Searching for an adventurous and culturally enriching travel experience? Look no further than beautiful Bodrum, Turkey.
Enjoy breathtaking views of the ancient city on a boat tour in the sparkling blue waters of The Aegean Sea or stroll along miles of golden beachfront as you explore one of Turkey’s most vibrant hotspots. Here are the best things to do in Bodrum.
Top 5 Things to Do in Bodrum, Turkey
Bodrum has a great location on the Aegean coast in Turkey. It’s just a 1 hour and 25 minutes flight from Istanbul to Bodrum. The city is a popular vacation destination for its sandy beaches.
With plenty to do in Bodrum, from visiting historical sites to experiencing local culture and cuisine, it’s easy to find something that suits your interests. Join us as we take a virtual tour through some of the top attractions and activities that will make your visit to Bodrum truly unforgettable!
1. Bodrum Marina and Seafront
Officially known as Milta Bodrum Marina, this popular hotspot is located in the heart of Turkey’s most vibrant city. It has been named one of the most beautiful marinas in Europe due to its picturesque view that overlooks Yalikavak Bay.
Milta Bodrum Marina boasts a large range of available services and activities such as yacht repairs and charters, luxurious accommodation and evening entertainment. Bodrum harbour is lined with palm trees and flowers and houses some great luxury stores.
It can berth up to 450 yachts, and you will see many beautiful old wooden boats, or “gulets” that can be chartered for a day trip.
There are quite a few interesting statues to look out for along the way, including one of a diver with a diving helmet. The Statue of Love is particularly striking.
You’ll come across several Bodrum nightclubs, like Funk Club. Heading back towards the Castle, there’s a great display of Turkish flags.
2. Bodrum Museum
Bodrum Museum is a picturesque site, housed in the Castle and containing the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. There are many treasures that have been recovered from the sea and it’s very well presented.
The castle was actually built from stones that were part of one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, the Mausoleum of Halicarnasus, of which more later. You’ll probably see cats playing outside, as there are many in Bodrum.
If you walk beyond the Castle right to the end you will find the sea wall and great views over the bay.
3. Bodrum Market
Just a few minutes from the Castle, Bodrum Market is a maze of shady streets and a great place to get out of the sun. You can buy all kinds of presents: colourful lanterns, silk scarves, leather goods and blue charms to ward off the evil eye.
Make sure to bring cash and your haggling skills — bargaining is an essential part of the shopping experience here. Get ready for an exciting mix of sights, smells and sounds as you explore through this traditional open-air market!
The market stays open until midnight, and there are restaurants and coffee shops inside. We particularly like the cakes at Yunuslar cafe and went there twice.
Tuesday is the clothes shopping day, while Fridays are focused on fresh food produce.
4. The Mausoleum – 7th Wonder of the Ancient World
After shopping, it’s time for some culture. Today there is not so much left of the Mausoleum, it must have been an incredible sight.
It was built as a tribute to Mausolus, the ruler of Halicarnassus by his wife Artemisia when he died in 353 BC. She vowed to create the most impressive tomb in the world.
The building became one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and made the word “mausoleum” famous. The original tomb was destroyed by the Crusaders in the 13th century, and rediscovered by the archaeologist Charles Thomas Newton in 1846.
You can wander freely around the grounds and admire the stone columns. A couple of the original statues are located in the British Museum, London. There are often
cats relaxing amongst the ruins – you’ll see a lot of them in Bodrum. In the grounds, there’s a hidden tunnel which gets narrower as you go on.
5. The Antique Theatre
Dating from the 4th century BC, the Antique Theatre is clearly visible from the road. This famous Turkish landmark is a 10 minute cab ride from the centre of Bodrum and gives a panoramic view across the bay.
The amphitheater has a capacity of around 13,000 guests and outdoor concerts are sometimes held here. Its size is impressive, with 17 terraced rows built upon a slope. Despite some repairs along its extensive history and even after suffering from multiple earthquakes, most parts of it remain well preserved.
Today, Bodrum’s ancient theatre is still used for cultural performances, attracting many tourists from around the world to marvel at its architecture and majestic aura.
After all this culture, you’ll have worked up an appetite. We suggest that you head back to the marina for a magical evening at Bistro Marina Bodrum.
Located right at the very far end of the marina, it’s next to a working lighthouse. You sit by the rocks, looking out over the boats and the illuminated castle in the distance.
Everyone has the same set menu, with some delicious Turkish mezze. They have blankets available as nights can be a bit chilly.
Final Thoughts: Things to Do in Bodrum Turkey
All in all, there is so much to do in Bodrum that you will not be bored. This historically rich town boasts a plethora of activities ranging from hiking lush mountainsides to exploring archaeological ruins.
Whether you’re seeking relaxation on a beach or looking forward to an exciting adventure in history and culture, there is something here for everyone.
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