Ephesus is one of the great Roman cities of the Mediterranean, near Selçuk on the Aegean coast of Türkiye, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015. Walk it downhill along the marble streets to the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. Allow about two and a half hours, plus an hour or more for the Terrace Houses, and go early or late in the day. All the photos in this guide are our own.
What to see in Ephesus
The Library of Celsus: the two-storey façade everyone comes to see, built in the 2nd century AD by a son in honour of his father, the Roman senator Celsus, who is buried beneath it.
The Gate of Mazaeus and Mithridates: right beside the library, built by two freed slaves in honour of Emperor Augustus and his family.
Curetes Street: the marble street that leads down through the city, lined with columns, statues and fountains.
The Temple of Hadrian: small and richly carved. Look up: the bust on the front arch is usually identified as Tyche, goddess of fortune, and the figure above the inner door is generally read as Medusa.
The Great Theatre: cut into the hillside, and one of the largest of the ancient world.
Are the Terrace Houses worth it?
Yes, if you like seeing how people actually lived. These homes of wealthy Roman families stand on the slope above Curetes Street, with wall paintings and mosaic floors still in place under a protective roof. Walkways run above the rooms. Entry needs a separate ticket, there are many stairs, and the visit is not suitable for wheelchairs. Allow about an hour.
Can you visit Ephesus at night?
On selected evenings in summer, yes. Under Türkiye’s night museum programme the site opens after dark with the monuments lit. In 2026 it ran from June to the start of October, four evenings a week. Dates and hours change from year to year, and events can cancel a night visit, so check the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s current schedule. Our tours visit Ephesus by day.
How long do you need, and when should you go?
The site has two gates, so most visitors walk one way, downhill from the upper gate to the lower one. About two and a half hours is enough for the main street and the monuments without rushing. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. In summer there is little shade and the marble reflects the heat, so go early or late, and wear shoes with good grip because the stone can be slippery. Our guide to the best time to visit Turkey compares the seasons.
What is near Ephesus?
The House of the Virgin Mary: a small chapel on the wooded hill above the site, and a place of pilgrimage.
Şirince: a hillside village of old stone houses in the hills above Selçuk.
Selçuk: the town next to the site, with the Ephesus Museum, where many of the finds are kept, and the remains of the Temple of Artemis.
Ephesus with KAMPA Tours & Events
Ephesus is on Highlights of Turkey + Antalya, Highlights of Turkey in winter and From Istanbul to Athens. For a single day, including from a cruise ship at Kuşadası, see our Ephesus and House of the Virgin Mary tour.
