One Day in Ephesus Itinerary

This plan assumes you're sleeping in Selçuk and visiting between spring and autumn. The idea is simple: outdoors early and late, indoors or at a lunch table when it's hottest.

Opening time: upper gate. Taxi from Selçuk to the upper gate so you're there when it opens. Walk slowly past the State Agora and the Odeon while it's cool.

About an hour later: the Terrace Houses. Go in roughly when the first tour groups start to arrive. It's under a roof, and you come out right next to the Library of Celsus.

Late morning: Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. Photos at the library, then down the marble street to the theatre. Sit in the upper rows for a bit before leaving by the lower gate. Taxi back to town.

Lunch. Selçuk is known for çöp şiş, small lamb skewers grilled over charcoal and eaten wrapped in thin bread with onion and parsley. Order more than you think. Take your time, since it's the hottest part of the day.

Early afternoon: Ephesus Museum. Air-conditioned, and home to many of the site's best statues. About an hour.

Mid-afternoon: Temple of Artemis. A ten-minute walk from the museum. One column and a lot of history.

Late afternoon: Basilica of St. John. Walk up the hill when the light starts to soften and stay for the view. Dinner on a rooftop in town.

With a second day

Go up to the House of the Virgin Mary in the morning and spend the afternoon and evening in Şirince. Or keep going east: Pamukkale is about three hours away and the two sites make a very natural pair.

In July and August, move the museum to the hottest part of the day and don't go anywhere without water.