Antalya, Türkiye at night
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7 Unmissable Things to Do in Antalya at Night

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Blessed with sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and year-round warm weather, Antalya truly is a paradise-like destination in Turkey. When the sun goes down, Antalya turns into a lively place with all sorts of nightlife activities.

Nightlife in Antalya is busy, lively, and full of fun events. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two, a peaceful sunset cruise with a glass of wine, a thrill of dancing at heart-pounding concerts, or an unforgettable night out with friends—there’s no shortage of things to do in Antalya at night.

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Is Antalya good for nightlife?

Antalya is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, making it a great destination for those looking to enjoy the evening hours. With its numerous clubs, rooftop bars, and beachside venues, tourists and locals alike can experience a lively atmosphere and enjoy socializing with friends and partners.

Blime Tip

When you’re out for nightlife activities in and around Turkey, make sure to stay alert and be cautious of ‘friendly’ bar friends who might invite you for a drink and then scam you with a huge bill. These are some of the common tourist scams in Turkey.

Remember: Tourist scams are part of nearly every famous destination in the world. Don’t let these problems ruin your night out.

Please do some research on how to stay safe and be aware of your surroundings and meeting strangers. Being prepared in advance may help you have a more enjoyable and safer nightlife experience in Turkey or anywhere else.

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Best Things to Do in Antalya at Night

See the best accommodation in Antalya here

1. Indulge in the Luxuries of the Old Town

Things to Do in Antalya at Night: Old town Kaleici in Antalya, Turkey at night

Antalya’s historical city center, “Kaleiçi,” also known as the Old Town or Old Antalya, attracts many visitors both day and night.

The area is dotted with exotic restaurants, lavish boutique hotels, clubs, and bars, making the nightlife a highlight for the nightgoers.

If you’re a foreigner, you’ll also come across many other tourists having the time of their life with their friends and family, owing to a large number of clubs and bars around. The streets of the town look stunning at night, with all the colorful decoration lights.

Side’s Old Town is on a relatively expensive side of the nightlife experience in Antalya. Similar to the Old Town of Kaleiçi, Side’s Old Town is also dotted with restaurants, bars, pubs, and clubs.

You’ll find music fans gathering next to a stage performance, or you can also find some folks enjoying a soccer match while cheering loudly for their favorite teams. In addition to this, you can find loads of beach resorts here as well.

If you prefer a relaxed and chilled-out vibe for your nights out, then consider the harbor promenade and beachfront areas.

Side’s Old Town is also famous for its huge open-air market, with an almost endless selection of ceramics, tea and coffee, spices, souvenirs, lamps, carpets, clothes, jewelry, and much more.

Typically, the market opens at around 9:30 AM and closes by 9 PM. However, during peak tourist seasons in Antalya, it may remain open for extended hours.

Restaurant and Bar Recommendations:

See TripAdvisor’s list of Nightlife in Antalya

2. Unwind at the Beach with an Ocean View

An incredibly beautiful sunset on Konyaalti beach, Antalya, Turkey

Who doesn’t like the feel of sand under their feet and the sounds of the sea at the beach? You have the opportunity to control this vibe and take it to the next level by visiting the clubs and restaurants on Konyaalti Beach.

Some flavorful kebabs, a glass of wine, music of the sea waves, dim lights, and the company of your loved ones make up the perfect setting to end your day on a wholesome note. An experience like this is like a refresh button for day-to-day life, helping you set the worries of your life aside for a bit to help you have a fresh perspective.

If you count yourself amongst those who go all in to extract the last drops of excitement on the dance floor, we have got you covered! Konyaalti Beach is dotted with nightclubs and pubs to suit your desires.

The beats will make you leave your place and join everyone who is swaying on the dance floor. Top that off with great drinks, unique shisha combinations, and flavorful authentic Turkish foods to satisfy your traditional Turkish delicacy cravings.

Tip: If you wish to experience Antalya to the fullest, then we would recommend three to four full days for you to squeeze in the must-do activities.

Restaurant recommendations:

3. Enjoy a Delicious Dinner on a Sunset Cruise

Traditional Turkish ship Gulet in Cirali bay on Mediterranean coast Antalya province, Turkey

Golden skies, sun-drenched Mediterranean waters, winds running through your hair, great food, the best drinks, and the music to match the mood—are what attract most tourists who wish to experience a sunset cruise in Antalya.

Other than a sunset cruise, there are full-day as well as lunch cruise options for you to explore. Yet nothing beats the experience of the sunset for someone who is a sucker for great sunset views.

If ‘party in a boat’ in Antalya is on your bucket list, ‘party boats’ are the way to go. You might even find yourself in the company of others who are there to enjoy a few drinks and vibrant tunes while dancing their hearts out.

In addition to this, these boats organize foam parties occasionally. Party boats are more common during the ‘high season’ of tourism in Antalya, which is from the month of June till early September.

