Selcuk Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Selçuk tours and things to do beside ancient Ephesus: walk the marble streets of one of the world’s greatest Roman cities to the towering Library of Celsus, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, see the last column of the Temple of Artemis, and day-trip to the white terraces of Pamukkale. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
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Explore Selcuk by interest
Whatever brings you to Selcuk — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Selcuk
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Library of Celsus
Ephesus icon.
House of Mary
Sacred shrine.
Temple of Artemis
Ancient wonder.
Şirince
Hillside village.
Terrace Houses
Roman mosaics.
Pamukkale
White terraces.
Basilica of St John
Hilltop ruins.
Ephesus Theatre
Grand amphitheatre.
10 min awayEphesus
Ancient city.
20 min awayHouse of Mary
Sacred shrine.
Town awayTemple of Artemis
Ancient wonder.
15 min awayŞirince
Hillside village.
3 hrs awayPamukkale
White terraces.
Town awayBasilica of St John
Hilltop ruins.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Selcuk visitor asks before booking.
Spring (Apr–May)
Mild and green — ideal for Ephesus.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Hot at the ruins — visit early or late.
Autumn (Sep–Oct)
Warm and pleasant, fewer crowds.
Winter (Nov–Mar)
Cool and quiet, good for ruins.
For Ephesus
Spring or autumn for comfortable walking.
Best overall
April, May and October for fine weather.
One day
Ephesus and the House of Mary.
Two days
Add Şirince and the Basilica of St John.
Three days
Add a Pamukkale day trip.
For history
Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis.
For pilgrimage
The House of the Virgin Mary.
For scenery
The hilltop village of Şirince.
On foot
The town and its sights are walkable.
Tours & transfers
Tours reach Ephesus, Şirince and Pamukkale.
By car
A car helps for Şirince and day trips.
From Kuşadası
Many tours run from the nearby resort.
Where to stay
Stay in Selçuk town near the sights.
Turkish lira
Turkey uses the lira; cards widely accepted.
Ephesus
Go early to beat the cruise crowds and heat.
Terrace Houses
Buy the extra ticket for the mosaics.
House of Mary
Dress modestly for the shrine.
Pamukkale
Bring swimwear for the thermal pools.
Şirince
Taste the village fruit wines.
Sun & water
Bring a hat and water for the ruins.
Ephesus tours
Ancient-city tours fill up — book ahead.
House of Mary tours
Shrine tours fill up — reserve early.
Pamukkale trips
Day trips fill up — book ahead.
Şirince tours
Village tours fill up — reserve early.
Terrace House tours
These fill up — book ahead.
Spring & autumn
These seasons are busiest — book well ahead.
Ephesus tour
Around €40–90 for an Ephesus tour.
House of Mary tour
About €49–90 for a combined Ephesus and Mary tour.
Artemis tour
Roughly €34–60 for a Temple of Artemis tour.
Pamukkale trip
Around €99–160 for a Pamukkale day trip.
Şirince tour
About €16–50 for a Şirince village tour.
How to save
Join group tours to save over private ones.
Selcuk through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Ephesus.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Ideal.
- Best for
- Long days.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Hot.
- Best for
- Mild ruins.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Lovely.
- Best for
- Quiet sites.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Cool.