Free Walking Tours in Antalya

First settled in the 2nd century B.C., the city of Antalya features a myriad of historic remains, including lofty minarets and majestic gates from several different time periods, as well as breathtaking natural landmarks.

One of the best ways to discover this destination is by embarking on a leisurely stroll through its streets with a passionate local. Free walking tours in Antalya provide you with an insider’s view into the coastal city, from its pristine bays to its Ottoman artifacts and everything in between.

Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the most engaging sightseeing activities in Antalya.

How do free walking tours work?

Free walking tours in Antalya have become increasingly popular in recent years as they provide tourists with an affordable and authentic way of experiencing this incredible city.

These tours are completely free to book and participate in, but it is encouraged that you tip your tour guide at the end of the tour. The amount you decide to tip is completely up to you.

How much should you tip?

When deciding how much to tip, think about the effort that your guide put into the tour and how much you enjoyed the tour overall.

Most tour participants tend to tip between US$10 and US$15 per person, but some people tip as much as US$50 for outstanding tours.

What are the best free walking tours in Antalya?

Old Town free walking tour in Antalya

Starting in the early evening, you’ll experience the enchanting Old Town as the setting sun casts a golden light upon its historic streets during this Antalya tour. After meeting your guide, you’ll view the most iconic sight in the city — Hadrian’s Gate — which was built in the 2nd century in respect of the renowned Roman emperor, Hadrian, who paid a visit to the coastal town. The gate is formed of three arches and was lovingly restored in the 20th century.

Wander under these spectacular arches to discover the wealth of landmarks littering this ancient corner of the city, including its harbor, which has been deemed an important point of trade for over 1,000 years. Prior to this, the port was used for Arab conquests.

You’ll also visit the Antalya Ethnography Museum, which is home to a vast collection of historic relics from several time periods. You’ll find artifacts from the Ottoman Empire, as well as tile pieces that have been unearthed from the remains of Aspendos — a Greco-Roman city, which existed more than 2,500 years ago.

Discover Kesik Minare — also known as the “Broken Minaret” — which was constructed in the 2nd century and served as both an Islamic mosque, and a Christian church before its destruction.

You can’t miss the almost 40-meter-high Yivli Minaret on your free walking tour in Antalya. This mosque was originally built in the 13th century, however, it was destroyed approximately 100 years later and reconstructed in its current style, featuring six domes. As you move through this corner of Antalya, your enthusiastic guide will fill you in on the history of these fascinating monuments.

Free nature walking tour in Antalya

Alternatively, leave the hustle and bustle of the inner-city behind, and embrace Mother Nature as you explore Antalya’s open spaces. You’ll begin this free walking tour in Antalya by driving along the coastal road, admiring the golden sands and azure ocean that surround the city. You’ll then move on to Yalim Park, which provides visitors with a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city, overlooking the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Pass by Lara Street, which is famed for its bustling weekly market and, as you navigate this corner of Antalya, you’ll stop by several other green spaces to get a feel for Turkey’s natural world. Before ending your excursion, you’ll travel to Duden Waterfalls — a duo of falls that are associated with Alexander the Great and thunder into the Mediterranean from heights of up to 20 meters.

In which languages is it operated?

Free walking tours in Antalya currently only operate in English. However, the range of languages on offer on these types of excursions is likely to increase as the activity gains popularity.

Where does it start?

Free tours in Antalya begin at any easy-to-reach landmark around the city, usually near Hadrian’s Gate. The city operates a reliable and comfortable network of public buses, which can be used to navigate its neighborhoods.

Upon arrival at your meeting point, your guide will be holding or wearing a distinctive item to make themselves recognizable to you. You can find out exactly what this item will be for your chosen tour on the booking page, which you can consult before your excursion.

How long does it last?

Free walking tours in Antalya typically last around 2 hours. While you won’t be able to explore the entire destination during this time, you’ll be able to deepen your knowledge of a corner of it and discover several dazzling landmarks on your route.

Because of the short nature of these walking tours, they are the perfect activity to slip into any itinerary, no matter how much (or little) time you have to spare.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Free walking tours in Antalya tend to be accessible for those with reduced mobility. However, you should consult the operator before booking to ensure they can accommodate any wheelchair users in your party. If they are unable to do so, you can instead select from a wide range of city tours in Antalya.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Antalya?

The best time to go on a free walking tour in Antalya largely depends on the time of year and your personal preferences. Generally, the most pleasant months for walking tours are April, May, October and November, when the weather is temperate and the city is less crowded with tourists. In the summer months, morning tours can be more comfortable, as Antalya tends to get quite hot in the afternoons.

Should you book tickets online?

You should consider booking your free tour in Antalya ahead of time so that you can secure your desired time slot. This will save you time and energy once you arrive in the city, making for a more seamless trip. Reserving your place on one of these tours is free to do and takes just a couple of minutes.

You won’t be required to enter your credit card information and you’ll be able to read up on each excursion’s itinerary, and reviews ahead of time, to ensure the one you select is the most suitable for your group.