10 Best Things to Do and See in Side
Exploring Side on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Side, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Side. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Side Archaeological Site
Side Ören Yeri is the vast archaeological site of the ancient city of Side on the Turkish Mediterranean coast. Explore an ancient theater, colonnaded streets, temple remains, baths and city walls, with beautiful sea and harbor views. It is an ideal visit to discover the region's ancient heritage and enjoy a highly photogenic setting.
2. Flow Manavgat Waterfall
Flow Manavgat Waterfall near Side is a pleasant stop to discover one of the region’s best-known natural sites. Admire a wide, powerful waterfall where the Manavgat River spreads into a curtain of foam in a green setting. It is appreciated for its refreshing atmosphere, easy viewpoints, and peaceful spaces for a break in nature. A great attraction for a relaxed excursion, photos, and a glimpse of iconic Mediterranean Turkey.
3. Temple of Apollo
The Temple of Apollo in Side is one of the most iconic sites in this ancient Turkish coastal city. Set near the sea, it offers a spectacular backdrop with marble columns facing the Mediterranean landscape. Visitors come to admire the ancient ruins and the peaceful atmosphere around them. It is a favorite spot for walking, photography and sunset views in a historic area rich in traces of the past.
4. Anitsal Cesme (Nymphaeum)
In Side, Turkey, the Anitsal Çeşme, also known as the Nymphaeum, is an impressive ancient ruin that catches the eye on arrival. Explore the remains of a great monumental fountain, with stone façades and architectural details still visible after centuries. The site helps you imagine the importance of water and urban design in antiquity, right in the heart of the city. Easy to include in a walking itinerary, this monument offers a rewarding cultural stop to discover Side’s heritage up close.
5. Side Museum
Side Museum, set in Side’s former archaeological area, is a great place to discover a rich collection of ancient finds from local excavations. Inside, you can see sculptures, sarcophagi, reliefs, inscriptions and everyday objects that reveal life in this Mediterranean coastal city. The museum is housed in a historic setting, often linked to former Roman buildings, which adds to the appeal of the visit. It is an ideal stop for understanding Side’s heritage before exploring the ruins.
6. Devlet Agora
In the heart of Side, Devlet Agora reveals a vast ancient space where visitors can explore the remains of a public square lined with columns, monumental bases, and evocative stone structures. This archaeological site offers a vivid glimpse into the Roman-era layout of the city, with its circulation, trade, and communal life. Strolling among the ruins, you can also enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and views of nearby heritage sites. It is an ideal visit to understand Side's history while taking in a memory-rich setting.
7. Side Amphitheater
Side Amphitheater is one of the most impressive historic sites in the ancient city of Side, Turkey. As you walk through its stone seating tiers, you discover a vast Roman theater remarkably integrated into the old urban landscape, with its arcades, vaulted passages, and partially preserved stage. The site offers a striking insight into ancient architecture and public life, while also giving you the chance to admire the surrounding ruins. It is a must-see visit for understanding Side’s archaeological heritage.
8. Vespasian Fountain
Vespasian Fountain in Side is an ancient ruin that draws visitors with its elegant remains and archaeological atmosphere in the heart of the old city. Here, you can discover the vestiges of a monumental fountain, with masonry and decorative elements that reflect the care once given to urban planning. The site is easy to visit during a walk through the historic center, between cobbled streets and other Roman monuments. It is an ideal place to appreciate Side’s heritage and imagine public life in antiquity.
9. Demeter Temple
Demeter Temple in Side invites you to explore the remains of an ancient temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Demeter, in a classic archaeological setting on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. The site stands out for its stone ruins, which hint at its religious and cultural importance in antiquity. Walking around the visible foundations and remains, you can also enjoy Side’s peaceful atmosphere, where history, the nearby sea, and a sunny landscape meet. A rewarding stop for heritage lovers.
10. I Love Side
I Love Side is a simple, contemporary tourist attraction, especially appreciated as a landmark and photo stop in Side. On Turgutreis Caddesi, the site stands out thanks to its name displayed prominently in public space. It is not an ancient monument, but a visual marker that reflects the town’s tourist identity. Its location makes it an easy-to-recognize stop in a destination where beaches, summer activity, and nearby ancient heritage meet.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
