Pin
3-Day Selcuk Itinerary
When is your trip?
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedAug 20, 2025
Updated • updatedAug 20, 2025
Selcuk in 3 days
If you only have 3 days to spend in Selcuk, we’ve narrowed down the top places you should check out to get the best experience of your time here.
The town of Selçuk is one of Turkey's most popular tourist destinations, due to its proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the city of Ephesus. The Ephesus Museum, located inside the archaeological site, gives visitors a chance to learn more about this ancient city and the life that existed there. In addition to the ruins, Ephesus has a number of other attractions, including the Camlik locomotive museum, Aqua Fantasy water park and Pamucak beach.
With favorites like Terrace Houses of Ephesus, İsa Bey Mosque, and SULTAN RESTAURANT, we’ll make sure you don’t miss out on all the must sees. We even included some of our favorite food spots around the area, like Ali Baba & Mehmet Kebab House and Kybele Gastro - Restaurant so you can get the best taste of Selcuk while you’re here. To see our full list of food recommendations, check out our best restaurants post. If you're traveling on a budget, you can check out our cheap eats post.
Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Selcuk?
Visiting Selcuk? See our Selcuk Trip Planner.
Feel free to follow our itinerary exactly or tailor it to your own needs — happy wandering!
Your itinerary and your map in one view
No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.
What users say about the app
Table of contents
Day 1
Most popular attractions
For day 1, we strategically grouped the most popular attraction, The Temple of Artemis, with surrounding point of interests to start your trip off with a bang. Combining the average time spent at each location and traveling time in between, it should fill up about 8 hours of your day.
1
•Ulaş G — Google reviewFrancois B — Google reviewMike L — Google reviewAmy T — Google reviewDipak O — Google reviewCCH — Google reviewPete C — Google review
Ephesus Ancient City
4.8
(35973)
4.7
(1204)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Historical place museum
Ancient Ruins
Ephesus Ancient City, located in the town of Selcuk, Izmir province, is a well-preserved archaeological site that offers a glimpse into the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. The city features monumental ruins of Roman and Greek temples, a theater, and the impressive Library of Celsus. Ephesus was once an important city mentioned in the Bible and continues to retain its majesty to this day.
A truly incredible place to visit and much larger than expected. Best starting at the top of the site and walking down hill as it's pretty warm with not much shade.
The tour finished with the virtual reality museum that gives an insight in yo how life was in the ancient city. Well worth a visit.
Richard N — Google review
I can easily say this is the best archelogical site in the world. Everything is great... the atmosphere, the history. I visited this site three times and i'll definitely come again. There are much to say about this place but no words can describe how i feel. Just visit Ephesus. Visit it daytime and visit it in nightime(summer seasons only, research before coming here in night)
While on a cruise that visited Kusadasi, we originally hesitated to book an excursion to Ephesus Ancient City. Boy, are we glad we did!
This was the highlight of the day, and it was just an incredible voyage through time. We booked a private excursion and I cannot recommend it more than a group. Our guide was able to squeeze through larger groups and we had an amazing time with Dahan.
Everything is impressive in the Ancient City, from it's size to the incredible technology that was used so far back ago. The city is actually in pretty good condition and it's easy to imagine how people lived. The 3D museum brings everything to life after the visit and it's totally worth the stop.
We were left in awe throughout our whole visit, if you are unsure about visiting, I suggest you put your doubts aside and go for it, you won't be disappointed
We highly recommend taking a guided tour here, as every detail here is a treasure trove of history. Even the buried pipes, the stone carvings on the pedestrian walkways, and the collapsed arches hold a treasure trove of history. Without a guide's detailed explanation, it would be easy to miss them all! This ancient city is a must-see for any visitor to Turkey, highly recommended.
I would recommend buying tickets in advance, online is the easiest. You should have good comfortable shoes, especially if it rains. Was all the tours, it gets pretty crowded. Like all places, it's best to go early in the morning. The architecture is beautiful and definitely worth it. The library is the best part. We were here in october and there was a lot of mosquitoes. And just like the rest of the area, there were lots of street dogs.
A must see if you are visiting Turkiye.
Walking through Ephesus feels like stepping directly into history. The scale of the ruins is jaw-dropping — from the marble streets to the stunning multi-story Library of Celsus, every corner tells a story that’s over 2,000 years old. The Grand Theatre, with a capacity of 25000, is especially impressive; imagining ancient crowds gathered there gives you chills.
The site is well-preserved, well-marked with signs, and easy to navigate. Plan to spend at least 2–3 hours, and if possible, go early to avoid heat and crowds. A guided tour (or audio guide) adds so much depth — otherwise you might miss fascinating details like the ancient water system, shops, and homes with beautiful mosaics.
Wear comfortable shoes (lots of walking on uneven stones). Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.
Don’t miss the Terrace Houses — they’re an extra ticket but absolutely worth it.
An amazingy historical site that has been very well preserved. You will see statues, columns, an amphitheater, stones with carvings, etc. Don't forhet to look at the Temple of Artemis, which is just next to the ancient city. This is a must see for any visitor to Türkiye. There are restaurants and vendors at the entrance and plenty of parking. You'll pay a small parking fee, but it isn't much and it helps preserve the site. Truly a winner if the world to this day!
Absolutely mind blowing how amazing it is. The amount of artifacts that are still preserved is incredible. We’re on a Viking Mediterranean Sea Cruise & today we docked in Kusadasi, Turkey & drove to the home of the Virgin Mary then down to the northern gates of Ephesus & walked down to the lower gate. Our tour guide, Tahir, was amazing as well. A day my wife & I won’t forget.
Atatürk, Efes Harabeleri, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye•
2 min · 0.12 mi
2•Gil C — Google reviewFrancois B — Google reviewAlok A — Google reviewGreg H — Google reviewBetsy Y — Google reviewVadim S — Google reviewRaiza R — Google review
Library of Celsus
4.8
(9809)
4.9
(1774)
Historical place
Sights & Landmarks
Ancient Ruins
Celsus Library in Ephesus, a 2nd-century Roman library ruins, is an iconic symbol of the ancient city. The columned facade with its two-story structure stands as a testament to its rich history. Visitors are suggested to get an audio or walking tour guide for better understanding of the place and spend about 1.5hrs here. One can also find friendly cats around the area and photographers who can take your picture for a fee in front of the library.
The lights turned on exactly at 20:41 (at least they did during my visit). A small countdown display would really help manage expectations. The Library of Celsus is absolutely stunning—arguably the best-preserved ancient ruin I’ve seen after Petra. Its architectural elegance and historical presence are unforgettable
Burak T — Google review
Incredible historical site that you must visit if you stop in Kuşadası. The scale of this outdoor museum has to be seen in person. Knowing that only about half has been excavated makes a future visit even more tempting.
Part of Ephesus Ancient City, this particular ruin is probably the most impressive due to it's size. As you walk down what used to be central street, it already looks amazing but as you get up close and you have the chance to walk inside, you realize the absolute awesomeness of what was built.
This is located at one end of the ruins of city of Ephesus. The front part of the building still stands today. The wall has holes where the manuscripts were stored. You can visit some parts of this building only. It is definitely the highlight of Ephesus.
One of the most memorable experiences I have ever had. Such a beautiful location and historical value is incredible. This was a trade mecca in its day. This is where the Apostle Paul preached and resided during his time.
I am always so impressed with this world reknown sight. We had Ephesus all to ourselves the day we visited. It was a very unique visit in the RAIN. . The Library of Celsus is an ancient Roman building in Ephesus, Anatolia, located near the modern town of Selçuk, in the İzmir Province of western Turkey. It is world famous.
It was designed not only to store scrolls and books—holding an estimated 12,000 manuscripts at its peak—but also to serve as a monumental tomb for Celsus, whose sarcophagus lies in a crypt beneath its main floor.
Commissioned in the years 110s CE by a consul of the Roman Empire, Tiberius Julius Aquila Polemaeanus for his father Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, it was completed during the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian.
Celsus is buried in a crypt beneath the library.
It was the third-largest library in the Greco-Roman world behind only those of Alexandria and Pergamum. Believed to have held around 12,000 scrolls.
The facade was re-erected by archaeologists between 1970 and 1978.
Visiting the Library of Celsus was truly one of the most memorable experiences of our trip to Turkey. Standing in front of this grand and beautifully restored facade was like stepping back in time to the height of the Roman Empire.
The architectural details are simply breathtaking, from the towering columns to the intricate carvings and statues, every part of the structure tells a story of Ephesus's cultural and intellectual importance. It’s hard to believe that this was once one of the largest libraries in the ancient world, housing thousands of scrolls and serving as a hub of knowledge.
We spent time admiring it from all angles and imagining what life must have been like when scholars gathered here. It’s a must-see for history lovers and anyone fascinated by ancient civilizations.
We visited early in the morning, before the crowds.
Atatürk, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye•
Need a place to stay?
Where
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Travelers
2
Travelers
2
5 min · 0.24 mi
3•Colleen N — Google reviewBetsy Y — Google reviewEric H — Google reviewDouglas S — Google reviewVadim S — Google reviewRadwan Z — Google reviewUna I — Google review
Ephesus Ancient Greek Theatre
4.8
(11425)
4.8
(10420)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Ancient Ruins
Historic Sites
Ephesus Ancient Greek Theatre, built in the 3rd century BC, is a remarkable amphitheater with beautiful marble columns and remnants of a stage. It's an essential destination to explore if you're in the vicinity. Hiring a guide for two hours at 500TL is recommended as they provide valuable insights about the site. Make sure you purchase tickets for both Ephesus and Terrace Houses exhibit; they cost 160TL each.
Standing in the Great Theatre of Ephesus is like stepping into a time machine — suddenly, you’re no longer just a visitor, but part of a civilization that lived, created, and performed here over 2,000 years ago. The scale alone is breathtaking: carved into the hillside, the theatre seats up to 25,000 people and offers an incredible sense of symmetry, design, and ambition.
As you walk through the stone corridors and climb the worn steps, it’s impossible not to imagine the roar of ancient crowds, the echo of performers’ voices, and the energy of public gatherings that once filled this space. The acoustics are astonishing — even a whisper from the stage seems to float effortlessly to the upper tiers.
The theatre isn’t just a ruin; it’s a living reminder of the artistic, social, and political life of ancient Ephesus. From dramatic plays to gladiator contests and civic events, this structure was the heartbeat of the city. And standing at the top, with the ancient marble city stretching out below and the Aegean breeze in your face, you can feel that history in your bones.
It’s a must-see not just for history lovers, but for anyone who wants to feel something greater than themselves — a sense of time, culture, and human connection that transcends centuries.
Murat E — Google review
Beautiful location. A lot of the structures are intact and well preserved it was difficult to get there without a guide, taxi or tour group, so it can be pricey. The ancient library is a major highlight and they do live reacting of Roman guards. Lots of history.
There is a small bathroom and market stand will snacks and food around the midway point of the walk.
When we went (end of June) it was 103 degrees F° with no shade. We spent about an hour and a half walking through but needed to leave due to the heat. Would love to walk around more.
Important: bring good hiking shoes that grip, the marble floors are polished and slippery. We had hiking boots and sandals and still slipped a few times, but our friends with simple sneakers had to walk very slowly and carefully to avoid falling down.
