Destination guide
Ephesus/Selçuk
Türkiye
Selçuk is a town in the Central Aegean region of Turkey, with a population of 36,360 in 2018. It's the original site of the city of Ephesus - those Roman ruins lie 4 km west and are described on a separate page.
AI insights
Local-ledAI-written from the Wikivoyage listings, transport section and mostly LOCAL creators' videos on this page
Prioritize visiting the Ephesus Archaeological Museum in town to see the artifacts—including the statues and pottery—before heading to the ruins, as this provides essential context for the structures you will see on-site.
The Cave of the Seven Sleepers is a quick, free stop, but expect little to see beyond the catacombs themselves, as the significant findings from this site have been relocated to the town museum.
When planning your meals, seek out family-run establishments like Ayse's Kitchen for local specialties such as gözleme and mantı, which are often prepared by the owners themselves.
Consider staying in the neighborhood east of the center near the Byzantine Citadel, where you can find accommodations like the Ephesus Palace, which offers a quiet atmosphere and views of the historical fortifications.
If you are not joining an organized tour to the House of the Virgin Mary, arrange for a taxi from Selçuk, as public transit options are limited compared to the dolmuş routes that serve the main Ephesus ruins.
How we vet these picks
Every pick is drawn from real sources — YouTube creators, Wikivoyage, and Wikipedia. We only surface sources that actually exist and that we've checked for authenticity — no filler, no dead-end searches.Watch first
Ranked by views and how well each landed with the people who watched it, judged against the other coverage of this place — plus a local creator where we found one.
EFES Antik Kenti | Mert Sezer ile Efes
Ephesus Travel Tips in 5 Mins | Do Not Miss!
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Selçuk Walking Tour 4K UHD | İzmir Selcuk City Center known by world famous Ephesus
EFES ANTİK KENTİ İzmir/Selçuk - Geçmişi ve Tarihi Yapılarıyla Efes'i Benimle Gezin 🥰
Efes Antik Kenti / Selçuk - İZMİR
Selçuk Gezilecek Yerler 2024 - Türkiye Gezilecek Yerler #gezilecekyerler #gezi #türkiye
Efes Antik Kenti Tanıtım Filmi | Ephesus Turkey/İzmir 4K
Efes Antik Kenti Gezisi, Selçuk - İzmir
Efes Antik Kenti Gezi Rehberi | Adım Adım Tam Tur 2026 (Celsus, Tiyatro, Yamaç Evler) vlog
Best time to go
Best window: June–December and February–April
Kind weather all year — there is no month to avoid.
Rated from ten years of daily temperature and rainfall recorded at this destination, via Open-Meteo's ERA5 reanalysis. Hover a month for its real numbers.
Getting around
Getting around
Dolmuşes towards Kuşadası pass the lower gate of Ephesus. To reach the House of Mary look for a tour, else you may need to take a taxi. Rented motorbikes or scooters can be a fun way to explore the area around Selçuk.
Transport notes from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0.
What to see
Places are listed from Wikivoyage and our own sourced research. Worth it means a second, independent source names the place too; “3 sources agree” means three or more do — and each card names them, so you can check.
Library of Celsus
Worth itAlso recommended by Lonely Planet
You stand before the towering two-story facade of the third-largest library in the Roman world, built in 110 AD.
Vetted sources
Ayasoluk Castle and Basilica of St John
Worth itAlso recommended by Lonely Planet
A hilltop fortress gives unrivaled views over Selçuk, with a ticket that also gets you into the basilica marking the believed burial site of John the Apostle.
Vetted sources
İsa Bey Mosque
Worth itAlso recommended by Lonely Planet
A deliberately asymmetrical 14th-century Seljuk mosque stands as one of the era's finest architectural examples.
Vetted sources
Temple of Artemis site
Worth itAlso recommended by Lonely Planet
A single reconstructed column marks the remains of one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World, now standing in a marsh.
Vetted sources
House of the Virgin Mary
From Ephesus south gate continue south
Mary mother of Jesus was present at the crucifixion and almost certainly lived out her remaining life in or near Jerusalem, where there are monuments to her death and ascent to heaven.
Vetted sources
Byzantine Citadel and St John Basilica
enter from south by the Aqueduct
Ayasuluk hill was the original site of Ephesus. The fortifications you now see were built in the 7th century against Arab raids, and the citadel continued in use until the entire site was wrecked by the Mongols under Tamerlane in 1402 AD.
Vetted sources
Ephesus Archaeological Museum
Uğur Mumcu Sevgi 26
An excellent collection of ancient statues, pottery, glass, sarcophagi and coins found around Ephesus. Also displayed is the cult of the Anatolian mother goddess in her guises from Kybele to poly-breasted Artemis.
Vetted sources
Cave of the Seven Sleepers
Acarlar
This is east side of Ephesus but not within the ticketed area. It's a series of catacombs, part of the Roman city necropolis - only the highest nobles were buried within city limits.
Vetted sources
What to do
Şirince village
Worth itAlso recommended by Lonely Planet
Cobblestone lanes and vineyard views in this hillside village, nicknamed the 'Tuscany of Turkey,' make a relaxed contrast to touristy Selçuk.
Vetted sources
What to eat
Efes Restaurant
7 sources agreeAlso recommended by Mert Sezer and 6 others
by the aqueducts straight from the train station
Kebab, fish and Turkish homemade food with vegan options and a good variety of Turkish meze with rakı.
Vetted sources
Mehmet and Ali Baba Kebab House
next to museum
Cheap, big portions and tasty kebabs and desserts. They serve beer.
Vetted sources
Skopje Otantic
50 m south of İsa Bey Mosque
Pleasant bistro and late spot in an old house near the citadel.
Vetted sources
Ayse's Kitchen
1010. Sk., 35920
Very good place to try local specialties : gözleme, mantli, homemade lemonade. Owned by a mother who cooked and her daughter who does the service. The daughter speaks very good English. Lots of vegetarian options.
Vetted sources
Ejder Restaurant
50 m west of railway station
Consistently good reviews for this friendly place, wide menu choice with vegetarian options.
Vetted sources
Kallinos Cafe
across Ayasoluk Castle, 50m in to the left
Cozy cafe with great coffee, cold beverages and desserts. Has outdoor seating as well.
Vetted sources
Where to stay
Ephesus Palace
4027th Sk 15
Cosy hotel in a quiet neighborhood east with a nice view of the citadel. It's decorated in traditional Ottoman style and has a warm family atmosphere.
Vetted sources
Boomerang Guesthouse
by museum
Great reviews for this friendly small place, clean with private bathrooms. Peaceful welcoming atmosphere, drinks and dinner on the roof-top terrace. Wifi, laundry and bikes available.
Vetted sources
Homeros Pension
by museum
An old house converted into a pension which has been richly decorated by the owner. The rooms are full of charm and the meals are very good.
Vetted sources
Bella Hotel
200 m north of Otogar
Vine-wreathed small hotel with trad ceramic and textile decorations. Very convenient location. Excellent dinner on the roof terrace.
Vetted sources
Urkmez Hotel
opposite railway station
Clean central place, most rooms have A/C and private balconies.
Vetted sources
Ephesus Centrum
one block north of bus station
Central hotel, clean and spacious with welcoming staff.
Vetted sources
Travel essentials
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Travel content from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0. Videos via the YouTube Data API.