Major city · Türkiye (Turkey)
Antakya
Go for 1–2 nights if you want Roman and early-Christian sites and Hatay food; skip if you expect a rebuilt old town — much of the centre is still rubble in 2026.
Antakya is the old Antioch-on-the-Orontes, capital of Hatay province and one of the first Christian communities. The 2023 earthquake wrecked the historic centre, so 2026 travel here is about a handful of surviving sights, the mosaic museum, the Church of Saint Peter and Hatay's Arab-Turkish food, not strolling a bazaar. One full day covers the city; add a second for the coast and Titus Tunnel.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- TRY
- Best months
- Mar–May, Oct–Nov
- avoid Jul–Aug (hot, humid), winter rain
- Airport
- HTY
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 5
- Türkiye (Turkey) ↗Check whether your passport is visa-exempt; if it is not, apply only at evisa.gov.tr — lookalike sites charge extra and some sell nothing.
- Türkiye (Turkey) ↗At mosques cover shoulders and knees, take shoes off at the door, and women carry a headscarf; stay out during prayer times.
- Türkiye (Turkey) ↗Taxis must run the taximeter; refuse flat quotes, or book through BiTaksi or Uber so the ride is logged.
- Türkiye (Turkey) ↗Carry lira in small notes for tea, markets, tips and toilets; prices move with inflation, so treat every printed price as dated.
- Türkiye (Turkey) ↗Do not take stones, coins or tiles from ancient sites, and export no antiques without a museum certificate; travellers have been detained at airport customs.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Antakya112 ▾
- All emergencies (police, fire, ambulance)112
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Antakya, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Turkish lira (₺, TRY).Türkiye (Turkey)-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckTurkcell, Vodafone and Türk Telekom sell tourist SIMs at airports (passport needed); they are dearer than in town shops — check.Türkiye (Turkey)-wide
- Tap waterTap water is treated and chlorinated but tastes of it; locals buy bottled or 19-litre dispenser water.Türkiye (Turkey)-wide
- TippingcheckSit-down restaurant: 5–10% in cash, even if the card machine does not offer a tip; check for a 'servis' charge first.Türkiye (Turkey)-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Türkiye (Turkey)-wide
- SafetyAntakya is a working recovery zone, not a dangerous city: the real risks are unstable ruins, construction traffic and summer heat.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels, malls and restaurants; squat toilets (alaturka) in older mosques and bus stops.Türkiye (Turkey)-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All emergencies (police, fire, ambulance) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidayscheckMany museums close Monday (Topkapı closes Tuesday) — check; mosques close to visitors during the five daily prayers and Friday midday…Türkiye (Turkey)-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportHTY Hatay Airport (25 km (16 mi) north of the centre; Turkish Airlines and Pegasus fly from Istanbul, about 1 h 50 min.HTY Hatay Airport (16 mi (25 km) north of the centre; Turkish Airlines and Pegasus fly from Istanbul, about 1 h 50 min.
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable, but the Church of Saint Peter and the archaeological museum sit several km out, across industrial ground.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or tea₺40–100 (≈ US$1–3)
- Street or quick mealKebab or humus plate₺200–450 (≈ US$5–11)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi3.1 mi (5 km) taxicheck₺250–400 (≈ US$7–10)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week₺300–700 (≈ US$8–18)
- Museum or sight ticketChurch of Saint Peter entry€8 (≈ US$10)
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per person₺500 (≈ US$13)
- Mid-range bedBoutique-hotel double room, a night, per room₺3,000 (≈ US$75)
- High-end bedBoutique-hotel double room, a night, per room₺7,000 (≈ US$180)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₺1,200 (≈ US$30) · Mid ₺2,500 (≈ US$65) · High ₺5,000 (≈ US$130)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- HTY Hatay Airport (25 km (16 mi) north of the centre; Turkish Airlines and Pegasus fly from Istanbul, about 1 h 50 min. Basic facilities; bus or taxi into town.)HTY Hatay Airport (16 mi (25 km) north of the centre; Turkish Airlines and Pegasus fly from Istanbul, about 1 h 50 min. Basic facilities; bus or taxi into town.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Feb
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Mar
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Apr
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
May
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jun
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jul
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Sep
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Oct
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Nov
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Dec
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)), coolest Jan (5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C) low), wettest Jan (13 rain days), driest Jul (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Antakya: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
13 rd
Feb
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
12 rd
Mar
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
11 rd
Apr
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
8 rd
May
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
5 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
2 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
1 rd
Aug
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
1 rd
Sep
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
2 rd
Oct
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6 rd
Nov
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
Dec
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable, but the Church of Saint Peter and the archaeological museum sit several km out, across industrial ground. Dolmuşes and taxis are plentiful; a car helps for the coast and outlying sites.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Titus Tunnel and Çevlik
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Drive or dolmuş west via Samandağ, about 30 km (19 mi)Drive or dolmuş west via Samandağ, about 19 mi (30 km)
Roman flood-diversion tunnel cut through rock; bring a flashlight to walk it through.
