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Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced that nighttime visits to Ephesus, Side, and Galata Tower will continue until Nov. 2, 2025, following strong public demand.
Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said the initiative attracted more than 550,000 visitors this year.
He described how ancient landmarks such as Ephesus gain a new atmosphere at night as light and shadow transform the ruins, emphasizing that the program shows Turkish culture and heritage “not only during the day but also under the magic of the night.”
Night visits in Türkiye attract 550,000 visitors in 4 months
According to ministry figures, around 550,000 people participated in nighttime museum visits between June and September 2025.
Night museum visits have become a way for travelers to see historic sites in a different setting.
At Ephesus, the ancient columns and temples stand illuminated against the dark sky, while in Istanbul, Galata Tower offers both its medieval history and panoramic views of the city at night.
Along the Mediterranean coast, visitors to Side can walk among ruins in the cooler evening hours, enjoying the extended access during the busy season.
Extending museum hours has helped attract more people during peak travel months and has given visitors an alternative to crowded daytime tours.
For the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the program also serves as a way to strengthen Türkiye’s appeal to international tourists by offering experiences that combine history with atmosphere.
Night visits at Ephesus, Side, and Galata Tower will remain open until Nov. 2, 2025.
The ministry has encouraged both residents and international tourists to take part before the season closes.
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