Visiting the land of Ephesus, the Ancient Greek Theaters and the Ancient Great Library of Celsus is a very special visit. The rain was pleasant and the temperatures cool ondaywevisited. Most visitorsshouldexpecthightemperaturesandverylittlecoolingbreezes. The Library of Celsus is an ancient Roman building in Ephesus, Photos of the library are world reknown. Ephesus is located in Anatolia, near the modern town of Selçuk, in the İzmir Province of western Turkey. It is world famous.
It was designed not only to store scrolls and books—holding an estimated 12,000 manuscripts at its peak—but also to serve as a monumental tomb for Celsus, whose sarcophagus lies in a crypt beneath its main floor. Mark Anthony walked here long ago and households thrived and m markets prospered.
Truly inspiring to consider what took place here over 2,000 years ago. As an American, it is a powerful experience to come here and be reminded how new our history really is, in comparison with the rest of the world.
*Echoes of the Apostles and Empire*
Standing in the Great Theatre of Ephesus is like standing in history itself. With a capacity of over 25,000 seats, this awe-inspiring structure was the largest theatre in ancient Asia Minor and still dominates the site with its grandeur. Built during the Hellenistic period and later expanded by the Romans, it hosted dramas, political events, and gladiator fights.
For Christians, this theatre holds profound significance. According to Acts 19, the Apostle Paul’s preaching led many Ephesians to abandon idol worship, especially that of the goddess Artemis. This angered local silversmiths who made shrines for Artemis, causing a riot. The mob dragged Paul's companions into this very theatre, and for two hours the crowd shouted, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" Knowing this brings the stones to life with spiritual history.
Unfortunately, during our recent visit, the theatre was under restoration, so we weren’t able to go inside. Still, seeing it from the outside was deeply moving.
One unexpected highlight was meeting the famous local cat “Garfield,” who’s become something of a mascot at the theatre. We took so many fun photos with him—it truly made the visit even more memorable.
We recommend visiting early morning or late afternoon to avoid the strong sun and crowds.
#EphesusTheatre #Acts19 #ApostlePaul #GarfieldTheCat #BiblicalSites #UNESCO #TurkeyTravel #AncientDrama #FaithJourney
Believed to be the largest in the ancient world: could host up to 25,000 seated spectators.
Initially used for drama, in Roman times gladiatorial combats were also held on its stage.
Elton John performed a special, solo concert at the Great Theater on July 17, 2001.
We stayed in Izmir and drove to it. It was roughly an hour to get to it. Very nice site and well preserved.
Nice sunny ☀️ weather, you pay 💰 per person 28.71 euros 💶 if you get the deal.
Parking 🅿️ cost 💲 around 3€
There are a small market with lots of options.
We did all the walking around in 3 hours but this will definitely depend on you.
January is great as there are not many tourists and prices of hotels are cheaper.
Atatürk, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye•
7 min · 2.3 mi
4•Ulaş G — Google reviewBryan B — Google reviewAnthony D — Google reviewTom H — Google reviewBogdan H — Google reviewBrandon-Dean M — Google reviewSteve R — Google review
The Temple of Artemis
4.2
(5800)
3.3
(872)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Historical place
Ancient Ruins
The Temple of Artemis, once celebrated as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is a must-visit historic site located just a few kilometers from Ephesus and within walking distance from Selcuk. Although time has taken its toll on this magnificent structure, visitors can still marvel at a solitary pillar that stands as a testament to its grandeur dating back to 550 BC. The remnants evoke curiosity about what this temple might have looked like in its prime.
Also known as Temple of Diana is Greek . Large site and can be seen from near the car park. Excavations still going on. It was most magnificent and largest building in Greek world - a wonder of the Ancient World with massive size and huge columns. Nearby parking available. Walking on gravel access road not easy for some. No entry fees. If lucky you can see Storks nest on top of columns, blooming shrubs. Need hat, comfy shoes, water.
S V — Google review
The Temple of Artemis might not look like much today, just a few columns and stones but knowing it was once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World makes it really special. It’s a quick stop, but worth it for the history and the atmosphere. Plus, it’s right near Ephesus, so you can easily combine it with other amazing sites.
The Temple of Artemis, once located in Ephesus (modern-day Turkey), was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, renowned for its grand size and exquisite architecture. Dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis, the temple was rebuilt around 550 BCE and featured stunning marble pillars, intricate sculptures, and a massive altar. Though only ruins remain today, the temple's legacy endures as a symbol of both religious devotion and architectural ingenuity.
One of the 7 wonders of the ancient world, only a single original column remains with the other columns being excavated and restored. There are few information signs by the temple that explain the history of the temple. Overall an alright attraction to see when in the Sart township.
Excavations are going on but we are free to roam around most of the site. No improved surfaces so be careful if you are mobility-impaired. It's best if you read up first before visiting because there's not much for a novice archaeology tourist to work with. But you do get an idea of the size of the temple that is hard to distinguish when viewing from St John's basilica or from the highway.
3 stars for the history, but there is almost nothing left and maintained.
It is a disgrace that a once magnificent building is left in such condition. I understand that that centuries have past and earthquakes and human destruction has occurred, but more can be done
Amazing stack of rocks.
Kidding. The area is pretty awesome even though most of the actual temple is in the basement of some British Museum. A mosque, a church, and an ancient pagan temple all on one chunk of real estate.
There are 3000 years of history in this one picture. A pillar from the original city, a church from the second city and St. John's Basillica from the 3rd city.
Atatürk, Park İçi Yolu No:12, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye•
8 min · 0.42 mi
5•Khal E — Google reviewTiffany L — Google reviewRoss W — Google reviewTommy T — Google reviewAlvaro N — Google reviewNesh O — Google reviewDipak O — Google review
Ephesus Archaeological Museum
4.7
(18467)
4.5
(1084)
Archaeological museum
Museums
Specialty Museums
Located on a hillside with stunning views of the Aegean Sea, Ephesus Archaeological Museum offers a glimpse into the rich history of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus. Established in 1964, the museum showcases artifacts from excavations at the Ephesus archaeological site, including sculptures, coins from different eras, and findings from various structures such as the Houses of Riches.
Interesting place to visit for fascinating history of Ephesus. An Archaeological museum at Selcuk city has magnificent exhibit of Greek Godess Artemis from nearby temple. Easy access place with plenty of parking. Have to pay entry fee. Plenty to see in covered areas. Outside you can see storks nesting on high domes, plus pretty blooming lavenders
S V — Google review
We visited on a Sunday before noon, and the place was relatively uncrowded at first. However, after lunch, the crowd started to fill the area, including students on a school field trip, which turned into a lively atmosphere.
We had the audio guide, but it was somewhat challenging to follow the guide in sequence since some of the audio labels were missing from the exhibition. Nevertheless, we managed to make it work and appreciated the history of each exhibit with the help of the audio guide and museum label.
Overall, it was a wonderful experience. The exhibition itself was magnificent; they did an excellent job of organizing and enhancing the visual presentation of each exhibit.
To avoid giving away too many spoilers, I didn't post many photos of the place. You have to be there to truly experience it.
It’s definitely worth a visit before heading to the ancient city of Ephesus and its archaeological site.
Small museum a little pricey for tge amount of displays. But helpful if you go before seeing Ephesus especially the Temple of Artemis as you get to see what it would have looked like in antiquity. There not much left to see now and it is one of the seven ancient wonders.
On a par with The Forum in Rome this site far exceeded our expectations. We bought a tour on spec from the company at the cruise port and had a fascinating day exploring the capital of ancient Asia Minor. Site is very exposed
and can get very hot so bring water, factor 50 sunscreen , hat and comfortable walking shoes.
Historic location, went on a tour here to explain the history. Lots of things to see and hear about, giving you an idea of what life was like in the past. Impressive architecture, particularly the library, easy to walk around with some uneven footpaths which would be slippery when wet.
Amazing place! Journey through time with an open mind. For western civilisation enthusiasts it is a must go to .
So much history there gives a great perspective of who we are today.
This place had more then I expected. Having gone to the actual site, I couldn't imagine what they would have here that they didn't already have on site, but turns out one of the most valuable things they have is AC😁. They also had all of the smaller and more detail oriented pieces. The stuff that can't just be left out in the elements without further deteriation, also more modern day wording in the explanations. Don't miss out on the outdoor display. The door wasn't obvious, follow the feet.
At the Ephesus Museum, artifacts bring to life the grandeur of this ancient metropolis — from marble statues of Artemis to delicate household items of daily Roman life.
#EphesusMuseum #RomanHistory #TravelThroughTime #TurkeyTravels #HistoryComesAlive
Atatürk, Uğur Mumcu Sevgi Yolu No: 26, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye•
6 min · 0.33 mi
6•Elli M — Google reviewUlaş G — Google reviewZues L — Google reviewThomas K — Google reviewNiniez M — Google reviewLewis M — Google reviewJubin E — Google review
İsa Bey Mosque
4.7
(2213)
4.2
(370)
Mosque
Sights & Landmarks
Place of worship
Ancient Ruins
Sacred & Religious Sites
İsa Bey Mosque, a stunning example of Anatolian architecture, features rich ornamentation and a unique asymmetrical style. It is renowned as the oldest Turkish mosque with a courtyard design. Nestled at the foot of Ayasuluk Castle, it offers a different kind of beauty compared to the grand mosques of Istanbul. The area surrounding the mosque is geared towards tourism, offering guest houses and guided tours to explore nearby attractions such as Ephesus Museum and Basilica of St. John.
Huge ancient masjid, very well maintained with excellent facilities and a large open courtyard
Very friendly and knowledgeable imaam
Nazir-Ahmed K — Google review
It's a lovely and peaceful place. Careful not to slip when you're going down the stairways ! The courtyard is big and pleasant to look. You will see ancient tombstones against one of the walls. The psalmody of the Quran amplifies the peaceful atmosphere. You can visit the inside even if you're not a Muslim, but please consider having clothes that suits the modesty required by the place.
I really enjoyed visiting Isa Bey Mosque during my trip to Selçuk. It’s not as crowded as other attractions, which makes it feel calm and authentic. The architecture is impressive, and the courtyard has a very peaceful atmosphere. It’s a great stop if you’re exploring the area around Ephesus, and it gives you a nice glimpse into the region’s history. By the way Mosque's Imam is a kind gentleman and can help you learn more about Islam.
Selcuk style architecture that amaze you when visit this historic mosque. Still functioning and some area in restoration progress. The Mosque have special features and identity that made its architecture different than most of the Mosque in Turkey. Located next to oldest and largest bacillica made this unique building easy to be notice and can be visited for many tourists. North entrance on refurbishment on my visit and you may still enter from south entrance. Ample space for tourists coach parking or cars. You may need to wear suitable shoes to climb up to the entrance. For Muslims.... Ablation area in the garden has no warm or hot water so during winter just get ready with towel or tissue. Women may need to take your ablation earlier before enter and praying here as there's no separate ablation for you. It's a nice and beautiful mosque to enjoy both history and architecture
Nice place to visit and see a mosque. Almost no Toursist around.
