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Ephesus Ancient City
No. 8 of Night Attractions in Türkiye

Ephesus Ancient City

7.8
4.7/5
485 reviews
Ephesus Ancient City is located near Selcuk in western Türkiye and is one of the better-preserved classical city ruins in the eastern Mediterranean. Over two thousand years ago, it thrived as the capital of the Roman province of Asia, buoyed by maritime trade, and was often described as "not Rome, but surpassing Rome" in grandeur. Today, the coastline has receded several km due to silt accumulation, but the layout of its streets, temples, library, and theater remains clearly discernible, making it a representative site to experience urban life during the Roman era. At the end of the road stands the two-story facade of the Library of Celsus, where statues symbolizing wisdom and virtue in the niches are still distinct—its collection once held over ten thousand scrolls. Further ahead, the hillside Great Theater could accommodate around twenty thousand spectators, with the top tiers offering expansive views. A short walk from the theater along Harbor Street toward the old port leads to the ruins of the Church of Mary, where the Council of Ephesus was held in 431 AD. Visiting tips: The entire site is open-air with minimal shade, so sun protection and hydration are essential in summer. Given the extensive ruins, allocating half a day allows for a more leisurely visit. Note that the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is not within the ancient city grounds—its ruins lie near the town of Selcuk.Selcuk · 56.3 km from Izmir
Aegean Coast
No. 10 of Night Attractions in Türkiye

Aegean Coast

7.2
4.3/5
157 reviews
Aegean Coast is a waterfront promenade stretching along the Gulf of Izmir, centered on the Kordon boulevard from Alsancak to Konak. This wide seaside walkway hugs the blue bay on one side, with open lawns and rows of palm trees on the other, dotted with open-air cafes and snack carts, making it a place for locals to take daily walks, fish, and relax. The promenade is most charming around sunset, when local young people like to buy drinks and sit in groups on the lawn or on benches facing the sea to watch the sun sink into the water. During the day, it is mostly residents taking walks and fishermen casting their lines along the shore, creating a relaxed atmosphere. The walkway passes several ferry terminals along the way, where you can take a boat across the bay to the other side and look back at the entire coastline from the sea for a unique view. A short walk from the southern end of the promenade leads to Konak Square, where the Clock Tower of İzmir, a city landmark, stands. The nearby Kemeralti Market is a historic traditional market in Izmir, with cobblestone alleys filled with spices, dried fruits, ceramics, and teahouses—definitely worth a visit after strolling along the promenade.Izmir · 1.5 km from downtown
Sirince
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Izmir Province

Sirince

6.5
4.0/5
79 reviews
Sirince is nestled in the mountains near Selcuk, Türkiye, and its name means "pleasant" in Turkish. Legend has it that this mountain village was founded by residents of Ephesus Ancient City who moved into the mountains. For centuries, it remained a settlement for ethnic Greeks. In the early 20th century, when the Greeks migrated to Greece, the subsequent immigrants preserved the original layout of the houses, allowing the Greek-style white-walled, blue-windowed homes to remain intact to this day. The village still features two old churches and hundreds of traditional stone houses, with the St. John the Baptist Church still preserving remnants of ancient icon frescoes. Strolling through the back alleys, you will see Greek-style white walls and blue windows lining the smooth, worn cobblestone streets. The old doors, windows, and colorful stone walls are full of the traces of time, with every household planting flowers in front of their doors and Turkish blue evil eye amulets hanging everywhere. The town is famous for its homemade fruit wines, including apricot, mulberry, blueberry, and melon flavors. The Church of St. Demetrios, located on the hillside, offers a wide view, and you can overlook the village and the olive groves below from in front of the church.Sirince · 59.1 km from Izmir
Library of Celsus
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Ephesus Ancient City

