Aspendos is an ancient city about 45 km east of Antalya, near the village of Belkıs in Serik district. It is famous for its Roman theatre, one of the best-preserved ancient theatres anywhere, with its stage building still standing to almost its full height.
Beyond the theatre you can climb to the acropolis and see the remains of the city’s basilica, agora and a long Roman aqueduct crossing the plain.
Plan your visit to Aspendos
- Entry: about EUR 15 (check for increases)
- Open 08:00–19:00 in season (shorter in winter)
- Time needed: 1.5–3 hours
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History of Aspendos
Aspendos was a city of ancient Pamphylia on the Eurymedon river (today’s Köprüçay). Greek tradition said it was founded after the Trojan War, and by the 5th century BC it was minting its own coins and was an important river port.
The city prospered under Rome. The theatre was built in the 2nd century AD, during the reign of Marcus Aurelius, by the architect Zenon, a local man. In the 13th century the Seljuks repaired it and used the stage building as a palace or caravanserai, which helped it survive so well.
Aspendos is on UNESCO’s tentative list for World Heritage status. The theatre is still used for performances, and the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival has been held here and at the modern Aspendos Arena nearby.
Attractions at Aspendos
- The Roman theatre: around 40 rows of seats, a two-storey stage building with columns and niches, and an arcaded gallery at the top. Estimates of its capacity range from about 7,000 to 12,000 people.
- The acropolis: a short uphill walk leads to the remains of the basilica, agora, market hall, nymphaeum (monumental fountain) and council house.
- The aqueduct: impressive arches of the Roman aqueduct that brought water to the city stretch across the plain north of the site.
- The Eurymedon bridge: a Seljuk bridge on Roman foundations over the Köprüçay river, close to the site entrance.
Things to Do at Aspendos
- Test the acoustics: climb to the upper rows and listen to voices from the stage.
- Walk up to the acropolis: far fewer people go here, and you get views of the aqueduct and the plain.
- See a performance: check the festival and event programme before you go; an evening show in the ancient setting is memorable.
- Combine sites: many day tours from Antalya visit Aspendos with Perge, Side and the Manavgat waterfall.
Aspendos – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
- Ticket: about EUR 15 for foreign visitors (check for increases). Turkish citizens can use the MüzeKart; the MuseumPass Türkiye is also valid at state sites.
- Hours: 08:00–19:00 in season, last tickets 18:30; hours are shorter in winter. Check muze.gov.tr before you go.
- Tips: there is little shade, so bring water and a hat in summer. An audio guide is available.
Tours to Aspendos
- Day tour from Antalya (Perge, Aspendos, Side and Manavgat waterfall, hotel pickup, with or without entry tickets) on Klook
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How Long to Spend at Aspendos
Allow 1–1.5 hours for the theatre, or 2–3 hours if you also walk up to the acropolis and the aqueduct.
How to Get There
- By car: take the D400 east from Antalya towards Serik and follow signs for Aspendos; it takes about 45 minutes.
- By bus: buses from Antalya Otogar towards Serik or Manavgat can drop you at the Aspendos junction. From there it’s about 4 km to the site, so take a taxi or arrange a pickup.
- By tour: the easiest option without a car is a day tour from Antalya with hotel pickup.
Arriving at Antalya Airport? Book a fixed-price airport transfer straight to your hotel.
Eateries Nearby Aspendos
There is a café at the site and a few simple restaurants along the road to Belkıs and near the Köprüçay river, serving grills and trout. For more choice, eat in Serik or back in Antalya. Bring water, especially in summer.
Other Attractions Nearby Aspendos
- Perge: a large Greco-Roman city with a stadium, colonnaded street and gates, about 30 km west.
- Side: a coastal town with a Roman theatre and the Temple of Apollo by the sea.
- Köprülü Canyon National Park: a canyon with Roman bridges and rafting on the Köprüçay river, about an hour north.
- Hadrian’s Gate: the Roman gateway to Antalya’s old town.
Before your trip
- Find hotels in Antalya: most visitors stay in Antalya or Side and visit Aspendos as a day trip.
- Get a Turkey eSIM before you land, for maps and ride-hailing apps.
Aspendos has one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world, built in the 2nd century AD and still used for performances. Add the acropolis and the aqueduct for a fuller picture of this Pamphylian city, about 45 minutes from Antalya.
Combine it with nearby Perge on the same day, or with the mountain ruins of Termessos on another.
