Ephesus is an Ancient city of both Greek and Roman origin, it has lots of interesting history and intact ruin so is a great place to spend a day. There are lots of tips around on what to do in Ephesus in one day…here are our ideas.
There is a lot of debate about how big Ephesus actually was during Roman times, Rick Steves, in his audio guide, describes it as’ the second biggest in the Roman empire after Rome, with a population which may have reached 250,000′. However, others say the figures are exaggerated and there were more likely only about 58,000. Ephesus was the location of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world so it must have had some attraction.
Own Transport: If you have your own transport like us, there is really good signage all the way from Kusadasi, we turned off the main road, just past the Adnan Menderes Airport and arrived at the lower car park. After parking the bike and paying admission of 40 TL ($20AUD) we headed for the top gate.
By Taxi: Kusadasi Taxis quote 45 Euros on their site for a return trip-ask them to drop you at the top gate and pick you up from the lower gate to save climbing back up the hill at the end of your time there.
Dolmus (Mini Bus): Adnan Menderes Cad in Kusadasi, is the starting point, you need to look for the Dolmus to Selçuk. Costing 11TL, they run very frequently and they take about 30 minutes. However, they only take you to the taxi rank about 1.5 km from the entrance. From here you can walk or take a taxi for about 15TL- again ask to be dropped off at the top gate.
Ephesus is an ancient Greek city located on the western coast of Turkey. With a history dating back over 6000 years, 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 guide covers the top attractions, activities, and tips for visiting Ephesus to help you make the most of your time there.
Explore the Ruins of Ancient Ephesus
The main highlight of Ephesus is undoubtedly the sprawling ruins of the ancient city. Walking through the excavated streets, buildings, temples and amphitheaters gives you a vivid glimpse into what life was like thousands of years ago.
Some of the top sites to see include:
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The Grand Theater – This two-story theater could seat over 20,000 spectators for plays, religious ceremonies and gladiator fights The impressive size gives you a sense of the scale of entertainment in ancient times.
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Library of Celsus – The restored facade of this grand library, built in 135 AD, is one of the most iconic images of Ephesus.
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Terrace Houses – Lavish multi-story homes decorated with intricate mosaics and frescoes provide insight into the wealthy elite of Ephesus.
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Temple of Artemis – Though not much remains today, this temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
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Harbor Street – Walk this marble-paved street from the Grand Theater down to the ancient harbor, passing historic monuments and sites.
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Ancient Agora – The heart of the city’s commercial, religious and political life features colonnaded squares and buildings.
Be sure to wear sturdy shoes, use sunscreen and bring water when exploring the expansive ruins. Morning visits are best to avoid large tourist crowds.
See the House of the Virgin Mary
One of the most significant Christian sites near Ephesus is the House of the Virgin Mary. Sitting high on a hill overlooking the city, this small stone house is believed to be where Mary spent her final years. A peaceful chapel welcomes pilgrims and visitors of all faiths. The site is about 4 km from Ephesus.
Visit the Ephesus Museum
To view an outstanding collection of artifacts found during excavations of Ephesus, visit the Ephesus Museum in Selçuk. It contains invaluable classical Greek and Roman statuary and reliefs, including the famed statues of Artemis. You’ll gain deeper insight into the history and culture of Ephesus.
Wander Through Sirince Village
Just a short drive from Ephesus, the charming village of Şirince offers a pleasant contrast to the ancient ruins. Wander the cobblestone streets amongst historic stone houses, shop at local boutiques, and enjoy wine tasting or a tasty meal at a local restaurant or cafe. Staying overnight in a Sirince bed and breakfast is highly recommended.
See a Concert at the Celsus Library
During summer months, Ephesus comes alive at night with concerts staged at the dramatic Celsus Library. Classical, jazz or pop concerts accompanied by atmospheric lighting create an unforgettable experience. It’s a can’t-miss Ephesus activity for music lovers.
Take a Day Trip to Kuşadası
The lively seaside resort town of Kuşadası is just a 30 minute drive from Ephesus. Its waterfront promenade lined with cafes and restaurants is perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring ancient sites. Charter a yacht for a scenic cruise, soak up views of the Aegean from Ladies Beach or barter at the bazaar.
