Perge Ancient City Antalya
Step back in time at Perge, a magnificent ancient city in Antalya, boasting grand colonnaded streets and a well-preserved Roman stadium.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the heat and crowds
Perge Ancient City Antalya
Best Time
Escape the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Perge, a magnificent ancient city in Antalya, boasting grand colonnaded streets and a well-preserved Roman stadium.
"A truly impressive ancient city, easily accessible and offering a vivid glimpse into Roman life."
🎯 Tram to Aksu is Easiest
Take the T1B tram to Aksu stop for direct access to Perge. A short walk from there! :tram_car:
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven ancient stones. Prioritize comfort! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Colonnaded Streets
Main thoroughfare
Imagine walking down these grand, ancient streets, once lined with shops and bustling with life. A true step back in time.
Roman Stadium
Northwest of the city
One of the best-preserved Roman stadiums, envisioning gladiatorial contests and athletic events here is awe-inspiring.
Agora and Nymphaeum
Central area
Explore the heart of ancient commerce and public life, marveling at the remnants of fountains and market stalls.
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Perge: Tram is Your Friend
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Tram to Aksu is Easiest
Take the T1B tram to Aksu stop for direct access to Perge. A short walk from there! +1 :tram_car:
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven ancient stones. Prioritize comfort! :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Antalya sun is intense. Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. :droplet:
📸 Capture the History
The ruins offer incredible photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Tram to Aksu is Easiest
Take the T1B tram to Aksu stop for direct access to Perge. A short walk from there! +1 :tram_car:
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven ancient stones. Prioritize comfort! :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Antalya sun is intense. Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. :droplet:
📸 Capture the History
The ruins offer incredible photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Perge Ancient City for its impressive scale and well-preserved Roman architecture, particularly the colonnaded streets and stadium. Its accessibility via public transport from Antalya is a major plus. Some find the site can get very hot and exposed, recommending early visits.
"I would visit this place again in a heartbeat! This was my first experience with seeing ancient Roman architecture and I loved it!
I was a bit short on time, so I was only able to stay for about an hour and a half, but I could easily spend 3-4 hours here if I wasn’t pressed for time."
Mark Smith
"Atmospheric place to discover old ruins of ancient Roman city. Touching the ruins gave me goosebumps because every stone is a history. I wandered around it for three whole hours. But that's a bummer that amphitheater was closed. Definitely worth to visit this place! Comfortable shoes recommended, and also bring your own water, as local museum shop is too expensive and it's very hot here. Entry ticket was €11."
Denis Davydov
"Such a fantastic experience. I would love to be able to go back in time and see it in all it's glory, but it is easy to imagine what it would have been like. It's reasonably priced at €11 and I spent a good couple of hours exploring the entire site. I would certainly recommend a visit if you are into ancient civilisations."
Phil B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way is to take the T1B tram line towards Aksu. Get off at the Aksu stop, and it's a short walk to the Perge ruins. This is a popular and easy method mentioned by travelers. +1
Yes, absolutely! The tram system makes Perge very accessible. The T1B tram to Aksu is your best bet for a straightforward journey. +1
Perge Ancient City is located about 17 kilometers east of Antalya's city center, making it a very manageable day trip.
Yes, driving is an option, and there is usually parking available. However, public transport via tram is often recommended for ease and avoiding potential parking hassles.
Many tour operators in Antalya offer day trips to Perge, often combined with other nearby ancient sites like Aspendos. This can be a convenient option if you prefer guided excursions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Perge Ancient City Antalya is typically around 30 TRY, but it's always a good idea to check the latest prices before your visit as they can change.
Perge Ancient City generally opens early in the morning and closes in the late afternoon or early evening. It's best to confirm the exact hours for the day of your visit, especially during different seasons.
For individual visits, booking tickets in advance is usually not necessary. You can typically purchase them at the entrance. However, if you're part of a tour, your ticket will likely be included.
While efforts are made to improve accessibility, some parts of the ancient site may have uneven terrain. It's advisable to contact the site management for the most up-to-date information on accessibility.
Perge Ancient City is generally open on public holidays, but operating hours might be adjusted. It's recommended to verify the schedule in advance if you plan to visit on a holiday.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
To truly appreciate Perge, plan for at least 2-3 hours. This allows time to explore the colonnaded streets, stadium, and other significant structures without feeling rushed.
Don't miss the impressive colonnaded streets, the well-preserved Roman stadium, the agora, and the nymphaeum. These areas showcase the grandeur of the ancient city.
Shade can be limited, especially in the open areas. It's wise to wear a hat and sunscreen, and visit during cooler parts of the day to maximize comfort.
Yes, guided tours are often available at the site, or you can hire a local guide. This can greatly enhance your understanding of the history and significance of the ruins.
Basic facilities like restrooms are usually available. It's advisable to bring your own snacks and water, as options within the ancient city itself are limited.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light, casting a warm glow on the ruins and creating dramatic shadows. Early mornings are also great for fewer crowds and softer light.
Drone usage is typically restricted at archaeological sites to preserve the heritage and for safety reasons. It's best to check with local authorities or site management before flying a drone.
The long colonnaded streets, the imposing Roman stadium, and the intricate details of the remaining structures offer fantastic photographic opportunities.
Photography is generally permitted throughout the public areas of Perge Ancient City. However, always be respectful of the site and any specific signage regarding photography restrictions.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the streets and stadium. A zoom lens can be useful for details. A tripod might be helpful for low-light conditions, but check site regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more enjoyable for kids, consider bringing snacks and plenty of water, as facilities are limited. Keep the visit to a manageable length, focusing on the most visually striking areas like the colonnaded streets and the stadium. Visiting during cooler parts of the day will also help keep everyone comfortable and energized.
🚶 Budget Travelers
With an entrance fee that is generally quite reasonable (around 30 TRY), you can experience a significant historical site without breaking the bank. Packing your own water and snacks will also help save money on-site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Perge's Past
It's known as the birthplace of the mathematician Apollonius of Perga and the athlete Plancia Magna, who significantly contributed to the city's development. Walking through Perge is like stepping onto a movie set of ancient life. The colonnaded streets, once bustling with merchants and citizens, stretch out before you, hinting at the city's former glory. You can still see the remnants of shops, public baths, and a sophisticated water management system that brought water from the northwest via aqueducts.
The Roman stadium, capable of holding thousands of spectators, is a particularly striking feature, offering a vivid imagination of ancient spectacles. The agora and the nymphaeum (a public fountain) further illustrate the city's advanced urban planning and civic life. Perge's historical significance is further highlighted by its connection to early Christianity, as Saint Paul is believed to have visited the city during his missionary journeys.
Navigating Perge: Practicalities for Visitors
Hydration and sun protection are also crucial, especially during the warmer months. Antalya's sun can be intense, and shade is limited within the archaeological site. Bringing ample water, wearing a hat, and applying sunscreen are highly recommended to prevent discomfort.
For those interested in photography, late afternoon often provides the most dramatic lighting, with the golden hour casting a warm glow over the ruins. However, early mornings are also excellent for avoiding crowds and enjoying softer light.
Remember to be respectful of the historical site while capturing your memories.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit