Perge, 18 km east of Antalya, is the most accessible and rewarding of the ancient cities near the city. In its Roman heyday it was one of the great cities of Pamphylia — a broad colonnaded street, Roman baths, a stadium, a theatre seating 14,000, and extensive city walls still punctuated by towers. The site is large enough to spend a morning exploring.
The stadium at Perge is particularly well preserved, with tiered seating along both sides still intact. The colonnaded main street stretches from the city gate to the acropolis hill at the back, its marble paving slabs still in place. Bring water and sun protection — the site is exposed. Taxis from Antalya take about 30 minutes.