Side Ancient City
Side Ancient City
4.5
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- Weymouth DWeymouth, United Kingdom42 contributionsAncient SideOur third holiday to Side and it does not disappoint. The local government are investing a lot of money in the site and this has a knock on effect with admission prices. We went today to visit the museum and amphitheater, we were told the museum is closed and just the amphitheater would be €17 each. All the photos I have attached were taken from surrounding ruins, that can be accessed for free and could take all day to explore. On the other hand, wander down to the harbour and take in a boat tour for €5 each. Visit Side at night for a magical experience, underlit pavement and ruins below are beyond beautiful.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 4, 2024
- LukasMönchengladbach, Germany109 contributionsFree and cheap and definitely worth a visit!!We walked to Side. As soon as you enter Side you can visit some of the ruins for free. The Acropolis and other ruins around the amphitheater are free. Entry to the historical museum connected to the amphitheater would have cost 17 euros. We did not visit the museum. Instead we booked a boat tour for 5 euros per person. The sales stand is located right at the harbor. The boat or coastal tour takes about an hour and is highly recommended.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 3, 2024
- T karan6 contributionsAncients Ruins, Walkabout and sunset by Apollon temple were exceptional but AVOID shops.We took a taxi from our hotel and cost us 450 TL to go and 550 TL to come back (€10 & €15). Cons; All the shops are expensive; we purchased 5 items of clothing, some tea, some Turkish delight, few silver earrings & couple of fridge magnets and £500 gone. Yes, all of this cost £500. They all talk nice but prices are Rip Off. Best to avoid buying anything Pros; Good to see the historical buildings and past. Nice sunset by the beach near Apollo temple.Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 14, 2024
- Chris MHillegom, The Netherlands46 contributionsSide old townWe are with our family two children and two adults to the old center of side traveled from Kumkoy sunis kumkoy beach and spa Resort for 11 euros with its 4ren. You arrive by taxi at the beginning of the old town. Which in itself is an experience because you drive (in the evening) into the illuminated street totally amazing. If you walk into the old town you have all shops and old buildings before you walk into the harbor of Side. In the evening you have a beautiful sunset where you can take very beautiful pictures. You can then follow a path where you can see all the antiquities and excavations. Only we did not visit the colluseum this was really expensive on entering 20 euros per person. A bit of a ridiculous price for something where you come to take pictures and leave. But all in all a very nice city and beautiful views over the sea.Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 19, 2024
- NataliaBaku, Azerbaijan95 contributionsMust see!We were in Side in the wild heat and it was very difficult to choose a time to sightsee in the Ancient City. Even though our hotel was within walking distance, we had to take a taxi as it was unbearable to move around in the heat even at 7pm. We were charged 10 euros for 3 minutes, but they brought us to the main entrance (we would enter from the sea and museum side). This allowed us to see all the sights in turn, from the Fountain Monument, Column Street, Agora Square with the temple of the Goddess of Fortune, the Main Gate and the Ancient Theatre itself (entrance to it costs 17 euros). Everything you see is breathtaking, it's worth seeing!Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 2, 2024
- Avux99Cheshire, United Kingdom1,966 contributionsSide old townCaught the dolmus to Manavgat & another dolmus into Side Otogar. From there it’s a short stroll to the beginnings of the old town. I didn’t pay to go into the Amphitheatre, as I considered it overpriced at 17 euro. I’ve been to Pompeii & with all due respect, Side is second division stuff in comparison. That said, it’s still a pleasant enough compact area to walk around & worth 2-3 hours of your time. As well as the Roman Ruins, you have the beach, options for boat trips, plenty of overpriced eateries & shops & there is a nice little mosque in town, Selimiye Cami, that is also worth a look & is free to enter.Visited October 2024Traveled soloWritten October 3, 2024
- laczkozsuDebrecen, Hungary2,488 contributionsHistoric sitesWe took a one-day trip to Side (80kms from Antalya), which originally was a fishing village. Nowadays it’s very popular for tourists. We took a special train for tourists from the car/bus/dolmus park to the Greek Amphitheater (it’s only 50 cent). We walked among the ancient ruins, it was a journey into the past. It’s worth a visit.Visited October 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten October 27, 2024
- Igor AlexeevMoscow, Russia133,812 contributionsAmphitheatre in Sid...The history of the amphitheatre in Side, which all guidebooks refer to as Roman for some reason, began in the 2nd century BC, during the Hellenistic period when Side, one of the largest cities in Pamphylia, was under the rule of the Kingdom of Pergamon. The Romans are known to have captured Side in 78 BC, and in 25 BC Pamphylia became part of the Roman Empire, and Side was accordingly an ancient Roman city. During its ancient Roman period, the amphitheatre had a capacity of up to 20,000. Nowadays, probably about the same number of tourists visit the amphitheater a month. Despite the €17 ticket price... Except now the amphitheatre is closed for restoration...Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten December 1, 2024
- serap annaRome, Italy5 contributionsa magnificent ancient citySide is an incredible ancient city. It is still alive. It is a city that is still alive with its history and ancient texture. Its shops and residents, hotels and restaurants are intertwined with this ancient city. It is like a never-ending history. This peninsula seems to continue to live for centuries. It fascinates people with its touristic, ancient and fascinating features.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten December 10, 2024
- 𝑨𝒍𝒂𝒓𝒂 𝑽𝒂𝒍𝒆Sarlat-la-Canéda, France26 contributionsA wonderful paradise and peninsulaI can say that it is the most different among the ancient cities. Peninsula. A historical peninsula. Constantinople, namely Istanbul, is also called a peninsula. But this ancient city is completely submerged in the sea and is different. It is still a living city. It does not matter whether it is ancient or old. There are shops and houses. Restaurants. It is such a beautiful place.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten December 26, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Olga S
Russia8 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
I highly recommend visiting, the scale of the construction is impressive.
