Overview
Ephesus was one of the largest cities of the Roman world, a port and a centre of trade and religion on the Aegean coast. Its marble-paved streets, baths, houses and public buildings are among the best-preserved in the Mediterranean, and the site is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The two-storey façade of the Library of Celsus, completed in the 2nd century CE, is the most famous sight.
The Great Theatre could seat about 25,000 people, and the Terrace Houses, with their mosaics and wall paintings, show how wealthy residents lived. Nearby, the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, is now a single reconstructed column, and the House of the Virgin Mary on the hill above is a place of pilgrimage. The nearby village of Selçuk and the hilltop village of Şirince make good bases.
Highlights
- The Library of Celsus and the marble-paved Curetes Street
- The Great Theatre, with seats for about 25,000
- The Terrace Houses, with their mosaics and frescoes
- The Temple of Artemis and the Basilica of St John in Selçuk
Best time to visit
April to October is the main season, with spring and autumn the best. Summer is very hot, and the marble paving is dazzling, so go at opening time or in the late afternoon. Cruise ships bring crowds in the middle of the day, so early or late visits are quieter.
- JanJanuary: Not ideal
- FebFebruary: Not ideal
- MarMarch: Good
- AprApril: Best
- MayMay: Best
- JunJune: Good
- JulJuly: Not ideal
- AugAugust: Not ideal
- SepSeptember: Best
- OctOctober: Best
- NovNovember: Good
- DecDecember: Not ideal
● Best · ○ Good · blank: not ideal. Conditions vary by year, so check local forecasts and access before you go.
Getting there
Fly to İzmir (ADB), about 1 hour by road from Selçuk, or to Istanbul (IST) and then on to İzmir. Trains and buses link İzmir with Selçuk, and from there minibuses and taxis go to the ruins. Many people combine Ephesus with a day trip from the coast.
What to expect
The main site takes two to three hours, with a lot of walking on uneven marble. Separate tickets are required for the Terrace Houses. There is little shade, so wear a hat and bring water. Guides are available at the gate.
Practical tips
- Arrive at opening time to avoid the heat and the crowds.
- Wear sturdy shoes: the marble is slippery and uneven.
- Bring water, a hat and sun protection.
- Consider a guide: the site is large and signs are limited.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
About two to three hours for the main site, plus time for the Terrace Houses and the museum.
Where is the Temple of Artemis?
In Selçuk, a short drive from the main site, where a single column marks the spot.
Is Ephesus a UNESCO site?
Yes, it was inscribed in 2015.
Official sources
Rules, fees, permits and conditions change. Check the official pages below before you travel.
- Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (Go Türkiye)
- Republic of Türkiye e-Visa
- UK government travel advice: Turkey
Photos
Last reviewed October 2026. Details are for planning only and can change; confirm access, permits and conditions with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Photography: Benh LIEU SONG (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons, Slyronit (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons, Mehveuuum (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
