What to do in Bodrum? Bodrum sights
St Peter's Castle in Halicarnassus
One of the most visited attractions in Bodrum is St Peter's Castle, which is well preserved and can be seen inside.
St Peter's Castle is the symbol of Bodrum. Everywhere you look in the city you'll see this historic monument.
Facing the turquoise sea, St Peter's Castle was built in the 15th century (between 1402 and 1409), the engineering work of the Knights Hospitallers. But there were earlier buildings on the site.
The Knights Hospitallers used both volcanic stones and marble from the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, which had already been destroyed by an earthquake.
With the conquest of the region by the Ottomans in the 16th century, the knights were expelled and the castle went on to have various uses, including a military function for centuries.
Since 1964, Bodrum Castle has been home to the Museum of Underwater Archaeologywith pieces from different centuries found in the region's seas, rich in ancient artefacts.
It's worth visiting the interior of the Castle both for the museum's excellent collection, one of the most important in the world on the subject, and to enjoy the view, which is beautiful due to its privileged position on Bodrum Bay.
The Castle is usually open every day and costs 65 lira for adults.
Attractions in Bodrum Centre
Bodrum Marina
Bodrum has a small centre that is very busy in summer, with restaurants, nightclubs and many shops (including a bazaar with local products).
The most enjoyable walk is around Bodrum Marina, which has a tree-lined promenade on Neyzen Tevfik Street, as well as many restaurants.
To photograph beautiful boats and the Castle, continue along Neyzen Tevfik Street to Müftü Yakup Önes Street, a very photogenic spot.
On the peninsula where the Castle is located and around Cumhuriyet Street, there are plenty of narrow streets full of establishments aimed at tourists, especially discos and restaurants. In fact, Cumhuriyet Street is called Bar Street!
It's worth walking all the way down Cumhuriyet Street to Paşatarlası Street, where there's a small pebble beach.
Bodrum Amphitheatre
Bodrum's amphitheatre appears to be average in size, but it can actually seat up to 13,000 people.
The amphitheatre is free to enter and is located in the highest part of the city, with a beautiful view. It's worth a visit, after all, the monument is in good condition and is well over 2,000 years old.
It was first built in the 4th century BC at the behest of King Mausolo, and was enlarged and enriched in the second century AD during the Roman occupation.
Undoubtedly the most special and remarkable thing is to enjoy a performance in the Amphitheatre, which are more common in summer. If you get the chance, don't miss it!
Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
Historical monuments are part of tourism in Bodrum, after all, the city has a long history.
The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus is the attraction that most visitors are curious about, since the tomb of Mausolo (hence the word mausoleum) was one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World.
Probably built in 335 BC by his wife-sister, Artemisia II, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus was a gigantic construction, 45 metres high with Greek and Egyptian influences in its decoration.
It was divided into several parts richly adorned with animal statues, Doric columns, gold and even a pyramid.
However, the current state of the Halicarnassus Mausoleum is not good, as it is in ruins. It was badly damaged by an earthquake in the 14th century and its stones were used to build St Peter's Castle, as we mentioned.
What's more, much of what was left was taken to museums in Europe. There's very little left.
In any case, it's worth stopping by the archaeological site, which is usually a quiet place. The adult entrance fee is 14 Turkish lira.
Windmills
Just as Roman and Greek ruins are present in Turkey's coastal towns, windmills are also traditional.
At the top of the hill that separates Bodrum from Gumbet, there is a cluster of windmills. On this hill, you can take beautiful photos of the two towns and the windmills.
In reality, although there are five windmills, only one is in a good state of repair. The others are graffitied and dirty, with rubbish lying around.
It's a shame that this happens in one of the most popular places to visit in Bodrum. So, visiting the place is more about the views.
Beaches in Bodrum
Beach in the Old Town
The beaches are a popular attraction on the Bodrum Peninsula. Those who prioritise the beaches have to travel around the various towns and villages on the peninsula, most of which are connected by dolmus (vans).
There are no sandy beaches in Bodrum. The central beaches do have a nice sea, because they are pebble beaches and the sea is very clear, but they are not the best.
That's why it's best to take the dolmus or hire a car and visit other beaches.
If you're short on time, it's even better to take a boat trip around the coves to see places like Aquarium Bay, with clear water that can only be reached by boat.
Beaches near Bodrum
Gumbet
Among the nearest beaches, it's worth visiting Bardakci Bay (Cove), a bay close to the centre with several hotels and plenty of traffic. However, it may be difficult to get a space on the short strip of sand.
Two other beaches near Bodrum are: the busy Gumbet, which can be considered the most touristy beach on the peninsula; and Bitez, which is close to Gumbet but quieter, offering facilities and water sports.
