10 Best Things to Do in Bodrum
What is Bodrum Most Famous For?
Bodrum sits upon the southern coast of a Turkish peninsula bearing the same name and offers a great mix of sights and pleasures ranging from aquatic to ancient and nocturnal. Take a day trip around the peninsula in clear blue water, then let loose on a strip in the town aptly called Bar Street. On a day when you’re preferably not too hungover, take a glimpse of Bodrum’s past with a visit to a castle built during the Crusades.
One might think that the best way to explore Ancient Greece is to, well, go to Greece; but the truth is, our modern borders do not collect the amphitheatres and artefacts of olden days all in a single country. Far from it! You’ll have your fair share of ancient Greek sites to explore right here in Bodrum, among so much else. The sheer variety of eras represented in Bodrum is something to behold.
What are the best things to do in Bodrum?
1. Museum of Underwater Archaeology
Immerse yourself in the lost treasures of the ocean floor
Good for: Families, History, Photo
The Museum of Underwater Archaeology is located inside Bodrum Castle, displaying valuable artefacts of various origins. You’ll find shipwrecks dating back to the Hellenistic period of Ancient Greece, as well as antiquities from the Ottoman and Crusader eras. The oldest shipwreck on display in a museum is here, which is around 3,500 years old.
With such a wide range of time periods, the museum’s 14 exhibition halls have more than enough to excite the imagination. You can even see models of boats and underwater excavations, lending context to Bodrum’s rich history.
Location: Çarşı Mh., 48400 Bodrum, Muğla, Türkiye
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 4.30 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +90 (0)252 316 2516
Museum of Underwater Archaeology
2. Castle of St. Peter
Explore a fortification of a medieval war
Good for: History, Photo
Castle of St. Peter is a multinational structure that was a Christian stronghold built by the Knights Templar during the Crusades. Also known as Bodrum Castle. it has changed hands (and uses) throughout the years, which results in a rich and colourful history.
The vast expanse of the 15th-century castle promises a lot of walking and sightseeing, including 4 towers of English, French, Italian and German architecture, respectively. To top it all off, a breathtaking view of the harbour from the battlements is not to be missed.
Location: Çarşı Mh., 48400 Bodrum, Muğla, Türkiye
Open: Daily from 9 am to 4.30 pm (museum sections closed on Mondays)
Phone: +90 (0)252 316 2516
Castle of St. Peter
3. Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
See the remains of an ancient wonder
Good for: History, Photo
Very little remains of Halicarnassus, but when you come here, you can say you have stood at the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The word mausoleum itself originates from this once-towering edifice, named after Mausolos, a king from the 4th century BC.
Destroyed by earthquakes over the years, Halicarnassus now houses models and art that show what it looked like way back when. The marble towers and remaining sculptures evoke a history that still lingers in Bodrum.
Location: Tepecik, Turgut Reis Cd. No. 93, 48440 Bodrum, Muğla, Türkiye
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +90 (0)252 316 1219
Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
4. A boat day trip around Bodrum Peninsula
Forget your itinerary for a day and just relax
Good for: Couples, Families, Adventure
Day-tripping around Bodrum Peninsula? Bring your bathing suit – you’ll be spending a lot of time in the ocean. Many boat trips around the peninsula often stop for swimming and snorkelling. You’ll also get the chance to visit areas only accessible by these boats. What else will you be doing the rest of the day? Sunbathing and relaxing, of course.
Be sure to choose your trip carefully – find an independently-run excursion that hosts less than 15 people to get the best experience. Meals and drinks are often included in the package.
Location: Çarşı, Müftü Yakup Önes Cd., 48400 Bodrum, Muğla, Türkiye
A boat day trip around Bodrum Peninsula
5. Yahsi Beach
Recline on golden sands and let your worries slip away
Good for: Families, Photo, Budget
Yahsi Beach offers a great seaside experience near Bodrum, thanks to its clean and clear waters, along with a very accessible strip of sand. The beach has many amenities and things to do in the surrounding area. There’s no shortage of places to eat, drink and sleep close by, so you can turn your phone off and relax knowing that everything you need is close by. This popular beach on the Bodrum peninsula is long and winding, so be sure to keep walking until you find the spot that’s right for you.
