15 Best Things to Do in Bodrum

Bodrum, also known as Türkiye’s “Saint Tropez,” is a captivating coastal city nestled on the southwestern Aegean Sea. This ancient capital of Halicarnassus now stands as a premier travel destination, offering an enchanting blend of history, leisure, and stunning visual beauty. With its iconic plastered homes, winding alleyways, and harbors brimming with magnificent yachts, Bodrum truly has something for everyone. From ancient ruins to vibrant nightlife, peaceful bays, and rich cultural treasures, it’s a unique destination that skillfully marries modern comforts with traditional charms.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned holidaymaker, Bodrum’s diverse landscapes and activities promise an unforgettable experience. Here are 16 of the best things to do in Bodrum, inviting you to delve into its fascinating past, soak up its vibrant present, and discover why Time Magazine recognized it as one of the “World’s Greatest Places 2021” in 2021.

Explore the Historic Bodrum Castle (Castle of St. Peter)

A visit to Bodrum is incomplete without exploring Bodrum Castle (Bodrum Kalesi), also known as the Castle of Saint Peter. Constructed by the Knights of St. John between 1406 and 1523, this significant historical site is a top attraction. Visitors can wander along its fortress walls, which offer sweeping panoramic views of the city, the harbor, and the Aegean Sea. The castle features towers named after the English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish countries that contributed to its construction, showcasing its multinational heritage. Inside the castle, you’ll find the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, one of the world’s largest of its kind, featuring shipwrecks and artifacts recovered from the Aegean Sea. The castle, which recently reopened after extensive renovations, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Allow 1-2 hours to explore its 14 galleries.

Marvel at the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, an Ancient Wonder

Step back in time at The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus (Halikarnas Mozolesi), the fifth of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This colossal tomb was constructed in the fourth century BCE for the Carian king Mausolus, whose name became the eponym for all stately tombs. Though partially demolished over centuries by earthquakes and used as a quarry for Bodrum Castle, its outdoor ruins are still open for exploration. You can see remnants of reliefs and sculpted marble, offering a glimpse into its once impressive scale, standing approximately 45 meters (148 feet) high with 36 Ionic columns. Located just a short stroll from the city center, it’s a site of immense historical significance.

Attend an Event at the Ancient Amphitheatre

Perched on the slopes of Göktepe, the Bodrum Ancient Amphitheatre (Bodrum Antik Tiyatrosu) offers sweeping views of the sea, Kos Island, and the Datça Peninsula. Built in the fourth century BC, this ancient Greek theater originally held about 10,000 people and today can accommodate 3,100. It is actively used for cultural events and concerts, especially seasonal performances held outdoors. During excavations in 2006, rock-carved tunnels and chambers were discovered, adding to its mystique. Its accessibility and stunning views make it a must-see historical site.

Capture Sunset Views at Bodrum Windmills

For breathtaking vistas and photographic opportunities, head to the 18th-century windmills (Bodrum Yel Değirmeni) located on a hill between Bodrum and Gumbet. These seven stone windmills, used until the 1970s, offer spectacular views of the region, including the Greek island of Kos, and are particularly popular spots for sunrise and sunset photography. Two of the windmills are well-maintained, allowing visitors to freely explore their interiors and exteriors. The site, which has a rough and exposed terrain, is reachable by foot, taxi, or tour.

Embark on a Scenic Boat Trip to Orak Island or a Gulet Cruise

Exploring the beautiful Bodrum coastline by boat is an essential experience. Take a luxurious day yacht trip to Orak Island, often called the “Maldives of Bodrum,” known for its pristine waters and olive-dotted beaches. These trips typically visit picturesque coves like German Bay, Kızıl Burun, and Rabbit Bay, offering expansive coastal views and turquoise horizons. Keep an eye out for marine life such as sea turtles and dolphins, and wild rabbits on Rabbit Island. Onboard, a freshly prepared lunch is often served, and boats are equipped with sunbeds and shaded decks for comfort. Alternatively, you can opt for a longer gulet cruise (a traditional Turkish wooden boat) through the Aegean Sea, discovering hidden coves, pristine beaches, and enjoying fresh-caught seafood and traditional Turkish cuisine, with options for multi-day excursions to the Greek islands.

Stroll Through Bodrum’s Vibrant Marinas

Bodrum’s marinas are central to its renowned yachting culture and perfect for sightseeing or planning boat excursions. The Milta Bodrum Marina in the downtown area features 450 docks and full-service amenities that meet Blue Flag requirements. For a more upscale experience, Yalıkavak Marina, located 18 kilometers (11.18 miles) from Bodrum, is famous for its high-end dining, luxury shopping, and ability to accommodate mega yachts. D-Marin Turgutreis, 20 kilometers (12.42 miles) away, offers a more laid-back atmosphere and convenient access to neighboring Greek islands. These marinas are also popular starting points for tours and vibrant nightlife.

