10 Amazing Things to Do in Bodrum

Whether you’re after history, entertainment, culture, or cuisine, Bodrum has a lot to offer. Beautiful beaches and turquoise waters on the stunning Turkish coastline surrounding the Aegean Sea surround the city, making it the perfect place to relax in the sun while enjoying its magnificent views.

Home to one of the old wonders of the world, there are many interesting historical sites to visit and some great museums. With so much to see and do, Bodrum is the perfect place to visit and you will definitely enjoy all that this wonderful Turkish city has to offer.

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1. Bodrum Castle

Looking out imperiously over the waters surrounding it, Bodrum Castle is the most popular tourist attraction in Bodrum – and with good reason. Built between 1402 and 1437 by the Knights of St John, its domineering walls are remarkably well-preserved, considering their age.

Its fantastic turrets and towers only add to the castle’s magnificent appearance. A couple of them are named the French and English Tower; this indicates the international nature of the Knights’ order as Catholic factions came together to fight the Ottomans.

Vast halls lie inside the castle walls and it is also home to the brilliant Museum of Underwater Archaeology that houses so many interesting artifacts from around the local area. A captivating place to visit, Bodrum Castle is a must-see when visiting the city.

2. Bodrum Amphitheater

Dating back to the 4th century BC, this beautiful amphitheater was built in Roman times and – though quite small – is definitely worth a visit. The steps and seats of the well-preserved amphitheater were built on the slope.

From the upper floors, you have wonderful views of the mountains and the sea in front of you. The amphitheater, which has a capacity of about 13,000 people in the summer, hosts a number of major concerts and festivals, as well as some local cultural events.

3. Bitez Beach

Located about six kilometers from Bodrum, the fantastic Bitez Beach is worth a visit when you’re in town if you’re looking for a relaxing place. The beautiful clear water surrounding the long strip of sand, lying in a hammock and watching the world is just divine; olive and citrus groves create a peaceful backdrop to the end of the bay.

More active beach visitors can enjoy the water sports on offer, and windsurfing is particularly popular. If you’re looking for a change of scenery, Bitez Village is not too far away.

4. Bodrum Underwater Archeology Museum

Located inside Bodrum Castle, this wonderful museum is a fascinating place to visit. It is the world’s largest museum dedicated to underwater archeology. Examining its ancient vases, jewelry and a large collection of glassware is as interesting as it is educational and offers an incredible glimpse of some of the finds discovered under the waves.

Featuring a wide variety of discoveries from old shipwrecks, the museum is great to wander around. It also showcases the tomb of a Carian princess, as well as a lovely old chapel containing finds from the Mycenaean Age from the 14th to 12th centuries BC!

5. Zeki Müren Art Museum

This wonderful institution, dedicated to the musician and actor who gave the art museum its name, is the last place Zeki Müren lived just before his death. A famous Turkish singer, the museum gives an interesting insight into his personal life and amazing career, and fans will love this fascinating collection.

Souvenirs, merchandise, and more take you on the journey of his life and explain how he became such a famous artist across the country.

6. Windmills in Bodrum

Situated on a hill overlooking Bodrum, Gumbet, and even the Greek island of Kos, the old windmills are in various repair situations, some well preserved, some looking much worse to wear.

Its whitewashed walls shimmering in the sun stand out against the blue sky above them and the grass bleached in the sun that surrounds them. A wonderfully secluded place, the windmills may not be much to look after themselves, but the view from the top of the hill is breathtaking and worth the climb.

7. Bardakci Beach

One of Bodrum’s most beautiful beaches, Bardakçı is not far from the city center and is the perfect place if you want to relax and sunbathe after a busy morning of sightseeing.

Located in a small cove, palm trees cover the sand and have a wonderful view of the clear waters. Because it is a holiday village, Bardakçı is well developed. Therefore, there are more than enough tourist facilities to keep you busy. You can try your hand at water sports, relax at the spa or enjoy a drink while lying on the beach.

8. Yahsi Beach

With its long sandy beach, enticing water, and a plethora of bars, restaurants, and shops, Yahsi has something for everyone to enjoy. Relaxing on the beach is a lovely way to spend the day, although it can get quite crowded and is geared predominantly towards tourists.

Conveniently located right next to a whole host of different food outlets, you can be enjoying a meal one minute and be back in the warm water of the Aegean the next.

9. Boat Trip

One of the most popular things to do for tourists from Bodrum, Turkey’s coastline surrounding the charming coves, bays, and the boat trip is to the beach. There are many great tour providers in the city, and cruises are a great way to see more of the beach while enjoying life on board.

During the excursions, you inevitably take a break for snorkeling in the pristine turquoise waters, visit the hot springs in Kara Ada and watch the beauty of the Turkish coastline. A wonderful day, a boat tour in the waters surrounding Bodrum is a wonderful experience that you will not forget anytime soon.

10. Halicarnassus Mausoleum

Once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the only thing left from Anıtkabir is its remains; It has been destroyed by a series of earthquakes over the centuries. The tomb was built for King Mausolus and apparently reached a height of 46 meters. Its fantastic friezes led to it being celebrated with its beauty and impressive architecture.

In addition to the earthquakes, the Knights of St. John took away most of the old blocks to assist in building Bodrum Castle. While the ruins may not look as spectacular as the shrine did during its heyday, there is a scale model replica to help you imagine what it looked like.

Its striking aesthetics were so famous that the design of numerous buildings and monuments around the world was based on this famous mausoleum. Halicarnassus Mausoleum, which has a special place in history, is worth seeing when you come to Bodrum.