Below I saw in the reviews that it is very expensive, 350 liras, this is true, but not everyone understands that this amount also includes a visit to the museum, which is located nearby, but tourists do not understand because this information is not indicated at the ticket office of the amphitheater, but is indicated only at the museum ticket office. Tourists who buy a ticket not at the museum, but at the amphitheater, simply do not know this and do not understand where such a crazy price comes from. This, I believe, is a glaring flaw in the organization of the process for visitors.
Below I saw in the reviews that it is very expensive, 350 liras, this is true, but not everyone understands that this amount also includes a visit to the museum, which is located nearby, but tourists do not understand because this information is not indicated at the ticket office of the amphitheater, but is indicated only at the museum ticket office. Tourists who buy a ticket not at the museum, but at the amphitheater, simply do not know this and do not understand where such a crazy price comes from. This, I believe, is a glaring flaw in the organization of the process for visitors.

Written September 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucyj96
Chesterfield, UK224 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
While exploring Side, we popped into here to have a look. The 300tl per person seemed a reasonable entry price when comparing it to other similar attractions I've been to in other destinations considering how well preserved it is.
This was beautiful and the views at the top are spectacular. It is a bit scary going down the stairs with no hand rails considering how narrow they are but at the bottom it's good to see the statues and sections of ruin.
However, there wasn't much to see. I would have liked if there was signs explaining the history to truly understand what it signified for the area. There was some signs for the history of Side as a whole but none narrowed down to the amphitheatre itself which would have been good.
I recommend if you like history
This was beautiful and the views at the top are spectacular. It is a bit scary going down the stairs with no hand rails considering how narrow they are but at the bottom it's good to see the statues and sections of ruin.
However, there wasn't much to see. I would have liked if there was signs explaining the history to truly understand what it signified for the area. There was some signs for the history of Side as a whole but none narrowed down to the amphitheatre itself which would have been good.
I recommend if you like history
Written September 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sabz1982
Chester, UK71 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Stunning Amphitheatre, well preserved. It cost 70lira in June 2020 per adult to enter and its well worth it. You can combine the ticket with museum but gave that a miss as it was way too hot.
Written July 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julia K
20 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
We just wanted to visit the ancient theatre in Side but the only ticket available was a combined ticket for the theatre and some other ruins. The ticket cost €17 each. Please be warned that they will only accept Turkish lira for payment (do not sure why they advertised the price in Euro?)
The other ruins that the ticket included were approx a 10 minute walk away in an area that was free to explore last year!
The theatre itself was disappointing. We visited Aspendos theatre last year which was amazing. If you’re in the area and can afford to take the time to get to Aspendos then I would suggest you save your money and do this instead. Much better preserved and more impressive!
If you can’t get to Aspendos but want to soak up some of the history in Side, then there are plenty of free ruins around to explore, including Apollos temple.
The other ruins that the ticket included were approx a 10 minute walk away in an area that was free to explore last year!
The theatre itself was disappointing. We visited Aspendos theatre last year which was amazing. If you’re in the area and can afford to take the time to get to Aspendos then I would suggest you save your money and do this instead. Much better preserved and more impressive!
If you can’t get to Aspendos but want to soak up some of the history in Side, then there are plenty of free ruins around to explore, including Apollos temple.
Written October 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sakis G
3 contributions
Jul 2024 • Friends
17 euro for just visit this? You came inside and you realized your mistake. I guess the entrance ticket for the ancient people from that time was paying it was cheaper and it was some show to see...All i see was a tragedy of loosing my money..You can see this theater from outside and save your money.
