Are you thinking of visiting Bodrum in Turkey? You’re certainly not alone – the seaside resort has attracted visitors for centuries, especially because the city’s mausoleum, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Though maybe not a Wonder of the Modern World, Bodrum is still a great choice for tourists with plenty of interesting monuments and access to the beautiful turquoise sea. What should you visit in Bodrum? What can you do there? Today’s guide will cover exactly that.
Bodrum
What to see in Bodrum?
Bodrum is one of the most popular resorts in Turkey and also one of the most popular cities in the Aegean basin. Bodrum was known as Halicarnassus in ancient Greece and was once home to the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, though the site of the mausoleum is far from the only place you should pay attention to in Bodrum. Most of the interesting spots are located near or in the very centre of Bodrum, though for a few you may want to hire a car or look for an organised tour. You can also get to various islands from the city, like the Greek island of Kos, for instance, which is only 12 miles away. Before we delve into the sites themselves, here are a few tips for Bodrum and general Turkey tourism:
- Remember to only consume alcohol in appropriate designated areas
- Remember to take off your shoes when entering a mosque
- Don’t discuss politics with locals unless they start it themselves (more about that here)
- Remember to bargain at the bazaar 🙂
- Don’t drink tap water
- Make use of Bodrum’s public transport, it’s very efficient
Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus (a former city within present-day Bodrum) is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The temple was built in the Ionic style by Queen Artemisia to honour the memory of her late husband, the ruler of Caria, Mausolus. The mausoleum in Bodrum was decorated with sculptures and reliefs depicting animals, deities and battle scenes. Unfortunately, due to neglect, earthquakes and the passage of time, the building began to deteriorate more and more severely. Today, you can only admire the remains of the mausoleum.
There is a model in Bodrum attempting to portray what the building would’ve looked like originally while most of the important monuments, including many sculptures, have been taken to the British Museum in London. Still, even though not much is left, it’s nonetheless a pleasant spot for a walk amidst the abundant vegetation around. A perfect place to contemplate fragility.
Zeki Müren Art Museum in Bodrum
Bodrum’s most interesting museum
You have several museums to choose from in Bodrum. If you have the time, we’d recommend you pay a visit to all of them. If you only have time for one, we’d go with the Zeki Müren Art Museum. Why this one? It’s a place dedicated to an artist considered an icon of Turkish culture. Zeki Müren was a singer, composer and actor known and recognised throughout all corners of Turkey. The museum is also housed in Zeki’s former home. You can find Zeki’s clothes here, stage costumes (VERY flamboyant) and personal belongings. The museum is also a perfect example of the style in which Bodrum houses tend to be decorated, so it’s got an auxiliary function as a taste of the traditional architecture.
Theatre in Bodrum
More ancient sites in Bodrum
The ancient theatre in Bodrum is the city’s best-preserved ancient site. The building was erected in the 4th century BC, in the classical style. The auditorium, which can accommodate around 10,000 to 13,000 people, has the distinctive circular shape you’re more than familiar with from other ancient theatres. The very top offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area – the harbour, the castle and the ruins of the mausoleum. So no excuses, climb up.
Interestingly, and thankfully, the theatre still hosts cultural events to this day. Though we sadly haven’t been able to find any when we were visiting, we can only imagine how magical of a place this must be for a theatrical performance, a concert or a ballet. If you have the chance of finding one, make sure to take the opportunity!
Bodrum bazaar
Bodrum’s largest market
Bazaars have played an important role in shaping social life in Turkey for centuries. Bodrum’s bazaar is actually one of the most famous in the entire country, offering an exceptionally rich selection of goods. You’ll find aromatic herbs, fragrant, juicy fruits and vegetables, local cheeses, cured meats and sweet regional delicacies. If you’re looking for fresh and tasty specialities, head to the bazaar on Friday. On the other hand, if you’d prefer to see more handmade souvenirs or textiles (clothes, handbags, shoes, bedding, etc.), you should visit on Tuesday. Remember that Turkish merchants love to bargain, so bring out your charisma stat and fight for those prices.
Check out our tourist shopping list for Turkey!
Bodrum Castle
Bodrum’s most recognisable attraction
It actually often appears on postcards and travel magazine covers due to its perfect picturesque appearance on a nice soft green hillside. The castle was built in the 15th century by the Knights of St John. When the Bodrum area came under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, a minaret and a Turkish bath were added. For a time, the castle was even used as a prison. Today, its interiors conceal the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Here you will find exhibits fished from the depths of the sea, such as sunken ships.
Beaches in Bodrum
The most beautiful beaches in and around Bodrum
The beaches you’ll find around and in Bodrum are a mix of pebble and sand, often with a very gentle descent into the crystal-clear sea. If you don’t mind the crowds, the Bitez beach is a great choice, hidden among fragrant pine, olive and citrus trees. It’s got warm, shallow waters perfect for children, excellent infrastructure with sun loungers, umbrellas, beach bars and a range of restaurants by a charming bay.
A little closer to the centre of Bodrum you will find the pebble beach of Halk. It is not as spectacularly beautiful as Bitez beach, but it’s exchanged for more peace and quiet.
If you’re more of a party animal, we recommend the Gümbet beach – the most party-heavy place in the area. A sandy beach, plenty of water activities (water sports courses, diving), bars and plenty of disco.
See also the prettiest beaches of Turkey.
The old town of Bodrum
Bodrum’s charming streets and corners
Though the old town in Bodrum is not massive, it’s certainly very charming nonetheless. It’s full of narrow streets, near a beautiful harbour and surrounded by Greek-like architectural gems. There are lots of souvenir shops around where you can buy handicrafts and household items – you’ll find no shortage of options.
Stratonikeia
An ancient attraction near Bodrum
Stratonikeia is certainly not the most popular near Bodrum, which is actually a bit shocking for us. Frankly, all the better, as the place feels more natural and sacred this way, without the massive crowds. Stratonikeia is an ancient settlement nestled between two hills, located about 45 miles from Bodrum. Believe it or not, this has once been a very lively place, dating back to the 4th century BC. Over the centuries, Stratonikeia changed hands quite often, which is visibly reflected in its remains. You’ll, no doubt, see how ancient parts try to fit in right next to elements from the Ottoman Empire and even 19th century stone houses. Stratonikeia has been proposed for the UNESCO World Heritage Site, though no luck yet.
Windmills in Bodrum
A charming element of Bodrum’s panorama
If you want to see Bodrum’s most beautiful skyline, head to the Değirmenler Tepesi hill, where the old white windmills are located. The windmills themselves are perhaps not that exciting but the view from the hill will delight everyone. The scenic, sweeping coastline, Castle of St Peter and even the Greek islands in the distance, piled high in the turquoise sea, will all arrange themselves with the windmills. It’s a great spot for enjoying a sunset or just simply to escape from the suffocating grip of the city.
Map of Bodrum attractions
What to see in Bodrum?
1) The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
2) The Greek Theatre in Bodrum
3) The Archaeological Museum in Bodrum
4) Bodrum Castle
5) The Zeke Müren Art Museum
6) The Old Town of Bodrum
7) The beach in the centre of Bodrum
8) Windmills in Bodrum
9) Bazaar in the centre of Bodrum
Bodrum is an enduringly popular seaside resort that, in addition to its beaches and abundant accommodation, offers attractions tailored to suit every tourist. The city’s historical monuments, ancient buildings, unusual museums and beautiful surroundings make it very unlikely that you’ll leave dissatisfied. We hope you’ll have a great time too!
See also:
