Bodrum is a beautiful Turkish coastal resort, located on the southern coast and overlooking the Aegean Sea. Considered the Saint Tropez of Turkey, it is a destination where luxury, worldliness and beach life meet. The two bays offer dreamy beaches and crystal-clear sea, while the old town is home to numerous museums and clubs to spend the evening in.
Here are all our tips on what to see in Bodrum, Turkey.
10 things to see in Bodrum
1 - St Peter's Castle
Photo by Ad Meskens. St Peter's Castle is the symbol of Bodrum. Located at the entrance to the harbour, it offers a splendid view over the Aegean Sea and the town. Built in the 15th century at the behest of members of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, today it is open to the public and you can walk along the ramparts and admire the beautiful garden.
Inside it houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, commissioned by the Turkish government in 1962. Among its rooms, you can admire numerous artefacts recovered during expeditions in the Aegean Sea. One of the most beautiful collections is certainly that of amphorae, but glass, jewellery and objects from different eras, such as Greek and Roman, as well as Egyptian and Ottoman, are also on display.
How to get there: in Çarşı, Kale Cd. Easily accessible from the harbour area (550 m, 6 min) and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus (1 km, 13 min) - Get directions
Hours: daily 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Ticket price: 20.00 TL (€1.30) / Some internal sections may require an additional ticket, on average 5.00 TL (€0.30)
2 - Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
Photo by sailko. 
Bodrum is most famous for housing the remains of one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World: the marvellous Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. Located right in the heart of the city and within easy walking distance of the castle, it is one of the must-sees!
It is a tomb complex built around 350 BC at the behest of Artemis II. The name comes from the fact that in those centuries Bodrum was the capital of the Persian kingdom of Carie, when it was called Halicarnassus. Today, the complex is in ruins and, in past centuries, many of its stones were used to build the castle. However, walking among its ruins is a truly unique experience, almost as if you were going back in time.
How to get there: in Tepecik, Turgut Reis Cd. 93. Easily accessible from the harbour area (400 m, 5 min) and St Peter's Castle (1 km, 13 min) - Get directions
Hours: summer daily 8:30-19:00, winter daily 8:30-17:30
Ticket price: 14.00 TL (€0.90)
3 - Myndos Gate
Photo by sailko. A few steps away from the old town, there is an attraction little known to most tourists, but definitely worth a visit. We are talking about the Myndos Gate, one of the two main entrances to the ancient city of Halicarnassus. It is a partially destroyed site, but accessible at any time of the day free of charge.
The gate is located in an elevated position above the city centre and thus offers a splendid view of the entire bay. But it is also an important historical site: under its arch, for instance, Alexander the Great passed by with his troops when they reached the city and conquered it.
The gate is located in Eskiçeşme. Easily accessible from the harbour area (1.2 km, 13 min) and St Peter's Castle (2 km, 25 min) - Get directions
4 - Ancient Theatre of Halicarnassus
Photo by KaTeznik. Another attraction with important historical value is the Ancient Theatre of Halicarnassus, located just north of the old town and housed within the Halicarnassus Ancient City complex. Like the Myndos Gate, the theatre is also located on a hill, in an elevated position above the old town, offering a splendid view of the castle and the entire bay.
The Theatre of Halicarnassus is one of the oldest theatres in the whole of Anatolia. It was first built during the time of King Mausolus and the construction of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, but was later modified by the Romans. It is still in use today: during the warm season it is the venue for numerous events and concerts.
It is located in Yeniköy, Kıbrıs Şehitleri Cd. Easily accessible from the harbour area (1.5 km, 20 min) and St Peter's Castle (2 km, 25 min). Free admission, concerts and events for a fee - Get directions
5 - Bodrum Maritime Museum
Given its location on the coast, Bodrum has always had an important connection with the sea. For this reason, we recommend a visit to the town's Maritime Museum, which is also perfect if you are travelling with children. The museum is located right in the heart of the old town, completely surrounded by small shops selling spices and local products.
The Maritime Museum is spread over two floors and, among the various collections, you can admire numerous models of a caique, the typical boat of the area, in the past used mainly as a means of transport and for fishing. The collection of shells is also wonderful, with lots of specimens!
