Ancient City of Ephesus
Ancient City of Ephesus
5
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
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- robnh61Stockport, United Kingdom2,449 contributionsMust seeThis is a great example of a town when this area was in Greece. What has been uncovered gives a proper perspective of what life was like in those times. It is very hot as there’s no shelter so go early. I’d also recommend hiring a guideVisited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 4 October 2023
- jmm6719 contributionsAmazing site but pick your time carefullyWonderful site but be prepared for dozens of cruise ship groups and lots of people blocking the way posing for Instagram photos with little interest in the site. Maybe better going first thing or out of season. We got the Dolmus then €10 taxi to the top entrance which avoids having to double back. I would recommend getting the ticket which includes the terrace houses which have amazing painted walls and mosaic floors.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 October 2023
- 💕Amanda Day💕Frinton-On-Sea, United Kingdom561 contributionsA must when visiting Turkey!Totally recommend this trip. We travelled from Marmaris with Kadir as our tour guide. It was a very long day. Starting out at 05.15am in the morning and returning by around 7pm in the evening. But boy, it was worth it! Kadir studied Archiology at university and was a wealth of knowledge. He also had a fantastic sense of humour which is much needed with a tour guide in my view. Ephesus is just incredible. Please see my pictures.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 October 2023
- tinkle_24Northampton, United Kingdom1,797 contributionsRemarkably well preserved!Glories of an ancient past seen amidst the ruins at Ephesus. Both St Paul and St John visited the place. Ruins have a picture of life at that time including the marble toilet seats! Outstanding structure was a well preserved library of great beauty and its niches that held papyrus rolls. Also a spectacular well preserved theatre.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 October 2023
- Susy R1 contributionA humbling experienceThis was amazing. It was truly humbling to be so close to a important piece of history. I wouldn't have been able to truly grasp it if it wasn't for our amazing tour guide Seyhan Dogan. He was so well educated on the topic. He was able to answer all of our questions about roman life. He really made the experience so much cooler. He was great company and funny as well. This tour really contributed to making my trip a once in a lifetime experience. Whatever Seyhan is making it's not enough. You should start your own business.Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 17 October 2023
- AlbertAthens, Greece3 contributionsThe historyIt is located opposite Liman Street, corresponding to the entrance of Mermer Street. It is the largest theater in the ancient world. It has a capacity of 24,000 people. There is a three-storey staircase structure. St. Paul preached here during his time. World stars have also given concerts in this theater in the past.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 20 October 2023
- alex j3 contributionsMust visitThe history and culture laying here. A must visit place in hüşadası. highlyreccomeded. location Ephesus; It is within the borders of Selçuk district of İzmir province. Located on the west coast of Anatolia, this historical city is 3 km away from the center of Selçuk. The distance of Ephesus Ancient City to other central places is as follows: Istanbul: 552 km Ankara: 628 km Izmir: 83 km Kuşadası: 19 kmVisited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 20 October 2023
- Ego197456 contributionsLow cost trip to ancient cityLow cost visit to Ancient City, we travelled to/from on local buses 40TL each way per person from Kusadasi and then paid 700TL entry each, the walk from the bus stop is about 1km max to the lower gate. We did splash out on a tour guide when there €50 but that was for a private tour for 4 people. So roughly €39 a head for the visit most local tour operators will offer a deal and haggle but it isn’t difficult to get there on your own and probably half the list price of the tour guides.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 24 October 2023
- Marge R98 contributionsThe Ancient City of EphesusThe ancient city of Ephesus is truly amazing! There are so many exquisite ruins, including the gigantic stadium. You can walk on the avenue where the Apostle Paul actually walked. There are too many exhibits to describe in detail. You must see for yourself!Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 24 October 2023
- MatnshazPerth, Australia183 contributionsjaw droppingA must see for a Turkiye visit. The history here is simply amazing. I would definitely recommend going as part of a tour rather than tackling the site on your own. The guides have a wealth of knowledge and are able to properly explain what you are seeing. It is definitely sensory overload but so worth it. If you are travelling independently, allow at least 4 hours here and a full day if you are visiting Selcuk and other historical sites.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 October 2023
