing items and well made sculptures. Once you're done here you can take the nostalgic tram to visit Kaleici and continue your trip there

It's interesting, the price for tourists is 15€, little high though, especially considering the size of exhibition and price for locals.. Opened every day. White peacocks and a lot of cats in the gardens outside.

Definitely one of the best archaeological museums in Turkey, Roman statues are among the best in the world!

I was a bit concerned about paying 15 Euros for what I supposed was a provincial museum. But, it's not a provincial museum full of stuff that didn't make the capital: it has room after room of awesome quality, life size and larger, statuary and reliefs. The trials of Hercules on several of the sarcophagi are awesome - fighting the lion, subduing Cerberus the three headed dog, chopping the hydra's head off, all that fun stuff. The cool thing here is you can get right up close without being shouted at, or alarms going off. You can feel the marble breathing. The prize possession, a resting Hercules, is tremendous. And, okay, so I haven't been to Rome and may be overexcited, but the head of Antinous is indeed beautiful enough to arrest an emperor (and the description with it refreshingly does not shy away from their love or Hadrian's publication of his grief after Antinous drowns in the Nile.) The collection is equally replete with both sensual and civic representations of women. In the patrician classes, women were in equal positions of power and the named sculptures here ooze intelligence and respect. (Quite a lot of the guys have, unfortunately, lost their special treasures during various iconoclastic periods, but there are still plenty to go round.) Beyond the statues, there are some early christian icons, including a reliquary of St Nicholas containing a supposed piece of his jawbone and skull (awesome - bits of Father Christmas - show that to the kids and see if they believe again!) And the galleries then flow into the garden for some desultory leftovers. A fine journey.

Visited on August 15, 2025. Paid 40 dollars per person as foreing citizens for just aquarium itself. If booked online via the aquarium’s official site in advance, it costs 36 dollars instead. Overall it was nice but it is a bit pricey for what it offered. It is home to the world’s largest tunnel aquarium, stretching 131 meters in length. Inside, visitors can marvel at a life-size airplane and shipwreck, while coming face to face with majestic sharks.

I bought the full package for a family of three through our travelling agency with access to the Aquarium, Ice World, Wax Museum, Wild life and Cinema. Overall it was a good experience, but definitely more expensive than its actual worth. I guess the logic of the owners is that tourists are willing to pay more for something they will visit only once in their lifetime (typical Turkish bankrupt mentality). Of course, it wouldn't be Turkey if they wouldn't try to also fish some more money from you: at the entrance in the Aquarium, they take your photos and give you a card with a code bar. When you exit, you can only do it by scanning the code bar and they give you an option to purchase a series of photos for 50 euros or less for individual items (15 euros for a fridge magnet with your photo).

The aquarium itself was very beautiful. Nothing too different from the others we've been, but still worth to visit if you're there. But the kids were absolutely amazed with the snow room. It's tiny, but has a few ice slides and a cosy little cafeteria.

As others have mentioned, this place is massively overpriced for what it offers. We purchased the full tickets, but left feeling underwhelmed. The aquarium is small and unimpressive—probably the most interesting part is the “shark feeding”, though you’ll mostly see other fish with a few small sharks mixed in. There’s also an option to feed the sea rays (for an extra fee, of course), which some may find entertaining. The wildpark felt more like an adoption center for leftover reptiles, with a heavy focus on ball pythons. While there are some larger snakes like anacondas, the overall variety wasn’t much better than the aquarium. The Oceanride XD cinema was a decent addition and helped fill time between stops, but again, it’s overpriced for what you get. The wax museum wasn’t for me—some figures didn’t even resemble the real people. Overall, this feels like just another tourist trap in Turkey: high prices, minimal value. It might still appeal to those who haven’t traveled much, haven’t been to major aquariums/zoos, or simply don’t mind spending extra. But for most travelers, it’s not worth the time or money—you can safely skip it.

The aquarium is nice, but honestly, I think it's overpriced. It has a lot of animals, but it's quite small — you only need around 30 minutes to complete the tour. Kids will love it though, and there's also a play area for them. However, I was really sad to see the penguins’ wings tied. I think that’s so cruel!

A great place to visit with kids! There's a wide variety of sea creatures from around the world, and the underwater tunnel is especially beautiful—it really gives you that immersive experience. One highlight is the impressive large shark, which was amazing to see up close. However, I do think they could add more types of fish, especially in the tunnel area. The ticket price is on the higher side; I've visited larger aquariums that were more affordable. Still, if you're in Antalya with children, it's definitely worth a visit.

Beautiful and well designed aquarium with huge tunnel. A lot of different species of fish and aquatic ecosystem. Great place to visit with kids as it has got snow world, 8D cinema, and a wild park. The only downside is that it is overpriced making it a tourist trap.