Library of Celsus

6
4.7/5
128 reviews
Library of Celsus is a landmark building within the ancient city ruins of Ephesus in Türkiye, built in the 2nd century AD by Gaius Julius Aquila, the son of the Roman consul Celsus, in memory of his deceased father. Celsus served as governor of the province of Asia and, after his death, was interred in a sarcophagus in a burial chamber beneath the library, a rare honor in ancient Rome. At its peak, the collection held about 12,000 papyrus scrolls, ranking among the largest in the Greco-Roman world. Today, the interior halls were long since destroyed by a fire in the 3rd century AD, and the main façade later collapsed in earthquakes, remaining in ruins until archaeologists reassembled and restored it from unearthed fragments between 1970 and 1978, when the east-facing façade was returned to its original appearance. Three entrances open above the nine-step platform, with a two-tiered colonnade stacked one above the other, the lower level in the composite order and the upper in the Corinthian order echoing one another. In the first-tier niches stand four female statues representing wisdom, knowledge, thought, and virtue. The ones seen today are later replacements. A closer look reveals a deliberate perspective trick: the side and central columns are intentionally staggered in height, making the façade appear taller than it actually is. This east-facing façade is illuminated by the morning sun and was once featured on Turkish banknotes.Selcuk · 56.5 km from Izmir
Ephesus Ancient Greek Theatre
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Ephesus Ancient City

Ephesus Ancient Greek Theatre

5.4
4.6/5
124 reviews
Ephesus Ancient Greek Theatre backed by Mount Panayir and facing the Harbor Street leading to the ancient port, is one of the significant landmarks in the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus. Its origins date back to the Hellenistic period in the 3rd century BC. After entering the Roman era, it was continuously expanded starting from the reign of Emperor Claudius and was basically finalized during the reign of Trajan. At its peak, it could accommodate approx. 25,000 spectators, a scale rarely seen in ancient theaters. The marble seating is divided into 3 sections along the hillside, totaling over 60 rows, and becomes steeper towards the top. The theater was initially used for theatrical performances and civic gatherings. In the 3rd and 4th centuries AD, it was converted into a venue for gladiator fights and animal hunts. The nearby excavated gladiator cemetery is evidence of this history. The theater's acoustics are still praised today. The seating rises in tiers along the hillside, so even from the highest seats, the sound from the stage is clearly audible. Speaking from the center of the arena, the echo resonates across the surrounding stands, making it easy to imagine the bustle when thousands gathered 2,000 years ago.Selcuk · 56.3 km from Izmir
The Temple of Artemis

The Temple of Artemis

5.3
3.8/5
70 reviews
The Temple of Artemis was built to worship Artemis, the goddess of the hunt in Greek mythology. In its prime, the temple was built of marble and was even larger than the Parthenon in Athens. According to the ancient Roman scholar Pliny the Elder, the temple was supported by 127 marble columns approx. 18m high, 36 of which had relief carvings on the lower part of the shafts. In 356 BC, Herostratus of Ephesus burned it down in an attempt to make a name for himself. The rebuilt temple was destroyed again by the Goths in 262 AD, after which it gradually disappeared into the silt and the passage of time. In 1869, after years of searching in the marshes, British archaeologist John Turtle Wood found the site, and excavation work continued until 1874, when this former wonder was finally brought to light. Visiting the site today, you can see the remaining foundation in the open depression, as well as a single column reassembled from excavated marble fragments, where storks often nest on top. It is not far from the Ephesus Ancient City and is suitable for a combined visit.Selcuk · 56.1 km from Izmir
Temple of Hadrian
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Ephesus Ancient City

Temple of Hadrian

5.3
4.9/5
50 reviews
Temple of Hadrian is located along Curetes Street in the Ephesus Ancient City. Built in the 2nd century AD and named in honor of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, who once visited the ancient city, it is one of the better-preserved Corinthian-style temples on this main street. The temple is small in size, but its facade is quite elaborate: four Corinthian columns support a semicircular arch, with the keystone carved with Tyche, the goddess of fortune who guards the city. It is a highly recognizable landmark in the ancient city and a popular spot for tourists to stop and take photos. Step through the archway and look up to see a relief of Medusa embedded above the lintel, where her snake-covered hair is still clearly visible today. It is worth noting that the relief frieze on the wall today is a replica, as the original is preserved in the Ephesus Archaeological Museum.Selcuk · 56.6 km from Izmir
İzmir Historical Elevator Building

