Here is your guide to Bodrum, Turkey. It has all of the Bodrum travel advice that you need. We’ve got a list of things to do in Bodrum, top Bodrum sites, and tips for where to stay in Bodrum.
Türkiye is full of fantastic beach resorts to visit, but some stand out above the rest. There’s a reason why so many famous people are seen floating by in Bodrum Bay aboard an imposing luxury yacht.
It’s because Bodrum is a little bit upmarket, and as such, it’s a sophisticated place to stay for a few days.
Is Bodrum cheap? Not as much as other places, but it’s definitely a fantastic place to go.
About Bodrum Turkey
Bodrum sits on the southwestern coast of Türkiye, lapped by the waters of the Aegean Sea. It’s a town that is authentic yet upmarket, and you’ll find many rich people wandering around. Of course, it’s also a bustling tourist spot every summer.
Bodrum’s early beginnings were very modest, especially compared to how it is now. These days you’ll see a massive marina with costly yachts inside it, luxury stores, and white-washed houses along cobbled streets. In the beginning, Bodrum was a fishing village, but in the 1960s, it began to grow. Many professional people from Istanbul bought summer houses in Bodrum. Hence it gained the name ‘Little Istanbul.’
If you want to go somewhere laid back and beachy, yet you want an extra side order of glamour and sophistication, Bodrum is a good choice. The likes of Ellen, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, George Clooney, and billionaire Russians have been spotted on massive superyachts around the Bodrum coastline.
Best Time To Visit Bodrum Turkey
It’s going to come as no surprise to learn that Türkiye is hot in the summer months, so if you’re not a fan of soaring temperatures (sometimes over 40 degrees), then July and August aren’t for you. These are the busiest times, and you’ll find very little space around the crowded streets.
However, the shoulder months of May, June, the end of September, and October are beautiful times to visit. You’ll still find very warm temperatures at this time, but the oppressive heat has gone, and it may occasionally rain – although not that often. It’s undoubtedly still beach weather until the middle of October.
Things To Do In Bodrum
There is plenty to see and do in and around Bodrum. You can choose to enjoy your time chilling out and doing little at all, or you can explore to your heart’s content. Here are a few things to see and do.
Enjoy A Boat Trip
The single best way to enjoy the sun and the beautiful coastline is to take a boat trip. The sparkling waters are ideal for swimming, and if you want to lay back on a boat and chill out, there are plenty of boat trip options.
Castle Of St Peter
The commanding Castle of St Peter sits with the perfect view over Bodrum town, and visiting will give you the most amazing views over the bay. The castle was built in 1402 as a defense against invaders. As with most castles, it passed hands several times throughout history, and the Ottomans even built a large mosque inside during their reign.
Today, the castle houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
Museum Of Underwater Archaeology
Inside the castle, you will find the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, one of Bodrum’s absolute must-sees. Inside you’ll find all manner of artifacts related to the underwater world and the many shipwrecks that have been found off the Aegean coastline. However, this isn’t your regular museum; it’s easy to follow and learn, thanks to the multimedia displays and interactive elements.
Be sure to check out the Serce Limani Glass Wreck Room, where you’ll find a Byzantine ship that sunk around the peninsula in 1026.
Enjoy Bodrum’s Beaches
Bodrum town doesn’t have a sandy beach; however, just outside the main town, you will find some fantastic beaches that are ideal for kicking back and relaxing. Be sure to head to Turgutreis, Gumbet, and Bitez for some of the most idyllic spots – they all have free and private beaches. There are plenty of tourist facilities around, such as bars and restaurants.
Enjoy Some Watersports
You’ll find plenty of water sports on the main beaches if that floats your boat! You can parasail at the main beaches, and there is a lot of kayaking and paddleboarding going on. Speedboat rides are also popular.
Bodrum Theater
It’s not all beach time! Bodrum has plenty of historical spots to check out, and the theater is one of them. At the peak of its popularity, there would be 13,000 people inside, but these days, the theatre is used for regular events and concerts – see if there is anything on while you’re there. Even if not, it’s a great spot to check out anyway, and the views are nothing short of breathtaking.