A 700+ years old mosque that dates back to the Seljuk empire time. From the inside with the amount of wood used in its build, it looks special and different from others. There are graves for well known historian characters inside as well. On the day I’ve visited the mosque, it was insanely cold inside. I like the outer architect and the cone-like structure. It gives the mosque its unique and iconic shape.

While en route Konya to Antalya this unique Mosque made from Wooden pilliors is truly a pleasant surprise & one doesn't have to detour from the main route. Sita on the banks of Lake which is equally beautiful & a picture perfect destination. Eşrefoglu Mosque is a 13th-century mosque in Beyşehir, Konya, Turkey It is situated 100 metres (330 ft) north of the Beysehir Lake. History - Although his beylik was relatively an unimportant political power, the city flourished as one of the cultural centers of Seljuk world. In 1296, he commissioned a mosque in Beyşehir, one of the greatest mosques during the Anatolian beylik period. In 1302 he died and buried in a sepulcher next to the mosque. Notable thing is On 15 April 2011 the mosque was included in the list of World Heritage Tentative list. I really liked it Time Taken 30 Minutes Architecture Unique & made of Wood. Do I recommend Yes if you are driving down from this Route. Preetam.✨

Eşrefoğlu Mosque is a true masterpiece and a symbol of Turkey’s rich heritage. Steeped in history, this architectural marvel showcases the intricate beauty of Anatolian artistry. The mosque’s design, dating back to the 13th century, reflects the timeless craftsmanship of that era. Five stars for the exceptional preservation, allowing visitors to witness the cultural tapestry woven into the very walls of this historical gem. A must-visit for those seeking a profound connection to Turkey’s past

Stunning architecture from the Seljuk Dynasty. Very different from the other masjids/mosques in Istanbul. One thing I disliked is that women entered the mosque wearing extremely revealing clothes. There should be more enforcement at this mosque regarding this. May Allah SWT keep the masjids full, always.

Incredible please. Fantastic structure. Peaceful for religious people.

Eşrefoğlu Mosque is a 13th-century mosque in Beyşehir, Konya Province, Turkey During the last years of Seljuks of Rum, various governors of Seljuks enjoyed a partial independency. They established their own semi independent principalities named Anatolian Beyliks. Eshrefids (1280-1326) was a small beylik in center west Anatolia. After 1288, Süleyman Bey, the second bey of Eshrefids rebuilt the city of Beyşehir as a capital of his beylik. Although his beylik was relatively an unimportant political power, the city flourished as one of the cultural centers of Seljuk world. In 1296, he commissioned a mosque in Beyşehir, one of the greatest mosques during the Anatolian beylik period. In 1302 he died and buried in a sepulcher next to the mosque.

Eşrefoğlu Mosque is a 13th-century mosque. On 15 April 2011 the mosque was included in the list of World Heritage tentative list. The justification statements is "Esrefoglu Mosque includes all the main elements of early Anatolian Turkish architecture. The building is the biggest, best preserved wooden columned and roofed mosque in Islamic World.

A 700+ years old mosque that dates back to the Seljuk empire time. From the inside with the amount of wood used in its build, it looks special and different from others. There are graves for well known historian characters inside as well. On the day I’ve visited the mosque, it was insanely cold inside. I like the outer architect and the cone-like structure. It gives the mosque its unique and iconic shape.

While en route Konya to Antalya this unique Mosque made from Wooden pilliors is truly a pleasant surprise & one doesn't have to detour from the main route. Sita on the banks of Lake which is equally beautiful & a picture perfect destination. Eşrefoglu Mosque is a 13th-century mosque in Beyşehir, Konya, Turkey It is situated 100 metres (330 ft) north of the Beysehir Lake. History - Although his beylik was relatively an unimportant political power, the city flourished as one of the cultural centers of Seljuk world. In 1296, he commissioned a mosque in Beyşehir, one of the greatest mosques during the Anatolian beylik period. In 1302 he died and buried in a sepulcher next to the mosque. Notable thing is On 15 April 2011 the mosque was included in the list of World Heritage Tentative list. I really liked it Time Taken 30 Minutes Architecture Unique & made of Wood. Do I recommend Yes if you are driving down from this Route. Preetam.✨

Eşrefoğlu Mosque is a true masterpiece and a symbol of Turkey’s rich heritage. Steeped in history, this architectural marvel showcases the intricate beauty of Anatolian artistry. The mosque’s design, dating back to the 13th century, reflects the timeless craftsmanship of that era. Five stars for the exceptional preservation, allowing visitors to witness the cultural tapestry woven into the very walls of this historical gem. A must-visit for those seeking a profound connection to Turkey’s past

Stunning architecture from the Seljuk Dynasty. Very different from the other masjids/mosques in Istanbul. One thing I disliked is that women entered the mosque wearing extremely revealing clothes. There should be more enforcement at this mosque regarding this. May Allah SWT keep the masjids full, always.

Incredible please. Fantastic structure. Peaceful for religious people.