İzmir Historical Elevator Building

4.9
4.5/5
2 reviews
İzmir Historical Elevator Building is a historical landmark in the city of Izmir, Türkiye, built in 1907 to connect the upper and lower parts of the Karataş district. The elevator was built by Jewish businessman Nesim Levi and was initially used to help residents and goods move across the steep terrain. Today, it is not only a means of transportation but also a popular attraction for tourists to enjoy panoramic views of the city. The elevator tower is approx. 51 m high, and visitors can experience a quick ride from the bottom to the top. On the platform at the top of the elevator, visitors can overlook the beautiful scenery of the Gulf of Izmir, which is especially charming at sunset. There is also a restaurant and a café here, offering local food and drinks, making it an ideal place to rest and enjoy the beautiful scenery. İzmir Historical Elevator Building is located in the city center of Izmir with convenient transportation, and visitors can easily reach it by public transportation or on foot. It is recommended to set aside enough time when visiting to enjoy the panoramic view from the platform and experience the local food culture.Izmir · 1.5 km from downtown
Kemeralti Market
No. 7 of Best Things to Do in Izmir Province

Kemeralti Market

4.7
4.8/5
7 reviews
Kemeralti Market is an ancient local market in Izmir. It is a very large bazaar with many shops selling a wide variety of goods, such as accessories, clothing, carpets, and small items. The prices are very reasonable, and you can bargain. There are also many restaurants and cafes nearby.Izmir · 374m from downtown
Ephesus Archaeological Museum
No. 7 of Family-friendly Attractions in Türkiye

Ephesus Archaeological Museum

4.4
4.7/5
49 reviews
Located in the small town of Selcuk, the museum exhibits many sculptures and artifacts excavated from the ruins of Ephesus, with detailed descriptions, photographs and models to bring these collections to life. Also worth seeing is the statue of Cupid, the god of love, riding on a dolphin. There is also an interesting exhibit here, based on an archaeological excavation of an ancient Roman gladiator burial in 1993.Selcuk · 56.3 km from Izmir

Experiences you can't miss in Izmir

Featured Day tours in Izmir

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Pamukkale+Hierapolis1-day Tour [From Izmir]
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Duration: 12 hrs
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Izmir Clock Tower + Havra Sk. + Alacati Mahallesi + Cesme Castle|Aegean Sea Scenery
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FromTWD 14,654
Private Ephesus Tour with VIP Vehicle from Izmır/Kusadasi
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Duration: 4.2 hrs
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Featured Cultural experiences in Izmir

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Izmir Highlights Audio Tour: Cultural Mosaic
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
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Konak Audio Tour: Minarets, Markets & Monuments Unveiled
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Duration: 1 hr
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Ephesus Audio Tour: City of Artemis
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
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Pergamon Audio Tour: City of the Attalids
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Duration: 45 mins
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Private Sirince Village Tour From Kusadasi Port Cruiser Only
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4.9/5
· 11 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
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Featured Outdoor experiences in Izmir

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From Izmir: Pamukkale Full-Day Tour
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Duration: 15 hrs
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Private chartered tour to Cesme castle + Ilıca beach + Alacati bazaar in Izmir, Türkiye
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Kusadasi ATV Quad Safari Tour with Roundtrip Transfer
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Duration: 3 hrs
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Kuşadası: Buggy Safari Tour - Dune & Mud Trails, Beach Stop
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4.7/5
· 6 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
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Kusadasi: Horseback Riding on Pamucak Beach
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4.9/5
· 11 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
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From Kusadasi: Full-Day Jeep Safari to National Park
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Kusadasi: Aegean Sea Boat Tour with Lunch
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4.5/5
· 11 reviews
Duration: 7 hrs
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What travelers say about Izmir

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LeMurrSeptember 28, 2026
5.0
Ephesus is one of the most impressive historical places to visit in this part of Turkey. The ancient city is much larger than it may seem at first, with highlights including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, marble streets and many well-preserved ruins.I recommend allowing at least 2–3 hours for the visit, or 3–4 hours if you want to explore everything at a relaxed pace. The entrance ticket for foreign visitors is around €40 and includes both the ancient city and the Ephesus Experience Museum, a modern multimedia museum with immersive projections, sound and visual effects that help bring the history of Ephesus to life.Wear comfortable shoes because there is a lot of walking on uneven stone. Water and sun protection are also essential, especially in warm weather. It is best to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the strongest heat and the biggest crowds.Business Hours: Daily, approximately 8:00 AM–6:45 PM.Address: Ephesus Archaeological Site, 35920 Selçuk, İzmir, Türkiye.Reason to recommend: A fascinating combination of real ancient ruins and an immersive museum experience that makes the history much easier to understand.