Places To Eat In Bodrum Turkey
Turkish food is like nothing else on the planet – it’s genuinely delicious. The great thing about Bodrum is that it’s a beautiful blend of both local and international spots. You can find anything you like there, but if you want to try one of the most lauded-after restaurants, here are a couple you should add to your visit list.
Sultan Bahce Restaurant
Set in a beautiful garden, this restaurant is the perfect spot for al-fresco dining with a sophisticated edge. The menu is extensive, but every dish is perfect. From seafood to kebabs and pizza, you’ll find everything you might fancy here, but be sure to try the freshly caught fish – it’s cooked on a BBQ, and it’s the most delicious you’ll find around Bodrum.
Antik Akdeniz
A very tourist-friendly Turkish restaurant, this is the ideal spot to try traditional food while in Bodrum. Pide and lahmacun here are some of the best you’ll find anywhere else, and there is a huge menu of grilled meat kebabs to choose from. There is also an extensive children’s menu so nobody will go hungry.
Where To Stay In Bodrum Türkiye
Of course, you need somewhere to rest your head and in that case, let’s take a look at three choices – one luxury, one mid-range, and one on budget, and of course, browse through our extensive Bodrum Hotel guide too!
Luxury Choice – Raddison Collection Hotel
Raddison is always a top choice, but this particular branch is undoubtedly one of the best. Located a stone’s throw away from Aspat Beach, you’ll find numerous on-site facilities, including a bar, fitness center, top restaurant, parking, and seriously comfortable surroundings.
Rooms are large and decorated in a modern manner. Each room has a TV and private bathroom, tea and coffee-making facilities, a minibar, and high-quality Wi-Fi. Views from each balcony are breathtaking, and the level of service is like no other.
Mid-Range Choice – Asmin Hotel Bodrum
Asmin Hotel is an excellent mid-choice option, and it still gives you plenty of comfort and luxury during your stay for a lower price tag. Each room has a large bed, comfortable décor, air conditioning, stunning views, and a flat-screen TV.
There is an outdoor swimming pool, perfect for cooling during the summer months, and plenty of on-site facilities, such as laundry, excursion desk, and pool bar.
Budget Choice – Manzara Hotel
Just a stone’s throw from the beach, this budget hotel is an excellent option if you want to save money but still enjoy an excellent base for your stay. There are two outdoor swimming pools and a large sun terrace where you can soak up the sun. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.
Rooms are large and include air conditioning, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, and minibar. There is a restaurant on-site and a large bar where you can enjoy an evening drink or two.
I like your blog but dearly wish you would be more careful about promoting activities that are abusive to animals. The camels are abused and live in terrible conditions. They are tethered day and night and only allowed to walk free with the heavy cargo of tourists on their back. There is widespread camel abuse all over the world so please do your research and stop promoting animal cruelty.
Huh, because I said camels beach? That is the name of the beach. What can I do about it? And FYI, I always advocate for animals. I never go to or recommend zoo’s in any place and ask people not to ride donkeys in Greece… https://www.chasingthedonkey.com/why-you-should-not-ride-donkeys-in-santorini-donkeys/
What about Chasing the Donkey…? That’s just cruel :)
i like your article so much and it will help me on my trip to Bodrum but I have two questions I booked Airbnb instead o a hotel and my question is safe to stay in a house instead of a hotel? second question if you can help me and tell me where to rent a good car from good places? Thank you
When considering Airbnb for your trip to Bodrum, it’s crucial to take precautions to ensure a safe experience. Before booking, make sure to read the reviews left by previous guests, especially those mentioning cleanliness, safety, and host responsiveness. Consider booking with Superhosts, as they have a track record of excellent service. Also, look for hosts with verified profiles, which indicates they have undergone additional verification steps by Airbnb. Communicate with the host to address any safety concerns or questions about the property and neighborhood. Check if the accommodation has safety features like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Always use Airbnb’s secure platform for booking and payments. Choose accommodations in well-reviewed and safe neighborhoods.
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