Discover Turkish Music History at Zeki Müren Arts Museum

Immerse yourself in Turkey’s classical music history at the Zeki Müren Arts Museum (Zeki Müren Sanat Müzesi). Housed in the late artist’s Bodrum home, this museum honors the life and legacy of one of Turkey’s most famous musicians, known as the “Sun of Art”. Visitors can view his personal belongings, stage costumes, fan letters, awards, paintings, and furniture, all preserved in their original settings. The museum’s garden even displays a bronze statue and his Buick Regal, providing an intimate look into the colorful performer’s life.

Haggle and Shop at the Bodrum Bazaar

Experience the vibrant local culture at the traditional outdoor market, Bodrum Bazaar (Bodrum Pazarı), in the Old Town. This bustling market is an ideal place for shopping and sightseeing, with stone-paved alleys, shaded arcades, and whitewashed buildings adorned with bougainvillea. Here, you can find handcrafted leather goods, textiles, spices, souvenirs, and Turkish specialties like cheese, olives, and teas from street vendors. Fridays are dedicated to fresh produce from nearby farmers, while Tuesdays focus on textiles. Haggling is a customary part of the experience, especially when cruise crowds arrive.

Indulge in a Traditional Turkish Bath (Hammam)

For a genuine wellness experience rooted in Ottoman tradition, visit a Traditional Turkish Bath (Hammam) in Bodrum. Hammams like Bitez Hammam, Historic Bardakçı Hamamı, and Vela Nova Spa Hamam offer traditional bathing practices. The ritual typically involves soaking in a steam room, sauna, or pool, followed by a vigorous full-body exfoliation and massage with foam and oil. Expect services like mud treatments and marble steam rooms, with costs around 50 TL for basic services. This invigorating experience is particularly recommended after a flight or a day of hiking.

Walk Through History at Myndos Gate

Discover Myndos Gate (Myndos Kapısı), one of the last remaining remnants of ancient Halicarnassus. Built by King Mausolus in 364 BC, this site became a crucial battleground during Alexander the Great’s siege of Halicarnassus in 334 BC. The gate is flanked by two well-preserved towers, an ancient moat, and Roman tombs with mosaic floors. Today, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Bodrum peninsula and the Aegean Sea from the site, which is free to access and features clear information boards in both Turkish and English. It’s also within walking distance of other historical landmarks.

Experience Rural Life and Carpet Weaving at Etrim Village

For an immersive day trip into traditional Turkish village life, head to Etrim Village, just 40 minutes from Bodrum. This village is renowned for its handcrafted, naturally dyed carpets, which are more affordably priced when purchased directly from the craftspeople. Tourists can tour the local mosque, enjoy home-cooked Turkish food, and observe locals weaving carpets at the Etrim Hali Carpet Cooperative. It offers a unique cultural tourism experience, providing a glimpse into an authentic way of life outside Bodrum’s coastal attractions.

Immerse in Bodrum’s Lively Dining & Nightlife Scene

Bodrum is famous for its vibrant nightlife and diverse dining options. Cumhuriyet Street, also known as Bar Street, is the main pedestrian route, bustling with restaurants, retail establishments, and beach cafés during the day. After 10 PM, it transforms into a lively nightlife area with clubs like Marina Yacht Club and Club Catamaran. Beyond the main strip, Bodrum offers an array of romantic seafront restaurants such as Memedof Fish Restaurant, Ayana Mes, and Orfoz Restaurant, where you can savor fresh seafood. For a more relaxed evening, the tranquil coastal village of Gümüşlük provides a serene atmosphere for a fish dinner by the sea, where you can select your fish directly from the day’s catch.

Relax or Play at Bodrum’s Beautiful Beaches and Water Sports Hubs

Bodrum is home to an impressive 67 different beaches, catering to every need, from relaxation to adrenaline-pumping water sports. Gümbet Beach is a popular spot for scuba diving, windsurfing, water skiing, jet skiing, and parasailing, with one of Bodrum’s best diving sites located directly in front. For families, Camel Beach offers golden sand and calm waters, along with unique camel rides. Bitez Beach is known for its clear waters, soft sand, and seaside sunbeds. For kite or windsurfing enthusiasts, Fener Beach provides ideal windy conditions. The beautiful bays, such as Aquarium Bay and Black Island, are also popular stops for boat tours where you can swim and snorkel in azure waters.

