Bodrum is known for its historical landmarks, boat tours, and upscale tourism offerings. It’s become the place where celebrities and influencers flock for a luxurious Turkish vacation. With stunning beaches and great restaurants, Bodrum has a little bit of everything to keep you busy.
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Castle of St. Peter
Bodrum’s must-see sites are the medieval Crusader castle and the Museum of Underwater Archeology, which holds some of the world’s finest shipwreck artifacts that have been discovered over the years.
The Mausoleum
The ruins of the monumental tomb of King Mausolus of Caria are so impressive that it gave its name to every grand tomb since. The tomb was built for him in his memory by his sister, who was also his wife, and is hidden on a back street in Bodrum.
Greco-Roman Theater
Built as these ancient theaters were at the top of the town with a splendid view, it’s a great place to sit and gaze at Bodrum. You can see Bodrum Castle and its bay, perfect for sunset.
Visit Yalıkavak Marina
Yalıkavak may be one of the towns that will interest you the most among the towns in Bodrum. You should definitely stop by to see the yachts, have a nice meal, and shop in the luxurious marina, which has been renovated in recent years.
Swim in Göltürkbükü
Göltürkbükü is one of the oldest settlements in Bodrum. But since the sea is so beautiful here, there are many beach clubs. You can swim at both private and public beaches and have fun at happy hours, take a walk along the coastline, and buy souvenirs from small shops.
Shop in Turgutreis
Turgutreis is another holiday resort famous for its marina. You can attend a summer cinema event or a music festival in its marina, have dinner at its restaurants where you can try local delicacies, swim and sunbathe all day, go shopping, take home souvenirs, in short, have a very pleasant time.
Have an Icecream in Bitez
Bitez gets a lot of wind, so this makes it a very popular location for windsurfing. You can try many water sports here and have fun!
Don't leave without eating ice cream at Bitez Ice Cream Shop, which is famous throughout Turkey. There are limitless options, it might be a better idea to stop by frequently to try as many as possible!
Try Watersports in Gümbet
Gümbet has a very long sandy coastline. The most popular water sports centers in Bodrum are also located here, where you can experience all water sports from jet ski to parasailing.
Have a Dinner in Gümüşlük
Gümüşlük has the sweetest taverns (meyhane) of Bodrum. The ideal place for eating fish and drinking rakı (rakı - balık yapmak) at sunset is this bohemian town of Bodrum. There are so many restaurants and shops along the beach.
The most special detail about Gümüşlük is that you can go to the Tavşan Adası (Rabit Island) on foot since the sea is shallow. This small island also carries archaeological remains of the Ancient City of Myndos.
Yacht Cruises
Bodrum is one of Turkey’s prime yachting ports. If you don’t decide to take a week-long Blue Voyage, you can readily enjoy a day cruise around the Bodrum peninsula like a stop for lunch and a swim. Bodrum has numerous shore excursions to other islands and beaches only reachable by boat. You can go down to the harbor the night before you want to sail and talk to the captains. Read more about our recommended tours.
Excursions
The Bodrum peninsula offers lots of options for day trips, including the many small towns (with beaches) on the peninsula, the yacht-building ship works at İçmeler, and trips into the mountains for those interested in visiting local villages. You can even go as far north as Ephesus, with numerous other interesting stops along the way.
You can expand your holiday by traveling to many districts of Muğla from Bodrum. Popular holiday resorts such as Marmaris, Datça, and Akyaka will offer you a different experience than Bodrum. Especially if you have a car, you can visit small villages such as Ören, Çökertme, and Mazı and admire the magnificent nature of the Aegean. You can find more information here.
Bodrum is one of Turkey’s prime yachting ports. If you don’t decide to take a week-long Blue Voyage, you can readily enjoy a day cruise around the Bodrum peninsula like a stop for lunch and a swim. Bodrum has numerous shore excursions to other islands and beaches only reachable by boat. You can go down to the harbor the night before you want to sail and talk to the captains. Read more about our recommended tours.
Nightlife
For decades, Bodrum has been famous for its nightlife. Ever since an old Ottoman-Greek mansion was converted from a family pension to the renowned Halikarnas Disco, it’s become the place where vacationers looking to have a fun night through the morning go.
Alternatively, lively bars and clubs are not the only things to do at night. If you prefer a quiet dinner you can have a look at an open-air table in a waterfront restaurant along Neyzen Tevfik Caddesi near the Bodrum Marina.
Visit Bodrum
Because of its great location on the Aegean Sea, Bodrum offers plenty of things to do for travelers. Whether you’re a history buff, a sea lover, or a nightlife fan, there’s something here for everyone.
—by Tom Brosnahan, updated by Melike Kocaer
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