This mosque is very unique. The mosque has two domes.It's between temple and church. The design is't like as usual mosque. This mosque is still repaired more, but we can have good pray indeed.
Interesting mosque, part active, part ruins. Helpful curator with books and information in several languages. Peaceful piece of Selcuk. Free to enter. Dress appropriately.
An ancient mosque built in the selcuk style and very different from other mosques. Good place to visit if you're in the area. Please dress conservatively
İsabey mahallesi, 2040. Sk. no:2, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye•
6 min · 0.3 mi
7•Jeremy M — Google reviewP — Google reviewAnthony D — Google reviewUlaş G — Google reviewHN — Google reviewAnne C — Google reviewShanna C — Google review
Basilica of Saint John
4.7
(2832)
4.3
(1105)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Ancient Ruins
Sacred & Religious Sites
BASILICA
This was an amazing site! Our guide shared a lot about the history of discovery And showed us some tile flooring that was just uncovered in the last 18 months. A lot of the church has been uncovered but there is still more to find. You can see the one pillar that remains of the temple of Artemis from the tree line before you get to the tomb of St. John. This site has been approved as a holy place by the Pope. Historically it is of interest as well. From the tree line you can see a mosque and you may also be able to hear chanting.
April W — Google review
Interesting to see that an apostle of Jesus is almost held in higher regard than he is…not sure I’m buying the legend that he waited 3 days in a sarcophagus waiting to die, just doesn’t sound like the character of someone who devoted his life to Jesus after seeing the Christ rise from the dead. If he was trying to be Christ-like, he wouldn’t like today’s veneration of him….or maybe our tour guide was just telling porkies.
This is an interesting historical monument and a holy place for Christians. Here are the ruins of the Church of St. John the Evangelist, and his coffin—a sarcophagus—has survived, although the bones were carried away in the Middle Ages. The remains of ancient buildings, Greek columns, and amphorae are visible.
Visited the ruins of this Byzantine era basilica while on a pilgrimage with my local church this past summer. It was built over the site of where John the apostle was buried. I was quite impressed with the views offered by the site and the information placards.
The Basilica of St. John (Aziz Yohannes Bazilikası) in Selçuk is an impressive historical site. Built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, it is believed to be the burial place of St. John. Although only ruins remain today, the scale of the basilica is breathtaking, and the atmosphere feels peaceful and spiritual. From the site, you can also enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding area, including the Isa Bey Mosque and the Ayasuluk Castle. A must-see for history and culture lovers visiting Ephesus.
There were more to see than what I expected. Some areas were shady. Entry fee 6 euro. You can pay in TL.
If you want to know where the Apostle St. John was buried at, this is the place. Here in this part of Turkey in Izmir where St. John had his missionary works done. This place is the ruins of the Basilica of St. John. When we were here, it was like an hour left to close the area. But that's all you need. The area is small.
The history of this church is amazing and the apostle was buried here and later his remains were moved to the Vatican.
Worth a trip to see it.
Atatürk, St. Jean Cd. No:4, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye•
Create your ultimate travel itinerary
Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.
Where to eat
Under a 1-minute walk from Ephesus Archaeological Museum, here are a few close by recommendations for when you get hungry exploring around.
Ali Baba & Mehmet Kebab House
4.5
(372)
4.5
(1089)
Restaurant or cafe
Cafe
Ali Baba & Mehmet Kebab House is a charming restaurant in Selcuk that offers a delightful culinary experience with its authentic Turkish kebabs. The menu features a variety of succulent grilled meats infused with traditional flavors, inviting diners to indulge in tender lamb shish kebabs and mouthwatering chicken adana kebabs. The cozy atmosphere adds to the appeal, making it an ideal spot to savor these Turkish delights.
We were delighted by the authentic Turkish cuisine served here! The Mixed Appetizer Platter stood out as our personal favorite, perfectly complemented by the refreshing yogurt and aromatic Turkish tea. The prices were incredibly reasonable, offering excellent value without the inflated "touristy" feel. Highly recommended for a genuine taste of Turkey!
Mostafa G — Google review
What a lovely place, a hidden gem!
We got here after visiting Ephesus and before going to the museum. Authentic turkish food in a familly run business.
The prices are low and fair, the quality and taste is great! Good service and a place you shouldn’t miss if you are in the area and want to eat really good food!
The Çay is free, if you choose to drink some.
Thank you very much and I hope I’ll have the chance to come by another time!
Perfectly located beside the museum. Prices are much cheaper, but the taste is definitely much higher. Loved the eggplant/meatballs dish. The servings are good as well, with salad, fries, and Asians favorite rice!
Homestyle restaurant with unpretentious vibes. Food was decent and we left satisfied
Authentic family restaurant. Delicious home-made food. Reasonable prices. Kind and friendly owners. The menu in many languages. Turkish pancakes worth to try!
Delicious, fresh cooked food for you from a family run restaurant. Good prices and nice to sit outside. It’s right next to the Ephesus archaeological museum so we ate here after and it was perfect
The food was incredibly delicious, with generous portions that left us satisfied. The service was excellent, and they even treated us with a complimentary apple tea, which was exceptional. Be sure to try the Sarma—it's a must!
Alibaba & his wife are the dream team! Great food, generous portions, even has menus in Japanese. Definitely recommend, sitting here you make friends since it is a nice side street with walking traffic!
Atatürk, 1047. Sk. no: 4, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye•
Kybele Gastro - Restaurant
4.6
(478)
5.0
(215)
Restaurant
Kybele Gastro is a unique restaurant in town that offers a variety of non-meat options. The four mezzes ordered were delightful, with the fava bean dip and basil/capers salad standing out as favorites. Additionally, the salads were refreshing and hydrating, while the pan-fried vegetables served as a satisfying main dish. Despite wanting to try the oyster mushrooms, the abundance of cheese in other dishes led to a different choice.
We were looking for a cozy place to have dinner after visiting Ephesus and we made a very good choice! Presentation of the food, cleanliness of the place, kindness of the staff, minimal decoration and the songs playing on the background was great! Food was tasty and the price was affordable. The only recommendation is adding up more flavour in the food. Overall we had a very good experience.
Dilcan N — Google review
We had the loveliest night at Kybele and our waiter Hasan had the best smile and sense of humour despite language barriers and made us feel right at home. The avocado salad and chicken mushroom fettuccine were delicious and the wine we chose was delicious. Good laughs, delicious food, friendly staff, great ambiance. Ten out of ten.
Great restaurant! We tried some mezes, a warm starter (a stuffed pan fried dish), a grilled lamb and a grilled mix of lamb and beef in a delicious sauce. All accompanied of good Turkish wine. The place is beautiful, the staff is very kind and prices are reasonable. Highly recommended!
We enjoyed our dinner here! We were able to be seated without a reservation on a Wednesday evening.
Probably the only restaurant in town that I found that's not meat heavy. Really enjoyed the four mezzes we ordered. Favourite were the fava bean dip and basil/capers salad. We also got two types of salad which were very juicy and hydrating and the pan fried vegetables as a main dish. Would have ordered the oyster mushrooms being mushroom enthusiasts but there's cheese and we just had way too much cheese than what we preferred that day didn't end up getting it. Hope they offer mushroom without cheese for the future. The dining environment was lovely with nice decor. Highly recommend!!
We walked away feeling disappointed. With so many rave reviews, we anticipated a standout dining experience, but what we got was quite the opposite. The whole visit felt more like our hotel had funneled us there for a kickback rather than because it offered real quality. The prices were outrageous for what we received—the food was dull, lacking flavor, and some dishes even tasted like they’d been reheated instead of freshly prepared. The gap between the online ratings and the actual experience was aggravating. In the end, it wasn’t worth the money, and certainly not worth going out of your way for.
The owners were so welcoming. They picked us up at our hotel and returned us after our meal. My husband and I enjoyed a salad, mixed grill plate, and tortellini. With a couple of drinks our total was about 48€. If you are coming to visit Ephesus, this is a great place to stop for dinner.
We arrived in Selçuk late last night and didn’t want to walk far from our hotel. Luckily, Kybele Gastro was only a few minute's walk away.
From the entrance, we were greeted with a warm welcome. The service was impeccable, and the food was amazing. The prices were reasonable, but the whole experience was worth every penny.
Profesor Anton, Antony Kallinger Cd. No:40 D:1, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye•
Need a place to stay?
Where
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Travelers
2
Travelers
2
Askerin Yeri Piknik Restaurant
4.1
(344)
4.0
(37)
affordable
Restaurant
Askerin Yeri Piknik Restaurant is a charming spot located near the Ephesus ancient city, offering traditional Turkish cuisine with a focus on tourist-friendly dishes. The menu features delicious gozleme and mezes, providing an authentic taste of Turkey. Despite catering to tourists, the food is fresh and reasonably priced, making it a refreshing find for travelers. The restaurant's relaxed atmosphere and jungle-like setting create a unique dining experience, perfect for unwinding after exploring the nearby ruins.
This place was wonderful all round. The food was reasonably priced and delicious. The atmosphere was relaxing and comfortable after exploring Ephesus. The staff are kind and friendly Definitely worth stopping by.
E G — Google review
Absolutely delightful and authentic settings that offers deliciously homemade regional cusine, extremely baby friendly and great service. Best dining experience we had near a major tourist attraction in turkey, unlike the usual traps that you encounter in Istanbul. Very reasonably priced too. Highly recommend that you stop by on your way to and from Ephesus Archaeological Site.
After exploring the wonderful Ephesus ancient city we tried this place. Looking for something nice on the way. Traditional turkish cusine a bit focused to tourist but still with nice flavours. The best is gözleme their specialty. Also some nice mezes. Not cheap but not too overpriced.
Amazing everything! And you can see the ladies in the kitchen making the Gözleme fresh to order!
One of our best meals in our 1month trip in Turkey. We arrived very late after 11pm after the Ephesus visit by night.
The service was excellent, friendly and fast, we could eat slowly and enjoy their delicacies very well cooked and prepared.
One day after we are still dreaming about those skewers and regretting that it was too late to taste their gozleme!
Thank you to all the staff and the chef
Ordered spinach and cheese golzeme, which was very good. Girlfriend ordered the chicken skewers (kebab) which was also very good. But for me the highlight was the burma kadayif which was the best I ever had, so tasty and not too sweet!
Great and reasonably priced restaurant. You feel like you are in the jungle. Lots of places to chill on the floor. Real charcoal grill. Some of the best gözleme I've ever had, very crispy.
Very authentic and delicious food! Definitely worth taking a small detour or stop by if you see seven sleepers.
Ataturk mah yedi uyuyanlar mevki selcuk izmir, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye•
Create your ultimate travel itinerary
Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.
Day 2
Northeast side of town
For day 2, we recommend exploring the northeast side side of town. Start the day off with House of Virgin Mary, then wind down and take it easy by the time you get to Selcuk pidecisi. All together, your day would be filled with about 7 hours of non-stop fun.
