Ephesus is an ancient Greek and Roman city located on the coast of modern-day Turkey With over 2000 years of history, it is one of the best preserved ancient sites in the Mediterranean region Exploring Ephesus offers you the chance to step back in time and immerse yourself in ancient history.
If you’re planning a visit to Ephesus, you’re probably wondering what there is to see and do there. This comprehensive travel guide covers the top attractions, activities, tips and more to help you make the most of your time exploring the ruins of Ephesus
Overview of Ephesus
Ephesus was established as a Greek colony in the 10th century BC in what is now Turkey. It later came under Roman rule and reached its peak as the provincial capital of Roman Asia in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. With an estimated population of over 250,000, it was the second largest city in the Roman Empire after Rome itself.
The city was famed for its Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, as well as its impressive Library of Celsus. It was also an important early center of Christianity – the apostle Paul lived in Ephesus for several years and wrote some of his epistles there.
Today, Ephesus is one of the most spectacular ancient sites in the Mediterranean region. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 2015. Excavations have uncovered theaters, temples, a marketplace, baths, houses and streets, offering an exceptional look into life in the ancient world.
Top Things to See and Do in Ephesus
Explore the Ruins
The highlight of any visit to Ephesus is exploring the sprawling ruins. Some of the key sites include:
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The Library of Celsus – The restored marble facade of this grand library is the most iconic image of Ephesus. Built in 135 AD, it originally held up over 12,000 scrolls.
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Terrace Houses – Lavish houses decorated with elaborate mosaics and murals offer a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy elite.
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Temple of Hadrian – This ornate 2nd century temple honors the Roman emperor Hadrian with four giant pillars on its facade.
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Grand Theater – One of the largest theaters in the ancient world, this two-tiered structure could seat 25,000 people.
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Agora – The heart of the city’s commercial, religious and political life features colonnaded squares and the remains of various structures.
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Curetes Street – Lined by columns, statues and buildings, this marble street was the main ceremonial route through the city.
See the Ephesus Museum
To view artifacts found at Ephesus, visit this excellent museum in Selçuk. It houses statues, coins, jewelery and more from the ancient city’s excavations. The most striking exhibits are two monumental statues of the fertility goddess Artemis.
Visit the House of the Virgin Mary
Believed to be the home of Mary, mother of Jesus, in her final years, this peaceful site on Mount Koressos has been a pilgrimage site since the 6th century. A serene chapel and fountain mark the tranquil spot with panoramic views.
Take a Day Trip to Kusadasi
The lively seaside resort town of Kusadasi, about 30 minutes from Ephesus, makes for an easy and enjoyable day trip. Wander the waterfront promenade, admire views from Pigeon Island, shop at the Grand Bazaar and visit beaches like Ladies Beach along the Aegean Sea.
See a Concert at the Celsus Library
In summer, concerts are sometimes held amid the dramatic ruins of the Celsus Library, illuminated at night. Classical, jazz and pop performances provide an unforgettable Ephesus experience.
Try Turkish Cuisine
Sample delicious Turkish dishes and local wines at restaurants in Selçuk and Kusadasi. Highlights include fresh seafood, kebabs, baklava pastries and meze spreads like haydari, a garlic yogurt dip.
Take a Cooking Class
Some tours combine exploring Ephesus with a cooking class in a nearby village like Şirince. Learn to recreate Turkish specialties like meatballs, dolmas, hummus and more.
Go Hot Air Ballooning
Soar over the ancient city and surrounding countryside for awe-inspiring views. Early morning hot air balloon rides provide a unique perspective on Ephesus and its history.
Relax in Ancient Baths
Unwind after a day of exploring by soaking in the warm mineral waters of an ancient hamam, or Turkish bath. Many hotels also have modern spas incorporating ancient bath rituals for the ultimate relaxation.
Tips for Visiting Ephesus
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Purchase tickets in advance online when possible to avoid long ticket queues.
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Arrive early in the morning to beat crowds and heat. Wear sunscreen and hats.
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Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes for exploring ruins and hills.
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Bring water bottles – dehydration comes quickly in the Mediterranean heat.
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Joining a guided tour provides helpful historical context and insight.
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Budget at least 3 hours to see the highlights at a reasonable pace.
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For a more relaxed visit, stay overnight in Selçuk instead of just day-tripping.