Eşrefoğlu Mosque is a 13th-century mosque in Beyşehir, Konya Province, Turkey During the last years of Seljuks of Rum, various governors of Seljuks enjoyed a partial independency. They established their own semi independent principalities named Anatolian Beyliks. Eshrefids (1280-1326) was a small beylik in center west Anatolia. After 1288, Süleyman Bey, the second bey of Eshrefids rebuilt the city of Beyşehir as a capital of his beylik. Although his beylik was relatively an unimportant political power, the city flourished as one of the cultural centers of Seljuk world. In 1296, he commissioned a mosque in Beyşehir, one of the greatest mosques during the Anatolian beylik period. In 1302 he died and buried in a sepulcher next to the mosque.

Eşrefoğlu Mosque is a 13th-century mosque. On 15 April 2011 the mosque was included in the list of World Heritage tentative list. The justification statements is "Esrefoglu Mosque includes all the main elements of early Anatolian Turkish architecture. The building is the biggest, best preserved wooden columned and roofed mosque in Islamic World.

472 steps later and breathless you go into the cave. They have lights inside and it looks marvelous. If you have the stamina to walk up the stairs it is worth it.

To climb to a serious height, you use a ladder for about half an hour. That's why I strongly recommend you to bring water with you. When you get to the top, you visit a cave with a natural habitat of bats and a truly unique natural beauty.

The Karain Caves in Turkey are a remarkable site that transports you back thousands of years. Once home to prehistoric humans, they hold ancient tools, carvings, and bones that reveal deep insights into early life. The atmosphere inside is both mysterious and awe-inspiring, with cool stone chambers echoing history. Surrounded by lush scenery and dramatic mountain views, the caves also offer a sense of adventure and discovery. Perfect for history enthusiasts, archaeology lovers, or travelers seeking a unique cultural experience, Karain Caves are a powerful reminder of humanity’s enduring story.

Karain Cave in Antalya is a bit far from downtown, but the journey there is really fun. The mountains around the cave are so beautiful and will capture your attention. Inside the cave, there are only bats and not much else, and it's a bit challenging to climb all the stairs to get up the mountain. But once you reach the top and look down, you'll have a great time enjoying the view.

The cave is small, nothing but smell. Ticket for foreigner is 5 euros.

The must see place! The cave is amazing! You can go there by bus number 506 and from the last stop walk 1.6 km. 480 steps up are not so scary, it's quite easy to go up) Visit this cave, it's worthy.

Beautiful views from the top and the stairs, but have some stretching before going up the stairs. If my mum did it, you can do it too.. There is a small musalla for prayer there, with an ablution place inside. Just behind the souvenir shop The cave is interesting and cool. Entrance and car park including fee: 12,5TL

Do not come to this disgusting place that promotes racial discrimination. There is no mention whatsoever of any price difference between Turkish citizens and foreign tourists until you arrive at the ticket counter. Even children's tickets are charged the full adult price if the child is not Turkish! What a disgrace.

We had a beautiful experience at ViaSea Aquarium. It was amazing to see so many different kinds of fish, along with various species of spiders and other fascinating animals. The entire visit was peaceful and visually stunning !! truly a memorable experience.

A wonderful place and a must see when you are nearby. You can see very different fishes, snakes and other creatures like turtles and crocodiles. But the highlight was the underwater tunnel where you also can see some sharks. The price for the entrance was 600 YTL.

Very nice aquarium and lots of sea creatures to see and discover. However there are so many other creatures to sea other than sea. Wild insects, snakes and some other interesting creatures. A good experience to discover. Entry fee is 600TR. Or 15$

it's expensive, I visited so I didn't recommend anyone else to visit, especially lions area

Coasted us 600 lira/person , i like it but it’s too crowded.

This experience was aesthetically pleasing and I derived great pleasure from it in the company of my family. There was an area designated for the feeding of the fish, which was a delightful spectacle to behold. I am bestowing upon them the highest rating of five stars due to their commendable decision to position the characters from the animated film "Finding Nemo" in close proximity to one another.

Major brands & local brands, very good place to do shopping. Reasonable prices in most locations. Very crowded in the weekend. Highly recommend for shopping 👍👍👍

It's huge outlet mall located near Istanbul airport 🛫, so you will need a taxi 🚕 to come here, the have all variety of shops and all brands are offering discount prices, the mall is outdoor so choose your visit days to avoid rain 🌧. Overall it's nice shopping 🛍 experience and worth the distance from istanbul to here.

Bright, airy corridors lit by skylights make strolling here feel almost outdoors, and the faint smell of roasted chestnuts from the snack carts follows you between shops. Music switches from Turkish pop to 80-synth hits mid-visit—kept the energy up while hunting for deals on LC Waikiki and Nike outlets. Prices drop even further during the mid-season “Indirim” sales (ask the info desk; banners aren’t always updated), and I spotted a few familiar staff back from last year’s holiday rush—nice to see friendly faces who remember sizes. Weekday mornings are blissfully uncrowded, so you can actually test the memory-foam sneakers without a queue, though the way-finding signs could use brighter lettering. Tip: after checkout, head to the tax-free counter near Entrance 3 before grabbing simit—saves you time when your airport shuttle arrives.

