Aspendos Theatre — Entrance Fee, Festival & Guide 2026
The best-preserved Roman theatre in the world (155 AD) — 7,000 seats and astonishing acoustics, still hosting concerts.
Aspendos Theatre: entrance fee €15 (foreign visitor rate), opening hours 08:00–17:00 (ticket office closes 16:30); night visits in summer only (1 June–1 October, 19:00–21:30). Suggested time: 1.5–2 hours. Best time to visit: First hour of the morning, or a festival evening.
Aspendos — a must-visit ancient site near Antalya — is the best-preserved Roman theatre in the world. Built around 155 AD by the architect Zenon, it is the only ancient theatre whose 41-metre stage building still stands almost intact. In the roughly 7,000-seat auditorium, even a whisper on stage reaches the top row.
On the hill behind the theatre lie the agora, a basilica and a spectacular stretch of Roman aqueduct. Every summer the theatre hosts an international opera and ballet festival — the finest way to experience its legendary acoustics.
Aspendos Theatre entrance fee and opening hours (2026)
| Entrance fee | €15 (foreign visitor rate) |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | 08:00–17:00 (ticket office closes 16:30); night visits in summer only (1 June–1 October, 19:00–21:30) |
| Suggested time | 1.5–2 hours |
| Best time to visit | First hour of the morning, or a festival evening |
Fees for foreign visitors are from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism fee list; opening hours from muze.gov.tr. Check again shortly before your visit.
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How do I get to Aspendos Theatre?
The signed Aspendos turn-off on the Antalya–Alanya D400 highway leads 4 km inland; it is a 35-minute drive from Side and 45 from Antalya. Public transport is limited — a tour or rental car is the practical choice.
Distances and driving times to Aspendos Theatre
| From Antalya Airport (AYT) | 40 km · about 38 min by car |
|---|---|
| From Side | 34 km · about 32 min by car |
| From Manavgat | 34 km · about 29 min by car |
| From Alanya | 95 km · about 1 h 12 min by car |
Road distances and driving times calculated on the OpenStreetMap road network (OSRM), without traffic or stops. Compare all attractions →
Tips for visiting Aspendos Theatre
- Climb to the upper gallery and test the acoustics on a companion below.
- Stop at the Roman aqueduct 1 km north on your way out.
- Book summer festival tickets online well in advance.
Where is Aspendos Theatre?
Tours & tickets
Aspendos Theatre — frequently asked questions
How much is the Aspendos ticket?
The foreign visitor ticket is €15 as of 2026; current rates are on muze.gov.tr and Museum Pass Türkiye is valid.
Why is Aspendos so well preserved?
The Seljuks repaired and reused it as a caravanserai in the 13th century — continuous use saved the stage building from ruin.
Are concerts still held at Aspendos?
Yes, the international opera and ballet festival takes place every summer, along with occasional special concerts.
What are the Aspendos opening hours?
Aspendos is open 08:00–17:00 (ticket office closes 16:30), with night visits in summer only (1 June–1 October, 19:00–21:30). The ministry lists some September dates without night opening, so check muze.gov.tr before an evening visit.
How far is Aspendos Theatre from Side?
Aspendos Theatre is 34 km from Side by road — about 32 min by car without stops.
How far is Aspendos Theatre from Antalya Airport?
Aspendos Theatre is 40 km from Antalya Airport (AYT) by road — about 38 min by car without stops.
Comparison: Perge or Aspendos — which ancient site to choose →