1•ReviewGirl — Google reviewStephanie C — Google reviewBetsy Y — Google reviewAlok A — Google reviewBrandon-Dean M — Google reviewInga — Google reviewNorm P — Google review
House of Virgin Mary
4.5
(7944)
4.2
(2942)
Shrine
Sights & Landmarks
Historical landmark
Ancient Ruins
Nestled in the Dilek National Park, the House of the Virgin Mary is a revered pilgrimage site for both Christians and Muslims. Believed to be the final home of Mary after Jesus' death, it offers a tranquil and spiritual experience. Visitors can't take pictures inside but can leave wishes on a wishing wall outside. The surrounding area features lush gardens with fruits and flowers, as well as a water fountain believed to have healing powers.
Our visit to the House of the Virgin Mary in Ephesus was a truly meaningful experience. Nestled in the quiet hills above ancient Ephesus, this serene site is believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent her final years.
The setting is peaceful and beautifully maintained, creating a space that encourages reflection and gratitude. Whether you're visiting for religious, historical, or cultural reasons, the energy of the place feels both sacred and comforting.
It was moving to see the small house and light a candle in the prayer area. We also left a message at the wishing wall, as many visitors do.
This stop was one of the highlights of our time in Turkey, and we’re glad we had the chance to experience such a special and spiritual place.
Raiza R — Google review
Beautiful and sacred holy ground. Be prepared to do a lot of walking as most vehicles are not permitted close to the entrance. We enjoyed seeing the home of the Virgin Mary. The wall of intentions was moving and special. We enjoyed walking the grounds and looking at the landscape. Recommend dressing modestly or you will need to wear a covering. Photography is not permitted in the house.
Mary’s House on Mount Koressos (Mount Nightingale) near Ephesus is a serene and spiritual spot, surrounded by olive trees. Visitors can write prayers or wishes on pieces of paper or cloth and tie them to the wish well wall. The line can be long but moves quickly, and note that no photos or videos are allowed inside, preserving the sacred atmosphere.
In Meryemana, Turkiye, the Virgin Mary's House is located. Reverant, quiet, with a prayer wall we stood in a contemplative mode, remembering the struggles of Jesus and the prophecy that was to unfold. I thought of the pain Mary and her sisters endured, but still after all these years Mary provides love and forgiveness to all those in need. These prayers and requests were represent at the prayer wall at Mary's House. It was symbolic of the needs from people all over the world.
One gentle man touched my heart so, as he went around retrieving prayer notes that had fallen off the wall. He tenderly returned each note from the ground to the wall. A qentle act of kindness. There are no photographs allowed in Mary's House but prayer candles may be purchased there. Worth the visit!
Mary lived in this house after death of Jesus Christ. The house has two small rooms. The environment is very peaceful here. You will need to walk 10 mins to reach the house. Because of queue you may get a few seconds only inside the house. Overall, a must visit place if you are in Izmir.
Is it actually Mary’s house or just a tourist trap? Jury is still out.
Is it worth a visit for you to decide for yourself? Yup.
They herd you through the house at a gallop so don’t expect to spend much time checking things out inside the house. Basically just a quick walk through of a tiny house. There’s a holy fountain and a wishing wall too. The whole site might take you 20 minutes to get through.
We are overjoyed after visiting this beautiful place. We were fortunate to arrive before closing time, so we had enough time to explore this magical place and appreciate its magnificence. Very peaceful and calm atmosphere.
Very special and sacred. Be prepared for a bit of walking as cars are not permitted close to the entrance. The wall of intentions was special, and the grounds are lovely. Dress modestly or take a covering. Photography is not permitted in the house.
Atatürk Mahallesi, Meryemana Mevkii, Küme Evler, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye•
6 min · 2.9 mi
2•Pear C — Google reviewLegends L — Google reviewAntoun B — Google reviewPatricia C — Google reviewIvan D — Google reviewJennifer T — Google reviewWoelly W — Google review
Virgin Mary Statue
4.6
(1176)
3.0
(1)
Monument
I visited here on Wednesday September 18, 2024. This was a moving and great experience. Our tour was on the way to Ephesus to see the House of the Virgin Mary. I honestly didn't know this existed. I'll post pictures soon. I would absolutely do this trip again.
Lynn C — Google review
From the parking lot to walk in it's Abit nightmare 😞 they don't let you park Infront if the entrance
Imposing statue that sits by itself on the side of road leading to Merymana. It is far from everything with Ephesus at the foot of mountain and Merymana at the top.
If you chose to drive to Merymana, you won’t miss the statue. You will have to be extremely fit to attempt this route by bike or walking.
If you are passing then stop to visit but if not, you haven’t missed anything. There’s ample parking in lay-by.
This statue of Mary is facing the city of ephesus. When you leave ephesus and go to the house of Mary, you will find this statue.
A nice stop on the way up to Efes old city
Very calm religious and peaceful place of worship. The Shrine is located at the very top of Mount Koressos. The place is well guarded and has a prayer/wish writing area (make sure to carry a paper, pen and some thread).
I was there in the afternoon where the sun was shining directly behind her head.
Quick stop from library of ephesus
Need a place to stay?
Where
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Travelers
2
Travelers
2
13 min · 0.7 mi
3•Paul C — Google reviewEkaterina A — Google reviewChristina L — Google reviewRada V — Google reviewDude D — Google reviewMuhammad T — Google reviewOsman B — Google review
Trajan Fountain
4.8
(259)
4.7
(163)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Ancient Ruins
Trajan Fountain is a well-kept archaeological site located in the ancient city of Ephesus. The spacious area requires sturdy shoes for exploration, and visitors are advised to bring drinks and sun protection. While Turkish citizens enjoy affordable entrance fees, tourists may find the pricing less favorable. Despite this, the impressive historical site is worth visiting, especially in the evening when there are fewer crowds and a pleasant atmosphere. Some suggest that restoring a more comprehensive fountain could further enhance its appeal to tourists.
Our full day trip to Ephesus Ancient City started with Ephesus Archaeological Site and after a while we came up to Trajan Fountain. Unique place, extraordinary feelings.
Shukhrat U — Google review
Interesting, beautiful, though not very well preserved..
A lot to see, very interesting place although completely under the sun so pack up up some extra water and sunscreen. Difficult to sightsee with the kids and barely possible with the stroller or buggy.
Nice historical place for walk in nicely cool weather. Spend 1.5hours here walking. Quick a distance
It's a historical place where you can enjoy your tea in peace
Beautiful place, historical site. A must see place...
İt's full of history. You people should visit it
Trajan fountain is one of the most beautiful sections in the ruins of the city of Ephesus. It is on the left side before reaching Hadrian's gate when he climbs up from the Library of Celsius. I think it is one of the places that must be visited in the ancient city, both with its surviving part and its eye-catching architecture. Please let us have these works and not destroy them for our own vision.
3 min · 0.18 mi
4•Dola S — Google reviewPaul C — Google reviewSama A — Google reviewThomas L — Google reviewMuhd N — Google reviewGuide E — Google reviewMichael G — Google review
Odeon
4.8
(748)
4.5
(262)
Historical landmark
Concerts & Shows
Ancient Ruins
Theaters
Chain cinema for a wide range of entertainment, including the latest releases & live event screenings.
Beautiful city and definitely a must visit. Better to read up ahead or get a guide.
Francis V — Google review
This building has the shape of a small theatre with the stage building, seating places, and the orchestra. It had a double function in use. First, it was used as a Bouleuterion for the meetings of the Boules or the Senate. The second function was the Odeum as a concert hall for the performances. It was constructed in the 2nd century A.D by the order of Publius Vedius Antonius and his wife Flavia paiana, two wealthy citizens in Ephesus.
It had a capacity of 1500 spectators. It had 3 doors opening from the stage to the podium. The podium was narrow and one meter higher than the orchestra section. The stage building was two-storeyed and embellished with columns. The podium in front of the stage building and some parts of the seating were restored. The Odeon used to be enclosed with a wooden roof.
Two councils administrated Ephesus. These were Demos or the parliament which was open to the public was taken place in the great theatre and the Bouleia which gathered in this small theatre. The members of the boules were chosen from the aristocratic class of Ephesians. The most important decisions and city matters were discussed here.
A small ancient theater that has the misfortune to be located just 500m from another one, much larger and more impressive. It is the first interesting objective, if you enter the site through the north gate. Interesting fact: in that ancient times it has a wooden roof.
it is 1,5 km walk , we hired a horse truck to get us at one site and we walked through the amazing place
I had a wonderful experience at the Odeon yesterday. The weather was beautiful and there were no lines to enter the upper gate of Ephesus.
Makes u wonder how the ancients built such monuments...amazing
One of the first structures that welcomes you once you enter Ephesus Ancient city from the Upper Gate.
The ancient world has become even more exciting for me. Don't come to Turkey without seeing this place.
6 min · 5 mi
5•Yury L — Google reviewSally S — Google reviewDavid H — Google reviewHector R — Google reviewEnrique M — Google reviewLewis M — Google reviewMike P — Google review
Çamlık Steam Locomotives Open Air Museum
4.3
(3027)
4.5
(207)
Museum
Visited in spring, review written in late summer!
A lot of different steam locomotives from different periods of time. Perfect place to visit during spring, the garden where the museum is made is full of flowers. Kids will love this place, and actually you are allowed to climb on some of the locomotives!
Cosmin P — Google review
Very nice and big place, you can do souvenir shopping as well, lots to see. They offer a Buffet with a variety of Turkish cousine, with seating around the museum area, the weather was so good that eating outside was best. Their broiled chicken was ++ ... if they run out of something just ask and don't stay quiet, they will replenish right away.
If you're traveling on an organized tour, you won't have much time to visit the museum, but it doesn't stop you from having some good fun, just ask your Tour guide to give you some little extra time.
So many beautiful trains. Very picturesque! The restaurant has great food but as soon as you grab a plate, the servers demand payment. Their sign board posted a specific price but when they came around to collect money, they attempted to upcharge but stuck to the advertised price when challenged.
This museum could be so much better, there are probably 25 or so steam trains from around 1920-30. But they are in poor condition and not being maintained or restored. You are allowed to climb onto the engines but they are becoming a health and safety risk with rotting wood and rusting metal. You need to be supple to climb onto the first rung of the ladders as there are no platforms. The cost is advertised as 5 euros each however we were only charged 4. We spent around 45 minutes looking around.
Beautiful place, very historic, worth seeing in person
One heck of an amazing place for any train lover! It has a fantastic collection of engines and wagons of all sizes and types, displayed in such a way it’s easy and comfortable to go from machine to machine, where you’re always one step away from simply getting into one.
The elements haven’t been too kind to the machines themselves, but nevertheless it’s a must-visit for anyone in the area.
Lovely outdoor railway museum a short train ride from Selcuk. It seems appropriate to go there and back by train. Lots of engines from various origins that have been used in Turkey so some from England, Sweden, France, the USA and Germany for example. Restaurant within the grounds looked and smelt good! 50 lira entrance fee for adults. Really nice day out
Excellent facility! At least 25 locomotives and numerous other cars. Turntable has 18 locomotives around it. Our group had a nice lunch on the grounds, watched carefully by the museum 's 2 or 3 dogs. Service is friendly and has good English. Clean restrooms.
