Bodrum

Travel Guide
Bodrum which includes markets, shopping and street scenes
Greek ruins and Christian castles stand alongside seaside hotels and umbrella-lined beaches in this resort town built on an ancient city.

The home of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Bodrum is now one of the world’s richest historical sites. Museums, archaeological digs and ancient artifacts are scattered throughout the city. Additionally, Bodrum is a resort town that attracts thousands of tourists every year to its beachside hotels. Enjoy both modern luxuries and ancient wonders in this city on the Aegean Sea.

More than two millennia ago, Bodrum was the Greek city of Halicarnassus. In the 4th century B.C., a 164-foot (50-meter) high tomb was built here forKing Mausolus. It was later named one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Visit the ruins of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus to see a scale model of the marble tomb alongside many pieces from its pillars and reliefs.

Bodrum Castle, which rests on a peninsula south of the city, was built in large part from stones taken from the ruined mausoleum. Pay to enter this 15th-century structure built by Christian crusaders. Today, the castle houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, which exhibits well-preserved relics taken from dig sites and shipwrecks from around the area.

Further ancient artifacts can be found in the northern hills of the city. Catch a concert at the 4th century B.C. Amphitheatre or climb up into the only remaining portion of the Halicarnassus city wall at Myndos Gate.

Spend a day enjoying the Aegean Sea. Walk the long beach lining Gumbet Bay. Swim in the protected waters of the small Bardakci Beach, featuring umbrellas and sun loungers provided by the neighboring seaside resort. Book a spot on a dive boat to explore the local waters. Colorful fish, shipwrecks and even underwater plane wrecks can be found nearby.

Visit Bodrum during the mild months between November and April for the most pleasant experience. Reach the city through the Milas-Bodrum Airport, which is 21 miles (33 kilometers) north of town. Flights from Istanbul arrive here daily. Take a taxi into Bodrum from the airport. Most of the city’s historical attractions are closed on Mondays, but the beaches are always open.

Where to stay in Bodrum

Bodrum Beach showing a pebble beach and night scenes

Bodrum City Center

4.5/5(109 area reviews)

Bodrum City Center is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Bodrum Marina and Mausoleum at Halicarnassus while in the area.

Bodrum City Center
Default Image

Yalikavak City Center

While Yalikavak City Center may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Yalikavak Marina and Yalikavak Beach.

Yalikavak City Center
MUSEUM RESORT SPA
MUSEUM RESORT SPA
Eskicesme Mahellesi 1530. Sokak No:5, Bodrum, Mugla
The price is €50 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
€50
per night
29 Mar - 30 Mar
Stay at this beach hotel in Bodrum. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free valet parking. Popular attractions Bodrum Castle and Bodrum Beach are located nearby. ...
2/10 (1 review)
Rezalet
"Klimalari sokmusler odalarda klima yok, elektrikli isitici veriyorlar. Balkon kapisi ve pencere tam kapanmiyordu, butun gece ruzgardan sallanan kapi pencere sesinden uyuyamadim. Iceri ruzgar giriyordu. Bu yasa geldim bu kadar kotu otel gormedim. Fotograflara aldanmayin"

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2024

MUSEUM RESORT SPA
Degirmenburnu Residence
Degirmenburnu Residence
Osman Nuri Bilgin Caddesi No:48, Bodrum
The price is €52 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
€52
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Bodrum. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (466 reviews)
Great Stay ...
"Having a balcony with the view was amazing. It was quiet, yet very close to the marina. Spacious suite. I also felt safe there. I didn't mind walking up the hill ...but there's a bus also. Drops you at the front. I have stayed in lots of hotels there, and this is my favourite. Thank you Ibrahim (sorry ..."

Reviewed on 7 Mar 2024

Degirmenburnu Residence
Manzara Boutique Hotel
Manzara Boutique Hotel
3 out of 5
OMURCA MH. FEVZI ÇAKMAK SK. NO 1, Bodrum, Mugla
The price is €61 per night from 23 Apr to 24 Apr
€61
per night
23 Apr - 24 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Bodrum. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (111 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel"

Reviewed on 2 Dec 2023

Manzara Boutique Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Maison 48 Apart Hotel
Maison 48 Apart Hotel
Adnan Menderes Caddesi No: 18, Gumbet, Bodrum, Mugla
Stay at this aparthotel in Bodrum. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a children's pool. Popular attractions Gumbet Watersports and WOW Beach are located nearby. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (63 reviews)
Good pool
"The pool and food areas were nice The air con was only in the bedroom and it wasn’t great Obviously as the sofa beds r in the living area it was very uncomfortable at night"

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2022

Maison 48 Apart Hotel
Dorman Suites Hotel
Dorman Suites Hotel
Bitez Mah. Halilim Cd. No 6, Bodrum Bitez, Bodrum, Mugla
Stay at this apartment in Bodrum. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a children's pool. Popular attractions Bitez Beach and WOW Beach are located nearby. Discover ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (93 reviews)
"The two bedroom we had was so specious, and we had generally nice stay."

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2023

Dorman Suites Hotel
Jasmin Elite Residence & SPA
Jasmin Elite Residence & SPA
Eski çesme Mah., Osman Nuri Bilgin Cad. No:54, Bodrum
Stay at this business-friendly apartment in Bodrum. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Bardakci Beach and Bodrum Windmills ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (152 reviews)
on of the best places i have stayed in
"It was simply amazing"

Reviewed on 11 Nov 2023

Jasmin Elite Residence & SPA
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Bodrum

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
70
" "5 - Excellent 53.84615384615385%
4 - Good
44
" "4 - Good 33.84615384615385%
3 - Okay
12
" "3 - Okay 9.23076923076923%
2 - Disappointing
4
" "2 - Disappointing 3.076923076923077%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
2 Nov 2019

There were stray cats disturbing your meals, flies everywhere you turned, bland food with flies and visible dirt where the food was.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
20 Oct 2019

Weather was wonderful

3/5 - Okay

Mark
14 Oct 2019

We only went into Bodrum for a morning using a taxi costing 120 Turkish Lira and came back by minibus from the bus station (6.5 Turkish Lira each). We found Bodrum noisy and crowded and a big contrast to our much quieter resort.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
5 Oct 2019

Good shopping could do with a bit of a face lift and to keep its charm but on the whole a nice place to visit

2/5 - Disappointing

JOHN
5 Oct 2019

Town of Bodrum we did not like, when we went for the day. Gumusluck was great.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
4 Oct 2019

Not many places of interest.