Ephesus Archaeological Site

What a wildly beautiful and inspiring place to visit. We landed in Izmir on a cruise, then hired a driver to take us. Plan for several hours, because there is a lot to see. The rocks are extremely slick even when dry, so wear good shoes and be careful! Also, due to the white marble, if you're there during eh summer, it will likely be very hot. Wide hats and sunscreen are a must. No bathrooms are available once you enter the gate, so go before you enter!

The visit here was amazing, the ruins are very well preserved and it is a huge complex. I recommend to get a guide, it will provide a lot of small stories about the place that are not available other way. In summer time during the day, it will be really hot, so use a lot of sun protection and appropriate clothing. Also have some water with you as there is no place to buy anything beside the coffee shop at the immersive museum.

Ephesus is an absolute must-visit if you’re in the area—walking through this ancient city feels like stepping back in time. The ruins are incredibly well-preserved, and you can truly get a sense of the grandeur and history of what was once one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire. One of the most fascinating things is that much of Ephesus is still being excavated, and what visitors see today is just a fraction of what has been uncovered so far. It’s incredible to think about how much more history remains buried beneath the earth, waiting to be revealed. I was expecting to take in the rich history of the area, but what I didn’t anticipate was how many cats would be part of the exhibits as well! It was an unexpected but very welcome surprise—these friendly felines roam freely among the ruins, lounging on ancient stones like they own the place, adding a unique charm to the visit. The highlights for me were the stunning Library of Celsus, the massive Great Theatre, and the beautifully paved marble streets that lead you past ancient temples, baths, and homes. It’s incredible to think about how much history these stones have witnessed. Since I visited in winter, there was still a bit of a crowd, but I can only imagine how packed it must be during peak season. I’d definitely recommend wearing comfortable shoes, as there’s a lot of walking involved. Also, bring some water, though you can find refreshments at the end of the site if you need a break. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just someone who enjoys exploring incredible landmarks, Ephesus is one of those places that leaves a lasting impression.

If you are holidaying in the area then I believe this is a must see place to visit as an important place of Roman architecture. The remaining frontage of the library is truly stunning and out guide event showed us what he believed was the oldest remaining advert in the world that was a footprint carved into stone and if your foot fitted then you could enter the brothel. The amphitheatre is truly stunning ad a great place to sit, reflect, and take it all in.

This was an amazing archeological site. There are roman baths, an argola, homes, an open theater and a prison on a hill. It is about a mile to walk thru the whole park. There is a museum about halfway thru that requires an extra ticket. From the signs you can read about excavation progress. Based on what they have dug up that has inscriptions they have been able to determine what particular buildings were used for. There is limited shade so bring a hat or umbrella, sunscreen and water during hot months. Take advantage of the shade when you see it. We did not notice many bugs. The area you allowed to walk is clearly marked. You are able to walk along some of the better preserved ruins. The details in some of the marble is amazing. We also saw some olive trees and fruit trees. About halfway thru, near the museum is a refreshment station where you buy drinks and snacks. There are restrooms at the end near the parking lot. You will exit at a different place than you enter. Our guide stated that only 12-15 % of the city has been uncovered to date. There is a museum shop across from the bathrooms. Once you exit the site there are some other shops and sellers do hawk their wares so to speak. I highly recommend you see this architectural site. It was a great experience.

Walking through the archaeological site of Ephesus was like stepping into another world. Every stone and column seemed to tell a story. The Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, the ancient streets - it all left me completely speechless. It's one of those rare places where you can truly feel the weight of history around you. I would go back a thousand times if I could. Absolutely breathtaking and unforgettable

A mind blowing place to visit! I went with my partner alone without any guide and we used the audio available via a mobile app they told us about at the entrance. We stayed there about 4 hours to make sure we go through everything. It’s a must visit but keep in mind the later in the day you go the more difficult it will be due to the extreme crowds and heat. The only negative thing is that a few areas were completely unprotected and not maintained at all. I could see pieces of marble and ancient stones just thrown on the side and a lot of trash. Those were the areas less visited by the tourist masses.

It's hard not to give this place 5 stars because of its preserved historical significance, but the price is steep and they are "ruins" so not much intact. There is a lot of beauty in the rawness of all the crumbling structures, and there is still tons to be excavated and discovered yet. 40 Euro is a lot and the least you can pay for a basic visit and an extra 9 Euro for the audioguide which is somewhat helpful. Still, you hope the money is being put to good use, and there is no shortage of people coming to visit this place. There are also extra fees for going into the associated areas like the exposed terrace houses which can raise the entrance fees to 65 Euro. It was nice to have done once and say you walked amongst the ghosts of Romans, but I wouldn't go back again. This is not a good place to visit if you have mobility issues because nothing is refined and smooth other than the parking lot and welcome plaza. It is ancient and they are ruins. TIP: If you are more active, up for an adventure, and want to save a chunk of money, take the dolmus transit minibus from Kusadasi and walk the 10 min to the entrance. We were happy for the experience.