Try Turkish Cuisine
Turkish food is delicious, with fresh mezes, grilled meats, flavorful kebabs and desserts like baklava. In Selçuk, try Bizim Ev for a buffet sampling of Aegean dishes. Şirince restaurants offer atmospheric settings to enjoy Turkish specialties with local wines. In Kuşadası, enjoy seafood meze at one of the harbor restaurants.
Shop for Souvenirs
Ephesus has many unique souvenirs to purchase. Shop for handmade carpets and textiles at stores in Selçuk. Find hand-painted ceramics and other arts in Şirince’s boutiques. In Kuşadası, haggle for deals at the Grand Bazaar or buy evil eye beads and nazar amulets said to ward off the evil eye.
Relax at Ancient Baths
After walking for hours exploring ancient ruins, relax muscles in the warm mineral waters of an ancient bath, or hamam. In Selçuk, the Şifa Hamamı follows traditional Turkish bath rituals dating back centuries. For a modern bath experience, the Aqua Fantasy waterpark near Ephesus combines slides and pools.
Take a Day Trip to Şakran Hamamı
For a unique natural site, take a day trip to the Şakran Hamamı hot springs. Nestled in a canyonoutside Selçuk, these mineral-rich thermal pools range from warm to scalding hot. Relaxing in the heated waters surrounded by nature is a one-of-a-kind Turkish experience.
When to Visit
The best times to visit Ephesus are in Spring (mid-March to May) and Fall (September to November). This avoids the peak summer crowds and scorching heat, while offering pleasant temperatures for exploring the ruins. Winters are generally mild but some rains are possible.
Essential Tips
- Stay hydrated and use sun protection when exploring ruins
- Wear good walking shoes
- Visit sites early to avoid large crowds
- Consider hiring a local guide to maximize insights
- Check for nighttime concerts at the Library of Celsus from May to October
- Nearby Izmir Airport and Kuşadası port offer easy access for day trips or as part of a Turkey itinerary
With its wealth of ancient sites, charming villages, culture, cuisine, scenery and activities, Ephesus offers an incredible diversity of experiences. Follow this guide to craft your own memorable journey back in time when you explore all the top things to do in Ephesus, Turkey. Let the spirit of history come alive as you uncover this captivating ancient destination.
A Quick History of Ephesus
According to legend Androklos, a Prince from Athens had to leave after the death of his father, King Kadros. An oracle guided him to the Arzawan capital where he drove off most of the Carian and Lelegian inhabitants before claiming it. Androklos became successful in uniting the 12 cities of the Ionian league and under him, Ephesus flourished.
When Ephesus was established it had a fine harbour only 3 km’s from the city which the Küçükmenderes River flowed into (the Küçükmenderes which would change course so frequently it’s supposedly is where the English word meander comes from).
Ephesus traces its origins back to the Attic and Ionian Greek colonists of the 10th century BC. What remains today is mainly a mixture of Greek and Roman architecture, but as always new civilisations reuse what it there and add their own touches.
What To Do In Ephesus In One Day
Start at the top gate: Our research on various sites, showed that the best option was to start at the top gate and work your way down through the ruins. It was really good advice as we were heading downhill and by the end of the day, the thought of walking back up the hill was not a nice idea.
Get there early: The gates open at 8 am so if you can be there when it opens you may avoid the crowds and the heat of the day. Even in Winter, it can get quite warm there. We arrived quite early but already crowds of bus tours streamed through the gate and down through the marble-paved roads as we slowly picked our way through the ruins.
Take plenty of water and food: There was really not anywhere on site to get this that we noticed.
Audio Guides: We used a free Rick Stein’s Audio Guide you can download here We found it covered everything on the site we wanted to see and learn about. There are audio guides available from the entry for a price, I understand they are very good as well. We were also given a map on entry to help find our way around which was helpful when we had to skip places because of large tour groups.
Ephesus, Turkey: Ancient City – Rick Steves’ Europe Travel Guide – Travel Bite
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