Why I'll NEVER Visit Antalya Ever Again | The Travel Tips Guy

Antalya is a well known tourist hot spot for many European travellers. However its not as great as one would be led to believe. There are just certain things that let it down. Watch the video to find out what they are. You might be able to save yourself from these pitfalls if you're determined to visit Antalya, Turkey.
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[@GeneRauXxX]

1- taxis, we local tourists experience the same problem, use tram right next to it. if you are a traveler, you should know that taxis around big transportation hubs in every country always do same sh*t avoid any cost. Or ask their prices first then bargain before you get in and pay what you are agreed. Use it in your favor, don’t be mama’s boy. 2- I don’t understand the motivation behind the explanation of what corendon airlines does. 3- prices in all of Turkish airports are expensive not only Antalya airport, don’t use it if it is not an emergency. Bring your own food, let those stores bankrupt, I hate them, more than you do. 4- ASK the price first, then buy it, this is how it works in Turkey, unfortunately. Rest of Turkey hate those shopkeepers but we can’t do anything about it. Go to chain market like A101, BİM, ŞOK, and Migros is also great, go to bigger Migros 3M or 5M, you could find almost anything you can imagine. 5- Well going holiday with child is a big hurdle on itself, but saying that you can’t find any culture you are very much mistaken. There are two types of holidays in Antalya. A) First one is all inclusive hotels, if you plan to stay in one big hotel, everything is included, drinks, foods, activities, pools, beach, sea, massage, spa, hamam, concerts, night activities etc, you gotta choose this. Could be costly but you won’t have to think about anything else just focus on enjoying B) If you are in to culture and nature, find a cheaper accommodation, read the comments, choose wisely as location wise. Rent a car when you land, visit all the beaches, archeological sites( there are tons of ‘em) read their stories, then visit natural parks, woods, mountains, lakes, rivers and so on. Tons of interesting things, take a stroll on the beachside. Have Turkish coffee, turkish ice cream ( maraş ice cream especially one of the best in the country-ask for it) try local cuisine ( hard to find good spot, do your research well) don’t take advice from complete strangers ( they could say they have great ice cream, food etc, don’t believe it), even for us finding good local restaurant is hard. Ask for the price first all the time, we have to do that too.

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Thanks for the advice. I am heading back to a different part of turkey later this year and will be staying in a villa and renting a car. So I’ll be able to avoid the issues with taxis and also explore the culture a bit. Also yes definitely love the big supermarkets like migros etc.

[@gracielalachmayer5599]

thank you for your honest opinion

[@Fle-2870]

I've visited Antalya last year ... and to be honest, I didn't experienced any bad experience of ripping off, and everything was easy. The prices were reasonable and quite low ( a Belgian chocolate fondue for 2 euros ) , but i won't repeat it because i think that the whole area is overrated whether it was not a lot of things to do or the old town that was good but not impressive and even places to visit were just OK but not impressive , or maybe it's just not my thing since I'm not a big fan of heat ... Sorry for your bad experience..

[@zuberahmed6736]

Hello totally agree with you my experiance in Antalya was hit and miss. That popeye fast food is expensive at the airport, we struggled to find a seat to eat there. Agree that taxi fare is expensive it was around 40 euro to antalya airport i remember we went to Istanbul mid way through our holiday. What i didnt enjoy out of the whole trip was that turkish hotel staff didnt really go out of their way to make us feel welcome they prefer the european or british tourists. Im afraid they dont like us asians. Thats my impression. I have got back from Bodrum that was much nicer again the waiters were the same but Jet2 are a great tour operator to fly with

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

I have yet to try bodrum and may do in the future. As for Antalya forget it. My previous visit to dalaman was good. Taxis over there atleast from airport to hotel have fixed prices displayed so no getting ripped off. Antalya it’s the Wild West. Would not reccomend Antalya to anyone. It’s a shame really as they themselves are putting visitors off repeat visits. All they need to do is change a few simple things like get their taxis to use their meters and stop ripping people off.