Location: Ortakentyahşi, Bodrum-yalıkavak Yolu, 48420 Bodrum, Muğla, Türkiye
Yahsi Beach
6. Shopping in Bodrum Old Town
Feast your eyes on local artisanal goods
Good for: Shoppers
In Bodrum Old Town, you won’t believe how many different souvenirs you can find. Items range from the artistic to the functional, and everything in between. Stands display vibrant wares that will, for years to come, bring to mind the sunny coast of Bodrum.
One way to get a unique experience is to haggle and negotiate whenever buying. It’s part of the culture here, and you may find that the social ritual adds a bit of regional flavour. Be sure to shop around and find the best prices, too.
Location: Çarşı, Müftü Yakup Önes Cd., 48400 Bodrum, Muğla, Türkiye
Shopping in Bodrum Old Town
7. Bodrum windmills
Escape the noise of the city and linger among ghosts
Good for: History, Photo, Budget, Adventure
A refreshing hike up to the Bodrum windmills lets you stretch your legs and find one of the gorgeous old sites in the Turkish peninsula. Quite remote from other attractions in and around Bodrum, these windmills stand in blissful silence above the harbour.
The derelict structures humble you with a heavy, nostalgic atmosphere, allowing for a meditative break away from the city lifestyle. Though you might spend more time at the beach or the bar, you might just remember the quiet hour at the Bodrum windmills. The views of the water and harbour are not to be missed, either.
Location: Dağbelen, 48400 Bodrum, Muğla, Türkiye
Bodrum windmills
8. Akyarlar and other inland villages
You’ve never been this far from home
Good for: History, Photo
Explore the sleepy villages around Bodrum for a glimpse at the port city’s truly local life. Many towns are huddled along the coast, so you won’t want for views of the water while you explore ancient cobblestone streets.
Go on a boat trip around Akyarlar, visit Rabbit Island just off Gümüşlük, take up water sports in Kadikalesi and explore the ruins and hills around Gündoğan. Küçükbuk’s name just means ‘small bay,’ so come here for a quieter time, away from the hustle and bustle of the more tourist-packed areas of the Bodrum peninsula.
Location: Akyarlar, 48960 Bodrum, Muğla, Türkiye
Akyarlar and other inland villages
9. Bodrum Amphitheatre
Hear music like you never have before
Good for: Couples, History, Photo, Nightlife
Bodrum Amphitheatre is a historical site where you should watch the sunset from at least once during your visit to the Turkish peninsula. A theatre almost 2,500 years old, it hosts concerts in the summer with an audience capacity of several thousand. Expect a warm, open-air music experience in an Ancient Greek theatre.
Tons of ancient sites abound in and around Europe, but Bodrum Amphitheatre is among the few that can claim to still be in use. You can explore the old amphitheatre and catch some amazing views of the city. Its proximity to the harbour means that it isn’t too hard to get to, either.
Location: Yeniköy, 48400 Bodrum, Muğla, Türkiye
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +90 (0)252 316 8061
Bodrum Amphitheatre
10. Bodrum Bar Street
Party until late on a street named for its nightlife
Good for: Nightlife
Bodrum Bar Street is the nickname for Cumhuriyet Street, which starts from the square in front of Bodrum Castle and winds east along the coast. This mile-long street bustles with vibrant nightlife spots.
Start your evening with a Turkish coffee to keep you going all night, then take your pick of beachfront bars with pricey cocktails or clubs where you can dance the night away. With several spots lining the street, like Halikarnas Night Club, Kule Rock City Bar and Reef Beach Bar, you can’t throw a rock without hitting a good time.
Location: Cumhuriyet Cd. 48400 Bodrum, Muğla, Türkiye
Bodrum Bar Street
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.