Ephesus Ancient City

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杉尼May 16, 2020
5.0
The Aegean Sea is intoxicating. The blue water 🌊 ripples against the shore, stirring up ripples. This is heart-touching. It is as clear as spring rain, and nourishes silently. Facing the sea, spring flowers are blooming. Standing by the Aegean Sea, your heart will become infinitely broad... The afterglow of the setting sun dyes the Aegean Sea crimson. The water and the sky become the same color. Like a piece of red silk, it connects the sky and the sea. Immerse yourself... The Aegean Sea in Turkey 🇹🇷 does not have the blue and white tones of Greece 🇬🇷, but the beauty it conveys is the same. Palm trees, white houses, few impurities, harmonious coexistence of the water and the shore, allowing the love of the sea to be released. Couples looking for love, nestling on the Aegean Sea reflected by the sunset, weaving a beautiful picture scroll. This love is warm, accompanying the rhythm of the end of life. Isn’t the pursuit of happiness in life so simple and pure?...

Aegean Coast

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胡大老顽童January 25, 2020
4.0
The town of Silinge is the most European-style town in Turkey. It is a popular check-in spot and many tourists visit it. It is particularly quiet, like a paradise, and the environment is very beautiful. Although it is a quick visit, it is worth visiting!

Sirince

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sculptorOctober 21, 2022
4.0
塞尔苏斯图书馆是一座古罗马建筑, 建于公元 110 年。图书馆的内部及其内容在公元 262 年的火灾中被摧毁,外立面在 10 或 11 世纪的地震中被摧毁,之后一直处于废墟之中,直到 1970 年代由考古学家重新竖立了外墙。

Library of Celsus

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西沙群岛司马亮July 12, 2025
5.0
"Stand in the center of the stage and roar, the sound waves will hit the mountain wall and echo back three times! The stone steps of the 25,000-seat theater are like giant hands holding up modern people. When the sunset shines on the marble, it seems that you can hear the roars of gladiators mixed with the cheers of the audience - how can this be a ruin? It is a fossil of sound waves that has solidified for two thousand years!"

Ephesus Ancient Greek Theatre

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travelerererOctober 1, 2019
5.0
Stop by the Aegean Sea and experience the grandeur of ancient Rome at the 3,000-year-old city of Ephesus - Temple of Artemis. From the only remaining towering columns, imagine the magnificence of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World!

The Temple of Artemis

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蓝星旅行者November 26, 2025
5.0
The Temple of Hadrian originated from the Roman emperor's journey to Ephesus, and Medusa's statue was created to bow down to passersby 🤷‍♂️. This explanation seems a bit unbelievable, doesn't it? 🎃

Temple of Hadrian

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Miko FujieFebruary 9, 2025
5.0
The elevator tower comes into view after passing through the stylish restaurant street. It's free to ride, and from the top you can see the city of Izmir and the Aegean Sea! It was the most beautiful view I've seen in the city. When you get off the elevator, there is a restaurant on the right where you can have a light meal. I recommend going at sunset!

İzmir Historical Elevator Building

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Sarah Jesse PretoriusMarch 16, 2025
5.0
Kemeraltı Market in Izmir is a bustling historic bazaar filled with vibrant shops, local eateries, and hidden courtyards. From spices and textiles to handmade crafts, it’s a paradise for shoppers and culture lovers. A must-visit for an authentic Turkish market experience! 🏺🛍️✨

Kemeralti Market

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PrincessttJanuary 4, 2020
4.0
Actually, we came here for the Aegean Sea, but an unexpected gain was seeing the INFOR Museum. We walked in and took a look around, and found that some architectural objects from the ancient Roman period were still on display.

Ephesus Archaeological Museum

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Izmir?

Don't miss these attractions in Izmir: Ephesus Ancient City, Aegean Coast, and Sirince. If you like Day tours, try Pamukkale+Hierapolis1-day Tour [From Izmir]. If you enjoy Cultural experiences, try Izmir Highlights Audio Tour: Cultural Mosaic.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Pamukkale+Hierapolis1-day Tour [From Izmir], 1-day tour from Izmir to the Temple of Artemis with Chinese customer support, and 1-day tour from Izmir to the Virgin Mary's House and Şirince with Chinese customer support. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 24, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Izmir is around TWD 4,014 – TWD 14,654. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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