Delve into Maritime Heritage at Bodrum Maritime Museum

Located on Nazım Hikmet Street, the Bodrum Maritime Museum (Bodrum Deniz Müzesi) offers a deep dive into Bodrum’s rich maritime history. This two-story museum showcases 48 finely detailed scale models of traditional Bodrum boats on its first floor. Upstairs, visitors can explore the Hasan Güleşçi Seashell Collection, which boasts over 6,000 specimens from 168 mollusc families. Another exhibit is dedicated to the renowned “Fisherman of Halicarnassus,” Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı, featuring his photographs, writings, and personal belongings. This museum is a must-stop for history lovers and ocean enthusiasts seeking to understand Bodrum’s significant maritime past.

Experience the Therapeutic Hot Springs of Karaada

For a unique wellness tourism destination, take a day trip from Bodrum to Karaada, also known as the Black Island, to experience its natural thermal springs. The volcanic waters, with temperatures ranging between 30.6°C and 31.7°C (87.08°F and 89.06°F), are believed to cure rheumatism, sciatica, and various skin conditions. Visitors can apply mineral-rich mud, famously associated with Cleopatra, inside a seaside cave. Boat tours to Karaada often include time for swimming and shoreline relaxation, with admission being reasonably priced.

FAQs About Bodrum

1. Where is the Best Place to Stay in Bodrum?

Bodrum offers a diverse range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels. For a luxurious experience, options include the Mandarin Oriental Bodrum overlooking Paradise Bay, the Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay Bodrum on Gokova Bay, or Be Premium on Zeytinlikahve Cove, known for its Maldivian-style villas with private pools and butler service. Türkbükü is highlighted as an upscale, yet unpretentious and fun, fishing village with excellent hotels like Macakizi Hotel and No:81 Hotel. Yalıkavak Marina is ideal for those seeking high-end dining, luxury shopping, and accommodation for mega yachts.

For those who prefer to be more central, Bodrum City houses many top tourist attractions, offers a diverse array of budget-friendly restaurants, and hotels near landmarks like Bodrum Castle and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. The center of Bodrum is compact, making many small hotels and guesthouses around the harbor easily accessible, while larger resorts on the outskirts often require a shuttle or taxi to reach the town. Mid-range and budget options like the SU Hotel in Bodrum City or Holiday Inn Resort Bodrum are also available. Gültürkbükü is also recommended as a relatively calm and family-oriented base with beachfront hotels.

2. How to Get to Bodrum?

Bodrum is easily accessible, primarily via Milas-Bodrum Airport (BJV), the eighth busiest airport in Turkey. Turkish Airlines offers multiple daily flights from Istanbul to Bodrum, with the flight taking approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. International travelers can connect through Istanbul, and Turkish Airlines may offer a Free Stopover Accommodation Service. From Milas-Bodrum Airport, transfers to the city center take about 40 minutes by Havas Bus (approximately 10 Turkish Lira) or taxi (around 130 TL). Water taxis can also be pre-arranged for transfers to certain hotels or areas like Türkbükü, taking about 20 minutes. For those preferring land travel, Bodrum is an 8-hour drive or an 11-13 hour bus ride from Istanbul.

3. How Far is Bodrum from Istanbul?

Bodrum is located 283 kilometers from Istanbul. It is closer to Istanbul than Antalya, another popular beach destination. Traveling by car from Istanbul takes about 8 hours, while a bus journey can take 11-13 hours. Flying from Istanbul to Milas-Bodrum Airport is the quickest option, taking approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.

4. Is Bodrum Expensive?

Bodrum can be an expensive holiday destination, often compared to celebrity hotspots like St. Barts and Saint Tropez, attracting high-profile visitors who may spend large sums on dining. However, it is possible to enjoy a vacation in Bodrum without a billionaire’s budget. To make a trip more economical, consider eating at local restaurants, planning your visit outside the peak summer season, and choosing three-star or mid-range boutique hotels over ultra-luxury options. Shopping for locally made goods in places like the Bodrum Bazaar or Türkbükü Boardwalk can be more affordable, and haggling for purchases is a customary practice in Turkey. Many sources also note that Bodrum is “much more affordable” than places like St. Barts or St. Tropez, especially when exploring local spots.

5. How Many Days Do You Need in Bodrum?

For a comprehensive experience, five days is considered the perfect amount of time to spend in Bodrum, allowing for both major attractions and relaxation on beaches or boat excursions. You can experience the major attractions in three days, which offers a leisurely pace to explore history, coastlines, and lively streets. Even with just a weekend (two days), you can get a real feel for the place as it’s relatively small, and a well-balanced itinerary can combine exploration, leisure, and indulgence of cultural sites, markets, and boat tours. A one-day itinerary can cover key historical sites, dining, and evening activities, making it suitable for a quick visit.