Sitting on the stunning southern shore of the same-named Turkish peninsula and home to a diverse range of sights and delights, visiting Bodrum is a one-of-a-kind travel experience in Turkey. Offering a mix of aquatic, ancient, and nightlife wonders, this port city is a gem on the Turkish Riviera and has an abundance of resorts and tourist destinations.
The gorgeous beaches, majestic coastline, and lush flora make it easy to understand why people flock to Bodrum when summertime rolls around. Whether tourists take a day excursion around the peninsula in the stunning blue sea, visit the ancient Greek castles, or relax and have fun on Bar Street in the town, a trip to Bodrum is an unforgettable one for all.
Take a look at some of the most popular and diverse things to do in Bodrum to have an amazing summer trip in this port city.
Top 10 Things To Explore When Visiting Bodrum, Turkey
One may believe that the best way to explore Ancient Greece is to, well, go to Greece; however, you can do all that and more in Bodrum. With plenty of ancient Greek landmarks, scenic landscapes, aquatic spots, and vibrant nightlife, here are the most popular things to do in the port city of Bodrum:
1. Visit the Museum of Underwater Archaeology
Inside Bodrum Castle lies the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, which showcases priceless artifacts from diverse origins. Shipwrecks from the Hellenistic period of Ancient Greece, artifacts from the Ottoman and Crusader centuries, and a 3,500-year-old shipwreck are set for display in this one-of-a-kind museum of wonder.
It has 14 display halls that offer more than enough to engage the imagination with a diverse variety of artifacts from various historical periods. There are also replicas of boats and underwater excavations to help put Bodrum’s rich history into context.
2. Boat Around the Bodrum Peninsula
To see this port city in all its glory, book a day excursion along Bodrum’s peninsula. Many boat cruises around the peninsula include swimming and snorkeling stops. Tourists also get the opportunity to see locations that are only accessible by these boats, such as small islands.
There’s truly no better way to experience the rich aquatic beauty of the Turkish Riviera highlighted by the ancient landmarks lit up from afar on land than to take a coastal tour of the city and its beautiful landscape.
3. Explore the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
Although not a lot of Halicarnassus remains, it’s still an ancient landmark of great historic value and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The term “mausoleum” comes from this once-towering building, which was named for a famous 4th-century ruler, Mausolos. Halicarnassus, which has been destroyed by earthquakes throughout the many centuries, now is decorated with replicas of small structures and preserved paintings depicting what it looked like back then.
The marble towers and remnant statues are still a sight to behold and attract thousands of tourists and history lovers just to take a glimpse at them.
4. See the Forts at the Castle of St. Peter
During the Crusades, the Knights Templar erected the multiethnic Castle of St. Peter as a Christian stronghold. Now known as the Castle of Bodrum, this historic site has seen many rulers throughout the years, which contributes to its rich history.
The huge structure of this 15th-century castle has four towers of English, French, Italian, and German construction, providing enough sites to stroll around and explore. For a panoramic view of the harbor, head on to the castle’s battlements.
5. Wander in the Streets of Bodrum’s Old Town
A hub for culture, history, and wonder, it’s easy to get lost in Bodrum Old Town. From local delicacies to artisanal items making for perfect souvenirs, the hundreds of stands and shops in this old item can make for one exhausting but extremely fun shopping trip.
A huge part of the culture of shopping in Bodrum, or most traditional cities in Turkey, is to bargain and negotiate. While the items here can be quite breathtaking, make sure to browse around to find the best deals.
6. Sunbathe at Yahsi Beach
Because of its crystal-clear waters and easily accessible stretch of sandy shoreline, Yahsi Beach provides a fantastic coastal experience close to Bodrum. There are several tourist activities and things to do in the surrounding region around the beach including snorkeling, diving, boating, kayaking, jet skiing, etc.
Yahsi Beach is also famous for its seafood delicacies, with many cafes and waterfront restaurants serving piping-hot food. Grab a cocktail and relax in the sunlight while enjoying the sapphire waters of this scenic beach.
7. Party in Bodrum Bar Street (Cumhuriyet Street)
Also known as Cumhuriyet Street, Bodrum Bar Street begins in the plaza in front of Bodrum Castle and goes east along the shore. This mile-long boulevard is always brimming with exciting bars, cafes, clubs, and restaurants, and is a sight to see at nighttime.
Begin the evening with a Turkish coffee, then choose between seaside bars with fruity drinks or clubs to dance the night away. With warm locals and thrilling spots, spending an evening on this vibrant street is a perfect way to truly experience the nightlife culture of Bodrum.
8. Snap Some Scenic Pictures at Bodrum Windmills
A great way to get some exercise and explore one of the stunning historical monuments on the Turkish peninsula is by taking a stroll up to the Bodrum windmills. These windmills lie in a beautiful spot above the port, away from other bright attractions in and around Bodrum.
The old structures carry a heavy, melancholy aura, providing a peaceful escape from noisy daily life. The views of the ocean and harbor also make for a great backdrop for a scenic picture.
9. Watch the Sunset From Bodrum Amphitheater
No trip to the Turkish peninsula is complete without viewing the sunset from the Bodrum Amphitheatre. It is a nearly 2,500-year-old theatre that hosts concerts in the summertime with a capacity of several thousand people.
There are many historic sites like this in and around Europe, but the Bodrum Amphitheatre is one of the few that is still in use. Easily accessible because it’s near the harbor, the views from the amphitheater are phenomenal.
10. Take a Short Trip to the Surrounding Villages
For a taste of real local life in the port city, explore the tranquil villages around Bodrum. Take a boat excursion around Akyarlar, visit Rabbit Island off the coast of Gümüşlük, try out water sports in Kadikalesi, or explore the ruins and hills of Gündoan.
With so many villages clustered around the coast, tourists can never run short of views of the ocean while exploring historic cobblestone alleyways.
The Glittering Resort Town of Bodrum: Much More Than its Beaches
Before Ottoman rule, Bodrum was once the Greek city of Halicarnassus, located between two protected bays on the Aegean coast southwest of Istanbul. Now, it’s a simmering hub of vendors, outdoor restaurants, bobbing fishing boats, cruise ships, and yachts that border the pedestrian zone.
The city offers stunning views of the neon sunset that lights the stone walls of Bodrum Castle, all coming together with star-lit skies in the evening. Book a guided tour with iLinkTurkey now and enjoy all the popular tourist activities in Bodrum to have a colorful time in this picturesque city.
