Discover best things to do in Side Excursions & Entertainment Tours with us

Experience the best Side Excursions & Entertainment Tours, Turkey! Whether you’re looking for mesmerizing cultural performances, thrilling night shows or fun-filled theme park adventures we have something for everyone. Perfect for families, couples, and adventure seekers,the best excursions in Side Turkey, a mix of day- excursions and night experiences. Book now and get huge discount on your first booking.

Side Excursions & Entertainment Tours

Pro tips to help you make a pick

Local secrets to save you time and money.

1

Book the Combo: Turkish Night + Dervish Show

Several operators run a combined evening starting with the Sema ceremony at 19:30 and continuing with a full Turkish Night dinner show from 20:30. The combo saves 20 to 30% versus booking separately and delivers both spiritual depth and festive energy in a single transfer.
2

Request Front Row Seating Early

Front-row tables at Turkish Nights are limited to 30 to 40 seats. Mention your preference when booking through Tripventura and confirm at least 48 hours in advance. Front-row guests are almost always pulled on stage during the halay dance, so make sure you're ready to move.
3

Visit Manavgat Market on Monday

Monday is the region's legendary market day when over 2,000 vendors line the Manavgat riverside. Arrive before 10:00 for the best selection of spices, leather goods, and hand-painted ceramics. Have small TRY notes ready. Vendors give better deals in cash.
4

Catch the Amphitheatre at Golden Hour

Book the late-afternoon amphitheatre tour starting at 16:30 to see Side's Roman ruins bathed in golden sunset light. This slot is less crowded than mid-morning visits and offers the best conditions for photography from the upper tiers.
5

Tip the Performers Gracefully

It's customary to slide 50 to 100 TRY into the sash of a belly dancer or place it on the table of musicians as a show of appreciation. Performers may drape a silk scarf over tippers as a thank-you. It's part of the tradition and a great photo moment.

About Side Excursions & Entertainment Tours

Side's excursion and entertainment scene blends 2,700 years of Greco-Roman heritage with modern resort-style nightlife. Open-air cultural shows play beneath the ancient amphitheatre walls, neon-lit dinner and dance evenings line the harbour promenade, and the programme fills every gap in between. Daytime excursions venture into the Taurus Mountains, historic bazaars, and nearby archaeological marvels such as Aspendos, while after dark the town transforms into a stage for fire dancers, whirling dervishes, and live Turkish folk performances. Families book the Turkish Night, couples gravitate to the dervish ceremony, and groups of friends end up at the fire show on the harbour.
Address Side Old Town & Resort Belt, Manavgat, Antalya Province, Turkey
Also Known As Side Nightlife Tours, Side Cultural Excursions, Side Evening Entertainment, Side Show Trips
Year Opened Tourism entertainment programmes developed through the 1990s; cultural shows formalised around 2005
Founded By Local tour operators and Manavgat Municipality cultural tourism initiative
Annual Visitors Over 400,000 excursion bookings per season (May–October)
Expected Wait Time Show-night transfers pick up 30–60 minutes before curtain; daytime excursions depart between 08:00 and 10:00 (Peak)

Interesting Facts (Fun Facts)

Discover hidden secrets and stories.

Side's ancient amphitheatre, once seating 15,000 spectators for gladiatorial contests, still hosts open-air cultural performances every summer. That makes it one of the oldest continuously used entertainment venues on the Mediterranean.
The Sema ceremony of the whirling dervishes, recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, is performed in several dedicated venues within a 30-minute drive of Side's harbour.
Turkish Night dinner shows in Side typically include at least seven live acts, covering zeybek folk dance, belly dance, fire breathing, and audience sing-along. They're the longest-running variety shows on the Riviera.

Why visit Side Excursions & Entertainment Tours?

A Living Museum After Dark

Side is one of very few Mediterranean resorts where you can watch a fire show yards from a 2,000-year-old temple. The effortless blend of ancient ruins and modern entertainment creates an atmosphere that's both culturally enriching and thrillingly festive.

Something for Every Age Group

Turkish Nights welcome toddlers to grandparents; dervish shows captivate spirituality seekers; fire-dance evenings electrify twenty-somethings. With age-appropriate options running every night of the week, nobody in your travel party is left scrolling their phone.

Hassle-Free Hotel Transfers

Every excursion includes round-trip air-conditioned minibus pickup from your Side, Kumkoy, Colakli, or Evrenseki hotel. Drivers know every back lane, so you arrive relaxed and return safely. No taxi haggling, no map panic, no designated driver needed.

Unbeatable Value All Inclusive Packages

Most entertainment excursions bundle dinner, unlimited local drinks, live show, and transfers into a single ticket starting from 25 euros per adult. Compare that to a la carte dining plus a separate show and you'll typically save 40 to 60%, with zero surprise bills at the end of the night.

