Travel Guide to the Ancient City of Ephesus, Turkey
Read our Ephesus travel guide to help you have an idea with your next journey to this ancient city in Turkey’s Central Aegean region.
History buffs like me would definitely enjoy this paradise in the Central Aegean region of Turkey. The ancient city of Ephesus offers a lot of rich history, beautiful ruins, and interesting facts that tourists would find fascinating to explore. The centuries-old buildings, the popular temples, and even ancient streets are just some of the destinations you should know. To learn more about this wonderful city, continue reading our Ephesus travel guide for your future reference.
Table of Contents
Ephesus Travel Guide: Places to Visit in Ephesus, Turkey
1. Efes Antik Kenti Tiyatrosu
This amphitheater in the ancient city of Ephesus is partially preserved. It may not be in great shape, but a monument that carries 2000 years of history is worth a visit. This is also the largest structure of Ephesus that was originally built in the 3rd century BC but was later updated by the Romans in the 1st century AD. It has a seating capacity of 25,000.
Suggested Tour: Kusadasi: Highlights of Ephesus Tour from Cruise Port
2. Bibliothèque de Celsus
The Celsus Library is one of the greatest buildings in Ephesus. It was built by Julius Aquila in 110 A.D. as a monument for his father. It is located in a place that makes it even more attractive. The front is amazing and the preservation of the structure is priceless. Surely not to be missed.
Suggested Tour: Ephesus: House of Virgin Mary & Artemis Temple Private Tour
3. Arcadian Way
The Arcadian Way was a Roman street linking the harbor to the main city center, near the Great Theater and Celsus Library. It was constructed in the 1st century AD. A woman, a heart, and a left foot were etched on the pavement. Unfortunately, only the upper part of the street is restored and open to the public. Don’t forget to put sunscreen, bring an umbrella, water, and have an audio guide. With that, you can calmly enjoy the stroll through the streets of Ephesus.
Suggested Tour: Ephesus Half Day Tour from Kusadasi
4. Public Latrine
These toilets were part of the Scholastica Baths and were built in the 1st century AD. They are well preserved and reconstructed public toilets with some seats reserved for individuals with carved initials. You will be very amazed by how they didn’t do things privately in the old days.
5. Ephesus Terrace Houses
The terrace houses are built on a slope right on the main street of Ephesus. The housing block is divided into six parcels, each representing a residential unit. The amazing mosaic of these houses gives an amazing feeling of transporting into the past. Don’t miss this. It is well worth the extra fee to see how the rich and famous lived so many years ago.
Suggested Tour: Ephesus: Small-Group Shore Excursion with Terrace Houses
6. Temple of Hadrian
This well-preserved building is situated in the city center on Curettes Road. It was built before 138 A.D. by P. Quintilius and was dedicated to Emperor Hadrian. The structure is already in ruins but still has a form of the arch gate and the inside. Because of its magnificent structure, it is one of Ephesus’ popular spot for photos.
Suggested Tour: Full Day Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi
7. Curetes Street
This is the place where you will see most of the important sights in Ephesus. Curetes Street is one of the main streets of the city. This street will lead tourists to the Celsus Library. But before reaching the library, walk the full distance and see all the ruins including the Hadrian Temple, Terrace House, and other interesting sites.
Suggested Tour: Ephesus: 4-Hour Guided Tour with Transfer from Kusadasi
8. The Odeion
This small, enclosed theater was used for concerts as well as political events like Senate meetings. It was constructed in the 2nd century A.D. by two wealthy citizens. The Odeion is one of the first sites you will see upon entering ancient Ephesus. It is located near the baths and has the shape of a theatre, which is why it was also called “the little theatre”.
9. Heracles Gate
Hercules Gate is located on the southeast end of Curetes Street and contains a relief of Hercules. It is found along the main street in Ephesus towards the upper end. Due to its location, it separates uptown from downtown. People also say that it is good luck to pass through the gate.
Suggested Tour: Ephesus Full-Day Sightseeing Tour From Marmaris
10. Dominatius Square
Like everything else in Ephesus, this square is a beautiful ruin, a little preserved, which allows one to imagine life in ancient times. Although it is not in as good condition as other sites of Ephesus, it houses several interesting remains, some of them somewhat scattered. Offering a lot of history.
Ephesus Travel Guide: Sample Weekend Itinerary to Ephesus, Turkey
Day 1 – Weekend Guide to Ephesus, Turkey
Efes Antik Kenti Tiyatrosu – Start your tour by visiting the most popular tourist spot in Ephesus. The 2,000 years history of this amphitheater will introduce you to what this ancient city in Turkey has to offer.
Public Latrine – Visit an unusual sight, a public toilet in ancient times.
Day 2 – Weekend Guide to Ephesus, Turkey
Curetes Street – As mentioned above, Curetes Street will give you the way to see and visit most of the important sights in Ephesus such as the Celsus Library, Hadrian Temple, Terrace House, and a lot more to explore. You can literally spend your day exploring this whole place.
Day 3 – Weekend Guide to Ephesus, Turkey
Heracles Gate – You don’t need too much effort just to go here since it is found along the main street in Ephesus.
The Odeion – Never miss the chance to stop by at the “little theater” of Ephesus that contains a large amount of history.
Ephesus Travel Guide: Where to Stay in Ephesus, Turkey
*All prices are subject to change.
Where to Stay in Ephesus, Turkey if you’re a Backpacker
Bulut Garden Otel offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar, and a shared lounge. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, room service, and currency exchange for guests. At the hotel, rooms are fitted with a wardrobe and equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels.
