Where to stay in Ephesus — pick the right hotel, book in 3 clicks
Ephesus is one of the most complete Greco-Roman ancient cities in the world — a World Heritage site that was once a thriving port on the Aegean. The highlights are the beautifully restored Library of Celsus, the great theatre seating 25,000, and the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The base for visiting is the nearby town of Selçuk, right by the entrance.
Why stay in Ephesus
The Library of Celsus
A beautifully restored two-storey façade, the symbol of Ephesus and every traveller's go-to photo.
Walk the Roman Stone Streets
Marble streets, wealthy townhouses, public latrines, and the well-preserved Temple of Hadrian.
Temple of Artemis
The site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — only a column remains, but it's still meaningful.
Christian Pilgrimage Trail
The House of the Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St John, important pilgrimage sites near Selçuk.
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Start with where to stay (the heart of the trip), then explore food and sights
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Local dishes to try in Ephesus
- 1🥙
Selçuk Kebab
Aegean-style kebabs and grilled meats in the little town near the Ephesus entrance.
📍 Selçuk - 2🍢
Köfte & Pide
Grilled meatballs and boat-shaped bread filled with cheese or meat, a simple, tasty lunch.
📍 Selçuk - 3🍊
Fresh Citrus Juice
Oranges and pomegranates from the Aegean orchards, freshly squeezed to cool off after touring the ruins.
📍 All over town - 4🍷
Şirince Wine
An old hill village near Selçuk famous for its homemade fruit wines and old-world atmosphere.
📍 Şirince Village
- 1📜
Library of Celsus
The beautifully restored two-storey façade of a Roman library, the icon of the ancient city of Ephesus.
📍 Ephesus - 2🎭
Great Theatre
A stone hillside theatre seating 25,000, once a gathering place and still used for concerts.
📍 Ephesus - 3🏛️
Temple of Hadrian
A small temple with intricate carvings along Curetes Street, one of the most popular photo spots.
📍 Ephesus - 4🏺
Temple of Artemis
The remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, today just a single standing stone column.
📍 Selçuk - 5⛪
House of the Virgin Mary
A stone house on the hill believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent her final years, an important pilgrimage site.
📍 Selçuk - 6🏰
Basilica of St. John
The remains of a hilltop Byzantine basilica believed to be the burial place of St John, overlooking the town of Selçuk.
📍 Selçuk
Things to do in Ephesus
Day tours, attraction tickets and travel essentials for Ephesus — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
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3 Ephesus hotels our team picked for you
Selected from real reviews — one per budget tier, each with a score and instant 3-site price comparison
★ 9.6ValueLivia Hotel Ephesus
#1 guest score in town - central Selcuk, walk to the museum
★ 9.6ValueHotel Mary's House
#2 boutique stay · handcraft rooms run by a real Ephesus guide
★ 9.4ValueAkanthus Hotel Ephesus
#3 boutique with a pool · quiet, leafy setting
โรงแรมแนะนำทั้งหมดในEphesus
ครบทุกระดับงบ — คัดจากคะแนนรีวิวจริง พร้อมเทียบราคา 3 เว็บ
Ibri Hotel
#4 Turkish boutique · top-rated breakfast, close to good restaurants
Ephesus Paradise
#8 boutique hotel · wide garden, 5-minute walk to the museum
Nicea Hotel
#10 budget 3-star · 150 m from the Selcuk bus station
Saint John Hotel
#7 boutique hotel · outdoor pool plus a Turkish hammam
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🚆 Getting around Ephesus
Walk Within the Ancient City
Tour Ephesus from the upper gate down to the lower gate; bring a hat and water, as there's little shade.
Dolmuş from Selçuk
Public minibuses from Selçuk reach the Ephesus entrance in just a few minutes at a budget fare.
İZBAN Train from Izmir
Take the suburban train from Izmir to Selçuk in about 1 hour, then a short ride onward.
Tours combined with Pamukkale
Ephesus is popularly visited together with Pamukkale; there are bus tours from several coastal towns.
Where to go next near Ephesus
IstanbulA metropolis straddling two continents between Europe and Asia — grand mosques, old markets, and the unforgettable Bosphorus strait.
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CappadociaStrange rock formations and a sky full of balloons at dawn — a traveller's dream image.
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AntalyaA city of sandy beaches and seaside resorts on the Mediterranean, paired with an old town and Roman ruins.
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IzmirA relaxed, open port city on the Aegean bay, paired with ancient cities and coastal villages.
See this city's guide →Frequently asked — where to stay in Ephesus
Where should I stay when visiting Ephesus?+
Selçuk is closest to the entrance and has a range of accommodation, or the hill village of Şirince if you like an old-world feel. Some people stay in seaside Kuşadası and drive in.
How long does it take to visit Ephesus?+
Touring the ancient city takes about 2–3 hours. If you include the House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis, allow half a day to a full day.
What time of day should I visit Ephesus?+
Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun and the tour groups, since the open site has little shade and gets hot midday.
Ready to book your Ephesus stay?
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