Side
Side
Hotels
All Side HotelsSide Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in SideBy Hotel Type
By Hotel Class
By Hotel Brand
Popular Amenities
Popular Side Categories
More Side Categories
Near Landmarks
Near Airports
Near Colleges
Popular Hotel Categories
Things to DoRestaurantsFlightsHoliday RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental CarsMore

Plan Your Trip to Side: Best of Side Tourism

By Freedom655302

Side, Türkiye

Your biggest daily decision in Side may be whether to head east or west. The town’s West Beach is closer to hotels, has calm water and fine sand, offers watersports, and is (not surprisingly) popular. If you’re craving a more relaxed day, though, head in the opposite direction. The East Beach is a bit rockier, but it’s less crowded—you’ll find the locals here.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.

Essential Side

Pick a category to filter your recs
Properties ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, and number of page views.

Side Is Great For

Resorts

Rafting

Spas

Bars

Explore more from our sponsors

Side travel advice

Powered by AI
These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Local Favorites

According to forum posts, local eateries such as Cihan and Ümit Pide are popular with both locals and tourists for their authentic Turkish food. Another recommended spot is Umut Pide, known for its excellent and affordably priced meals.

Tourist Experiences

Some travelers have expressed disappointment with the dining scene in central Side, describing it as a tourist trap with overpriced, mediocre fare. However, places like Manavgat offer a more authentic dining experience with eateries that are favored by the locals.

Specialty Dining

For those seeking unique dining experiences, Connys is highlighted for its fondue options, including meat, cheese, and chocolate fondues. It's recommended for special occasions and offers a distinctive culinary experience in Side.

Street Food

For street food enthusiasts, the forum suggests exploring options in Antalya city for a broader variety of authentic Turkish lokantas and street food, as Side's offerings in this category are limited.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?

Family-Friendly Hotel Recommendations

According to forum posts, the Hemera Hotel is popular among families due to its proximity to the promenade and central Side, making it easy to access cafes and shops. It is also near an exchange office and PTT, adding convenience for guests. Another recommended option is the Side Star Park, which offers good facilities and is well-regarded for its buffet, catering well to a diverse international clientele.

Additional Options

Some travelers have mentioned the Barut hotels, specifically the Acanthus and Cennet, for their excellent amenities and suitability for families. These hotels are noted for being within walking distance of Side's attractions, providing both convenience and a range of services that cater to adults and children alike. The Villa Side Residence is also highlighted for its location near the beach and its high-quality all-inclusive service, making it a good choice for families looking for a comprehensive resort experience.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?

Currency Overview

The official currency of Turkey, including Side, is the Turkish Lira (TL). According to forum posts, travelers strongly recommend using Turkish Lira for all transactions to get the best prices and avoid overcharging.

Currency Exchange

Many users stated that it is generally better to exchange money in Side rather than in their home countries, as the exchange rates are more favorable locally. Some travelers suggest exchanging a small amount upon arrival for immediate needs and then changing the rest in Side.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?

Public Transport Options

According to forum posts, travelers can use a combination of dolmus (minibus) and bus services to travel from Side to Antalya. From Side, a dolmus can be taken to Manavgat bus station, from where buses depart every 30 minutes to Antalya, taking approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The journey from Side to Manavgat by dolmus takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

Private Transfer Alternatives

Some travelers have mentioned the option of booking private transfers for a more direct and convenient ride. Companies like Sun Transfers and Hana Travel offer services from Antalya airport to Side, with Sun Transfers receiving positive feedback for its reliability.

Day Trip Recommendations

For those looking to simplify their travel, booking a day trip through local tour offices has been suggested. These tours often include transport to and from hotels in Side, directly to Antalya's old town, Kaleici, and might even incorporate visits to historical sites like Aspendos or natural attractions like Duden waterfalls.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?

General Weather Overview

According to forum posts, the weather in Side varies significantly depending on the season. During the winter months, especially in January, the weather can include rainy days but also many sunny days that are suitable for sunbathing, with temperatures cool enough to sometimes require a coat.

Summer Weather

For the warmer months, travelers have called out that late May typically features very warm weather without the need for a jumper in the evenings. The summer season in Side begins around May 1st, with temperatures often reaching the mid to high 20s Celsius during the day.

Weather Variability

Some users noted that weather forecasts can be conflicting, and the actual weather can change quickly. It's suggested to check updated local forecasts frequently or use apps for more precise, location-based weather predictions. Rain, when predicted, may not be persistent and could just be a short storm.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?

Historical Significance

According to forum posts, Side Old Town is valued for its historical significance, featuring a mix of Roman ruins and remnants of ancient Greek architecture. Travelers have called out landmarks such as the Temple of Apollo, located right on the beach, and the Side Museum, which is central to the town's historical appeal.

Reconstruction and Commercialization

Some travelers noted that the Old Town has undergone significant reconstruction, replacing many of the original stone buildings with modern structures designed to mimic old architecture. This has led to an increase in rental prices and a shift towards more upscale businesses, affecting the area's traditional charm and cost of visiting.

Accessibility and Layout

The layout of the Old Town remains largely unchanged, with narrow streets and the ancient city walls still defining its boundaries. However, vehicle access is restricted, with taxis and shuttle buses only reaching the outskirts, requiring visitors to explore on foot.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?

Currency Preference

According to forum posts, visitors to Side are strongly advised to use Turkish Lira (TL) for all transactions. Some travelers noted that while Euros and other currencies might be accepted, especially in tourist areas, using TL is generally more economical and avoids the risk of unfavorable exchange rates.

Exchange Tips

Some travelers said it's best to exchange money in Turkey rather than beforehand to get better rates. They recommended using local exchange offices or ATMs in Turkey. It was emphasized to always decline the ATMs' offer to convert currency to ensure that you receive a better exchange rate directly from your bank.

Practical Advice

For many users, tips on currency use included carrying small denominations of TL for everyday expenses and tipping. It was also suggested to be cautious, as some places might display prices in Euros to target Eurozone tourists, which could lead to overpricing.

Experience Sharing

Travelers have called out that insisting on paying in TL can prevent being overcharged. The consensus is that while some businesses might prefer Euros, especially those catering to European tourists, sticking to the local currency is the safest and most respectful approach.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?

Currency Exchange Advice

According to forum posts, travelers recommend exchanging a small amount of GBP (£50) to Turkish Lira (TL) before arriving in Side for immediate expenses. It is advised to exchange the rest of the money in Side for better rates, as local exchange offices offer more favorable rates than those in the UK.

Using Local Currency

Travelers have called out that prices in Side are sometimes listed in Euros, particularly aimed at tourists. However, it is more economical to insist on paying in Turkish Lira. Posts highlight that paying in Euros can result in overpricing.

Card Usage

Some users noted that cards are widely accepted in Side. However, when using ATMs, it is important to decline the currency conversion options provided by the machine to get a better exchange rate. It is also advised to check with your bank regarding any fees for international transactions.

Tipping in Local Currency

For tipping, it is best to use Turkish Lira. Tips in foreign currencies like Euros or pound coins are discouraged as they pose an exchange inconvenience for the recipients.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?

Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.