Best Time to Visit Ephesus
The ideal times to visit Ephesus are spring and fall when the weather is pleasantly warm compared to the hot summers. Mid-March to May and September to early November tend to have comfortable temperatures in the 70s Fahrenheit and fewer crowds than summer. Winters are mild but can have some rain.
Where to Stay in Ephesus
Selçuk makes a convenient base for exploring Ephesus, with many hotels just a few kilometers from the ruins. Boutique hotels in restored Ottoman houses provide charm and character. Larger resorts in Kusadasi also offer easy access to Ephesus as a day trip. Staying in historic Sirince village nearby provides a scenic experience.
How to Get to Ephesus
Ephesus is located near the Aegean coast between the cities of Kusadasi and Selçuk. The ruins are just 3 km from Selçuk, making it the closest town. Kusadasi is about 20 km away.
By Plane – The closest airport is Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, about 70 km from Ephesus. Taxis and shuttle buses connect the airport to Selçuk and Kusadasi.
By Train – Selçuk train station is just 2 km from Ephesus. Trains connect to destinations like Izmir and Denizli.
By Bus – Buses from Istanbul and other Turkish cities arrive at Izmir or Selçuk bus stations with connections to Ephesus.
By Cruise Ship – Kusadasi is a popular cruise port near Ephesus. Shuttles, taxis and tours connect the cruise harbor to Ephesus ruins.
By Car – Ephesus can be reached by car, following well-marked roads from Izmir, Selçuk or Kusadasi.
So get ready to step back in time to ancient Greco-Roman times with this complete guide on what to see and do in Ephesus! From exploring magnificent ruins to admiring artifacts to unwinding at ancient baths, Ephesus offers an unforgettable window into classical antiquity in the Mediterranean region.
See the Terrace Houses
Terrace houses complex was unearthed in 1962 and since then is the jewel of the whole ancient city. It is reflecting the extravagant lives of the rich of Ephesus ancient city. The floors are all covered by mosaics and the walls are painted showing the artistic taste of the prosperous dwellers of Ephesus. The rich even had their own street separated from the lower class by some columns which were enabling the rich housewives of Ephesians to shop in the select boutiques places underneath the terrace houses. The colorful marbles of the region is seen on the walls and floors of the houses as well and the biggest puzzle of the world is still being solved by the interns of Austrian Archaeological Institute. When you complete your tour in the Terrace Houses, dont miss the latrines right across the structure where the rich sent their slaves to warm up the marble before they relaxed.
Picture the Temple of Artemis
There are seven wonders in the world today and two of them are located in Turkey. One is the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus of Bodrum and the other one is the Temple of Artemis which is nearby Ephesus. It was 115 meters long and 46 meters wide with two rows of columns 13 meters tall. It was a gorgeous structure of her time and was showing the respect of the Ephesians to their patron goddess Artemis. In 356, Herostratus set the wood roof of the temple on fire for fame but his name was prohibited after his execution in Ephesus. Theopompus later credit his name and the expression Herostratic Fame developed. Nothing but a single column is seen today but when you consider that the temple had more than 127 columns, you are able to imagine the size of the great structure. Below is a picture taken from the west of the temple and the castle of Selcuk, Isabey Mosque and the Cathedral of Saint John is seen behind the single column of The Temple of Artemis.
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FAQ
Is Ephesus in Turkey worth visiting?
This was a bit pricey for foreigners, but still worth it. We spent almost 5 hours at Ephesus, 2.5 hours with the guide and the rest of the time exploring the ruins on our own. A very special place. This is an extensive ancient ruined city well worth a visit for both experts and novice historians.
How long should you spend at Ephesus?
A visit here can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours depending on your interest and pace. The site has two gates named as the Upper Gate, also known as the South Gate and the lower gate, also known as the North Gate. During the visit to the Ancient City of Ephesus, some guests also tour the Terrace Houses.
What is the must see at Ephesus?
- Ancient City of Ephesus.
- Ephesus Museum.
- Bibliotheque de Celsus.
- Meryemana (The Virgin Mary’s House)
- Efes Antik Kenti Tiyatrosu.
- Aqua Fantasy Aquapark.
- Ephesus Terrace Houses.
- Saint John Kilisesi.
Can you explore Ephesus on your own?
Of course you can visit Ephesus on your own! They also lent us a copy of a guide book to the site (which included a map of the layout) for us to consult and take with us for our tour.