Çamlık, İzmir Aydın Yolu No:53, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye•
13 min · 9.2 mi
6•Sahika ( — Google reviewSeniz Y — Google reviewEagle848 — Google reviewMehmet A — Google reviewMAHMOUD S — Google reviewCan A — Google reviewAsli A — Google review
Cetin Model Village
4.6
(800)
4.5
(38)
Museum
Specialty Museums
What can I say what an enjoyable place and so informative. The lady who toured us was so pleasant . Incredible place and so much work went into every detail. Something you don't want to miss at all . We are from Canada 🇨🇦 and so grateful for your kindness
Ron V — Google review
It's a good choice to show children the past of turkish villagers.. it is a time frame before electricity and after war. Would be a good choice for tourists too. A village school teacher made all of the models by himself. He is 80 yo now and still joins the tours.
The man who made the Village is so fantastic, the plase, museum to worth see
Really fun and lots to learn about how people used to live in Turkey. The guide is also really nice.
It represents an anotolian village life so amazingly you can feel that you are a villager in that village. You can add this your must seen list.
Nice place to see history with art good for all to see
It's one of a kind place in the area. Contains models of some scenes, buildings, events by the creator's village. There are original sized models outside but i was more interested in the little models of the village which had many village building models and scenes by weddings etc.
Brilliant and clever idea. It took me back to those years where I was raised and had some memories. It was also great for my daughters to see the historic places and life styles. It's a must see
Pamucak Kavşağı Arvalya Mevkii No:4, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye•
9 min · 6.4 mi
7•Colette T — Google reviewRachel T — Google reviewEli L — Google reviewNeil L — Google reviewMaggie K — Google reviewThomas V — Google reviewEnikő B — Google review
Selcuk pidecisi
4.5
(1476)
5.0
(1037)
affordable
Sfiha restaurant
Selcuk Pidecisi is a charming pide shop located near the Selcuk Museum, away from the touristy hustle. It offers delicious and crispy pide along with a variety of guvec dishes. The restaurant has garnered positive reviews for its great food, fast service, and clean ambiance. Visitors can enjoy watching the chef prepare dishes in the wood fire oven. The place is popular among locals as a take-out and delivery spot, indicating its quality.
I was looking for authentic pide and this place was superb. The meat and cheese pide was the star, made fresh before us and delicious. Our resident coffee fan really enjoyed the coffee here too. The staff are very friendly and accommodating. Thank you for your kindness and good food!
Sam T — Google review
I wanted to eat Pide. Read good reviews of this restaurant. Loved it!
Food was great. Service was fast, place was nice and clean.
We sat inside and I enjoyed watching the Chef prepare the dishes and baking it in their wood fire oven.
What was amazing was that the kitchen was working non stop because it seems that it was very popular as a take out/delivery restaurant. So, if locals love it - must be really good!
A must try in Selçuk
The vegan pide was delicious and well indicated in the menu ! They also gave us a salad as an entree and a complimentary turkish tea ! Service was perfect, I highly recommend:)
It was our first time trying pide and we definitely found the right place! It was a burning hot day but the hot pide still tasted amazing. I especially enjoyed the mushrooms with cheese which was served in a pot. They gave a fresh salad and a bunch of dips as a starter which was on the house!
The service was good and the Turkish food on the whole was ok. The servings were huge and arrived quickly and the serving staff were pleasant and attentive . The meat and cheese pizza with 2 coke was good value at 500l and we would return if we get the chance
The man who served us who we think could be the owner was super friendly and recommended some popular items. We went for the meat pide (picture on the top of the menu) and the meatballs and loved every bit of it. Finished with an apple tea which was warm and sweet! Definitely recommend !
The two items cost 50 TL each which meant our whole dinner cost a fiver..! 🤯
Edit. Having travelled around Turkey a little bit more now I had to deduct a star PURELY because the salad that was served was underwhelming and seemingly not too fresh but my review for the main dishes still stand, very tasty nonetheless
Very good pide. Star pide chef running the oven. Light, proper crust. Peppers and meat tasted fresh. I recommend the mixed one with 3 flavours. Service is fast and everyone was friendly. Fair restaurant at a fair price and the other good reviews showcase that. To top it off, they gave me some orange tea on the house as I kept seated reading. Proper customer treatment!
The place was recommended by a friend. We had lahmacun (pizza as starter for 2: spicy)+ kiremitte Köfte + Kusbasili mantarli KasarIi
Very, very good 🥰. It was served with salad and flat bread. We took an ayran and water.
Info: No alcohol available. Card payment possible. Very, very nice staff.
If you have paper money available from your own currency: pls give them a note for their wall (see photo).
Atatürk, Cengiz Topel Cd. No:29, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye•
Create your ultimate travel itinerary
Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.
Where to eat
Even the most seasoned adventurers need a break to chow down some food. Close to Selcuk pidecisi, these restaurants are about a 1-minute walk away.
Tat Cafe Restaurant
4.4
(354)
4.5
(368)
Restaurant
Tat Cafe Restaurant in Selcuk is a delightful gem that embodies the essence of Turkish cafe culture. With its inviting atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to savor an array of traditional and modern Turkish dishes, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The owner, who has a background in English from America, adds a personal touch by engaging warmly with guests.
TAT Restaurant in Selçuk-Ephesus is a hidden gem with a warm, inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements its outstanding cuisine. The food is delicious, with generous portions that leave you fully satisfied. One of the highlights is the opportunity to make bread with the chef, which is both a fun and unique experience. This bread, paired with the complementary starters, adds a special touch to the meal. The service is attentive and friendly, enhancing the overall dining experience. I highly recommend dining at TAT if you find yourself in the area—it's a culinary experience you won't want to miss!
Farzi B — Google review
Lots of veggie options! All eggplant dishes were delicious. The free bread is also amazing. I went there many times and the staff was really friendly
The food is really good, from the seats outside you can see them make your food. They have a wood oven for the bread which is always a massive +. The fish and meat were very good and the personel (I think they are a family) very friendly. Visit this restaurant on your trip to the ancient Ephesus!
Last night we enjoyed our meal so much we came back for lunch today. Last night I had grilled sea bass (levrek). Today I had oven baked sea bream (çupura). Both were some of the best fish dishes I've ever had over my many years in Turkey. They were perfectly cooked, ample size, and absolutely delicious. The place was packed with customers Last night so they called in reinforcements. The staff were cheerful, energetic and helpful. We'll go back every time we're in town.
Fantastic meal with some wonderful mini shish kebabs ( specialism of Eelcuk called Choo Shish), plus some chicken shishs and nice beers.
I do not understand the high ratings this gets. Yes, the owner is friendly and the cook was able to explain the dishes that were visible in the window, but the waiter lost interest after serving the food. The fish was bland, my çay was empty and went unnoticed and then got charged for a refill. Hard to get the waiters
attention even to pay the bill. Numerous cats and dogs begging at the table (which is not strange because they get the scraps directly from our plates). Three stars might be a bit too positive even.
Good cooking class. We learned how to cook lentil soup, zucchini fritter and eggplant moussaka today. The owner and staff were very friendly. They have great seafood selections. Definitely will come back for their lunch or dinner.
The levreck fish was quite tasty and affordable though the chicken schnitzel was very basic and flavourless. The meat shish kebab was pretty good. Everything was in smaller portions than expected though. Overall average.
Atatürk, Cengiz Topel Cd. 19 B, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye•
Aziziye Restaurant
4.2
(466)
4.5
(42)
affordable
Restaurant
Aziziye Restaurant offers a delightful Turkish dining experience amidst the charming setting of an old train museum. The restaurant serves authentic Turkish cuisine, including a variety of dishes such as salad, lentil soup, feta cheese, beef stew, vegetables, hummus, and tzatziki. Guests can also enjoy a selection of beverages including white wine and beer. The restaurant's beautiful garden filled with roses adds to the overall ambiance.
Authentic Turkish Lunch consisted of a salad, lentil soup, feta cheese, beef stew, vegetables, hummus, tzatziki and white wine. Dessert was a delicious fig cake!
In front of restaurant are old trains!
Cindy L — Google review
Wonderful food and experience! We were with a tour group and they sat us quickly and had the tables prepared with beautiful plates of good. Fish, goulash were the main items, lentil soup, salad, hummus, olives, etc. everything was fresh and delicious.
Highly recommend.
Did this restaurant with 20 other people. They were able to cope with us, food was fine.
The following is what I've to say about this place:
1. The food that I ate here was very delicious.
2. Unfortunately here was my last day of a "tour" that I paid for before departing to "🇬🇷" on the "Celestial 🚢".
good place with dilicious food
Lovely restaurant, we were warmly welcomed by the owner. Plenty of vegetarian options in the buffet.
Beautiful place for a breakfast with historical trains from the ottoman empire.
Located on the grounds of the train museum. Pretty decent Turkish food with extremely competitive pricing. Beer was available, which was great after a tour of the train museum on a very hot day.
Çamlık, Atatürk Cd No:8, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye•
Need a place to stay?
Where
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Travelers
2
Travelers
2
Yavuz's Restaurant
4.1
(1626)
4.0
(97)
affordable
Restaurant
A beautiful spot under the trees, close to the Ephesus ruins and the Seven Sleepers. The ayran (yogurt drink) was wonderful. A great place to stop before or after your trip.
Seçkin A — Google review
If you like out of the way restaurants that give you the true local flavor then you will really enjoy this place. It burned down about a year ago and has been rebuilt. My traveling companions had the pancakes and greatly enjoyed them. I had the Adana Kebap and really liked it. It has a very authentic Turkish atmosphere and the food is prepared with fresh ingredients. I recommend the Tahin Ceviz as a dessert. The pancakes are a large serving and can can accommodate two people.
Although the people cannot speak English, they are very welcoming and they try their best to provide excellent service. This is our second time to eat here in a span of two days. We already love it here. Won’t choose any other restaurant. Food was excellent. They told us which ones were the best sellers. Recommend it 100%!
One of our best meals in Turkey was here!
They served some really good veg casserole, bread/dips, chicken kebabs, stuffed bread with spinach/cheese.
We also enjoyed local Efes beer and white wine here.
Owner/serving staff were kind and understood English. They also helped to reheat some of my young daughter’s kid food.
GO HERE. Stop searching for a place to eat and just go here. Good food, great vibes, awesome people. Disregard any negative comments, no place is perfect; but this is darn close. Give this spot the shot it deserves. Sip your tea amidst the beauty of nature. Breathe in the fresh cool air. Wing it for the biscuit!
We got the Turkish Breakfast spread as well as the cheese bread "pancakes". The food was amazing and a highlight for all of us! We definitely recommend this restaurant for a delicious and authentic experience!
We went there before visiting Ephesus.
The quality was great, homemade and fast service.
We had to wait a bit more for the dessert it was worth it.
You eat with dogs that don’t bother you at all.
We didn’t eat in Selcuk so don’t know the quality and price in the city centre but we definitely recommend you this place.
A lovely spot just a short walk from the ancient city of Ephesus. 🏛️ The gözleme is delicious 🫓✨ Prices are quite reasonable, which is a nice surprise for a touristy area.
The natural setting adds to the charm—it’s a peaceful place to unwind after exploring. 🌿 The staff is super friendly and welcoming, making the whole experience even better. 😊
Atatürk Mh Atatürk Mah. Yedi Uyuyanlar Mevki, 35920, Türkiye•
Cerithan Restaurant
3.4
(715)
3.0
(20)
Restaurant
Good place for lunch! The staff is really jolly and friendly, quite a warming welcome! The buffet system was filling!
