Town in Izmir, Turkey
Selçuk
Small, friendly market town next to Ephesus, with a castle hill, a good museum and nearby Şirince. Easy and cheap for culture; quiet at night and hot in summer, with a one-hour train from Izmir.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$814–1,180Comfortable, one person · ₺40,000–58,000Details
- Value for money86/100Better value than 85% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–May, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 39°CDetails
- Internet83 MbpsFixed broadband, Turkey medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTreated, but most locals and visitors use bottled or filtered water; guesthouses supply it.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$16–41Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundİZBAN train to IzmirWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work almost everywhere; keep lira for dolmuş, bazaar stalls and village cafés.Details
Where to stay in Selçuk
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Selçuk center (near the train station) | Guesthouses, restaurants, bazaar, easy walking |
| Ayasuluk Hill | Quiet lanes around the castle and Basilica of St John |
| Şirince | Hill village 8 km away, wine, quiet evenings |
Apps that work in Selçuk
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Yemeksepeti | Works in central Selçuk |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- obilet: compare and book intercity buses
- Taxis: Ride apps aren't reliable here. Use ranked taxis, ask for the fixed rate to Ephesus, and book airport transfers in advance.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Turkey.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work almost everywhere; keep lira for dolmuş, bazaar stalls and village cafés.
- Currency: Lira (TRY). US$1 ≈ ₺49.13 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Most bank ATMs charge foreign cards a fee shown on screen; compare banks and always decline the conversion offer.
- Tipping: About 10% in sit-down restaurants if service isn't included; round up taxis; tip hammam attendants and hotel porters a little.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay with foreign cards work on most contactless terminals; local wallets need Turkish bank accounts.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Many nationalities enter visa-free; others need an e-Visa. Use only evisa.gov.tr, as look-alike agent sites charge extra.
- Passport must be valid at least 60 days beyond your stay (150 days from arrival for a 90-day stay).
- Stays are capped at 90 days in any 180; overstays bring fines and possible entry bans.
Emergency numbers
Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Buy tourist packs at carrier stores with your passport; airport desks cost more. Foreign phones on Turkish SIMs are blocked after 120 days unless registered. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Turkey
Going to Selçuk solo?
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Sources
- İZBAN (Izmir suburban rail)
- Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (DHMI)
- Turkish e-Visa
- İZBAN 2026 fares and timetable
- Selçuk State Hospital
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.