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5.0
10,310 reviews
Excellent
8,691
Very good
1,354
Average
183
Poor
41
Terrible
41
Alex J
Melbourne, Australia2,206 contributions
Apr 2019
I was lucky to see Ephesus twice, in the space of two weeks. The first time was in mid April, on a tour of Turkey with my wife, when we stayed at Kusadasi and went on a conducted tour, a day trip, that included Mary's house. The second time was in late April, when we had a shore excursion to Ephesus as part of a cruise around the eastern Mediterranean aboard the MV Celestyal Olympia. Note: both were conducted tours, and though both the guides were good, I feel someone with an interest in history might better off without a guide. What you need is a bit of background knowledge of the place, and a good travel guide book for maps of the site. (most recent editions of travel guides have excellent colour maps and pictures). On both occasions we entered by the upper gate (there is an information centre here, for those doing the trip on their own). We then walked downhill to the lower gate. All tour groups do it this way: enter through the upper gate, walk downhill, while their transport goes to the lower gate to meet them. Very convenient. But, if you are on your own, I don't see any reason why you have to follow this pattern. You can wander around the complex on your own, in any fashion. Ephesus has been excavated for well over a hundred years, and it is the best ancient Greco-Roman city in existence: yet nearly three-quarters of it is yet to be dug up! One can only marvel at what more will be revealed! Don't miss the following highlights: the odeon, the latrines, the huge theatre (where St. Paul preached to the locals), the terraced houses, the footprint leading to the brothel, the harbour road, the agora, temple of Hadrian, and most famous of all, the totally unmissable Library of Celsus. History buffs ought to read up about all this. Even if you are not a history buff, you will find the place utterly fascinating (the guides know enough to keep you entertained with anecdotes and details of the various objects of interest. ) On one of my visits, it rained briefly and the whole place got very slippery !! There is a lot of walking over very uneven ground: wear good walking shoes. Very difficult to manage a stroller due to uneven ground.
Try and go on a nice sunny day, when it is not too hot! It will be a memorable experience.
Try and go on a nice sunny day, when it is not too hot! It will be a memorable experience.
Written 20 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharls G
Traralgon, Australia345 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This site is worth a couple of hours, and its also worth visiting the terrace houses within the site. Its an extra 36 lira, but well worth it. It is also included in your museum pass if you've bought one.
The Library is the real star here. We arrived just after 10am and had the area to ourselves. The town mini buses leave from the bus depot on the main road in town every half hour, on the hour and costs 4 lira. It picks up where it drops you off, again every half hour.
If you're inclined to see the Temple of Artemis, then the driver will be happy to drop you there on the way back in to town.
The Library is the real star here. We arrived just after 10am and had the area to ourselves. The town mini buses leave from the bus depot on the main road in town every half hour, on the hour and costs 4 lira. It picks up where it drops you off, again every half hour.
If you're inclined to see the Temple of Artemis, then the driver will be happy to drop you there on the way back in to town.
Written 22 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mohit
Noida, India336 contributions
Dec 2019
I have seen the ancient city of Jerash and Petra and I think Ephesus does not have a lot going on if you compare it with Jerash. Both the cities are actually very similar when you think of the architecture and the type of temples built there that you simply cannot stop yourself from comparing the two. But Jerash has been so very well preserved and has been excavated to such length that it really feels like you are walking through the actual ancient Greek city and not just some ruins. In comparison with Jerash, only the Celsus library can be considered as something "magnificent".
If you have not seen any ancient Greco roman cities in the middle east then you will certainly like it here though. The place is huge and you can easily spend around 2-3 hours here if you are keen on taking pictures. Although most of the time will probably be spent at the amphitheatre and the celsus library.
If you have not seen any ancient Greco roman cities in the middle east then you will certainly like it here though. The place is huge and you can easily spend around 2-3 hours here if you are keen on taking pictures. Although most of the time will probably be spent at the amphitheatre and the celsus library.