Monastery of Saint Simeon
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Drive 22 km (14 mi) southwest off the D420 to SamandağDrive 14 mi (22 km) southwest off the D420 to Samandağ
Hilltop stylite monastery ruins; free entry, fine views.
Vakıflı and Moses' Tree
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Drive into the hills north of Samandağ
Turkey's only Armenian-majority village; museum and church had not reopened as of 2026.
Iskenderun
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Drive over Belen Pass on the D817, about 60 km (37 mi)Drive over Belen Pass on the D817, about 37 mi (60 km)
Coastal city and nearest railhead; see the Iskenderun guide.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Kurtuluş Cd and around
The old spine of the city, north and south of Habib-i Nejjar Mosque; most surviving hotels cluster here.
Cumhuriyet Meydanı
Central roundabout; walkable to the river park and the museum, but civic buildings around it were destroyed.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₺1,200–2,000 (≈ US$30–50) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₺2,000–3,500 (≈ US$50–90) excl. bed
- High
- ₺3,500 (≈ US$90)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Boutique-hotel double room1 × 2 nights × ₺3,000 | ₺6,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × ₺2,500 | ₺10,000 |
| Airport bus or taxi from HTY, one way2 × ₺400 · check | ₺800 |
| Dolmuş ride in the city2 × ₺30 · check | ₺60 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ₺400 | ₺800 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₺1,770 |
| Trip total≈ ₺4,860 per person per day, bed included | ₺19,430≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in lira; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or tea | ₺40–100 (≈ US$1–3) |
| Künefe (shredded pastry with cheese) | ₺120–250 (≈ US$3–7) |
| Kebab or humus plate | ₺200–450 (≈ US$5–11) |
| 5 km taxicheck | ₺250–400 (≈ US$7–10) |
| Church of Saint Peter entry | €8 (≈ US$10) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | ₺300–700 (≈ US$8–18) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Large parts of the historic centre are still rubble or fenced off; expect construction and dust.
- The Hatay Archaeological Museum is temporarily closed for repair — check before you plan around it.
- The intercity bus station (otogar) is 5 km (3.1 mi) northwest and was badly damaged; facilities are makeshift.The intercity bus station (otogar) is 3.1 mi (5 km) northwest and was badly damaged; facilities are makeshift.
- Trains from Adana and Mersin are suspended; the nearest station is İskenderun.
- Koz Castle and some hillside ruins are unstable after the earthquake — take care approaching.
Emergency numbers
- All emergencies (police, fire, ambulance)
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
AntakyaAntakya
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Bu adrese, lütfenTo this address, please
Emergency
- All emergencies112
Embassy
No embassies in Antakya; most countries keep embassies in Ankara and consulates-general in Istanbul. Check your own country's list.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- HTY airport → city centre: bus or taxi, about 1 h by bus (check)
- Dolmuş in the city: about ₺30 (≈ under US$1) (check)
- Taxi across the centre: ₺250–400 (≈ US$7–10) (check)
Say or show
- Merhaba — Hello (mer-hah-BAH)
- Teşekkürler — Thank you (teh-shek-kewr-LER)
- Ne kadar? — How much is it? (neh kah-DAR)
- Hesap, lütfen — The bill, please (heh-SAP lewt-FEN)
- Tuvalet nerede? — Where is the toilet? (too-vah-LET NEH-reh-deh)
- Kartla ödeyebilir miyim? — Can I pay by card? (KART-lah ur-deh-yeh-bee-LEER mee-yim)
Antakya is not Antalya — check your ticket.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Antakya. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov · avoid Jul–Aug (hot, humid), winter rain · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for HTY: bus and taxi fallbacks, late-arrival rung.
- Walking clusters around Kurtuluş Cd, Cumhuriyet Meydanı and the Church of Saint Peter.
- Place pages with verified hours for the Church of Saint Peter, Necmi Asfuroğlu Museum and Titus Tunnel.
- Reopening watch on the Hatay Archaeological Museum and Vakıflı.