Antalya, one of the world's leading tourism destinations known for its natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural heritage, set a record in 2024 by welcoming 3.25 million visitors to its museums and archaeological sites.
A city that attracts millions of tourists every year, Antalya stands out not only for its wide beaches and luxury resorts but also for its cultural heritage. The city, which has hosted numerous civilizations in the past, draws significant interest from history and culture enthusiasts thanks to its open-air museum-like archaeological sites and historical museums.
New efforts in cultural, sports, gastronomy, and quality tourism areas
To spread tourism throughout the year, Antalya is intensifying its efforts on cultural, sports, gastronomy, and quality tourism products. Cultural heritage projects, in particular, play a crucial role in this vision. Excavation, restoration, and promotion activities carried out last year have helped the city's cultural values reach a wider audience.
In 2024, Antalya's museums and archaeological sites generated a total income of 274.7 million Turkish Lira. Among the most visited archaeological sites, Patara Ancient City received the highest number of visitors, with 354,199 people. Phaselis Ancient City came second with 337,938 visitors, while Aspendos Ancient City took the third spot with 326,648 visitors.
Most Visited Museums in Antalya
According to data from the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, the Antalya Archaeological Museum was the most visited museum in 2024, with 175,970 visitors. The Mevlevi Lodge Museum ranked second with 155,332 visitors, and the Antalya Atatürk House Museum came in third with 153,903 visitors.
The "Night Museum" initiative, launched to increase access to Antalya's cultural riches, also made a significant contribution. Plans are in place to expand this initiative in the upcoming period.
The renovation project for the Antalya Archaeological Museum has been completed, and construction work is planned to start soon. Additionally, the project for the planned Underwater Archaeology Museum in Kemer is progressing rapidly. These projects are expected to further increase visitor numbers and generate revenue once completed.