[@user-gp8jv9yq3g]

Who goes to Turkey and eats at Popeyes? Freaking idiots!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!@@TheTravelTipsGuy

[@familyguy7624]

Mate I am British I hate here I want to go early

[@adeemzubair]

The food shops inside Istanbul airport were the same, 1 person meal from Subway, Burger King and Popeyes was £20 each minimum! But it was costing £2/3 per meal from their franchise in local places in Istanbul. It doesn’t make sense how they are getting away with this.

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Exactly! Its pure extortion. Even airports in actual EU countries don't charge this much.

[@jeanvh462]

Thank you i'm booking somewhere else in the world

[@rayj5091]

I had the same issues with Popeyes at this airport. I bought 4 pieces of chicken for $25 USD. The airport prices are CRAZYYYYY

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Indeed. More expensive than airports in Europe!

[@JoJayO]

@@TheTravelTipsGuy Hey antalya is the most expensive airport in the world. :D now u all know it.

[@AI_circle72]

Totally dissagree rip off shops are all over the world at all tourist destinations- this video to me seems like an angry review because things didnt go your way- Turkey is one of the best destinations ive been visiting for the past 10 years every year along with egypt and dubai- this video for me is 100% a biost rant video

[@LaVidaEsBella2425]

Which month did you visit Antalya mate? Planning to go in April but having second thoughts after watching this. Not sure where else one can catch some sun with the family in April.

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Went at the end of July. April isn’t the best if weather in Turkey. I’d reccomend other warmer places like Egypt or Middle East or Canary Islands. Maybe Tunisia even if it’s warm enough.

[@GeneRauXxX]

Best time for going there April and May, in my opinion. Summer times are overcrowded and too hot, if you like the hot temperatures, it is the right spot.

[@santyv9466]

A small bottle of water €2.5 is freaking rip off. I didn't even pay this much in Dubai or NYC

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Exactly! I was shocked to the extent they inflated their prices. Its probably the worst airport pricing I've come across in my years of travelling.

[@GeneRauXxX]

Try Amsterdam street vendors. I bought a bottle of water for 2.50 euro

[@hannahmay4161]

Great tips, love your videos! 😊

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Glad to hear it! Thanks!

[@Ukwemustcarryonok]

I been turkey 8 times no problem If in a hotel ask hotel to book and they will tell yo fixed price if yo ask? Turkish Airlines good its choice I invited to Turkish family home the relatives made me free 8 course a ls carte meal all from scratch at their restaurant Excellent Antalya good old town hidden ie Michelin stars wine bars etc. Land of legends great for shopping or just to eat Did yoy socialise with locals I got discounts I go 5 star and becore gettingvto airport home my hand luggage full of fruit, drinks, pastries to eat Hotel 🎉

[@olla975]

Thank you amazing video I was wondering if Uber is available

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Unfortunately it isn’t. However I have heard there is a Turkish equivalent call BiTaksi.

[@olla975]

Thank you

[@nunosantos2015]

​@@TheTravelTipsGuyyes it is available, I use everydays since I'm here with my UK app and I didn't change anything. Maybe the taxi for the first time in airport will ask you for money , but tell him you paid online , don't be fool if you do it he will understand you know well . But accept only old drivers with lots of trips and 5 start rating coz majority of them are crazy on the road.

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

@@nunosantos2015 That’s good to know.

[@janinechinery4149]

Great video, and it's saved me some money. There are other destinations in Turkey that will be better value for money.

[@elivq]

They don’t even take care of ur bags they just let people steal it. I was crying so so much.

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Thats very bad. I have noticed that with some hotels where they simply leave your luggage out in the lobby rather than putting it away in a secure place. Often I've ended up retrieving the luggage myself as they take too long to bring it and all that time its at risk.

[@ssgghazi5812]

Iv booked a week in trendy lara hotel and you have made me rethink but I can’t cancel now

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

You might find it ok. Just beware of the taxi drivers. Hopefully it’s still enjoyable. Good luck!

[@ssgghazi5812]

@@TheTravelTipsGuy would you recommend having lira or euros?

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

@@ssgghazi5812 they love euros over there. Have some as it may work out better for you. Most places accept card payments too.