How to get there: in Çarşı Mah, Nazım Hikmet Sk. Easily accessible from the harbour area (400 m, 5 min) and St Peter's Castle (350 m, 4 min) - Get directions
Hours: Tue-Sun 9:30-17:00, Mon closed
Ticket price: full 25.00 TL (€1.60), concessions 15.00 TL (€1.00)
6 - Zeki Muren Art Museum
If you want to learn more about Turkish culture and art, then a visit to the Zeki Muren Art Museum, located on the opposite side of the bay from the castle and just a short walk from Bodrum beach, is a must. Zeki Muren was one of Turkey's most important singers, composers and artists, who was also awarded the title 'State Artist' in 1991.
This museum is none other than the artist's former home, which opens its doors to supporters and even the merely curious. Among the rooms of the house, you can admire several of Müren's clothes, as well as wonderful paintings by him. Definitely a different but unmissable attraction to get to know Turkish culture.
How to get there: in Kumbahçe, Zeki Müren Cd. 11. Easily accessible from the port area (1.2 km, 15 min) and St Peter's Castle (1.3 km, 16 min) - Get directions
Hours: Tue-Sun 9:00-17:00, Mon closed
Ticket price: 10.00 TL (€0.60)
7 - Bodrum Beaches
But Bodrum is not only history and culture, it is also sea and fun. Nicknamed the Saint Tropez of Turkey, it is characterised by crystal-clear sea, beautiful beaches and a wild nightlife: in Bodrum and its surroundings you can find some of the most famous discos in Turkey. An ideal destination, therefore, to combine many completely different activities.
The beaches in and around Bodrum are numerous and all different. In town, close to the Zeki Muren museum, is Bodrum beach(get directions), easily accessible on foot and ideal for spending a few hours relaxing between visits. If you are looking for a wide beach with several facilities, then we recommend Bitez beach, about 6 km from the centre of Bodrum (Getdirections). If, on the other hand, you are looking for a wild beach, away from traffic and touristy places, we recommend Torba beach, about 7 km from Bodrum (Getdirections).
8 - Gümüşlük Village
Photo by Yilmaz Oevuenc. If you are in Bodrum, we recommend that you also explore the beautiful surroundings. Definitely not to be missed is a visit to Gümüşlük, also located on the coast, in the bay of the same name, about 20 km west of Bodrum. It can be reached by car or taxi via the D330 (30 min, average cost €6.00; get directions).
Gümüşlük is a quiet fishing village. Here you can stroll through the narrow streets of the old town and the stalls of the local market and relax on the beautiful beaches, which are much quieter than those in Bodrum. There is no shortage of seafood restaurants, especially along the seafront. This is a very romantic resort, ideal to visit if you are travelling with your sweetheart!
9 - Village of Turgutreis
Photo by User:Patrickneil. Apart from the wonderful Gümüşlük, another place not to be missed in the surrounding area is Turgutreis. These two villages are located close to each other, so it would be ideal to visit them together in one day. Turgutreis is about 19 km from Bodrum and can be reached by car or taxi via the D330 (25 min, average fare €5.00; get directions).
Turgutrei, like Gümüşlük, is a small fishing village, where life flows slowly and simply. If you visit on a Saturday you can lose yourself among the stalls of its bazaar, alternatively you can enjoy a tea or Turkish coffee in one of the many waterfront cafés.
10 - Orak Island
Photo by Tamer BÜKE. Finally, if you are in Bodrum, we recommend a boat trip into the bay. You will have several possibilities, such as enjoying a full-day boat trip of diving and swimming, enjoying a cruise in a pirate boat or reaching one of the islands not far from the coast.
One of the most beautiful islands to explore is certainly Orak Island. It is an uninhabited island and only accessible by sea, which is why it has preserved its beautiful habitat and crystal-clear waters. The best way to get there is to join aboat excursion from Bodrum, where you will be able to dock on the island, enjoy its beautiful sea and even snorkel to admire the view of the seabed!
