Things to do in Ephesus
Ephesus – a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Türkiye – packs a serious punch with its ruins, temples, and mosaics from a once-thriving Roman civilisation. The Library of Celsus is the big draw, an Insta-dream showcasing classical architecture that once housed over 12,000 scrolls of age-old wisdom. It’s easy to imagine the crowd's roar at the Great Theatre, which could seat 24,000 people, where gladiator fights and political rallies took place. The Romans really left their mark on this city.
From the Temple of Artemis – now just a single column, still rocking its ancient fame as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – to the quirky public toilets where real ancient gossip went down. And let’s not forget the mosaics. You’ll admire the well-preserved, intricate floor designs created by expert artisans, featuring mythological scenes that offer a deeper glimpse into Roman life and thought.
Our recommendations in Ephesus
Ancient Ephesus Tour with House of the Virgin Mary
The hills around Kuşadası are home to two of Turkey's most popular historical sites – the ancient city of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary. You'll be whisked through centuries of history at Ephesus, see one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and visit an important pilgrimage site on Mount Koressos – all in one afternoon. Esra, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The Library of Celsus is one of the most impressive landmarks of Ephesus. It once held over 12,000 scrolls and was the third-largest library in the ancient world.'Kick off with a drive into the sun-soaked hills to visit the House of the Virgin Mary. According to popular belief, St John the Evangelist brought Mary to Ephesus after the crucifixion of Jesus, and she lived here until her death. Next, it's time to head to the ancient city of Ephesus, where a journey through history awaits. Your guide will lead you around the sprawling archaeological site and point out its highlights while regaling you with fascinating historic tales of this once-powerful city.You'll stroll down marble-paved streets where mosaics and frescoes still decorate the walls of ancient Roman houses, gaze at the Temples of Artemis and Hadrian, and be blown away by the Library of Celsus. Esra says, ‘I love to imagine the Great Theatre filled with 25,000 spectators. They would come to watch gladiator clashes, political rallies and performances in this theatre, a hub of city life. You can almost hear the roar of the crowd.'
de, en, fr, nl, pl
Ancient Ephesus tour with pottery-making demonstration
Ephesus is one of those places that brings history to life. Relive the glory days of the Roman Empire as you explore the monuments of this ancient city on a guided tour. The archaeological site is so well preserved that it's easy to imagine the toga-clad crowds that gathered and chattered in its streets 2,000 years ago.
de, en, fr, nl
Nat Geo Day Tour: The Ancient Mosaics and Artistry of Ephesus
The ancient city of Ephesus is one of the most visited classical sites in the world. From the 8th century BC to the 3rd century AD, the city flourished under Greek and then Roman rule. Today, it's a historical treasure trove in a remarkably well-preserved state considering its great age, and it's easy to imagine the bustle and chatter of daily life long ago as you roam through the ruins. Your adventure begins with a tour of the interactive museum, included with your entry ticket. Take in the wonder of the Terraced Houses, which are not usually included in Ephesus tours. Among the corridors and courtyards, once home to affluent Ephesians, you will get a sense of the opulent lifestyle of the day. These houses were occupied by some of the world's richest families, and the elegant details transport you back in time as you admire the striking mosaics and frescoes adorning the walls. Your guide will then lead you down the marble streets of Ephesus where St. Paul, Cleopatra and Alexander the Great once walked. A visit to the Library of Celsus, one of the only remaining examples of a library from the Roman Empire, and the amphitheater that could hold 24,000 spectators, are other highlights of this tour. See cultural conservation in action at the Art Ceramic Centre where traditional pottery methods are still very much alive. Watch a pottery demonstration and then try your hand at painting tiles created by local artisans, both experiences available exclusively for National Geographic travelers. Your tour concludes with a tasting session of regional fruit wines, a local speciality.