[@ssgghazi5812]

@@TheTravelTipsGuy thanks

[@mimimay4276]

Just come back from a trip to Lara with my sister and I mean I see why people like it so much, but honestly as two young blonde girls walking around Lara - we did not feel the safest 😅 I know everyone has different experiences but I think we struggled with constantly getting told to “come here sexy babies, we have best prices here” etc if you get me. So we decided to venture out into Antalya Old Town and honestly it was beautiful but coming in March wasn’t the greatest time I don’t think.. people either stared at us like we were aliens, flirted with us or followed us all around the stores etc and I think it’s because there weren’t many tourists around when we were there. We stopped to admire the view of the mountains and beaches but we couldn’t relax because we were being constantly haggled to go into shops. I also got injured on the bus on the way back when it emergency stopped after going at around 70mph and everyone stacked it to the floor - apparently this is normal I don’t know? I did love all the animals and some people were lovely too and the views were nice when we were able to see them. We were also lucky enough to have some sunny days in March so we were able to stay in hotel and sunbathe etc.

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

I feel your pain. I had a similar experience in Egypt with getting hassled by people constantly trying to sell something.

[@BillyBullshitter]

I have lived in Antalya for over 60 years. And I have never had a single problem. Not one. I'm respected in the community and they gave me the key to the city. I practically own the place.

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

I guess its ok for 'locals'. You can really tell what a place is like in the way they treat outsiders/foreigners/tourists.

[@BillyBullshitter]

@@TheTravelTipsGuyyes. Look how the UK and France and other European countries treat outsiders, foreigners, tourists 😂. The UK is one of the most racist places, as is France, in fact most European countries are. I'm not a local to Turkey, but they treated me with so much respect when I visited, I went back every year for a few Years. Then I decided i would stay.

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

@@BillyBullshitter I wasn't saying that turkey is racist nor was I defending European countries. They have their own issues. As a traveller, I just hate it when certain destinations see a tourist and look for ways to extract as much money out of them as possible rather than welcoming them and showcasing the best of their culture. Again, its just not turkey that has this issue, many other places have this issue as well. Simply pretending it doesn't exist won't make it go away nor does it mean that others have not experienced it.

[@BillyBullshitter]

@@TheTravelTipsGuy I am also a traveller. It happens everywhere. Turkey and the Turkish people are one of the most welcoming out there. I haven't experienced it much in Turkey. I have experienced it more in other countries, aswel as racism.

[@js3k661]

Hi I’m due to fly to Antalya at the end of November but after seeing the weather, I’m reconsidering. Have I made a bad decision going at this time? Will it be cold?

[@razoukahmad2556]

me and my family have ben in turky and it was really the worst trep for us ever

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

This is how they will lose future tourists. By one bad experience at a time. They need to fix up otherwise the future isn't bright.

[@andrewpower7743]

dude you are off

[@fahesheh]

No you are not wrong,more over they imposed restriction on staying longer than 3 month,whilst it used to be annual visa to remain. I will never visit Turkey any more😊

[@terminator536]

Mate you couldn't be further from the truth. Antalya is one of the best holiday resort places in the world. If you didn't budget and only pay £100 for the holiday, you would've had a better experience. Spend a reasonable amount and you will be given a really good experience.

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

That’s the thing. I did spend a reasonable amount. Room was £400 per night which is more than most would spend. The biggest annoyance was taxi drivers. I understand that when on holiday some haggling is required but when they try to extort you then haggling stops being fun and becomes an annoyance. There are far better places out there.

[@terminator536]

@@TheTravelTipsGuy With taxi's dont get them from there. Pre-purchase a taxi service with your hotel to take you to and from the airport and hotel and it will be so cheap. These are just strategies to minimise the costs, return there and do this, it will be so much more enjoyable.

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

@@ODTU06 I wish they would just give that rate to everyone or even use their meter. No one ever goes Dubai and says that a taxi driver ripped them off. Things over there are regulated and a rip off taxi driver would never get away with it. They should apply strict laws like that here. A tourist shouldn’t have to second guess rates.