Cruise Recommendations:

4. Sip Cocktails at Vibrant Clubs and Bars

Clubs and Bars for the ‘Cocktail’ Lovers

As the night starts settling in, both locals and tourists begin to flock to Antalya’s clubs and bars. Most locals are there to unwind after work with their friends or to enjoy a soccer match with some drinks and a large crowd cheering for their favorite teams.

Tourists also jam into the mood and enjoy the night with some drinks to keep them going. This doesn’t mean you should consume alcohol of any kind without caution. Excessive alcohol consumption can have dire consequences on your health and well-being. While indulging in a few drinks may seem harmless, it’s important to be mindful of your limits and prioritize moderation.

However, taking small sips can provide a taste of the local culture and add to the ambiance. So, if you’re on the lookout for some cultural taste around, you may prefer one of three popular varieties: Rakı, Turkish Wine, and Efes Beer

Amongst these three, Rakı is a hit among ‘Turkish locals’. Rakı, also known as “Lion’s Milk”, is a milky white-colored potent alcoholic drink with a licorice-like taste.

woman drinking traditional turkish raki at bar and club in Antalya

Raki has around 40-50% alcohol content and is consumed with alternate sips of water. You can start off your Rakı experience with two of the famous Rakı varieties: ‘Yeni Rakı’ and ‘Tekirdağ Rakı’. Locals love to enjoy their Rakı at ‘Mayhanes’, which are traditional restaurants and bars. You’ll also find various mezes, fish and meat delicacies, fresh bread, salads as well as many other delicious foods to go with the Rakı.

  • Mayhanes usually begin serving in the evening and stay open all night till the morning. You’ll find people enjoying their time with their friends, family, and spouse to unwind to the great music that plays in the background.
  • In comparison to other alcoholic drinks, Turkish Wine is usually the least consumed drink by the locals, yet it shouldn’t be underestimated if you love to drink sometimes. For someone who wishes to taste the flavors of local Turkish wines, ‘Turasan’ from Cappadocia and ‘Kalecik Karası’ from Ankara can be a great start.

On a side note, alcohol can be relatively expensive in Turkey as they are taxed higher than other non-alcoholic drinks.

Tip: Look for late-night bars and clubs in cities and tourist areas. They usually start filling up around 8 pm and may remain open until the middle of the night. Kaleiçi, Side’s Old Town, Alanya Harbor, and Kaş Harbor are four popular nightlife destinations in Antalya that you can consider visiting.

Bars and Club recommendations: 

5. Take a Relaxing Bath at a Turkish Hammam

Marble Turkish Hamam, bath modern design

After strolling all day and dancing your heart out in the clubs at night, a Turkish Bath experience can be a perfect match to relieve all that tiredness.

Also known as a Hammam, Turkish Baths are ‘steam baths’ with their origin in the Ottoman Empire. There are private as well as public hammams in Antalya; you’ll also find separate male and female baths based on your comfort. 

The architecture of the old and traditional hammams is enticing, with beautiful marble stones and motifs on the roof. Most hammams also offer showers, steam rooms, saunas, shock pools, massage lounges, pools, and jacuzzis for your rejuvenation and self-care.

Luxury hotels, in general, have their own private and public hammams. It’s good to learn some Turkish hamam etiquette before you experience this ultimate Ottoman steam bath.

Hammam recommendations:

Give yourself a relaxing Traditional Turkish Bath here

6. Catch the Beats of Turkish Music and Dance

Turkish Folk Dance Show with Local Outfits

After wrapping up an early dinner, Antalya State Theater is a go-to stop for anyone looking to experience Turkish stage art.

The theater shows plays and dances based on local Turkish folklore and stories, and you might see some great Turkish artists perform at one of these shows.

This is a place for all age groups, as it doesn’t just host classical performances, it also displays performances for the children. If you’re visiting in the month of May, then do not miss the Antalya International Theatre Festival. This will make your cultural experience of Türkiye a memorable one.

Opera and Ballet lovers can get their hands on tickets to Antalya Opera House, located adjacent to the Antalya State Theatre. Apart from great performance, the tickets are dirt cheap for the experience you’ll expect to have at both of these locations.

7. Experience the Colors of Turkey in Turkish Cultural Festivals

Antalya hosts a variety of cultural festivals throughout the year. In May, there is the Turkish Russian Classical Music Festival. June and July feature the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival, while September offers the Phaselis Festival and Side International World Music, Culture, and Art Festival.

These festivals continue until October, providing entertainment for visitors. The Olympos Sky and Science Festival in August caters to science enthusiasts. During the autumn months, the Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival showcases and features Turkish as well as international film cinema.

Additionally, Antalya holds gastronomy festivals, including the Ernez Honey Festival in August, the International Street Food Festival in September, the Antalya Meze Festival in October, and the GastroAntalya International Antalya Gastronomy Festival in November. These events provide opportunities to experience Turkish cuisine and flavors from around the world.

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