Ephesus (Efes) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Ephesus (Efes). Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• FOR CRUISERS: Skip The Lines PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR & On Time Return

• Top Choice For Cruisers: Ephesus, Mary's House WITH TICKETS + LUNCH

• PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR FOR CRUISERS: On-time Return and Skip-Line

• PRIVATE NO HIDDEN FEES Ephesus, Mary's House Guided Tour /GRP OPT

• For Ship Guests: BEST SELLER EPHESUS PRIVATE TOUR & On Time Return

Tickets to Ephesus cost €40 and grant access to the majority of the archaeological site and the on-site Ephesus Experience Museum. Additional tickets are required to visit the on-site Ephesus Museum (€10) in nearby Selçuk and the hillside Terrace Houses (€15), overlooking the ancient city. Kids aged 7 and under enter for free.

Yes, Ephesus is one of the Mediterranean's best-preserved ancient cities, renowned for grandiose architectural feats such as the Roman Library of Celsus and the Temple of Hadrian. Visiting with a guide provides historical context as you browse the ruins, and tours often also include nearby must-sees like the House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi), the Basilica of St John, or what's left of the Temple of Artemis (Artemision)—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Per one customer who booked the Ephesus Temple of Artemis and House of Mary Private Half Day Tour, "We had an incredible experience in Kusadasi, Turkey, thanks to our guide, Seyhan. He was knowledgeable, engaging, and made the entire day feel personal and memorable. We explored the ancient city of Ephesus, visited the Temple of Artemis, and then enjoyed a delicious lunch followed by a fascinating demonstration of traditional Turkish rug-making. Seyhan kept our group involved and informed throughout — highly recommend him if you're visiting the area!"

The most popular option is a guided tour, taking you through the well-preserved structures and monuments with a knowledgeable guide. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, self-guided tours are also an option and provide the flexibility to take your time as you explore each site.

It ultimately depends on your preference and travel style. There are certainly benefits to having a guide, but it is not compulsory to visit Ephesus on a guided tour. A guide can provide valuable context and insights you might not get as you navigate the often-crowded site.

The best time to visit Ephesus is in spring and autumn when the temperature is more moderate, and the crowds are lower. During the peak summer months, the temperature can climb up to 80°F (26°C), and the city can get overcrowded with tourists, making it harder to fully enjoy your trip.

Wear comfortable shoes as the site is quite expansive and requires a lot of walking to get around. Second, bring sunscreen and a hat, as little shade is available, especially in summer. Finally, consider purchasing the Aegean Museum Pass, which includes Ephesus and other museums in the same ticket.

While there is no official dress code enforced by authorities, it is important to dress respectfully when visiting any historical or religious sites. It is also important to remember that Ephesus can get quite hot in the summer months, so bring a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself.

Most travelers can cover the must-see sights of Ephesus in a couple of days. This will provide enough time to explore the ancient city ruins and allow time to visit the Ephesus Museum and other nearby sights that many travelers easily miss.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting Ephesus. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Selçuk: 

• House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi)

• Temple of Artemis (Artemision)

• Ephesus Terrace Houses

• Basilica of St. John

• Temple of Domitian (Temple of the Sebastoi)

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Selçuk.