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

@@ODTU06 that’s a good idea they should have everywhere. Would do wonders for their economy. I will give bodrum a try at some point to see if it’s better. Dalaman was good I found.

[@terminator536]

@@ODTU06 But usually when you book via your hotel they give you really good prices, and when you are at the hotel you can haggle with the person to get a cheaper price. At the end of the day its like the black cabs in London, they charge a lot because there are many tourists. If we go by such logic we could say don't visit London.

[@robertdickson5170]

Go to antalya about three times a year, never been ripped off in a taxi, not once, don't know what taxis ur usin pal

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

It’s the normal yellow ones. Tell me, do any of them use their meter? I doubt it. Therefore it’s likely you’re getting ripped off without realising it. I managed to use the meter from the airport to Lara beach. Cost was 200 lira. On the way back taxi refused to use it and wanted 400. Managed to haggle down to 300. And even that was a rip off. They should abide by their own law which requires them to use a meter.

[@robertdickson5170]

@@TheTravelTipsGuy if that was an attempt at a joke then it was extremely shit, btw I know antalya like the back of my hand, definitely not gettin ripped off, ur obviously expectin a taxi ride for next to zilch, pay wot yer supposed tae pay or get the bus man, goodness man, some people want things for fuck all

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

@@robertdickson5170 wasn’t a joke 🤦🏻‍♂️. Just telling you exactly what happened. I got fed up haggling with taxi drivers that I ended up hiring a car which worked out cheaper. You still didn’t answer whether they use the meters or not even though by law they are meant to. Have you tried comparing a regular journey you take on a meter vs negotiating? A first time visitor won’t know what is a normal price so will likely be over charged. It shouldn’t be like that. Just use your damn bloody meter and abide by the law. You’re defending the indefensible.

[@robertdickson5170]

@@TheTravelTipsGuy absolute nonsense, we will agree to disagree, yes they use their meter, because YOU have had a so called "bad experience" stop scaremongering coz you had to pay for a taxi, a beautiful place, a fantastic holiday and wonderful experience for anyone wantin to go, unbelievably poor and misinformed review, enjoy Blackpool mate 👍 👎 👍 👎

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

@@robertdickson5170 ha! Not sure what magic powers you used to get them to use their meter but I literally had arguments with them trying to force them to use the meter. Obviously if they had done so then I wouldn’t had said what I said as the metered fare was reasonable. But during my stay there for a week, this was the behaviour I came across. Like I say in the video it wasn’t just taxis. That was one aspect. Shops were also ripping me off. Again I’m sure you’ll say you’ve never been ripped off so count yourself fortunate. Not sure when was the last time you’ve been there but I’ve had anecdotal reports from others visiting Antalya this year that prices on everything there have gone through the roof and the claim is that people including taxi drivers are trying to claw back the money they didn’t make during covid. But you’re welcome to disagree of course. It’s only your opinion vs mine. It’s a shame though as Antalya could be better by fixing a few simple things. They’ve lost me as a repeat visitor.

[@kmtb2011]

I love Antalya espically Side, dont use taxi use the bus! remember their rip off atitude may have changed due to the russian boycott, Turkey tourism ran dry to a point they were desperate for custom

[@rumas3352]

Yes , it is very bad for Turky, the lose more money because this taxi criminals. Because Taxi a peopel don't want came

[@habibhussain825]

Just like home then....

[@mrd9908]

But you have a choice to visit Antalya. Home you do not n

[@habibhussain825]

@@mrd9908 the video creator is of bangladeshi heritage and that was the comparison i was making.... Its all well and good slagging off a location based on where you come from and having a judgmental attitude but it should not be forgotten the world is still recovering from the pandemic and is also experiencing economic turmoil and inflation worldwide. It hasnt affected everyone equally. Some have prospered, some havent and some have had their livelihoods decimated. I think would be travellers should be conscious of this when planning their holidays. You may be flush but when face to face to someone who is not dont be taken aback if the dark arts are employed....

[@michellesmith2637]

He’s right it’s boring 🥱

[@halito.5931]

I agree with some arguments. I reject the sand and hotel strip critizim. this is Lara, if you wanna have cheap hotel go to Alanya

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Like I said in my other reply, I don’t want a cheap hotel, I want quality especially at £440 per night.

