Top Things to do in Selcuk
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The 10 Best Things to do in Selcuk, Turkish Aegean Coast
Discover the best top things to do in Selcuk, Turkey including Ephesus Terrace Houses, Bibliotheque de Celsus, Efes Antik Kenti Tiyatrosu, Ephesus Museum, The Basilica of Saint John, Public Latrine, Aqua Fantasy Aquapark, Camlik Locomotive Museum, Meryemana (The Virgin Mary's House), Ancient City of Ephesus.
Restaurants in Selcuk
1. Ephesus Terrace Houses
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,024 reviews
Wealthy Ephesians inhabited these luxurious houses on the slopes of Bülbül Mountain.
Reviewed By Alex280546 - Melbourne, Australia
My wife and I were on a conducted tour of Ephesus from our hotel in Kusadasi. Our guide had made it clear to us that our tour included a ticket for seeing this attraction, (it is an extra ticket over and above the entrance fee for getting into the main Ephesus site). But, surprisingly, only about half the group were game enough to enter this "added" attraction. Even my wife chickened out. Why? Because there is a fair bit of climbing stairs. What is this attraction? These are recently excavated (and beautifully restored) residences from 2000 years ago. The residences are along a hillside, and they are adjoining one another. Some are even connected. What grand apartments! What decorations! Beautiful floors! A photo buff's paradise. Unfortunately, we were on a tight schedule, we had much more to see in Ephesus, and as half the group did not join us, our guide rushed us through the exhibit. This is easily the best thing to see in Ephesus. Truly amazing. I strongly recommend it. A guide would greatly help, as it is difficult to understand the layout of the rooms in the various houses (they are properly called "apartments" !!!) . Also, a guide can explain the various decorations on the walls.
2. Bibliotheque de Celsus
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,720 reviews
Built by Julius Aquila in 110 A.D. as a memorial for his father, the Celsus Library is one of the finest buildings in Ephesus. The two-story building contained over 12,000 hand-written books, making it one of the largest library collections of its time.
Reviewed By Anonymous06092001 - Hong Kong, China
Magnificent library and the highlight of Ephesus. 1. Believe it or not, Celsus Library was the third largest library in the Roman world behind only Alexandria and Pergamum 2. In my own opinion, I think this is the most beautiful building in Selcuk and at night, this is absolutely stunning. The lightnings are great and definitely worth your time visiting. Look from the top and you would find it more magnificent. 3. Make sure to bring your camera to take more pictures of this magnificent building and also many other more structures in Ephesus ruins.
3. Efes Antik Kenti Tiyatrosu
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,169 reviews
The largest and most spectacular structure of Ephesus was originally built in the 3rd century BC and was later updated by the Romans in the 1st century AD when it had a seating capacity of 25,000.
Reviewed By hii67 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
This great theatre reputed to be one of the largest in the ancient world is towards the end of the tour to ancient city of Ephesus and it is a must see when in Turkey! Taking a clear shot void of human traffic would be a miracle as the theatre is always packed unless one arrives when the door opens. Do climb to the top of the steps and take in great topography of the area and be sure to take a panoramic shot in your handphone or camera! Truly impressive and another human ingenuity left partially intact by a great civilization !
4. Ephesus Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,012 reviews
This important museum displays the pieces found in and around the ruins of Ephesus. Prior to World War II, discoveries were taken to a museum in Vienna.
Reviewed By danceswithroseoz - Patong, Thailand
A must see with a great cafe (Cadir) Opposite. Easy access for people with disabilities. Lovely statues, great coin collection! After seeing this it's clear humans have not advanced, rather they've gone backwards. Thanks to the plandemic it doesn't go past me how privileged I am to see this without the usual tourist crowds.
5. The Basilica of Saint John
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 783 reviews
This monumental basilica was built in the 4th century in the burial place of Saint John the Divine. It was designed in the shape of a cross and was covered with six domes.
Reviewed By williambb54 - Chester, United Kingdom
A very interesting ruined Basilica, with the Tomb of Saint John Worth a visit if visiting Ephesus, it is an important part in the history of Christianity.
6. Public Latrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 643 reviews
Reviewed By Q3934IKkarenk
The toilets were part of the Scholastica Baths and built in the 1st century AD. They were public toilets of the city and there was an entrance fee to use them. In the center, there is an uncovered pool and the toilets are aligned along the walls. The columns surrounding the pool supported a wooden ceiling. There was a drainage system under the toilets--thank goodness. About 10 years ago, when we saw the city for the 1st time, you could have your picture taken sitting on one of the toilet seats. In September 2019, the seats are blocked off by a rope. So sad! The pictures were quite funny.
7. Aqua Fantasy Aquapark
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,042 reviews
Reviewed By NorwichTraveller1 - Norwich, United Kingdom
Good variety of rides and attractions. The place wasnt mega busy except on weekends with locals. Try to bring your own drinks and food as they are expensive.
8. Camlik Locomotive Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 165 reviews
Reviewed By davidmM4284CR - Selcuk, Turkey
Travel south of Selcuk Turkey on the Aydin road to find a remarkable Train Museum. Camlik is a small town so it is surprise to find such a great collection. Has Attaturk's railroad car.
9. Meryemana (The Virgin Mary's House)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,791 reviews
Several years after the death of Christ, St. John brought the Virgin Mother to this house located on the slopes of Bülbül Mountain. It is believed the Virgin Mary lived in this house until she died at the age of 64.
Reviewed By 607jayb - Fairhope, United States
As some have said, this holy place where Mary the mother of Jesus Christ lived and died is a "must see" for those of the Catholic faith. I must say as a non-Catholic (Protestant) Christian, I was very moved by this visit for several reasons. First, the house is very small and simple, which one would expect from what we know of Mary. Second, the holy water springs and prayer notes wall add another simple, yet strong tone of validity and holiness to the place. And finally, we were treated to a brief Catholic mass in the small chapel at the rear of the property. It was amazing! The priest gave a wonderful, hard hitting sermon though it was only a few minutes long. For ALL believers in the Son of God, I highly recommend a visit. NOTE: The crowds can be overwhelming so be prepared to queue and wait for a bit to enter the house. NOTE: They have a snack bar and souvenir shop for your convenience. Enjoy!
10. Ancient City of Ephesus
Reviewed By Seaside641657
We recently had an amazing tour of the ancient city from Izmir. We had 29 hours in Turkey and thanks to Chris No Frills Ephesus Tours, we were able to have an amazing day touring the Ancient City. Mehmet picked us up in Izmir and we went straight to Selcuk to meet Chris and also to pick up our guide Yesra. We began at the Temple of Artemis and then on to Ephesus. We had plenty of time to see the ancient city including the Odeon, the Street of Curates, the Temple of Hadrian, Gate of Hercules, the amazing Terrace Houses with their incredible mosaics, the lovely Celsus Library, onto the Agora, wonderful Amphitheater and gymnasium. It is an amazing site to explore. Having a private guide made it very enjoyable and not so overwhelming. After leaving the ancient city we continued to the House of Mary then stopped for a great local lunch in Selcuk. Locals were all extremely welcoming and lunch was amazing. Continued to the Archeological Museum and then to the Basilica of St John and great view of the castle. Retuned to Izmir to catch early morning flight. Thanks to Chris and her tour company our trip to Ephesus was a holiday highlight. Don't miss her services nor the ancient city. Best day possible! Thanks to all.
