Side Ancient Theatre — Ticket Price, Hours & Guide 2026
15,000-seat Roman theatre in the heart of Side.
Side Ancient Theatre: entrance fee €7 (Museum Pass Türkiye valid), opening hours 08:00–18:45 (ticket office closes 18:45); night visits 19:00–22:00. Suggested time: 45 minutes – 1 hour. Best time to visit: First hours of the morning — shade and quiet.
The Side Ancient Theatre — a must-see attraction and one of the top things to do in Side, Turkey — was built in the 2nd century AD and seated around 15,000 spectators, the largest in ancient Pamphylia. Unlike most ancient theatres it rests not on a hillside but on vaulted arches, the boldest piece of Roman engineering in the region.
Reliefs of the cult of Dionysus can still be made out on the stage building. Together with the agora and the colonnaded street, the theatre anchors any visit to ancient Side, and in summer it once again hosts concerts and festivals.
Side Ancient Theatre entrance fee and opening hours (2026)
| Entrance fee | €7 (Museum Pass Türkiye valid) |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | 08:00–18:45 (ticket office closes 18:45); night visits 19:00–22:00 |
| Suggested time | 45 minutes – 1 hour |
| Best time to visit | First hours of the morning — shade and quiet |
Prices are approximate for the 2026 season; check current rates at the ticket office or on muze.gov.tr.
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How do I get to Side Ancient Theatre?
From the parking lot at the entrance to ancient Side it is a 5-minute walk along the colonnaded street. Dolmuş minibuses from Manavgat and the surrounding hotel areas stop at the old town gate.
Tips for visiting Side Ancient Theatre
- Climb to the upper rows to test the acoustics and see the harbour view.
- Buy tickets online at muze.gov.tr to skip the queue.
- Add the Side Museum in the Roman baths just across the street.
Where is Side Ancient Theatre?
Tours & tickets
Side Ancient Theatre — frequently asked questions
How much is the Side Theatre ticket?
Admission for foreign visitors is €7 as of 2026; current prices are published on muze.gov.tr.
Is the theatre still used for events?
Yes — opera, ballet and concerts are staged here in summer; the programme is announced by the municipality.
Does visiting ancient Side cost money?
The colonnaded street and the Temple of Apollo are free; only the theatre and the museum charge admission.
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