A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ephesus vs. Reims for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Ephesus or Reims?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Reims, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Ephesus

Ephesus is a fascinating, ancient, and world-renowned archeological site. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping. See Ephesus travel costs.

Reims

Reims is a beautiful, relaxing, and scenic city. The beauty of Reims is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Reims travel costs.

Ephesus and Reims: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ephesus or Reims?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Reims than Ephesus, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Reims is more popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Ephesus is known for its museums and attractions. Ephesus is more touristy than Reims and is popular for its well-preserved ruins and vast size Reims is popular for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral. It is also home to The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims.

How is Ephesus different from Reims?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Reims and Ephesus. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ephesus or Reims?

Ephesus is very popular for its museums and landmarks. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Ephesus on the map. Of course, the iconic site is the ruins of Ephesus. There are also several fascinating museums in the area that offer deeper insights into the region's rich history and culture. The Ephesus Archaeological Museum in Selçuk is popular. It has an impressive collection of artifacts excavated from the ancient city, including statues, pottery, and inscriptions. Just outside the museum, the Temple of Artemis section displays remnants of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Selçuk Museum of Ephesus is another excellent spot to explore, with exhibits that highlight both the daily life of ancient Ephesians and their religious practices. A short drive from Ephesus is the House of the Virgin Mary museum, a revered site believed to be the final home of Mary, mother of Jesus, with a chapel and peaceful surroundings. Lastly, the İsa Bey Mosque and Museum in Selçuk adds to the area's historical depth, offering a glimpse into the Seljuk architecture and Islamic heritage of the region.

Reims is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.

Is the Food Better in Ephesus or Reims? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Reims is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Reims is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Ephesus area. Most of the food options are found in the nearby town of Selçuk. Popular dishes include kebabs, mezes, and pide (Turkish flatbread pizza). Many restaurants are casual and cater specifically to the tourist crowds.

Is Ephesus or Reims Better for Nightlife?

Reims is a nice place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Ephesus is not known for its evening party scene.

If you're looking for night time activities Reims has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

Most people don't head to Ephesus specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The there are a couple of bars and restaurants with live music in the town of Selçuk, but generally the nightlife is very low key.

Is the Shopping Better in Ephesus or Reims?

Reims is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its shopping areas.

Reims is well-known for its shopping. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

Many visitors go to Ephesus to go shopping. Selçuk has a variety of local shops and markets. Traditional handicrafts such as carpet and kilim weaving, ceramics, and leather goods are popular souvenirs. The Selçuk Market is held on Saturdays and offers fresh produce, spices, and other local products.

Is Ephesus or Reims More Beautiful?

Reims is a great city for its scenery and beauty. However, Ephesus is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Reims is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Filled with history and character, this is a truly beautiful part of France. It's fun to see it from above as well and hot air balloon rides are a popular activity.

Ephesus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ephesus or Reims Better for Families?

Ephesus is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Reims is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ephesus. Kids who are into history or archeology will enjoy a visit to the famed ruins of Ephesus. There's also the Ephesus Archaeological Museum where everyone can learn about ancient Greek and Roman cultures in an interactive setting. The nearby House of the Virgin Mary offers a peaceful stop where kids can learn about its historical and religious significance in a tranquil environment. For an active experience, families can enjoy a short hike to Pamucak Beach, where children can swim, build sandcastles, and enjoy the Mediterranean sun.

For families, Reims is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

Is Ephesus or Reims Better for Couples?

Reims is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for couples.

Reims has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

Ephesus is a good archeological site for couples to visit. Many couples stop off at these ruins as part of a bigger tour of Turkey. The ruins are well preserved and impressive, but can get crowded if you visit during the peak times.

Is Ephesus or Reims Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Ephesus and Reims are good places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Ephesus. Many backpackers stay in the nearby town of Selçuk, which has several hostels. This is also where you'll find a number of restaurants and shopping opportunities.

Reims is a good archeological site to visit for backpackers. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

Is Ephesus or Reims Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ephesus is well known for its public transit. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Ephesus offers a very effecient public transportation network. The town of Selçuk is well-connected by dolmuşes (shared minivans) that run frequently and offer affordable rides to nearby destinations, including Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Pamucak Beach area.

While Reims offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

Is Ephesus or Reims a more walkable city?

Reims is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its ease of walking around.

Reims is a very walkable city. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

Ephesus is a somewhat walkable archeological site. The ruins are spread out over a large area, but most of the key sites, like the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater, are within walking distance of each other. From Selçuk, it's about a half hour walk to the entrance of the Ephesus ruins, but most visitors prefer to take a short taxi or dolmuş ride to the site. Within Selçuk, many of the sites can be reached on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Ephesus Worth Visiting? and Is Reims Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reims or Ephesus?

How long in Ephesus or Reims?

In either Ephesus or Reims, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reims than Ephesus because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Ephesus, and 2-5 days is enough time in Reims.

Families should spend more time in Ephesus than Reims. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Ephesus, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Reims than Ephesus. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Reims that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Reims than Ephesus if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Reims.

One day in Ephesus or Reims?

In Ephesus, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this world-renowned destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This archeological site offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Reims, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Ephesus or Reims?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ephesus. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Reims, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reims has to offer.

Five days in Ephesus or Reims?

Ephesus is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Ephesus. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Reims is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reims has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Ephesus or Reims?

You'll find food and shopping around the fascinating destination of Ephesus. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reims. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Reims. One reason most visitors come is for the food. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Reims, we can see that Reims is more expensive. And not only is Ephesus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ephesus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ephesus and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Reims would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reims than you might in Ephesus.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ephesus Expensive? and Is Reims Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Reims?

Reims has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Reims, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Ephesus or Reims?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Ephesus or Reims in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Reims. The summer months attract visitors to Ephesus because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reims this time of year.

In the summer, Ephesus is a little warmer than Reims. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ephesus in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Reims averages at about 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Reims. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the summer, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Reims. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 235 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in July than Reims. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ephesus or Reims in the Autumn?

Both Reims and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Ephesus this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reims for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Ephesus is generally much warmer than Reims. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 19°C (66°F), and Reims fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Reims during autumn. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 122 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Reims. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ephesus or Reims in the Winter?

Both Reims and Ephesus during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ephesus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Reims in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Reims can get quite cold in the winter. Ephesus is much warmer than Reims in the winter. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Reims fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Reims. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 50 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually gets more rain in January than Reims. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Reims receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ephesus or Reims in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Reims. Furthermore, most visitors come to Reims for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Ephesus is much warmer than Reims. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ephesus in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Reims averages at about 9°C (49°F).

In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Reims during spring. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Reims. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Reims receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reims and Ephesus