Town in Antalya, Turkey
Side
Beach town built around Roman and Hellenistic ruins on a small peninsula, with all-inclusive resorts nearby. Easy and tourist-focused; quiet off-season and light on local life.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,020–1,630Comfortable, one person · ₺50,000–80,000Details
- Value for money72/100Better value than 71% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Aug, 37°CDetails
- Internet83 MbpsFixed broadband, Turkey medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTreated but local advice is to drink bottled or filtered water; most hotels provide it.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$20–51Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundDolmuş to ManavgatWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards work in hotels, restaurants and shops; keep lira for dolmuş, markets and small cafés.Details
Where to stay in Side
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Side Old Town (peninsula) | Ruins, restaurants and shops; walkable but busy in season |
| Kumköy and Çolaklı | Resort strips with beaches and cheaper packages |
| Manavgat center | Local markets, cheaper food and long stays |
Apps that work in Side
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Yemeksepeti | Restaurant delivery available around Manavgat and Side |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- obilet: compare and book intercity buses
- Taxis: No reliable ride apps. Use metered taxis, confirm the fare for longer trips, and rely on dolmuş for budget travel.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Turkey.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards work in hotels, restaurants and shops; keep lira for dolmuş, markets and small cafés.
- Currency: Lira (TRY). US$1 ≈ ₺49.13 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Most bank ATMs charge foreign cards a fee shown on screen; compare banks and always decline the conversion offer.
- Tipping: About 10% in sit-down restaurants if service isn't included; round up taxis; tip hammam attendants and hotel porters a little.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay with foreign cards work on most contactless terminals; local wallets need Turkish bank accounts.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Many nationalities enter visa-free; others need an e-Visa. Use only evisa.gov.tr, as look-alike agent sites charge extra.
- Passport must be valid at least 60 days beyond your stay (150 days from arrival for a 90-day stay).
- Stays are capped at 90 days in any 180; overstays bring fines and possible entry bans.
Emergency numbers
Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Buy tourist packs at carrier stores with your passport; airport desks cost more. Foreign phones on Turkish SIMs are blocked after 120 days unless registered. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Turkey
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.