Atis B — Google review
Our tour guide brought us there, we thought it would be another tourist trap place, i was wrong cause THE FOOD IS SO GOOD!! Really flavourful. Best meal we had so far in the tour. I love the Meatballs, kebabs and the potato. It feels very home cooked and delicious. Would definitely recommend.
The tour guide stopped us at this restaurant on the road to Ephesus, no other reason we would have gone here - their only real selling point being it happens to be on the way. It’s a pit stop for the quiet shuffle from the bus into the alfresco hall where joy clearly goes to die.
The food was terrible. The kebabs were dry, grayish, and indifferent. The buffet line was a graveyard of mashed vegetables, layered starches, and mysterious casseroles in cream-adjacent sauces, each one more texturally confusing than the last. Gratin in beige, gratin in orange, gratin in green. Each scoop a different shade of regret.
Dessert was literally just sullen slices of orange and bowls of sutlac, they couldn’t have prepared for variety?
Places like this don’t care if you enjoy the meal though, only that the buses keep coming. If you have the option to eat anywhere else before arriving at Ephesus, do!
The food was horrible, the worst thing I have ever eaten in my life. If I could give 0 stars I would do it without the thought. The red potatoes were cold, bland and I think they were made in the morning (eating time 15:30), everything was in thick coat of cold and stinky oil. I also have to say that meatballs were probably made of plastic and other chemicals⚗️. Every bite of them was a regretful. The "placek ziemniaczany" (potato pancake) was swimming in fat, fries were good but after 5 minutes without the heating lamp in their taste I could tell that the oil that they were frying them in was very very very old and probably burnt also what is weird I could taste water. After we went back to the hotel my stomach and liver were dying. I had to quickly run to the toilet becouse my stomach was rumbling. I don't want to tell you what happend there (toilet) but it wasn't very pleasant. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone raven my wors enemy. DONT GO THERE! AVOID IT!
Good food! Loved their beef kebabs. Flavorful food compared to the other tourist pitstops we went to.
A restaurant with fix menu’s for groups
Our tour guide brought us here and food was not good
Great ambiance. Very delicious food.
Cumhuriyet mah Atatürk cad :185, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye•
Create your ultimate travel itinerary
Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.
Day 3
Proximity is everything
For day 3, we bundled attractions like Ayasuluk Citadel and Cittantica Ephesus Park and other places within a close range, so that the time it takes to travel between all of them is less than one hour. Combined with the average time people spend there, your day should take about 7 hours.
1•Tarek K — Google reviewSarah F — Google reviewP — Google reviewShawn A — Google reviewDevi P — Google reviewSebastien L — Google reviewRichard S — Google review
Ayasuluk Citadel
4.6
(1303)
4.1
(209)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Fortress
Castles
Ayasuluk Citadel, situated in the historic region of Selcuk, is a significant site that includes the Temple of Artemis. Perched on a hill overlooking the Selcuk district and located near the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, this castle was constructed using stones from abandoned Greek and Roman ruins. While it has undergone partial restoration, there is still much work to be done to preserve its rich heritage.
It is 5 minutes walk from the center of Selcuk and is definitely worth a visit with its beautiful landscape and interesting history
Ulaş G — Google review
Not worth the admission ticket price they're asking for. It's straight up ripoff. There's not much to see on the inside. Definitely buy your ticket from the website instead of queuing in the long lineup
You access the Citadel through the Bascilica of St John, so you need to buy a ticket to enter that. You go right through to the back, past the cafe. There’s a clear walking path and it’s just open to enter.
Ayasaluk Fortress is an atmospheric place with stunning views of the city and olive groves; a stroll along the walls and narrow paths is pleasant, best visited at sunset.
Visited the castle when there was not a single soul nearby and it was a great experience.
The castle may be nothing but walls and a few small structures, but you have a perfect view of the nearby town, fields, and roads. The view is fantastic and if you're alone this is a great place to stop, think, admire, and just live in the moment. I think that's where the true beauty of the castle lies.
This is a nice place with good view of the city! Nothing of the castle is remaining except of the outer walls! Lot of steps! If you are using a wheel chair then this is of no comfort! Just go up to see the city view nothing else.
Opening hours displayed on Google maps are wrong (like many other sites around). Those opening hours are also wrong on the official websites (like many other sites too).
The managers of the touristic sites in the area should do their job!
A magnificent site sitting on top of the hill. The Byzantines then built Ayasuluk Castle, using stones from disused Greek and Roman buildings, for its construction. On the slope of the hill they built the Basilica of St. John. Defensive walls coming down from the castle, encompassed the basilica.
3 min · 1.2 mi
2•ZTC N — Google reviewMichael A — Google reviewHalal M — Google reviewMichael — Google reviewAgus H — Google reviewPuryanto P — Google reviewSabiha Ş — Google review
Cittantica Ephesus Park
4.3
(218)
2.8
(10)
Cittantica Ephesus Park is a remarkable destination that offers a nostalgic glimpse into the past. Visitors should allocate approximately three hours to fully explore the park and capture its beauty with a high-quality camera. Members of ICOM can enjoy free admission, while non-members can obtain tickets for 200tl (around 11 euros) without an audio guide. This extraordinary attraction boasts an awe-inspiring history that will captivate all those who visit.
Wonderful reminder of past time. You will need 3 hours more-less to visit.Bring good camera! ICOM memebers have free entrance. For others, ticket without audio guide is 200tl (about 11 euros).
Ivana C — Google review
Here for the food. It claims to be a buffet but it’s similar or worse than school lunch.
Food: 36/60. It’s very bland and very, very limited options. The only meat is chicken that tastes roughly 40/60. Ironically the best part of the meal was the vegetables. The pasta and soup are not good too.
Service: 16/20. I mean, it’s a buffet, so I cannot expect much. The service is just okay. Nothing noteworthy.
Atmosphere: 13/20. The place is not clean at all. There is a terrible smell inside the cafeteria. It is very dirty, from the floors, the water glass, etc. There are even cats and animals inside the restaurant.
Total 65/100, got forced to eat here from the tour. Unless you are super tight on cash, it isn’t the best idea…
Not at all what we were expecting, resembles a very expensive car boot sale.
It’s nice here
I think this place is not the ancient Ephesus but people have placed photos of ancient Ephesus here by mistake??
Fantastic history !!!
Old ancient monument
(Translated by Google) I've never seen such ridiculously managed places in my life. The entrance fee varies depending on the number of people entering, and you pay a ton of money. You can only get inside the temple, which is empty and has a sign that says "Artemis," but it's very difficult to take photos because there's no light. They've closed off the back and sides, and it's run by someone else. Okay, that's fine, but I don't understand why we're paying so much for the front. Don't go; taking photos at Izmir Plato is much more reasonable. Since the wedding photo was held there, we decided to go here for a maternity shoot, but we were disappointed. The part shown in the photo is closed; you'll see the strip behind.
(Original)
Ben hayatımda bu kadar saçma yönetilen çok az yer gördüm. Giriş ücreti giren kişi sayısına göre değişiyor bir ton para veriyorsunuz ve artemission yazan tapınak önü ve bom boş olan içine girebiliyorsunuz zaten ışık almadığı için fotoğraf almak çok zor. Arka ve yan tarafı kapatmışlar işletmesi farklı birininmiş, hadi buna tamam diyelim ama neden bir ton para veriyoruz önü anlamadım. Gitmeyin izmir plato da foto çekilmek çok daha mantıklı dugun fotoğrafı orada olduğu için hamile çekimi buraya gidelim dedik ama hayal kırıklığı yaşadık. Fotoğrafta görünen kısım kapalı, zaten arkada şerit var görürsünüz.
İsa Bey, Selçuk-İzmir Yolu No:129, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye•
Need a place to stay?
Where
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Travelers
2
Travelers
2
3 min · 1.3 mi
3•Olga B — Google reviewEon L — Google reviewHaluk A — Google reviewNicola ( — Google reviewM.E. B — Google reviewKim B — Google reviewSude Ç — Google review
Selçuk Ephesus Urban Memory Museum
4.6
(121)
4.3
(53)
Museum
History Museums
The Selçuk Ephesus Urban Memory Museum, also known as Selcuk Kent Bellegi Muzesi, is a must-visit attraction when exploring the ancient city. It offers an insightful extension of the Ephesus museum and provides a deep dive into the lives and history of the people of Selcuk. When visiting, it's recommended to join a guided tour to fully appreciate the most interesting monuments and tailor your experience according to your interests and preferences.
Selcuk Efes Kent Bellegi is all about Selcuk peoples life and Selcuk history...
Adnan M — Google review
Really must see together with visiting ancient city. Most interesting monuments are there
Great extension of Ephesus museum
selcuk kent bellegi muzesi
(Translated by Google) Opened as a tobacco warehouse, it was used as an arms depot during the First World War and eventually underwent a complete restoration and was opened in 2012 as the Selçuk-Ephesus City Memorial Center. It tells the history of the city, the changes and the socio-cultural evolution of the city.
(Original)
Inaugurato come magazzino di tabacco, fu utilizzato come deposito di armi durante la prima guerra mondiale e infine subì un restauro completo e fu aperto nel 2012 come Centro della memoria della città di Selçuk-Efeso. Racconta la storia della città, i cambiamenti e l'evoluzione socio culturale della città.
(Translated by Google) You can examine the chronological history of Selçuk in written and visual form. There is a section about the people who came and settled here in different periods.
The structure was built as a warehouse in the past and has been restored today. Unfortunately, none of the buildings built today have the same aesthetics as the old structures. Technology and science are advancing so much, but there is no trace of aesthetics.
(Original)
Selçuk ile ilgili kronolojik tarihi, yazılı ve görsel olarak inceleyebilirsiniz. Farklı dönemlerde buraya gelip yerleşen insanlarla ilgili bir bölümde var.
Yapı, zamanında depo olarak yapılmış ve günümüzde restore edilmiş. Maalesef eski yapılardaki estetiğin zerresi, günümüzde yapılmış binaların hiç birinde yok.. Teknoloji, bilim o kadar ilerliyor, ama estetikten eser yok..
(Translated by Google) When visiting Selçuk, can you skip this place? Of course, you can't leave without seeing it. We really liked how they successfully visualized the historical developments, events and information about the people related to the Selçuk region in chronological order. After passing the ruins and arches of the old city walls, the City Memory building that you come to is beautifully restored, a magnificent stone structure and has a complementary quality to the walls with its appearance that is in harmony with the palm trees around it. It is recommended to visit and see.
(Original)
Selçuk gezilirde burası atlanır mı? Gelip görmeden gitmek olmaz tabiiki. Selçuk yöresi hakkında tarihsel gelişimleri, olayları ve bunlarla ilgili şahıslar hakkındaki bilgileri, kronolojik olarak, başarılı bir şekilde görselleştirmiş olmaları çok hoşumuza gitti. Eski kent surlarının kalıntılarını ve kemerlerini geçtikten sonra önüne geldiğiniz Kent Belleği binasının kendisi güzel restore edilmiş, görkemli bir taş yapı ve etrafındaki palmiyelerlede uyumlu görüntüsüyle adeta surları tamamlayıcı bir niteliğe sahip. Gezilmesi, görülmesi tavsiye edilir.