Distinctive mall. There is no ceiling. It has a large number of brands. Also a lot of outlet shops. Good space for walking. There are various cafes and also many restaurants. There is also a children's play area. The place is well serviced with bathrooms.

Nice place to get gifts before heading home. All malls in winter don't have summer clothes and finally found it here. But still it's called an outlet and most of the prices are high? 😕 Loved the place because it's close to the airport and my hotel is attached to the mall.

Huge outlet Mall in Asian side of Turkey with almost all brands available at very discounted prices.. . One teach to almost spent 3/4 of the day to visit the store and shop

Outdoor activities and reasonable price and

The Blue Mosque is a truly peaceful and beautiful place. I had the opportunity to pray salah inside, and it felt very calm and spiritual. The atmosphere is serene, and the architecture is stunning — definitely a must-visit in Istanbul. You can also find free souvenirs here for visitors; I received two English-translated Qur’an Al-Majid as a gift, which was a wonderful gesture. Overall, a deeply meaningful experience.

The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) is not just a place of worship — it is a masterpiece that breathes history, devotion, and artistry. The harmony between its majestic domes, elegant minarets, and the endless blue Iznik tiles creates an atmosphere that is both serene and awe-inspiring. Stepping inside feels like stepping into a gentle whisper of centuries, where light dances softly across patterns that were crafted with love, patience, and deep spiritual meaning. The peaceful ambiance invites you to slow down, breathe, and simply be. Whether you come to pray, admire the architecture, or reflect quietly, the Blue Mosque embraces you with a warm, timeless beauty. It stands proudly in the heart of Istanbul — a city where the past and present walk side by side. Truly, it is one of the world’s most enchanting treasures, a monument that touches both the eyes and the heart.

Absolutely loved my visit to the Blue Mosque. The iconic blue tones inside are truly breathtaking, even more beautiful in person. The entire area is very clean and well-maintained, making the experience feel calm and comfortable. What impressed me the most is how rich it is in ancient history—you can really feel the heritage and stories behind every corner of the mosque. A must-visit spot in Istanbul, whether you love architecture, culture, or simply want to enjoy a peaceful moment in a historic place. Highly recommended!

Mosque itself is beautiful, but I have to remove one star because of the crowds. The ques are endless so prepare for waiting. We came early so somehow we managed to get inside quite quickly. Inside of mosque it was packed, the air was heavy, not a peaceful experience as mosque should be, people were pushing each other there, very hard to enjoy the beauty or make a picture. We went out very quickly. There are many mosques with free entry around which are beautiful and not so crowded so you can actually enjoy it.

Stepping into the Sultan Ahmed Mosque is like entering a different realm of tranquility. Known globally as the "Blue Mosque," this 17th-century masterpiece was commissioned by a young Sultan Ahmed I to rival the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia sitting just across the square. Its exterior is a breathtaking cascade of domes and semi-domes, framed by six slender minarets—a daring architectural choice that caused a scandal at the time for rivaling the architecture of Mecca itself. The true marvel, however, awaits inside. The nickname derives from the more than 20,000 handmade Iznik ceramic tiles that adorn the high interior walls. While the lower levels feature traditional designs, the upper galleries explode in varying shades of turquoise and deep blue, featuring intricate tulip, carnation, and cypress motifs. When the sun streams through the 260 stained-glass windows, the blue tiles glow, creating an ethereal, underwater atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the massive "elephant foot" pillars supporting the structure. Unlike a museum, this remains an active place of worship, which adds a profound layer of reverence to the visit. You must remove your shoes and dress modestly to enter. I recommend visiting mid-morning on a weekday to avoid the prayer closures and see the light at its peak. It is an essential, soul-stirring stop in Istanbul.

This place is well-decorated, open and gives you the vibe of a spiritual place. The entrance is free. During prayer hour it's closed for public. Anyone can visit this mosque, but make sure your legs are covered and women need a head scarf. If you are not carrying one, you can get a free head cover at the mosque, beware of the sellers around the mosque they will inform you that you need one but forget to mention that the mosque provides one for free at the entrance. They even provide pants.

What a beautiful mosque constructed back in 1600 century also called Sultan Ahmet Mosque. I was there mostly for Fajr prayer also had Jummah prayer and Namaz e Janazah. The only disadvantages i have found is communication barrier as their all conversation was in turkish language even the khutbah knowingly that there are so many foreigners praying there... Secondly if come at an odd time for prayer you will find the mosque close and then you have to pray outside of the mosque. Their qirat was so beautiful and they prefer to recite quran before and after of all Namaz

This was a beautiful space there is no doubt however it’s outshine by the fact it’s disgustingly overpriced. We bought tickets at the ticket box, maybe it’s better to book online? I almost can’t remember the beautifully preserved walls, the stunning architecture and the theatrical visual display at the museum. Very unfortunate that some of Istanbul best kept history is so incredibly inaccessible due to cost.