en
Ancient Ephesus Tour with House of the Virgin Mary
The hills around Kuşadası are home to two of Turkey's most popular historical sites – the ancient city of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary. You'll be whisked through centuries of history at Ephesus, see one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and visit an important pilgrimage site on Mount Koressos – all in one afternoon. Esra, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The Library of Celsus is one of the most impressive landmarks of Ephesus. It once held over 12,000 scrolls and was the third-largest library in the ancient world.'Kick off with a drive into the sun-soaked hills to visit the House of the Virgin Mary. According to popular belief, St John the Evangelist brought Mary to Ephesus after the crucifixion of Jesus, and she lived here until her death. Next, it's time to head to the ancient city of Ephesus, where a journey through history awaits. Your guide will lead you around the sprawling archaeological site and point out its highlights while regaling you with fascinating historic tales of this once-powerful city.You'll stroll down marble-paved streets where mosaics and frescoes still decorate the walls of ancient Roman houses, gaze at the Temples of Artemis and Hadrian, and be blown away by the Library of Celsus. Esra says, ‘I love to imagine the Great Theatre filled with 25,000 spectators. They would come to watch gladiator clashes, political rallies and performances in this theatre, a hub of city life. You can almost hear the roar of the crowd.'
de, en, fr, nl, pl
Ancient Ephesus tour with pottery-making demonstration
Ephesus is one of those places that brings history to life. Relive the glory days of the Roman Empire as you explore the monuments of this ancient city on a guided tour. The archaeological site is so well preserved that it's easy to imagine the toga-clad crowds that gathered and chattered in its streets 2,000 years ago.
de, en, fr, nl
Nat Geo Day Tour: The Ancient Mosaics and Artistry of Ephesus
The ancient city of Ephesus is one of the most visited classical sites in the world. From the 8th century BC to the 3rd century AD, the city flourished under Greek and then Roman rule. Today, it's a historical treasure trove in a remarkably well-preserved state considering its great age, and it's easy to imagine the bustle and chatter of daily life long ago as you roam through the ruins. Your adventure begins with a tour of the interactive museum, included with your entry ticket. Take in the wonder of the Terraced Houses, which are not usually included in Ephesus tours. Among the corridors and courtyards, once home to affluent Ephesians, you will get a sense of the opulent lifestyle of the day. These houses were occupied by some of the world's richest families, and the elegant details transport you back in time as you admire the striking mosaics and frescoes adorning the walls. Your guide will then lead you down the marble streets of Ephesus where St. Paul, Cleopatra and Alexander the Great once walked. A visit to the Library of Celsus, one of the only remaining examples of a library from the Roman Empire, and the amphitheater that could hold 24,000 spectators, are other highlights of this tour. See cultural conservation in action at the Art Ceramic Centre where traditional pottery methods are still very much alive. Watch a pottery demonstration and then try your hand at painting tiles created by local artisans, both experiences available exclusively for National Geographic travelers. Your tour concludes with a tasting session of regional fruit wines, a local speciality.
en
How to get there
Ephesus
Kusadasi
Turkey
Reviews Ephesus
“For £38 per person (7 of us), we were only given 2.5 hours at Ephesus. The bus took over 1 hour to get there, picking up people from other hotels. And following the 2.5 hours at Ephesus, about 2 hours were spent travelling to and spending time at a ceramics shop/factory and travelling back to our hotel. So out of 5.5 hours spent away from our hotel, only 2.5 hours were spent at Ephesus. It would be better, and cheaper, to take your own taxi there and back.”
“Fantastic place, architecture is amazing and definitely a must see. The guide Esre, was excellent full of knowledge, and took care of everyone. The negative was it's a dead heat, with practically no shade, protective clothing is a massive must, and plenty to drink. It's also very slippery walking around on the marble, definitely wear good supportive footwear. It's disappointing that Tui choose to do this tour on a day the cruise ships are in, it was heaving and waiting in the heat is awful.”
“Nous avons beaucoup apprécié la visite de la cité d'Ephèse. Le guide francophone a su rendre l'expérience intéressante malgré la forte chaleur de juillet. La visite comprenait aussi l'exposition immersive. La fabrique de poterie a relativement peu d'intérêt.”
“Great Tour! Esra was a v knowledgeable host. Nothing she didn't know and extremely passionate about her heritage.I would strongly recommend this Tour for anybody visiting this part of Turkey.Hats/shade and plenty of water required!”