Highlights

Whirling Dervish Sema Ceremony

Whirling Dervish Sema Ceremony

Witness the mesmerising 700-year-old Sema ceremony in a purpose-built semahane near Side. White-robed dervishes spin...
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Fire Dance and Acrobatic Night Shows

Fire Dance and Acrobatic Night Shows

Professional fire dancers and acrobats take the stage on Side's beachfront and harbour venues after...
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Grand Bazaar and Market Excursions

Grand Bazaar and Market Excursions

Step into the aromatic labyrinth of Manavgat's Monday market or Side's own Old Town bazaar...
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Ancient Amphitheatre Sunset Tours

Ancient Amphitheatre Sunset Tours

As the sun dips behind the Taurus ridge, Side's second-century Roman amphitheatre glows amber and...
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Turkish Night Dinner and Folk Show

Turkish Night Dinner and Folk Show

A full Turkish Night begins with a meze-laden banquet of 12 or more dishes, grilled...
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Plan your visit

Main gathering point for harbour-side fire shows, dinner cruises, and cultural walks. Most operators have ticket kiosks along the promenade near the Temple of Apollo.

Large-capacity Turkish Night and dervish show venues are located along the Manavgat–Side highway, 10 minutes inland. Purpose-built stages seat 300–500 guests with professional sound and lighting.

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

On Site Dining
Turkish Night packages include open-buffet meze banquets with 12 or more dishes, grilled meats, vegetarian options, and dessert. Unlimited local beer, wine, spirits, and soft drinks served throughout.
Professional Photography
Venue photographers capture costumed souvenir photos with traditional Ottoman or folk-dance backdrops. Digital downloads available for 100 to 200 TRY.
Restrooms and Accessibility
All major show venues provide clean restrooms and designated wheelchair-accessible seating areas close to the stage. Baby-changing facilities available at Turkish Night venues.

Wheelchair and Mobility

Indoor show venues offer level access and reserved front-row wheelchair spaces. Outdoor amphitheatre tours involve uneven stone paths; staff can assist with portable ramps on request.

Age and Dress Code

Children under 6 enter free on most evening shows. Ages 6 to 12 receive 50% discount. Dervish Sema ceremonies request modest clothing covering shoulders and knees. No flash photography during Sema rituals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before you go.

1

What evening entertainment options are available in Side?

Side offers a charming evening entertainment scene with open-air restaurants, bar streets, and occasional cultural performances. The illuminated Temple of Apollo ruins provide a stunning backdrop for after-dinner evening walks.

2

Are Turkish folklore and belly dancing shows available near Side?

Yes, traditional Turkish night shows featuring folk dances, belly dancing, and Ottoman-era performances are available near Side. These dinner show events are popular with families and couples seeking cultural entertainment.

3

Are there outdoor cinema or cultural events in Side region?

Side and nearby Aspendos host open-air performances in ancient theatres during the summer opera and ballet festival season. Attending a performance in the Aspendos Roman theatre is a uniquely memorable cultural experience.

4

Is the Side entertainment tour scene suitable for solo travelers?

Side is very welcoming for solo travelers, with group evening tours, bar crawls, and organized entertainment events connecting visitors. The town's compact layout and friendly atmosphere make it easy to explore independently.

5

What shopping and craft markets can I visit in Side?

Side's main market street runs through the ancient city ruins, offering leather goods, ceramics, textiles, and authentic Turkish souvenirs. The evening bazaar is particularly lively and atmospheric during summer tourist season.

6

What types of entertainment tours are available in Side?

Entertainment tours in Side include cultural performances, dance shows, and traditional Turkish music events. These tours offer an exciting way to experience the local culture and nightlife.

7

How much do entertainment tours in Side cost?

Entertainment tours typically cost between $40 to $100 USD per person, depending on the performance and location. VIP experiences or dinner shows may be more expensive.

8

Are meals included in entertainment tours?

Some entertainment tours include a dinner with the performance, such as a Turkish night with traditional food and entertainment. Check with the operator to confirm meal inclusions before booking.

9

How long do entertainment tours in Side last?

Entertainment tours typically last 3 to 4 hours, often including time for a meal and drinks before or after the performance. Some extended tours may last longer if there’s more to see.

10

Are entertainment tours in Side family-friendly?

Yes, many entertainment tours in Side are family-friendly. Some tours feature performances and shows that are suitable for all ages, while others may be designed for adults, with more mature themes.

11

What should I wear for an entertainment tour in Side?

Dress comfortably for the show. For dinner shows, smart casual attire is often recommended. Bring a light jacket for cooler evenings, especially if you're attending an outdoor performance.

12

Can I book an entertainment tour in advance?

Yes, entertainment tours can be booked in advance through platforms like Tripventura. It’s a good idea to book early during peak tourist seasons to secure your preferred tour and seating.

13

Is transportation included in entertainment tours?

Yes, many entertainment tours include hotel pick-up and drop-off as part of the package. Confirm with your provider at the time of booking to avoid any additional charges for transportation.

14

Are there discounts for group bookings on entertainment tours?

Yes, some operators offer discounts for group bookings. It’s best to check with the tour provider for group pricing or any special offers for large parties or families.

15

What are the best entertainment tours in Side?

Some of the best entertainment tours in Side include Turkish night shows with live music and dance, belly dancing performances, and the famous Whirling Dervishes. Choose a tour based on the type of cultural experience you want.

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