The mosque itself is gorgeous and quite impressive from the outside. It is costly to get in but you do get to see some historical Byzantine era artwork alongside Islamic calligraphy. There are even seraphim’s that decorate the mosque. However, it is unfortunate that only Turkish nationals are allowed to visit the lower part of the mosque where foreigners are relegated to the visitor areas. Nevertheless it is an iconic landmark and there are some interesting historical pieces that are worth looking at. If you go later like at 18:00 there are little to no lines.

This is an Amazing architecture with history. It was interesting how the religion identity of this Mosque evolved with different rulers. Some of the views look way better than the pictures. It is a must visit when you are in Istanbul.

The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is something that all tourists must visit when in Istanbul. It was very interesting to learn that this beautiful building is 1500 years old. I highly recommend buying tickets online to avoid the long queues.

One of the oldest historic landmarks in Istanbul. The grand mosque was recently opened as a mosque 2020 after being a museum for long time which was a mosque before that and was originally a church once built. The place contains a museum. A must-visit landmark in Istanbul.

There is nothing much I can say that someone hasn't already said. No one should visit Istanbul without seeing the Hagia Sophia. My photos are only a sample of what to expect. Be aware that it is closed from 12 to 14, but if you get your timing wrong, there are plenty of small cafes for you to enjoy a coffee or tea whilst you wait. I admit to being a little ashamed of one of my ancient forefathers having carved his name in the marble railing 🫤 We visited in November, queues were manageable, but I cannot imagine what this place might look like during the more busy times.

The place really beautiful, must visit! At least once in lifetime. Try to visit the cafe in front of the mosque. They offers turkey tea ☕️ which is really authentic 😍

This was a beautiful space there is no doubt however it’s outshine by the fact it’s disgustingly overpriced. We bought tickets at the ticket box, maybe it’s better to book online? I almost can’t remember the beautifully preserved walls, the stunning architecture and the theatrical visual display at the museum. Very unfortunate that some of Istanbul best kept history is so incredibly inaccessible due to cost.

The mosque itself is gorgeous and quite impressive from the outside. It is costly to get in but you do get to see some historical Byzantine era artwork alongside Islamic calligraphy. There are even seraphim’s that decorate the mosque. However, it is unfortunate that only Turkish nationals are allowed to visit the lower part of the mosque where foreigners are relegated to the visitor areas. Nevertheless it is an iconic landmark and there are some interesting historical pieces that are worth looking at. If you go later like at 18:00 there are little to no lines.

This is an Amazing architecture with history. It was interesting how the religion identity of this Mosque evolved with different rulers. Some of the views look way better than the pictures. It is a must visit when you are in Istanbul.

The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is something that all tourists must visit when in Istanbul. It was very interesting to learn that this beautiful building is 1500 years old. I highly recommend buying tickets online to avoid the long queues.

One of the oldest historic landmarks in Istanbul. The grand mosque was recently opened as a mosque 2020 after being a museum for long time which was a mosque before that and was originally a church once built. The place contains a museum. A must-visit landmark in Istanbul.

There is nothing much I can say that someone hasn't already said. No one should visit Istanbul without seeing the Hagia Sophia. My photos are only a sample of what to expect. Be aware that it is closed from 12 to 14, but if you get your timing wrong, there are plenty of small cafes for you to enjoy a coffee or tea whilst you wait. I admit to being a little ashamed of one of my ancient forefathers having carved his name in the marble railing 🫤 We visited in November, queues were manageable, but I cannot imagine what this place might look like during the more busy times.

The place really beautiful, must visit! At least once in lifetime. Try to visit the cafe in front of the mosque. They offers turkey tea ☕️ which is really authentic 😍

A luxurious palace with extensive grounds! Definitely worth a visit to immerse yourself in the culture of the Magnificent Century. Don't forget to wear something Turkish and appropriate for the atmosphere to take memorable photos. It is a very beautiful and historic place. There is an entrance fee, and you will have to wait in line (as everywhere), but it is worth it.

Served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from 1465 to 1856. The name means 'Cannon Gate'. Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours there, I recommend buying the 'skip the line' tickets upfront. The guide took us into the harem (it has a dedicated entrance) - and then you are on your own to explore. Don't miss the sacred relics rooms: there could be a line but it totally worth waiting.