How to get there: off the coast of Bodrum. Accessible only by sea by boat or by boat excursion from Bodrum, departing from the port of Halikarnas - Get directions
Timetable: island always accessible by sea / boat excurs ion starting at 11am, duration 7h
Ticket price: boat excursion from Bodrum €25.00 per person
What to see in Bodrum in a day: recommended itinerary
Start the morning at the ancient gateway to the city, the Myndos Gate, where you can admire the entire city from above. From here, enjoy a stroll through the streets of the centre until you reach the Ancient Theatre of Halicarnassus, a true piece of the city's history. Finally, end the morning with a visit to the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World.
For lunch, stop at Liman Köftecisi, near the harbour, to enjoy the famous Turkish meatballs, and then follow the seafront promenade all the way to St Peter's Castle, a must-see in the city, which houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Finally, end the afternoon strolling along the promenade until you reach Bodrum beach for some sun and relaxation.
For dinner, return to the harbour area, the heart of the town's renowned nightlife. Before partying, we recommend dinner at The Kalamata.
One-day itinerary at a glance
Myndos Gate
Ancient Theatre of Halicarnassus
Mausoleum of Halicarnassus - hours: daily, summer 8:30am-7pm, winter 8:30am-5:30pm - ticket cost: 14.00 TL (€0.90)
Lunch at Liman Köftecisi(Get directions)
St. Peter's Castle - times: daily 9:00-16:30 - ticket cost: 20.00 TL (€1.30)
Bodrum Beach
Evening at The Kalamata(Get directions)
What and where to eat in Bodrum: specialities and restaurants
Bodrum's culinary tradition, given its location along the coast, is a typical Turkish cuisine with influences from Mediterranean and Greek cuisines. Many dishes are extremely similar, if not the same, to Greek ones. The most characteristic places to eat are definitely the Turkish taverns, where you can find the great classics such as kebabs, kofte and dolmades, but also lots of fish dishes, always fresh. Here are some of the places you should definitely stop at:
The Kalamata: a restaurant a few steps from the harbour with excellent fish dishes, try the grilled sea bass
Average price per person: €20.00
Address and contact details: Çarşı,(Get directions) / tel: +90 5366347880Liman Köftecisi: Turkish tavern with traditional cuisine, the speciality is kofte, or lamb meatballs, try the marina kofte
Average price per person: €5.00
Address and contact details: Eskiçeşme Mah, Neyzen Tevfik(Get directions) / tel: +90 2523165060Otantik Ocakbaşı: Turkish tavern specialising in barbecue and meat dishes, try the kekab in different variations
Average price per person: €15.00
Address and contact details: Çarşı, Atatürk Cd.(Get directions) / tel: +90 2523130058
What to do in the evening: Bodrum's nightlife areas and best clubs
Bodrum is definitely one of Turkey's party towns, so much so that it is also called Turkey's Saint Tropez. If you are looking for sea, nightlife and fun, then you are in the right place: here you can find some of the country's most famous clubs. Besides restaurants and nightclubs to spend the evening in, you can spend the whole night in the clubs located mainly along Cumhuriyet Caddesi street, near the harbour area, and all along the bay.
Best pubs, clubs and discos
Mahmut Kaptanın Yeri: a typical Turkish tavern where the atmosphere becomes more cheerful and festive as the hours go by, based on the popular aniseed liquor raki, beer and wine ,/ Address: Çarşı, 5. Sk.(Get directions)
Halikarnas Club: Bodrum's most famous disco and one of the biggest in Turkey, located on the bay, open until late at night / Address: Cumhuriyet Cd. 132(Get directions)
MarinaYatch Club: marina club with 3 restaurants and 4 bars with live music, theme parties and great cocktails, ideal for any kind of entertainment / Address: Neyzen Tevfik Cd 5 (Getdirections)
Plan your stay in Bodrum: info and tips
Location and directions: on the southern coast of Turkey, 480 km from Antalya. Served by Milas-Bodrum Airport, from Italy flights with stopovers in Istanbul or Ankara;
Gettingaround: on foot, the centre is cosy and the attractions all close together. The beaches and main discos are also within walking distance from the centre, in the bay and harbour area. For places in the surrounding area, get around by taxi;
Where to stay: compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking.