[@GeneRauXxX]

@@TheTravelTipsGuyif you can pay that price to a room for one night, tell the hotel to pick you up from airport. Don’t think about the money you spent on taxi for couple of liras, it’s worthless afterall.

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

@@GeneRauXxX I guess next time I Will definitely arrange my own transport and not rely on negotiated taxis. For the journey back, I tried to get the hotel to arrange transport but they said they don't offer such service.

[@GeneRauXxX]

@@TheTravelTipsGuy I am right now in Antalya for vocation, weather is just lovely. It’s a touristy city, of course there’ll be ups and downs. If you think about the ratio of tourists/ local people, Antalya might be the number one in the world, maybe right after Venice, I don’t have the exact numbers though. That makes things a bit complicated. Couple of years ago I hated this city the most but now I stopped complaining about the people and try to enjoy weather and beaches and travel buddies and couple of good locals.

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

@@GeneRauXxX fair enough. I think there are plenty of places to see around the world that it will keep me busy enough. Like I said I won’t be going back to Antalya since there are many places in the world to see(they may also turn out to be just as bad too!)

[@MSV19801]

As a dual citizen (Türkiye and GB), I agree with everything in the video. Antalya airport is an absolute farce of the highest order. Unfortunately, Türkiye is a country that is regressing by the month.

[@rajindernijjer]

I would go turkey just to have Popeye's

[@rayj5091]

Home made chicken tasted better... I dont know if they dont get the memo there was a recipe to follow

[@nasirmiah8998]

Lol you were out on a mission to kill off antalya, it's the best city for all inclusive hotels plus every airport is expensive and taxi around the world is higher nowadays than ever before, I have been 16 times in 6 years 😀can't be that bad lol Lara beach is the best place for hotels and close to airport an antalya city, I was there in August where I paid for taxi 450 lira from airport to lara beach, it used to be 70 lira, I never complained because its a holiday and holiday is what you make of it not others to cheer you up lol Next time set off with positive mind and you'll enjoy it..Good luck

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

I really did set off to like it. I’ve been to dalaman previously and loved it and it was a completely different experience. To this day if I had to choose between Antalya and dalaman I’d choose dalaman. I think Antalya isn’t for me and like minded people. It wasn’t the cost per se, it was the underhanded methods they used to justify the prices. I get a holiday is where you don’t mind spending but to a certain point it has to be justified don’t you think. I just think the authorities need to get a hold of rip off merchants and they’d be ok. I doubt I killed them off lol as people will still go there. Hopefully this video might help them be more cautious and if it saves one person getting ripped off then it’s been worth it. Safe travels.

[@GeneRauXxX]

@@TheTravelTipsGuy first reason, politicians are stupid secondly they are corrupted. If you report the situation to police or zabıta ( works for municipality for exactly this kind of complains) they will look into it, they will issue a ticket or maybe suspend his licence to work as a taxi driver. This way you’d have helped the society, and future tourist. Please report them, call 112 for police, call 153 for zabıta.

[@mainlineto5988]

Either this is just a clickbait video or your organisational skills are terrible. Possibly both.

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

I assure you its not clickbait and just my experience. As for my organisation skills, yes you could argue I should have been better prepared but then again I should've set my expectations lower and prepared accordingly.

[@jeffrichards3566]

How about you agree the price before kinda common sense

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Good luck trying that!

[@jeffrichards3566]

@@TheTravelTipsGuy come on its not that difficult to do Kinda easy really bit like learning how to say please and thank you in the language of whatever country your in ?

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

@@jeffrichards3566 I did try. It was a mixed bag really. They all seem to be allergic to using their meter when that is the law there. Laws are there for a reason! Out of all the taxi rides only one used their meter. The rest I had o negotiate down from a very high starting ‘tourist’ rate. Haggling for a taxi is not a fun experience like it might be in a shop. YMMV.

[@jeffrichards3566]

@@TheTravelTipsGuy we always book via hotel in advance stops alot Though I can understand your frustration