Written July 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ricardo B
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Family
The Colosseum is very nice but also nicely expensive - at 17€ nothing is actually offered here. There is an audio guide, but you have to have an internet connection first. Unfortunately there is no Wi-Fi and so we were left with only a single info board with a few little information. The money will surely finance the excavations that take place, but none more is overpriced. Information to follow. Unfortunately, there's a lot of garbage lying around here, I absolutely can't understand.
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Written August 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
robert l
9 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
It cost us nearly 17 euros each to enter the amphitheater which would have been fine if there some other activities in there. I think it is 17 euros for the amphitheater AND Side Museum however the museum was closed for refurbishments which meant the price should have been adjusted
There is an audio guide however you need to be connected to the internet to access it- and with no WiFi we couldn’t.
The theatre is stunning however for the price I’d expect there to be for information/guides in the place to tell you information
There is an audio guide however you need to be connected to the internet to access it- and with no WiFi we couldn’t.
The theatre is stunning however for the price I’d expect there to be for information/guides in the place to tell you information
Written April 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adele P
Silsden, UK48 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
The amphitheatre is amazing. The problem is it cost 300tl per person to get in and to be honest there is not much to see in the amphitheatre itself.
The rest of Side is well worth a visit we had an amazing day here but i feel 300tl to get into such a small area of it is expensive especially when you can see almost as much from the side of it. There isn't Any more info for the extra money just a different view. We spent literally 15 minutes in there. It's lovely but not worth the cost. Especially when the ticket doesn't even cover the museum.
If i came again I'd view from the side and spend more time in the rest of the free area.
The rest of Side is well worth a visit we had an amazing day here but i feel 300tl to get into such a small area of it is expensive especially when you can see almost as much from the side of it. There isn't Any more info for the extra money just a different view. We spent literally 15 minutes in there. It's lovely but not worth the cost. Especially when the ticket doesn't even cover the museum.
If i came again I'd view from the side and spend more time in the rest of the free area.
Written August 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zhenya R
Bangkok, Thailand24 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
We paid 350 liras for entrance to the amphitheater for three. We were shocked by the price, but once we arrived, we had to buy a ticket. We went inside, there was nothing to see. Aspendos and Perga are more interesting. And the price there is reasonable.
4500 for a family to come in and look at the steps - well, that’s it))
Tickets to the Hermitage are several times cheaper, but you can’t get around the Hermitage in a day! We were here for 15 minutes maximum. and just look at the state of the Hermitage exhibition and in what condition it is in Side.
The way local archaeologists restore antiquity is a blatant misunderstanding. You are not building hotels, but restoring architecture that is more than 2 thousand years old!
4500 for a family to come in and look at the steps - well, that’s it))
Tickets to the Hermitage are several times cheaper, but you can’t get around the Hermitage in a day! We were here for 15 minutes maximum. and just look at the state of the Hermitage exhibition and in what condition it is in Side.
The way local archaeologists restore antiquity is a blatant misunderstanding. You are not building hotels, but restoring architecture that is more than 2 thousand years old!

Written September 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alara R
Berlin, Germany13 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
While visiting this historical peninsula, the Apollo temple at the very end of the island is particularly beautiful. This is like a temple district. There are many temples. There are also churches. The port is also in this section. This ancient city was established in a beautiful location. They used a small peninsula beautifully. It is still a lively and vibrant city. It has become touristic. When walking around the island, one feels peaceful.
Written December 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi anyone happen to know opening times will be in the summer
Written April 27, 2024
Wij hadden geboekt via de reisleiding in het hotel (neckermann) en betaalde 49€ per persoon voor een hele dag rondleiding waar het bezoek aan het amfitheater een onderdeel van was.
Written September 16, 2018
Hi can anyone recommend good quality hotels near the Ampitheathre and restuarants, shops etc?
Thanks
Written June 30, 2018
Hi, not sure about Hotels in the area but if you use Tripadvisor and add filters it’s very good at finding just what you need.
The whole area around the amphitheater has restaurants within a five min walk in any direction, the ones on the sea front are very nice if you like to sit and watch the sunset. Once again I checked Tripadvisor and if the reviews were good and they were reasonably busy it’s always a good sign.
Hope this helps
Written July 1, 2018
время работы античный сиде? сколько стоит билет? как доехать из бульвара Сиде?
Written July 9, 2017
Время работы с 9 или с 10.00- до 18.00. Билет стоит 20 лир. Принимаются только карты или лиры. Рядом есть обмен валют, если нужно, справа от входа в амфитеатр. Ехали на такси.
Written July 9, 2017
zijn mijn foto s van het amphitheater al te zien op TripAdvisor ?
DANK voor mijn beoordeling.
Written October 28, 2016
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