Things To Do
in Selçuk
Selçuk is a small, historic town in Turkey's Aegean region, perched near the ancient city of Ephesus. Its cobbled streets, Ottoman timber houses, and friendly cafés give it a relaxed, authentic vibe. The area is rich with Roman, Byzantine, and Seljuk legacies, from Ayasoluk Castle to the Basilica of St. John.
With easy access to Ephesus and Şirince, Selçuk serves as a welcoming base for culture, history, and rural charm.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Selçuk and settle into your accommodation. Take a moment to refresh and enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast at a local café. Spend the morning wandering around the picturesque town center, soaking in its historical charm.
Visit the iconic ruins of Ephesus, just a short distance from Selçuk. Explore the ancient city’s stunning amphitheater, the Library of Celsus, and the Temple of Artemis. Your afternoon can be enriched by joining a guided tour to delve deeper into the history and significance of these sites.
Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant serving authentic Turkish cuisine. Savor dishes like kebabs, mezes, and baklava while overlooking the beautiful scenery of Selçuk. After dinner, take a stroll through the vibrant streets, illuminated under the stars.
Start your day with an early breakfast before heading back to Ephesus to explore more of its remarkable ruins. Visit the Terrace Houses, where ancient frescoes tell stories of life in Roman times. Enjoy the serene atmosphere of the site as you walk through history.
After Ephesus, head to the House of the Virgin Mary, a cherished pilgrimage site located in the nearby hills. Discover the peaceful gardens and spiritual ambiance that surround this historical place. Spend some reflective time here before grabbing a light lunch at a nearby café.
Return to Selçuk for an evening of relaxation. Consider visiting the Selçuk Castle for panoramic views of the town at sunset. Enjoy dinner at a hillside restaurant, where you can taste more local dishes while enjoying the evening breeze.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
| 🚆One-way local transport | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🥖Loaf of bread | $0.50-1 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel/hostel per night | $15-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich ancient history and proximity to Efes (Ephesus) ruins
- Compact, walkable town with friendly locals and good value
- Stunning hillside village of Şirince nearby for day trips
- Access to diverse experiences from archaeology to rural scenery
- Heat and crowds in peak summer months
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Some sites require transfers or short drives to reach
- Travel between Izmir airports and Selçuk can take time
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Affedersiniz" - Excuse me
- "Neredesiniz?" - Where are you?
- "Bu ne kadar?" - How much is this?
- "İyiyim, teşekkürler" - I'm fine, thanks
- "Türkçe biliyor musunuz?" - Do you speak Turkish?
- "Yardım edebilir misiniz?" - Could you help me?
- "Ne tavsiye edersiniz?" - What do you recommend?
Places to Visit in Selçuk
Visit one of these nice places.
A sweeping overlook of Selçuk and the surrounding plains—beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
Iconic interiors and fresco details of the ancient city’s elite dwellings, photographed from the main avenues.
The grand façade of the ancient library—a quintessential photo moment along the marble street.
Serene gardens and stone paths with soft light ideal for contemplative photography.
Columns and olive trees framing the atmospheric ruins—great in late afternoon light.
Food in Selçuk
Selçuk Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A selection of small dishes served with bread and olive oil, perfect for sharing and sampling a range of flavors.
Must-Try!
Freshly caught from the Aegean, grilled with lemon, herbs, and olive oil—often served with simple greens.
Eggplant stuffed with onion, garlic, tomato, and herbs, typically served warm or at room temperature.
Savory flatbread stuffed with cheese, spinach, or potatoes, cooked on a hot griddle.
Flaky pastry layered with nuts and sweet syrup or honey—popular as a dessert with Turkish coffee.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively market area in the town center where you can sample olives, cheeses, figs, herbs, and seasonal produce.
Gözleme, simit (sesame-encrusted bread), fresh fish sandwiches by the waterfront, and other quick, tasty bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly when visiting mosques; remove shoes where required and ask before taking photographs of worshippers.
Handshakes are common; use polite language, greet with 'Merhaba' and say 'İyi günler' for good day.
Use both hands when giving or receiving items if possible; be patient and polite with locals.
Safety
Tipping in Selçuk
Ensure a smooth experience
A small tip (5–10%) is appreciated in restaurants if service is good; it's not mandatory in casual spots. It’s common to round up for guides or taxi drivers.
Cash is widely accepted, and credit/debit cards are increasingly common in larger shops and restaurants; keep local currency (Turkish lira) for markets and smaller vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry with peak heat in July and August; carry water, wear sun protection, and plan outdoor sights for early morning or late afternoon.
Pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds; ideal for day trips to Ephesus, Şirince, and hillside walks.
Mild to cool with some rain; expect cooler evenings; great for museum visits and quieter ruins.
Lush landscapes with wildflowers; comfortable temperatures for outdoor exploration and photography.
Selçuk at Night
Hiking in Selçuk
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, rewarding ascent offering panoramic views over Selçuk and the surrounding countryside.
Gentle ridge trail connecting olive groves and vineyards with pastoral scenery.
Airports
How to reach Selçuk by plane.
Main international gateway near Izmir; about 60–90 minutes by car or train to Selçuk, depending on traffic.
Alternative regional airport; farther away but usable for some routes; travel time longer by road.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Mostly Turkish families and farmers; a slower pace of life with strong hospitality culture.
Seasonal visitors from Europe, North America, and nearby regions attracted by Ephesus and Şirince.
A small number of retirees and long-term residents drawn to the region’s charm and climate.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region, with local clubs and informal games in parks.
Common in schools and community centers; pick-up games are common in the evenings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Selçuk.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many meze plates and vegetable-forward dishes are vegetarian-friendly; ask for no meat stock and dairy as needed.
Choose olive-oil–based vegetable dishes and salads; request no dairy, honey, or animal products when possible.
Opt for grilled vegetables, fish, meat, and salads; ask for gluten-free bread or omit bread sides when ordering.