Price: Starts at $27 per night for Double Room with Garden View, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast, and free cancellation.
Wallabies Aquadict Hotel features air-conditioned rooms and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Rooms include a wardrobe, desk, and 2 chairs. A private bathroom comes with a shower and a toilet. The hotel’s à la carte restaurant serves snacks, appetizers, and dishes from Turkish cuisines, such as kebabs.
Price: Starts at $32 per night for Deluxe Double or Twin Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast, and free cancellation.
Nicea Hotel features a terrace with a garden view. Free WiFi is provided throughout. The rooms have a flat-screen satellite TV and a private bathroom equipped with a shower. Extras include free toiletries and a hairdryer. Guests can enjoy the continental breakfast in the mornings. Free tea and coffee can be enjoyed in the lobby throughout the day. The nearest airport is Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport.
Price: Starts at $34 per night for Economy Twin Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast, and free cancellation.
Where to Stay in Ephesus, Turkey if you’re on a Budget
Istankoy Hotel offers a friendly pool scene and comfortable rooms with free wireless internet. Istankoy’s lively pool area has a friendly atmosphere, ideal for enjoying a drink and soaking up the Mediterranean sun.
Price: Starts at $42 per night for Double Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast, and free cancellation.
Ephesus Hostel features accommodation with a bar, free private parking, and a shared lounge. The accommodation also offers a shared kitchen and free WiFi throughout the property. Popular points of interest near the hostel include Ephesus Museum, Artemis Temple, and Temple of Artemis.
Price: Starts at $45 per night for Budget Double Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast, and free cancellation.
Sozer Hotel is situated across from a sandy beach in Kuşadası. It has an outdoor pool and offers spacious rooms with free WiFi. The Sozer’s rooms have simple wood furnishings, air conditioning, and satellite TV. They have an underfloor heating system during the winter season. Some rooms have private balconies with views of Güvercin Adası Island.
Price: Starts at $45 per night for Triple Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast, and free cancellation.
Where to Stay in Ephesus, Turkey if you want Luxury
This 5-star Charisma offers an infinity pool with sweeping views of the Aegean Sea. All standard rooms have a sea-view balcony and spa bath. LCD TV with satellite channels and a minibar are standard for each room type. Minibar is filled with two bottles of water, two bottles of mineral water and two soft drinks. Free WiFi is available in the hotel’s public areas. Relaxation options at the Charisma De Luxe Hotel include a heated indoor pool with a Turkish bath, sauna, and a beauty center.
Price: Starts at $90 per night for Standard Room with Sea View, includes taxes and charges, add $11 for breakfast, but it offers a free cancellation.
This winery hotel features a unique stone-built structure constructed by an Austrian architect. Yedi Bilgeler Vineyards has air-conditioned rooms decorated with elegant furniture in light tones. Each room comes with a balcony or a patio. Free Wi-Fi is available. Guests can enjoy your meals on the terrace with nature views. It is also possible to buy wine, village food, and homemade jams from the property’s store.
Price: Starts at $100 per night for Deluxe Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast, and free cancellation.
Richmond Ephesus Resort is located in Pamucak district. It offers a blue-flagged private beach, an outdoor pool, an indoor pool, and a water park. Free WiFi is accessible in all areas. The rooms at Richmond Ephesus Resort offer sea or garden views. Each has air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a minibar. A safety deposit box is available. Private bathrooms come with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Including a hammam, sauna, steam bath, and a gym, the spa is ideal for pampering yourself.
Price: Starts at $158 per night for Club Double or Twin Room, includes taxes and charges, an all-inclusive meal, and free cancellation.
Ephesus Travel Guide: List of restaurants that you can try while in Ephesus, Turkey
Mehmet and Ali Baba Kebab House
Serves Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine. If you’re craving for some local food, you should head your way here!
Operating hours: 09:00 AM – 10:30 PM (Sun-Sat)
Address: Ataturk Mah. 1047 Sok. No: 4 / A Near The Ephesus Museum, Selcuk 35920 Turkey
Have the best Pide in Turkey at Selcuk Pidecisi. A lot of tourists love going back here for their absolutely delicious Pide.
Address: Ataturk Mahallesi Ugurmumcu Sevgi Yolu No:12/A, Selcuk 35000 Turkey
Offers Meditteranean and Turkish cuisine, Agora Restaurant also serves freshly baked pizza that diners would enjoy.
Operating hours: 08:00 AM – 00:00 AM (Sun-Sat)
Address: Ataturk Street Agora Casisi, 2, Selcuk 35920 Turkey
Boomerang Guesthouse & Restaurant
A restaurant that serves both Turkish and Chinese cuisine. Given the menu they have, this is the place to go to if you’re looking for some Asian dishes!
Address: Ataturk Mah. Ugur Mumcu Sevgi Yolu, 1047 Sok. No: 12, Selcuk 35920 Turkey
Ayasoluk Restaurant not only offers delicious Turkish dishes but also a lovely setting and a great atmosphere.
Operating hours: 08:00 AM – 11:59 PM (Sun-Sat)
Address: Ataturk Mahallesi, 1051. Sk. No:12, Selcuk 35920 Turkey
And that’s our Ephesus travel guide for you! We hope we’re able to give you enough insights about this city. Have you been here? Or are you planning to go here? Share with us your experience!
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About the Writer
Hi there! I’m Fatima. My first major travel was in 2016 in the beautiful city of Cebu. After that, I got interested in traveling. Now I enjoy learning languages and other country’s cultures. My goal is to visit at least one country each year and to share my experiences with other people through writing or blogging. Witness my journey by following me on Instagram.