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Guven D
117 contributions
Feb 2020
Its one of the most famous historical places in Turkey.
When you in the area then you have to visit it, the biggest antic theatre is here.
In the summer its very hot and for this bring your water with you because the water price inside is very high.
Also you can bring same food for the cats who live inside Ephesus.
When you in the area then you have to visit it, the biggest antic theatre is here.
In the summer its very hot and for this bring your water with you because the water price inside is very high.
Also you can bring same food for the cats who live inside Ephesus.
Written 14 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Western-Mimosa
Europe177 contributions
Sept 2019
Without my local friend, I'm not sure I'd find the way to the bus stop for Efes from Selçuk train station. The bus was very cheap, something like 4 liras one way, and takes about 10-20 minutes.
Efes is included in the Aegean museum pass. Even though some places were still being renovated, we could walk nearly everywhere and take great pictures. There were a lot of visitors, but still a lot of opportunities to get pictures with just ourselves. The place was also clean.
It was my first activity in the trip, and already set the level very high in what Turkey can offer.
Efes is included in the Aegean museum pass. Even though some places were still being renovated, we could walk nearly everywhere and take great pictures. There were a lot of visitors, but still a lot of opportunities to get pictures with just ourselves. The place was also clean.
It was my first activity in the trip, and already set the level very high in what Turkey can offer.
Written 9 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ARK_Travelers
International Traveler337 contributions
Aug 2019
You’ve undoubtedly read all the fantastic reviews about Ephesus, so no need to repeat this again. However one tip:
Tip: Highly recommend that you download the archaeological audioguides before you goto any of the Turkish sites. They are free of cost, speak your language, and allow you to get the real history. The on-site tour guides are not always great and charge ridiculous prices
Tip: Highly recommend that you download the archaeological audioguides before you goto any of the Turkish sites. They are free of cost, speak your language, and allow you to get the real history. The on-site tour guides are not always great and charge ridiculous prices
Written 26 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sal Schmidt
Melbourne, Australia4,779 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
We finally made it to Ephesus, after three visits to Kusadasi over the years.
The best time to visit is during shoulder season before the tourists arrive.
Ephesus is an ancient city dating back to the 10th century BC in Turkey's Central Aegean region, about 15km from Kusadasi, where we are staying.
Ensure you start exploring the site at the top, as you can casually walk down. Be warned; it's very slippery. There is a permanent first aid station at the bottom (and it was well attended on our visit).
Our taxi dropped us at the top and then waited at the bottom for 500 Lira, plus a 10% tip, from Kusadasi, with the obvious gentle nudges to visit a local gift shop (which we politely declined).
Paved streets of marble wind past squares, baths and monumental ruins.
Its excavated remains reflect centuries of history, from classical Greece to the Roman Empire – when it was the Mediterranean's main commercial centre – to the spread of Christianity.
Make sure you pay the small extra charge to visit the excavated houses; the tile work and fresco paintings are simply stunning.
The best time to visit is during shoulder season before the tourists arrive.
Ephesus is an ancient city dating back to the 10th century BC in Turkey's Central Aegean region, about 15km from Kusadasi, where we are staying.
Ensure you start exploring the site at the top, as you can casually walk down. Be warned; it's very slippery. There is a permanent first aid station at the bottom (and it was well attended on our visit).
Our taxi dropped us at the top and then waited at the bottom for 500 Lira, plus a 10% tip, from Kusadasi, with the obvious gentle nudges to visit a local gift shop (which we politely declined).
Paved streets of marble wind past squares, baths and monumental ruins.
Its excavated remains reflect centuries of history, from classical Greece to the Roman Empire – when it was the Mediterranean's main commercial centre – to the spread of Christianity.
Make sure you pay the small extra charge to visit the excavated houses; the tile work and fresco paintings are simply stunning.
Written 9 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Musicians Mum
1,313 contributions
Sept 2022
Visited as part of a small roup tour.Arrived very early ,entering at the opposite (bottom) entrance to that which is used by the coach tours from the cruise ships.
Only toilets INSIDE the perimeter of site are at this entrance.