Visiting Topkapı Palace is like stepping straight into Ottoman history — a truly breathtaking experience that feels as if you’re walking through the streets of the empire itself. The palace complex is vast, atmospheric, and beautifully preserved, with many original sections still intact. Every courtyard, gate, and corridor carries a sense of authenticity that transports you centuries back in time. I highly recommend visiting the Harem section as well. It offers a deeper and more intimate look into palace life, showcasing the private quarters, architecture, and traditions that shaped daily life behind the walls. The Harem is beautifully maintained and provides a fascinating contrast to the more public areas of the palace. Despite its historical significance, the palace grounds are very modern in terms of visitor facilities. There are plenty of amenities, clear signage, and well-organized paths that make the visit smooth and enjoyable. We visited with a stroller, which is possible for most of the route. However, I strongly advise bringing a baby carrier as well, since certain narrower streets and historical walkways are not accessible by stroller. Fortunately, you can safely leave your stroller in designated areas when needed. Overall, Topkapı Palace is an unforgettable cultural and historical highlight of Istanbul. With its rich heritage, impressive architecture, and immersive atmosphere, it’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to truly understand the depth of Ottoman history.

A massive Palace, across three areas. Not well curated, although we didn't use the audio guides. The queues to get in was busy and disorganised (midweek in November), but didn't take too long. One of the areas had a massive queue, so we didn't bother. The veneration of religious relics not holding much interest for non Muslims (but each to their own beliefs). In fairness, the palace purposely wasn't built to be grand, to give the impression of modesty. It was built in the late medieval period and used until the Sultans moved to a more opulent, European style Palace at Beylerbeyi. It is a fascinating place to see, as this was the centre of power in the Ottoman world, controlling from the balkans, levant, Arabia and north Africa. I do note some people have called it a romantic place, but it nowhere does it address the nature of the people in palace. Many of women were slaves in the harem and kept for one purpose. The eunuchs, were castrated black and white boys. Unsavoury to say the least, but that is what it was like. They weren't the only empire to do this.

This museum is huge. It has 4 courtyards. Best part for me were the belongings of Rasoolullah (pbuh). You get to see a lot from that collection. Truly beautiful and what a feeling it was!!. Also this palace gives you snapshot of ottoman sultans life at Harem. Do take your tickets online to cut the looooong line. We went during off season in November and still it was super crowded. Once you have the QR code, assemble at the meeting point to find your guide and the rest of the group. They have timings for entry and you enter as a group. Our guide took us through the gate and explained about the courtyards and we did the tour ourselves. You gotta spend atleast 4 hours to see this in detail. Must visit when you are in Istanbul.

My visit to Topkapı Palace was nothing short of extraordinary. This isn’t just a museum. it’s a living testament to centuries of faith, power, artistry, and devotion. Every room pulls you deeper into history. The Ottoman weapons collection is mesmerizing. The craftsmanship on the swords, daggers, bows, and armor is beyond anything I’ve seen. Intricate gold work, precious stones, and beautifully forged steel. You’ll find legendary pieces, including swords and clothing belonging to the Prophet’s companions (the Sahaba) and even the iconic sword's of Khalid ibn al-Walid, which was a surreal and unforgettable sight. The most moving part of the palace, however, is the Sacred Relics Section. This is where time seems to stop. I stood just a few steps away from items attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ — including his sandal, personal garments, and even an impression of his blessed footprint. These relics carry a deep emotional and spiritual presence. The collection also includes the staff of Prophet Moses (Musa) and items associated with Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) including a stone pot dating back thousands of years.Drapes from the tombs of various prophets are also carefully preserved, adding to the profound feeling of connection with sacred history. Walking through this section is an experience words can hardly capture: humbling, powerful, and spiritually uplifting. Even beyond the relics, the palace itself is stunning: gorgeous İznik tiles, elegant courtyards, breathtaking Bosphorus views, and halls filled with treasures of the Ottoman sultans. If you visit Istanbul, Topkapı Palace is absolutely essential. Give yourself plenty of time, you’ll want to absorb every moment of this captivating journey through the past. A truly unforgettable experience.

This museum is very large. It is likely to take 2-3 hours or even more because it has a few sections to explore. The architecture and decor is amazing. In terms of accessibility, some areas of this palace may be difficult to reach (maybe like 5-10% of the museum, in reference to some rooms that have an upstairs). Also, there is a bit of a hill on the way to the entrance.

I think this is a place that should be visited. It is impressive, massive, and it truly makes you wonder how such a structure was built so long ago. Pay attention to timing — go early in the morning or later in the evening if you don’t want to move through the crowds like cattle. It gets very busy, but the experience is worth it. You don’t need to pre-book tickets or wait in long lines; there are ticket machines available on site.

Breathtaking place to visit. Light changing colours may seem a little awkward but nice. If you're a photo enthusiast you will find a good place to practice. Maybe the most iconic columns are guarded by a not-so-nice guy who's hurrying people with an annoying whistle. Entrance is around 3.000 TL per person. But it's worth the price.

