Selçuk and what to do around it
Selçuk is the district town in İzmir Province that sits next to the ruins of Ephesus. Most visitors come for the ancient city and leave the same day. That is a pity, because the town has its own museum, a basilica, a castle hill, a restored mosque and the remains of a world wonder within walking or short taxi distance.
If you only have one day, the ancient city comes first. A guided trip saves planning, and our page on Ephesus tours compares the main types. If you have two days, use the second for the town and for Şirince, which lies 8 km from Selçuk.
1 to 4: inside the ancient city
These four ideas share one ticket, except the Terrace Houses.
1. Walk through the ancient city
The Ephesus grounds lie just outside Selçuk. Admission for foreign adults is €40 in 2026 and includes the digital experience museum. From 1 October 2026 to 1 April 2027 the site is open 08:00 to 18:00, with the ticket desk closing at 17:30. Plan around two and a half hours for a normal visit.
Self-guided route →2. Study the façade of the Library of Celsus
The two-storey front was put back together between 1970 and 1978 from original pieces and added material. Look at the niches, the columns and the carved details at close range. The Marble Road section from the library has been closed since 10 April 2025, so check the current route at the gate.
Library of Celsus →3. See the Terrace Houses
Mosaics, painted walls and marble floors in houses that stood on the hillside. The ticket costs €15 on top of the site ticket. Winter hours are 09:00 to 17:00, with the desk closing at 16:30, so the houses close an hour before the rest of the site.
Terrace Houses →4. Climb the Great Theatre
The theatre dates from the Hellenistic period and was extended by the Romans. Its historical capacity is given as about 25,000 seats. Go up a few rows for the view over the plain.
History of Ephesus →Our pick: Ephesus with Şirince
This private day ends in Şirince, one of the ideas on this page.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Ephesus tours from Selçuk and the coast
Guided trips, shore excursions and day trips to Ephesus, with live prices and availability.
5 to 8: museum, temple and hill
Four stops in and around the town, easy to combine in half a day.
5. Visit the Ephesus Museum
The museum in the town holds finds from the excavations, among them statues of Artemis. Foreign adults pay €10. It is open daily, 08:30 to 17:30 in the winter period, with the desk closing at 17:00. The address is Uğur Mumcu Sevgi Yolu, No. 26. It is a separate place from the digital museum inside the ruins.
Ephesus Museum →6. Find the Artemision
The Temple of Artemis counted among the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Today you see foundations and one column, which was raised in 1973 from drums of different columns. The site lies outside the paid Ephesus grounds and is free to enter. Go in daylight and bring realistic expectations.
Temple of Artemis →7. Visit the Basilica of St John
The ruins of the basilica stand on Ayasuluk Hill. The ticket for the Ayasuluk and St John site costs €6 for foreign adults. In the winter period it is open 08:00 to 18:00, with the desk closing at 17:30. According to Christian tradition, John lived in Ephesus.
8. Walk up to Ayasuluk Castle
The castle walls crown the same hill. In winter the castle is open 09:00 to 16:30, with the desk closing at 16:00, which is earlier than the basilica. Ask at the ticket desk whether the castle needs its own ticket.
9 to 12: mosque, village and town life
Quieter ideas for the second half of the day.
9. See the İsa Bey Mosque
The mosque dates from 1375. After a restoration it was reopened for prayer on 28 February 2025. It is a working place of worship, so dress modestly, take off your shoes where asked and do not enter during prayer if you are only sightseeing.
10. Take a trip to Şirince
The village lies 8 km from Selçuk. It is known for its old stone houses, some of which are now guesthouses, and for wine houses and restaurants. A tasting is not automatically free, so ask about the price first. Allow an afternoon, and see our page on where to stay if you want to sleep there.
11. Visit the Selçuk Kent Belleği exhibition
A city memory exhibition with free entry. It is open Monday to Friday 08:30 to 17:30 and Saturday 10:00 to 15:00. It is closed on Sunday.
12. Look at the aqueduct remains
Byzantine aqueducts run from the east towards Ayasuluk Hill and stand right in the town. Look at them from the street. Do not climb on them.
How to combine the ideas
Winter hours and 2026 prices for foreign adults.
| Idea | Price | Winter hours |
|---|---|---|
| Ephesus ancient city | €40 | 08:00–18:00, desk until 17:30 |
| Terrace Houses | €15 extra | 09:00–17:00, desk until 16:30 |
| Ephesus Museum | €10 | 08:30–17:30, desk until 17:00 |
| Basilica of St John | €6 | 08:00–18:00, desk until 17:30 |
| Ayasuluk Castle | Ask at the desk | 09:00–16:30, desk until 16:00 |
| Kent Belleği | Free | Mon to Fri 08:30–17:30, Sat 10:00–15:00 |
For most visitors with two days: ancient city and Terrace Houses on day one, then the museum, the basilica and the Artemision on day two, with Şirince in the late afternoon. Visitors with only one day should stay in the ruins and add the museum if time is left. Getting between the sights is covered on our getting there page.
Related guides
More on the sights mentioned above.
House of the Virgin Mary
A small stone house in the hills, linked to Christian tradition.
Ephesus Museum
Statues of Artemis and finds from the excavations.
Temple of Artemis
One column on the site of an ancient wonder.
For the hot springs and terraces about 200 km away, see Pamukkale, which has its own guide.
Selçuk: frequently asked questions
Is Selçuk worth a night?
Yes, if you want to see the ruins early or late and also visit the museum, the basilica and the Artemision. Selçuk is about 3.5 km from the ruins. See where to stay.
Can I see everything in one day?
Not comfortably. The ruins take about two and a half hours, and the town sights add another half day. A second day gives you time for Şirince.
Which Selçuk sights are free?
The Artemision is free to enter, and so is the Kent Belleği exhibition. The museum, the basilica site and the ancient city need tickets.
Are the Terrace Houses included in the Ephesus ticket?
No. They have their own ticket at €15 for foreign adults in 2026. See tickets and opening hours.
Can I visit the mosque?
The İsa Bey Mosque has been open for prayer since 28 February 2025. Visit respectfully, dress modestly and avoid prayer times.