(Translated by Google) A must-see museum that tells the history of Selçuk from its beginnings to the present day. The stories of migration were the most moving part for me. Dedicate an hour, maybe an hour and a half, to understanding Selçuk; you won't regret it.
(Original)
Selçuk’un en başından bu gününe kadarki tarihini anlatan görülmesi gereken bir müze. Beni en çok etkileyen kısmı göç hikayeleri oldu. 1 belki 1 buçuk saatinizi Selçuk’u anlamak için ayırabilirsiniz, pişman olmazsınız.
İsa Bey, Namık Kemal Cd. No:16, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye•
6 min · 2.2 mi
4•Greg J — Google reviewJoanna K — Google reviewHasan M — Google reviewSam M — Google reviewMohammed I — Google reviewEamon — Google reviewPat K — Google review
Grotto Of The Seven Sleepers
3.5
(202)
3.2
(183)
Permanently Closed
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Ancient Ruins
The Grotto of the Seven Sleepers is located on a hillside with an ancient chapel that was believed to be where the seven sleepers were buried. Visitors must climb the hill to view the open graves and descend to see the entrance. The area also has Turkish restaurants at its base. Historians may want to visit this free attraction, which was converted into a church and is surrounded by monks' graves.
As a historian, I felt I needed to visit this place and compare its story in the biblical sources and the Qur’an.
The place is very easy to find, but you will need a car.
There is no entrance fee.
The cave itself has been converted into a church, and this is why you can see many graves for monks around the place.
Dr. M — Google review
Not much to see, there is a fence that you can not get past. Not worth the time.
3btraveler
Not much there to see really, however the view of the valley from the top of the hill is breath taking.
There is a lot of holy things about it and its a holy and wonder place for Muslim.
It took about half an hour to walk to from Selcuk and was an easy walk. As I arrived the security guard was there and was very helpful, telling me where various parts were. The views back to the castle are great. Free to enter.
Another historical ruins in and around the surrounding area of Ephesus. Access is easy and the place is not busy. Short walk on the dirt uphill so not suitable for those with difficulty walking. The actual caves were gated off when I visited but still can get a glimpse from above and also through the bars. For such a historical place I am surprised it is not secured and maintained. It’s simply open to all without any site preservation in place.
Very cool but entering is forbidden to prevent damage to the place. You can look from outside and if you are adventurous, you can climb around to get different views from the sides and above but be careful. The seven sleepers may wake up and eat you.
In truth there’s not a lot to see. Some opportunities to take photos of Grotto and a few graves. The adjoining cafes are some of the better, more quaint places to have a proper, multi-dish Turkish Village breakfast ( with chickens running around )
Atatürk, 7 Uyuyanlar, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye•
3 min · 1.3 mi
5•Carl S — Google reviewJayden D — Google reviewNorm P — Google reviewVadim S — Google reviewPaul C — Google reviewGuide E — Google reviewNava K — Google review
Temple of Hadrian
4.8
(243)
4.5
(373)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Ancient Ruins
Temple of Hadrian is one of the best-preserved and most beautiful structures on Curetes Street. It was built before 138 A.D by P. Quintilius and was dedicated to Emperor Hadrian, who came to visit the city from Athens in 128 A.D. The facade of the temple has four Corinthian columns supporting a curved arch, in the middle of which contains a relief of Tyche, goddess of victory. The side columns are square. The pedestal with inscriptions in front of the temple is the bases for the statues of the emperors between 293-305 CE, Diocletian, Maximian, Constantius I, and Galerius; the originals of the statues have not been found yet.
Inside the Hadrian Temple above the door, a human figure, probably Medusa stands with ornaments of acanthus leaves. On both sides, there are friezes depicting the story of the foundation of Ephesus - Androklos shooting a boar, Dionysus in ceremonial procession and the Amazons. The fourth frieze portrays two male figures, one of which is Apollo; Athena, goddess of the moon; a female figure, Androkles, Herakles, the wife and son of Theodosius and the goddess Athena. The friezes that are seen today are copies, and the originals are displayed in Ephesus Museum.
Emperor Hadrian was one of the Five Good Emperors. The Five Good Emperors is a term that refers to five consecutive emperors of the Roman Empire— Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius. The term is first coined by the political philosopher, Niccolò Machiavelli in 1532. Publius Aelius Hadrianus was born on 24 January AD 76, probably in Rome, though his family lived in Italica in Baetica.
Dola S — Google review
Very cool, but hard to visualize what it was like 2,000 years ago
Nearly 2000 years old and still standing with incredible details etched into it. Don’t walk by this without taking it in.
Today we visited one of the ancient wonders of the world, the “ruins of Ephesus” - which is rated as one of the world’s best archaeological sites (2nd to Pompeii).
It was amazing. A city built entirely of marble stone. You literally walk along 2,000-year-old marble streets. We saw plenty, including the “Temple of Hadrian” and the famous “Library of Celsus”. Very good.
Dates from the 2nd century but underwent repairs in the 4th century and has been reerected from the surviving architectural fragments.
The temple was depicted on the reverse of the Turkish 20 new lira banknote of 2005–2009.
Even though the reliefs are replicas, they are still awesome: pay close attention and you will see an elephant in the top right one.
Unfortunately, just a little remained from what appears to have been a very beautiful building. You can’t miss it, it’s placed right next to one of the main street. All in all, one of the most well preserved structures in Ephesus archeological site.
One of the 2 most pictured structures in Ephesus along with Celsus Library. Embroidery-like reliefs of the Temple are extraordinarily beautiful.
Another historical attraction in Ephesus is the Temple of Hadrian, built before 138 A.D. by P. Quintilius and dedicated to the Emperor Harian when he came to visit the city from Athens in 128 A.D. This temple is one of the best preserved and most beautiful structures on Curetes street with a beautiful arch on the front facade, supported with four Corinthian order columns and considered an architectural masterpiece. Here you will also see the relief's of Medusa, statues and Medusa's head on the porch said to protect the city from enemies.
12 min · 0.64 mi
6•Vadim S — Google reviewJubin E — Google reviewÇağla A — Google reviewYen Y — Google reviewDola S — Google reviewGreg J — Google reviewDeilgin D — Google review
Terrace Houses of Ephesus
4.6
(235)
4.8
(1053)
Historical place
Sights & Landmarks
Museum
Ancient Ruins
The terraced houses of Ephesus are an incredible window into the past. These lavish houses of Ancient Ephesus overlook the Library of Celsius. Find a good tour guide and ask how long the tour is. You don't want to be rushed.
D. C — Google review
Six luxury Roman residences, featuring mosaics on the floor and frescos on the wall, the oldest one dates to the first century BC.
The mosaics are awesome: I suggest a camera with good lenses as you won't be able to come close.
Come early as the houses have a separate entrance and line could be long.
These beautiful luxury villas of the past is where the rich Romans used to stay. A lot has been excavated and excavation and restoration continues. You get the see the opulent housing of the past with their elaborate mosaics, and their (for that time) complicated heating and plumbing systems.
The views from these villas would have been spectacular - esp when the harbor was right there
I have been skipping this part whenever I visited Ephesus and after seeing it once I definitely recommend it to everyone. The extra price you pay (300 liras on internet, but around 125 for Turkish citizens at ticket office) is well worth it. You will multiple roman houses that belonged to the richest families of the time. It was an amazing experience to see painted walls and mosaics on the ground. You can tell how fancy these houses have been in their time.
The Terrace houses were a series of luxurious residences belonging to the wealthy citizens of Ephesus. The houses are decorated with beautiful frescoes, mosaics and marble floors, It's hard to believe that the Romans were able to handmade such beautiful decorations so many years ago! For sure is a highlight in Ephesus! If you have museum pass, the ticket is included.
Terrace Houses of Ephesus also called as "The Houses of the Rich" are luxury Roman Villas located on a slope opposite the Hadrian Temple.
important for the reason give us information about family life during the Roman period. They were built according to the Hippodamian plan of the city in which roads transected each other at the right angles.
There are six residential units on three terraces at the lower end of the slope of Bulbul Mountain. The oldest building dates back into 1C BC and continued in use as a residence until 7C AD.
Ephesus terrace houses are covered with protective roofing which resembles Roman houses. The mosaics on the floor and the frescos have been consolidated and two houses have been opened to the public as a museum.
They had interior courtyards (peristyle) in the center, with the ceiling open. They were mostly two-storied, upper stores have collapsed during time. On the ground floor there were living and dining rooms opening to the hall, and upstairs there were bedrooms and guest rooms.
The heating system of the terrace houses were the same as that in baths. Clay pipes beneath the floors and behind the walls carried hot air through the houses. The houses also had cold and hot water. The rooms had no window, only illuminated with light coming from the open hall, so that most of the rooms were dim. The excavations of the terrace houses started in 1960. The restoration of the two of the houses have been finished and can be visited today.
A must visit if in the area. Make sure you purchase the ticket to visit the Terrace Houses exhibit. The price for both Ephesus and the terrace house was 160TL each. We spent a total of 30 minutes looking around and taking lots of pictures. The Terrace house are a small glimpse to the past.
There are no toilets inside the site, so you need to go before you entering the park.
3btraveler
One of the best pieces remained from ancient era , preserved like this. Terrace Houses / Yamac Evleri is under a giant umbrella like steel construction. It is priced separately as 35 TL as entrance fee. You really should have to pay this price since it will change your illusion how the daily life in those era. Every detail in a ancient settlement is so living, from souls to mosaics and from bath ceiling to color painted walls. Must visit!!!!
Atatürk, Efes Harabileri, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye•
Create your ultimate travel itinerary
Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.
Where to eat
When you need a food break from visiting all the attractions today, these fan favorite restaurants are about a 1-minute walk away from Selçuk Ephesus Urban Memory Museum.
Kahvecin
4.6
(249)
5.0
(17)
affordable
Coffee shop
Kahvecin is a charming little café that has quickly become a favorite among the local youth. Nestled on a lively corner near the aqueduct, this cozy spot offers an array of coffee drinks, including delightful flavored options enhanced with Italian syrups. The café also features Western-style cakes and desserts that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. With most seating available street-side, patrons can enjoy their beverages while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
An adorable coffee shop, in a very pretty street. They will offer you a nice choice of drinks (their coffee and hot chocolate are good), as well as delicious pastries.
Elli M — Google review
Very nice place. The Best Coffee Filter in TR. GOODvibes and nice mr. Barista;)
Kahvecin is a nice cafe shop. Its cosy and nice ambiance...The best cafe in Selcuk. Staff is great.
The place is amazing! We ordered some milkshakes and bubble teas. All of them were delicious! Also the personal is super kind and helpful.
We liked the place that much that we came back the same afternoon for a second round!
Great cafe. Staff were very kind and accomodating and let me stay. Even to a tourist with no where to go. Highly recommend!
