The Top 10 Things to Do in Bodrum

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boats docked by Bodrum Castle

The Top 10 Things to Do in Bodrum

On Turkey's Turquoise Coast, you'll find the beautiful city of Bodrum, a place where sun-soaked bays buzz with activity, local taverns serve up mouth-watering mezes and centuries-old sights give a glimpse into times gone by. A mix of old and new, here you'll find authentic whitewashed streets that lead to bustling bazaars along with stylish marinas where superyachts bob on the glistening waters and swanky bars overlook the Aegean.

With beaches, landmarks, markets and a whole host of cafes, restaurants and bars, holidays in Bodrum can be as lively or as low-key as you want them to be. Whether you prefer to top up your tan or your history knowledge, here's our round-up of the top things to do in Bodrum.

whitewashed houses with the sea behind
Whitewashed houses in Bodrum

What to do in Bodrum

1. Visit Bodrum Castle

Let’s start with Bodrum’s most famous landmark; Bodrum Castle. Dating back to the 15th century, this ancient fortress consists of five main towers, walls, gates, courtyards and a chapel. Its location, perched above the harbour, adds to its grandeur. As you can probably imagine, the views here are pretty special, with magnificent vistas of the town and beyond. Inside Bodrum Castle, you'll also find the Museum of Underwater Archaeology where you can witness shipwrecks and a range of ancient artifacts.

2. Discover Bodrum Beaches

Bodrum is renowned for its incredible coastline where sparkling azure waters lap soft sandy beaches. There's something for every taste here, whether you prefer buzzing bays crammed with sun loungers or hidden coves away from the crowds. If lively is what you like, then you’ll love Gümbet Beach. This long strip of sand is surrounded by bars, restaurants and hotels. It's also known for its watersports, with visitors flocking to its shores for everything from jet skiing to windsurfing. Yahşi Beach is another popular beach in Bodrum, with clear waters and plenty to keep you occupied when you're not swimming or sunbathing. Or, if you prefer something a little bit off-the-beaten-path, then try Aspat Beach. Not only does it have a picture-perfect setting with lush greenery lining the sands, it's also much quieter than some of Bodrum's other beaches.

sandy bay backed by green forests
Sandy bay backed by green forests in Bodrum

3. Sample the local cuisine

With a culinary scene consisting of fresh Aegean and Mediterranean flavours, foodies will be in heaven in Bodrum. Mezes are a must-try, a selection of small dishes that are popular in Turkish culture. Other must-try dishes include Çökertme Kebab made up of potatoes, yoghurt and tenderloin meat and seafood such as fresh seabass and octopus salad. If you fancy a casual bite to eat, follow the delicious aromas to the local bazaars where you can sample Bodrum's street food. There are also countless restaurants dotted along the waterfront and throughout the town for both laid-back lunches and fancy 3-course dinners alike.

4. Check out the Ancient Theatre of Halicarnassus

Bodrum’s ancient theatre is a must-visit whilst on holiday on Bodrum. Dating back to the 4th Century BC, this ancient masterpiece once held 13,000 spectators for performances and gladiator battles. Time your visit right and you can even enjoy performances today, with concerts still taking place in the summer months. As well as admiring the ancient theatre, from here you can also enjoy stunning views over Bodrum.

The Theatre at Halicarnassus in Bodrum
Ancient Theatre of Halicarnassus

5. Go shopping

In between sunbathing and sightseeing, allow some time for some shopping. You can’t visit Bodrum without heading to the Bodrum Bazaar. An atmospheric spot, you’ll find lively lanes overflowing with stalls selling everything from clothing to food and trinkets. It’s the perfect spot to pick up a souvenir for back home or even to just wander through the streets and soak up Bodrum’s vibrant culture. As well as the town’s bustling markets, you’ll also find shopping malls such as the Oasis Mall where you can shop all the well-known retailers.

6.  Wander along the waterfront

Experience Bodrum’s glamorous side with a wander around the Yalıkavak marina. This chic part of the city is where superyachts bob along the glistening Aegean waters. The setting is beautiful, especially at sunset and with trendy bars and restaurants lining the waterfront, it’s the perfect spot for an evening aperitif or an indulgent dinner with a view.

7. Take a boat trip

Exploring Bodrum’s beautiful peninsula by boat is a great way to see Bodrum from another perspective and discover some of the area's best-kept secrets. There are plenty of boat tours available in Bodrum, most of which include swimming and snorkelling stops in the area’s stunning bays. There are also many boat trips taking you to destinations such as Orak Island, known for its crystal-clear waters that are abundant with colourful marine life. With a sailing duration of around 20 minutes on the Bodrum to Kos ferry route, you can easily do a day trip from Turkey to Greece whilst you're here too.

boats in the water off the coast of Bodrum
Boats off the coast of Bodrum

8.  Visit the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus

Step back in time at this ancient landmark. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus is one of Bodrum’s most important archaeological sites. Built between 353 and 351 BCE, this monument was the tomb of Mausolus, the ruler of Caria. Today you can explore the ruins and check out the museum to find out more about the tomb.

9. Explore Bodrum Old Town

The streets in Bodrum's Old Town are beautiful with whitewashed houses draped with colourful bougainvillea and narrow cobblestone streets leading you to quaint cafes and local shops. It's still very much got that traditional Turkish charm, with a wander through the atmospheric streets giving you an idea as to what Bodrum was like before it turned into a tourist hotspot.

10. Enjoy Bodrum's Nightlife

If you're here for the nightlife then you're in luck. Bodrum's nightlife scene is pretty diverse, with swanky beach clubs, laid-back bars and buzzing night clubs scattered across the town, waterfront and coastline. Gumbet is a popular nightlife spot. Here you’ll find the buzzing Bar Street, a street packed with bars and clubs that stay open until the early hours. If you fancy something a little more sophisticated, we’d recommend heading to the Marina where you can sip cocktails to sea views. Marina Yacht Club is a popular place, with a range of bars with beautiful views of the harbour and Bodrum Castle.

boats docked in Bodrum marina at sunset
Bodrum marina at sunset

Getting to Bodrum

If you’re travelling from the UK, then your best bet is to fly to Bodrum. You can get direct flights to Bodrum from major UK cities such as London, Birmingham and Manchester.

Alternatively, if you’re coming by ferry, you can get ferries to Bodrum from several destinations within Greece such as Kos, Kalymnos, Rhodes, Patmos and Symi. Ferries to Bodrum dock at Bodrum ferry port which is located right near the centre of the town, just a short walk from all the shops, restaurants and hotels in Bodrum.

Ready to experience all that Bodrum has to offer? Book your ferry to Bodrum today.

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