We didn't think these beaches were anything special, even more so by Brazilian standards. We're used to much nicer beaches than Gumbet and Bitez.
Beaches on the Bodrum Peninsula
Ortakent. Source: Wikimedia
So, what are the best beaches on the Bodrum Peninsula?
The peninsula has several coves with beautiful little beaches that can only be reached by boat. These are the best beaches in the region.
But there are other worthwhile options, such as:
Ortakent: a town near Bodrum, whose main beach (Yahsi Beach) is a popular destination for Turks. Kargı Bay or Camel Beach is a sandy beach ideal for swimming, with a family atmosphere. After Kargı Bay there is another beach, Bagla Bay;
Yalikavak: a town in the north-western part of the peninsula, known as a luxury destination. Yalikavak has good beaches, including public beaches, several restaurants, shops and quality hotels. There is also a famous marina;
Gumusluk: is a village located on the western tip of the peninsula, with good beaches for swimming and relaxing. Gumusluk has underwater ruins of the ancient city of Myndos and you only have to go snorkelling to see them. If you're looking for structure and tranquillity, with plenty of fish restaurants, Gumusluk is worth a visit. The scenery is beautiful!
Torba: another small, quiet town in the region, but quite modern. There are resorts, restaurants and beaches, making it a good quick trip from Bodrum for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle.
Zeki Muren Museum
Statue of Zeki Muren in the Museum. Source: Wikimedia
Zeki Muren is a music icon in Turkey, one of the greatest and most beloved singers in the country's history.
Although most foreign tourists don't know who Zeki Muren was, it only takes a little research to fall in love with him and his unique personality.
Zeki Muren wore make-up, extravagant clothes and drew attention to himself, making him an exception in the 60s and 70s.
The Zeki Muren Museum is the house where he lived at the end of his life, with many objects, clothes and photos of the singer.
The adult ticket costs 10 lira and there are some subtitles in English, but not all of them. So if you want to visit the place, do your research beforehand.
Tours from Bodrum
Gundogan. Source: Flickr
The Bodrum Peninsula has other towns to visit besides those mentioned. Renting a car makes it much easier to get to know them.
In Turgutreis, there are boat trips to nearby beaches, plenty of opportunities for windsurfing and hiking. As the town is one of the largest on the peninsula, there is no shortage of tourist facilities.
Very quiet, small and relaxing is Gundogan, a town steeped in history and natural beauty.
You can go snorkelling, hiking, enjoy typical Turkish food or just relax in Gundogan. There are also trips to the peninsula's hidden bays.
Golturkbuku, on the other hand, is a city with famous resorts, small beaches and plenty of charm, making it a destination for wealthy and famous Turks.
Inland is Milas, the former capital of the Kingdom of Caria, a kingdom ruled by King Mausolo.
In addition to the ruins of the mausoleum that you can visit in Bodrum, there is a smaller replica of the tomb in Milas. Only this replica is more complete than the original.
Milas is also known for its carpet production.
Other excursions you can take are to the Greek islands.
Kos is the Greek island closest to Bodrum. On Kos, tourists look for beautiful beaches, Eleftherias Square and ancient buildings (Castle of the Knights of the Order of St John and the Sanctuary of Aesculapius).
As it is a medium-sized island, it even has an international airport, from where you can go to Mykonos or Athens.
Another common trip is to the island of Rhodes. There are beaches, a medieval old town, an acropolis, a palace, a monastery and an archaeological museum. Rhodes has a busy airport.
Map of Bodrum's tourist attractions
Check out the map for the location of all the sights in Bodrum mentioned in this article. Just click on the "arrow button" in the top bar to access the map legend.
Where to stay in Bodrum?
The geography of Bodrum is interesting. In the Old Town, near the Castle and the marina, the streets are flatter.
The further away from the centre, the steeper the streets. It's like in an amphitheatre!
So we recommend staying close to the Old Town, but far enough away from Cumhuriyet Street and the Castle because of the number of bars and clubs.
See our suggestions for the best hotels in Bodrum. We've done some thorough research, including some budget accommodation options.
Bodrum travel itineraries: How many days to stay in Bodrum?
As Bodrum mixes historical attractions, beaches and lively nightlife, how many days you stay there can vary greatly.
Many foreigners and Turks stay in resorts dotted around the peninsula and spend several days relaxing.
However, for the more conventional tourist, who wants to get to know a bit of every aspect of Bodrum, the minimum amount of days we recommend is 3 full days, i.e. 4 nights.
That way, you can hire a car and visit several beaches around the peninsula in one day. 2 full days are enough to enjoy the attractions and beaches closer to the city of Bodrum.
We hope these tips on what to do in Bodrum have been useful in planning your holiday! Read our full article on where to stay in Bodrum on the most worthwhile accommodation!
Enjoy your trip!