Must go when in Turkey. There’s 2 other cisterns nearby that is less popular with cheaper entry too to visit. But this one is quite spectacular. The way the walkway is laid out is good too as you make your way above the water level to the exit. Keep a lookout for Medusa and try not to stare into her eyes, less you become one with the cistern. In stone. It is recommended to buy tickets before hand to skip the line which could take more than an hour to enter. The only line you have to do is the security check and it is even more cheaper if you buy the combo skip the line tickets with Topkapi and Hagia Sophia. The walkway is dry so no special shoes needed. There’s also a ramp for wheelchair access.

Archeology and history at its greatest. The place is very well structured, but do mind if you can, to buy skip the line tickets-the queues are enormous. The ambience inside is really well placed, including the lighting and the way the route is positioned. Do not forget to make a wish next to Medusa Pilar stand.

The Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul’s most impressive historical sites and a must-see landmark. Located near Hagia Sophia, this ancient underground water reservoir was built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I. The atmosphere is unique: dim lights, classical music in the background, and rows of 336 marble columns reflected in shallow water create a mysterious, almost cinematic feeling. The highlights include the two Medusa heads, placed sideways and upside-down, which are some of the most photographed elements in the cistern. The site is well-restored, and the walkways make it easy to explore, although it can get crowded during peak hours. Typically, a visit takes 20–30 minutes. Overall, the Basilica Cistern offers a combination of history, architecture, and ambiance that makes it one of the most memorable attractions in Istanbul.

This place is amazing! I first saw it in the movie Inferno. I thought, it's quite a character of a place. Such a magical place! Such mystery! So worthy of your time when you visit. So full of "wow" effect on me personally. What a historical place! If you can, get a guide to fully understand what and why particular things are inside the cistern.

The Basilica is a superb example of Roman/Eastern Roman architecture on display. In the construction, they have reused building materials. This is why some of the capitals, columns and bases are different (like the famous medusa one). It was quiet on a Monday in November, but I would imagine on other days in the peak period it will get busy

Beware of the ongoing scam at the ticket booth - even though I just asked for the tickets (15 EUR in lira) they add and charge for headphones which are 450 TL, supposedly for the audio guide. When I asked about this, the clerk said that the headphones are "included", but I could easily see the additional charge. She was visibly upset when I returned the items and demanded refund, which she did. Always check the receipt/your card charge and avoid the extra cost. Also of note is that there's no public WiFi - you need Internet for the audio guide to work. As for the museum collection - it's OK. Quite a lot of artifacts, mainly sculptures and pottery, as well as a few very nicely preserved sarcophagus.

Great museum. Beautiful collection of ancient statues and artefacts. The necropolis on the ground floor is especially recommended. Lovely gift shop. Nice cafe in the garden. Toilet facilities could be modernised a bit and part of the museum was under renovation, which was a shame. Check what is open before buying the ticket.

The Istanbul Archaeological Museum is Turkey's first museum and is composed of The Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Ancient Oriental Art, and the Tiled Pavilion Museum. I was miffed that part of the first museum and all of the last 2 were unavailable due to renovations. There was no indication of this on the website and I only found out when I was already there. Another thing to note is that there were deceptive practices at the box office. The entrance is TL730 and you can purchase headphones for an additional TL450. However, the saleslady was selling admission for the total of TL1,180 without asking if people wanted those headphones or not. She just handed over the boxes along with the ticket. She tried the same thing with me and I emphatically said that I did want the headphones and so I only paid TL730. This happened on October 15, 2025. Anyhow, despite the two things I mentioned above, I was still impressed with what I saw, particularly with the sarcophagi from Sidon. These looked as good as the day they were carved. Some dating from the days of Alexander of Great, these had been undiscovered by grave robbers and were only excavated in the 19th century. If I ever am back in Istanbul, I will go back to see the rest of the exhibitions that were unavailable.

The museum is great ! Had a good time exploring and it was worth the 15Euros. However the managers need to be aware of the very bad Cx service this agent had at the cashier she tried charging me for 2 tickets even though I was alone. On top of it she was giving so much attitude almost like she hated her job. Please giver her a raise so she might be happier or fire for the sake of your business. Here is a pic of her she was working today after 1 pm in the afternoon.

Great museum showing a lot of history whilst tour groups wizz though in an hour to get a real sense of the history you need at least 3 hours in here take your time to enjoy and learn

It's a paradise for history and archaeology lovers in particular. An extraordinary collection of finds, some of which are among the top archaeological discoveries. The main building has been beautifully renovated and offers great pleasure while viewing the treasures. For me personally, one of the most beautiful surprises of Istanbul.