The coffees are very good, the service is very nice, the employees are friendly
The coffeeshop is on vibrant corner, personnel always interested. After evening music is crazy 🌝🌝🌝🌝
Have a very nice coffe,milkshake and lemonade I prefer coffe shop
İsa Bey, Namık Kemal Cd. No:11, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye•
Kalehan Hotel
4.7
(178)
4.5
(19)
Hotel
Restaurant
Kalehan Hotel is a long-established, family-run hotel located beneath the Byzantine Castle. The property has been recently renovated and is designed in the style of an Ottoman inn, featuring traditional materials and antique furniture. Guests can enjoy a large garden with a swimming pool, as well as a terrace eatery and a lounge. The hotel offers refined rooms and a charming atmosphere, with each building and room decorated with historic photos and artifacts.
Excellent and charming small family-run hotel in the heart of Selcuk. The hotel is three buildings on what was a residential compound. Each building and room is decorated with historic photos and artifacts. The ensemble is tasteful and never boring. The hotel has good parking just off the main road. The swimming pool is fine and charming in the same way-- it fits beautifully into the hotel grounds. Food in the restaurant was good, though not particularly cheap. Service at the hotel and restaurant is impeccable. No reason to stay anywhere else.
David B — Google review
We loved our stay here. The room was great and the gardens, pool and dining room are also fantastic. Full of charm with friendly staff. Great spot to see all the attractions from.
Absolutely loved our stay in this boutique hotel. After traveling around Turkey and having mediocre experiences, Kalehan hotel surprised us. Renovated, spacious and spotless rooms (brand new bathrooms), beautiful and welcoming patio and delicious restaurant offering a varied breakfast and dinner. Every staff member was EXCEPTIONAL. All of them greeted us with a smile and made us feel at home. If you’re visiting Ephesus, this is the hotel to stay at!
Great boutique style hotel. Rooms were clean and comfortable, and the staff were all very friendly. A nice breakfast was also included. The hotel is a short walk from the town centre and some of the main sites, and only about 15 minute drive to Ephesus Archeological Site.
I throughly enjoyed my stay here beautiful grounds and a wonderful breakfast. Close to nearby attractions. A hidden gem. Friendly staff
Two nights while on GAdventure Turkey tour, Ephesus stopover.
Has a great pool.
Supurb experience and customer service ❤️
The dinner was great breaded zucchini flowers stuffed with local cheese.
Lamb kebabs were just right.
The beer Bonmonti was lovely.
Best breakfast in Turkey.
Boiled eggs, devilled eggs...peeled tomatoes, cucumber, fresh fruit salad, fresh breads and jams, breakfast cereals.
Coffee hot ☕
Lovley hotel to stay whilst in Ephesus. Complete with a divine pool, great food, amazing service, and animal friends such as cats, dogs and turtles! Also very colose to ancient aqueducts and St. John's basilica and a big castle. Nearby, we can also see the nesting spots of giant storks! Thrurougly recomended.
When our family has visitors from the US, we bring them to Ephesus and stay at Kalehan Hotel. It has great character in the historic building. The rooms are very clean (no mold in the shower!) and the heater kept us warm at night. The breakfast was plentiful, colorful, and delicious. The staff were friendly and happily helpful.
İsa Bey, Atatürk Cd. No:98, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye•
Need a place to stay?
Where
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
When
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Travelers
2
Travelers
2
Ömür RESTAURANT
4.1
(1190)
4.5
(37)
affordable
Restaurant
having breakfast at Ömür is an invaluable experience. the place is covered with trees as shown in picture, and even in the hot summer days you can enjoy cool weather under trees. the cleanliness and tidyness of rest rooms is the proof of cleanliness of the kitchen also. for sure you will feel yourself at home after warm welcome of the owner family, give a try and visit Ömür Restaurant when you visit Selçuk the land of Home of Mother Mary
Özdemir Ö — Google review
Located in Selcuk, omur is a beautiful restaurant with a lovely yard. We always go there on our way back from Kusadasi. Today we went there again but I was shocked when I saw the bill. Gozleme has become 50-60 tl! I did not like their eggplant gozleme, the eggplant pieces were big and were not cooked well. We also ordered meatballs! Mini meat balls and it cost almost a hundred. Will I go there again?! No, cause their prices have unreasonably rocketed!
Ömür is a charming roadside restaurant just outside Selçuk. The çöp şiş was flavorful and well-prepared, the prices were reasonable, and the staff was friendly.
Very friendly staff and very good food must eat here
Good place with friendly staff. Delicious food and appetisers
Great service. Breakfast was awesome. Who knew about tomato jam? I didn't but this place does! So good! They also have hot 🌶 jam! Can you imagine? Also really good. They also bring two kinds of bread, olives, fresh tomatoes and cucumbers and lots of cheese. Price was very reasonable as well.
Delicious breakfast with good atmosphere close to the railway on the road.
I used to have breakfast in this restaurant in my way to izmir
Very nice food specially the jams
İsa Bey, Atatürk Cd. No:3, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye•
SULTAN RESTAURANT
3.5
(1073)
2.5
(43)
affordable
Restaurant
Sultan Restaurant is a buffet-style dining spot located near a popular tourist attraction, making it quite busy with visitors. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes that cater to the Indonesian palate, including rice and tasty options like eggplant cooked with meat. While the food is considered average, there are plenty of seating options both indoors and outdoors. Additionally, the restaurant provides clean restroom facilities for guests' convenience. Visitors appreciate the friendly staff and the availability of various salad options on offer.
Tasty especially on eggplant cooked with meat.
The shop owner selling souvenir at restaurant is given reasonable price and I think he is an honest man on his items pricing.
Min W — Google review
Buffet style restaurant located right next to a popular tourist spot so you will be getting coach loads coming and and it does get pretty busy. It’s buffet style so you pick up your plates and go and fill up what you like. Food was of average and not bad with a good variety. Drinks are charged at extra. Plenty of seating available inside and outside. With nice clean toilet facilities.
A fast easy stop right off the main road for a warm lunch. They had kid friendly options and while it was Turkish focused food it was all very delicious for anyone around f the world to find something they like.
RiP OFF, During a recent visit to Epos, our tour included a stop at this restaurant, which seemed promising at first glance. However, the experience left much to be desired. To begin with, it became apparent that if you are a tourist, the pricing strategy for drinks is exorbitantly higher, nearly three times more than what seems reasonable. This price disparity alone left a bitter taste, quite literally and figuratively.
We are here to eat buffet style, rice is available and the dishes match the Indonesian tongue. but the officer was too quick to take the dirty dishes, we weren't finished eating the dirty dishes had been taken by the officer.
It's a buffet style restaurant nearby Ephesus. Food was pretty nice. Staff are nice as well. Love that they served various options of salad
A place to eat that sells typical Turkish food with a sideboard model. There are many choices of food and drink menus, there is a prayer room, toilet, and spacious parking.
My first one star rating..😣.
Expensive drinks. Part of a tour or I would have left upon viewing. Supposedly, "homemade lemonade", clearly NOT. Extremely rude servers. I tried at least one bite of 12 dishes=worst overcooked, tasteless, buffet food in my 6 months in Turkey. A nice outdoor terrace is their only redemption.
Cumhuriyet mahallesi Atatürk bulvarı no 175 Meryem Ana kavşağı, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye•
Create your ultimate travel itinerary
Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.
Best-of categories in Selcuk
Restaurants
Attractions
Cafes
Cheap eats
Family restaurants
Backpacking trails
Food to try
Places to eat
HotelsPopular road trips from Selcuk
What's the weather like in Selcuk?
It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Selcuk for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.
- Weather in Selcuk in January
- Weather in Selcuk in February
- Weather in Selcuk in March
- Weather in Selcuk in April
- Weather in Selcuk in May
- Weather in Selcuk in June
- Weather in Selcuk in July
- Weather in Selcuk in August
- Weather in Selcuk in September
- Weather in Selcuk in October
- Weather in Selcuk in November
- Weather in Selcuk in December
All road trips from Selcuk
- Selcuk to Istanbul drive
- Selcuk to Athens drive
- Selcuk to Rome drive
- Selcuk to Budapest drive
- Selcuk to Prague drive
- Selcuk to Berlin drive
- Selcuk to Vienna drive
- Selcuk to Florence drive
- Selcuk to Venice drive
- Selcuk to Marmaris drive
- Selcuk to Milan drive
- Selcuk to Rhodes Town drive
- Selcuk to Lindos drive
- Selcuk to Antalya drive
- Selcuk to Pamukkale drive
- Selcuk to Fethiye drive
- Selcuk to Moscow drive
- Selcuk to Munich drive
- Selcuk to Dubrovnik drive
- Selcuk to Naples drive
- Selcuk to Krakow drive
- Selcuk to Jerusalem drive
- Selcuk to Turin drive
- Selcuk to Bodrum City drive
- Selcuk to Paphos drive
- Selcuk to Bucharest drive
- Selcuk to Alanya drive
- Selcuk to Warsaw drive
- Selcuk to Manavgat drive
- Selcuk to Verona drive
Explore nearby places
All related maps of Selcuk
- Map of Selcuk
- Map of Sirince
- Map of Kusadasi
- Map of Pythagorion
- Map of Kokkari
- Map of Izmir
- Map of Seferihisar
- Map of Karlovasi
- Map of Didim
- Map of Altinkum
- Map of Yalikavak
- Map of Alacati
- Map of Ortakent
- Map of Cesme
- Map of Bodrum City
- Map of Turgutreis
- Map of Kos Town
- Map of Psalidi
- Map of Tigaki
- Map of Mugla
- Map of Marmari
- Map of Agios Fokas
- Map of Mastichari
- Map of Akyaka
- Map of Bergama
- Map of Kardamena
- Map of Kefalos
- Map of Datca
- Map of Marmaris
- Map of Mytilene
- Map of Icmeler
Selcuk throughout the year
Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Selcuk?
Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:
Day itineraries for nearby cities
- 3-Day Izmir Itinerary
- 3-Day Kusadasi Itinerary
- 3-Day Marmaris Itinerary
- 3-Day Bodrum City Itinerary
- 3-Day Cesme Itinerary
- 3-Day Mugla Itinerary
- 3-Day Kos Town Itinerary
- 3-Day Didim Itinerary
- 3-Day Icmeler Itinerary
- 3-Day Kardamena Itinerary
- 3-Day Mytilene Itinerary
- 3-Day Kefalos Itinerary
- 3-Day Pythagorion Itinerary
- 3-Day Datca Itinerary
- 3-Day Akyaka Itinerary
- 3-Day Turgutreis Itinerary
- 3-Day Yalikavak Itinerary
- 3-Day Karlovasi Itinerary
- 3-Day Bergama Itinerary
- 3-Day Psalidi Itinerary
- 3-Day Tigaki Itinerary
- 3-Day Seferihisar Itinerary
- 3-Day Mastichari Itinerary
- 3-Day Ortakent Itinerary
- 3-Day Kokkari Itinerary
- 3-Day Sirince Itinerary
- 3-Day Marmari Itinerary
- 3-Day Agios Fokas Itinerary
- 3-Day Alacati Itinerary
- 3-Day Altinkum Itinerary
Planning a trip to Selcuk?
Save all the best places to visit with WanderlogDownload the travel planning app everyone's been raving about
- Itinerary + map in one view
- Live collaboration
- Auto-import hotels and reservations
- Optimize your route
- Offline access on mobile
- Optimize your route
- See time and distance between all your places