AMAZING site of Greco Roman port city. ,
Could observe archaeologists at work.One can see where there has been reconstruction to support some buildings .
One could spend 4-5 hours there easily but once the cruise groups arrived en masse the narrow streets became quite claustrophobic and one wonders how much more so these would have been in 2nd/3rd centuray AD when these streets were full of merchants,citizens and vistors.
The terrace houses cost 85 extra ,well worth it to see the mosaics and the construction ,which is so different from the vast villas usually associated with the era.
Only toilets INSIDE the perimeter of site are at this entrance.
AMAZING site of Greco Roman port city. ,
Could observe archaeologists at work.One can see where there has been reconstruction to support some buildings .
One could spend 4-5 hours there easily but once the cruise groups arrived en masse the narrow streets became quite claustrophobic and one wonders how much more so these would have been in 2nd/3rd centuray AD when these streets were full of merchants,citizens and vistors.
The terrace houses cost 85 extra ,well worth it to see the mosaics and the construction ,which is so different from the vast villas usually associated with the era.
Written 30 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
belgianguy1
Bruges, Belgium13,372 contributions
Oct 2021 • Solo
I had high expectations coming here, and I have to say, I wasn't disappointed... ancient city full of history, amazing ruins, it's easy to spend half a day here...moreover the weather was perfect (late october) and no crowds...the entrance fee is a reasonable 120 TL (more if you need the audio guide included)
Written 27 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zuv
Bucharest, Romania38,280 contributions
Aug 2020
A large archeological site. There are two access points in the site, one in the north and one in the south. More convenient is the access through the south because you will follow a route in a slight descent, a very important detail when the temperature is 40 degrees Celsius. There are some relatively well-preserved and even impressive sights: the Ancient Theater, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus and the Terrace houses. For the latter, access is paid separately. Please note that if you participate in a guided tour, it does not include Terrace Houses. You will have to separate from the group and visit it on your own. Near the Celsus Library there is a small kiosk where you can rehydrate (only juice or water, no beer), at slightly higher prices than outside the archeological site. At the north entrance there are souvenir shops (more expensive than outside) and toilets.
Written 23 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Jim who did you do your tour with. Sounds good Thanks
Written 11 May 2024
Hi, we would like to book a guided your to Efeze from Samos. However, most tours include mandatory stops at juwelry or leather shops. You have to spend 1,5h there, which I would much rather spend at the archeological site of Efeze. I am not interested in shopping at all and consider it a waste of my time and tour money. Are there any tour organizers that arrange their tour to Efeze without those shopping stops?
If not, can anyone advise how to visit Efeze from Samos? We want to visit the archeological site only and are willing to pay a little more for the excursion, as long as we don't have to waste our time in those shops. Thanks!
Written 21 April 2024
Due to Ephesus had increased the price to 40 EURO. I wonder if it is still worth compare to Pergamon in Bergama?
Written 1 April 2024
Hi dear, I’m sending a message from Kuşadası to get information and fee about the Ephesus and Pamukkale tour, How can I contact and coordinate with you outside of the schedule because I cannot pay and finalize my trip from Iran, we are a couple and our travel schedule is from the date 21 October until 26 ,thank you for explaining it to me
Written 11 October 2023
You can simply enter the Ephesus complex after paying at the gate. Turks get a steep discount.
Written 13 October 2023
Buongiorno
per cortesia potete aiutarmi? sto cercando il sito ufficiale dove acquistare i biglietti per il sito archeologico di efeso
Non riesco a trovarlo, qualcuno può aiutarmi=
grazie
stefania
Written 25 May 2023
Io li ho acquistati sul posto senza problemi. Non ho visto sulle guide indicazioni di siti internet. Occhio a chi si propone di venderli direttamente. Già ai tempi della mia prima visita - 1987... - Efeso era il regno dei bagarini, dei venditori di reperti falsi ecc.
Written 26 May 2023
Hi we’re staying in bodrum from the 27th of July can u recommend me a company tour guide to book thru please and we’re to go we wana visit this place thank u
Written 10 June 2022
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