Aside from only one part of the museum being open (rest are under construction), the ticket booth forced us to buy audio guide without our consent - we asked for two 15 euro tickets without any add ons, but the lady at the counter charged us in lira (2367 Lira = just over 40 quid) including the audio guide anyway which is why we paid for it without knowing. We had no wifi/data so couldn't look up the currency rate. She then gave us two bluetooth headsets for the audio guide, and kept saying "you bought it (audio guide)" and refused to exclude/refund the audio guide although we clearly just asked for "two 15 euro tickets only". I would have gladly paid same amount in total if audio guide was non-negotiable part of the ticket, or if the ticket was slightly more pricey. But to pay the same amount to be handed 2 cheap earphones for audio guide that we didn't even need or use, with the lady at the ticket counter completely undermining the guest, making comments and exclamations in Turkish when we tried to complain, completely ruined the overall experience. Attaching some reference images to prevent any further damages. Avoid at all cost.

Galata Tower rose above the city like a silent guardian, and climbing to the top revealed a view that felt almost dreamlike. The narrow stone staircase opened into a balcony where the entire skyline of Istanbul stretched out in every direction—mosques with soaring minarets, the Bosphorus shimmering in the sunlight, and streets buzzing with life far below. A cool breeze brushed past while watching boats drift across the water and hearing the distant hum of the city. Standing there, surrounded by history and a breathtaking panorama, created a moment that felt both peaceful and unforgettable.

The Galata Tower is one of Istanbul’s most defining landmarks, carrying the city’s historical layers upward through its stone silhouette. Standing at the highest point of Galata, it reflects the legacy of Byzantine, Genoese, and Ottoman periods all in one structure, making it an essential stop for understanding the city’s cultural and urban evolution. Historical Background While its earliest roots reach back to the Byzantine defensive line, the tower as we know it today was built in 1348 by the Genoese under the name Christea Turris (Tower of Christ). It served both as a strategic lookout and a symbol of prestige for the wealthy Genoese colony. After the Ottoman conquest in 1453, the tower adapted to new roles over the centuries—functioning at different times as a prison, an observatory, and most notably a fire-watch tower for the rapidly growing city. The 17th-century story of Hezârfen Ahmet Çelebi, who is said to have glided from the tower across the Bosphorus, further strengthened its presence in popular culture. Architectural Features Rising approximately 67 meters, the tower features a cylindrical stone body and a conical roof, characteristic of medieval military architecture. Its upper openings and balcony are positioned to provide one of the widest panoramic views of Istanbul. Numerous restorations have reinforced the structure over time, with recent efforts focusing on seismic stability, structural preservation, and improved museum layouts. Visitor Experience Inside, visitors encounter historical panels and curated displays that introduce the layered history of Galata. At the top viewing platform, the Bosphorus, Golden Horn, and the Historical Peninsula unfold in a sweeping 360° panorama. For photography enthusiasts, the best times are sunrise and sunset, though visitor density is higher during these hours. The surrounding district offers charming narrow streets, cafés, boutiques, and easy walking connections to Karaköy and Istiklal Avenue, making it a perfect area for extended exploration. Closing Note The Galata Tower is more than a scenic viewpoint; it is a living testament to Istanbul’s historical continuity. Each floor, each restoration, and every story associated with it allows visitors to experience the city’s past in a vivid and meaningful

Great and worthy visit. Surprisingly but typically expensive for tourists, as are most of the Istanbul landmarks. Best Istanbul views though. Queue not so bad out of season. It has a Lift !!!! Didn't see it mentioned anywhere but allows access for all which was a plus.

Visited Galata Tower yesterday and absolutely loved the experience. The area around the tower is full of life with cafés, shops, and charming narrow streets. The climb to the top was totally worth it the panoramic view of Istanbul, the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, and the entire city skyline is breathtaking. The tower is well-maintained, staff is helpful, and the experience is smooth. It can get a bit crowded, but the view makes up for everything. Perfect spot for photos and enjoying the city from above.

This medieval stone tower is one of the great symbols of the city. It is very beautiful to observe from the outside, especially when the lights come on at dusk, which creates a special atmosphere. The climb up to it, depending on the route, is quite steep, so prepare your legs, but the effort is worth it. The most famous street for taking that classic photo with the tower in the background is Büyük Hendek Cd., but be prepared: it is usually super crowded. I didn't go inside, but the visit is paid, and the ticket currently isn't the cheapest for tourists. In any case, just its external architecture, with the conical roof, is already impressive.

Great views and the exhibition/audio tour were worthwhile, though not mind-blowing. The price was steep and I was billed even more than the advertised €30 - for the audio guide, when I asked. I bought my ticket at the booth outside the tower. The audio guide was very crashy (my phone is quite old but usually it doesn't have issues). The staff inside was friendly and helpful (helping me source an audio device that worked). You take a lift up and walk down the stairs. I would recommend it if it wasn't so expensive (but am glad I went).

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆☆☆☆☆☆♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ A timeless icon in the heart of Istanbul! The Galata Tower is an absolute must-see. Originally built in 1348 during the Genoese colony period and once called the Christea Turris (Tower of Christ), it’s now 677 years old—and still standing strong. The views from the top are breathtaking, and the history woven into its stones makes the experience unforgettable. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a great photo op, this landmark delivers. Another bucket list!