The haven city of Bodrum is home to one of the 7 wonders of the World, The Mausoleum, a grand tomb built for King Mausolus (377-353 BCE) in Halicarnassus.
This attracts many tourists to the city! Its other big pull is the weather and beaches, as it is located on the southwest coast of Turkey, overlooking the tranquil Aegean Sea.
Bodrum is fantastic for the whole family, friends, and couples who want to explore a part of Turkey’s past or simply relax and have fun.
When is the Best Time to Visit Bodrum?
Bodrum is lovely all year round; the summer is dry and hot with long daylight hours, while their winters are short and sweet.
Plan your vacation between July and September to reap the rewards of the sun and a comfortable splash in the sea.
However, this is also its most busy time, so the top attractions will often have queues, and restaurants will need to be reserved 24 hours in advance.
Arriving in and Getting Around
For those flying into Bodrum, the Milus-Bodrum Airport is located 40 km from the city center (35 mins drive), and transport is convenient.
To get to the city center of Bodrum, you have three options:
- The public Havas bus is perfect for people traveling on a budget, as it’s only €5, one-way. You can board it outside the domestic arrival terminals and get off at the city bus terminal. From there you will need to walk to your hotel. Plan your route ahead of time so you don’t get lost.
- If you fly with AtlasGlobal, be sure to take advantage of their free bus transfer, which takes passengers to Bodrum’s Otogar in the city.
- Finally, take a taxi, which costs the equivalent of €25. It’s fast and great for people traveling with lots of luggage, in a group of up to 4 or with kids.
Depending on your plans in Bodrum you might be able to avoid stepping on public transport, as you can see a lot by just walking around. However, if you do want to explore the Bodrum Penninsula, then you’ll want to discover the routes of the Dolmuş, a local minibus service.
Where to Stay in Bodrum
One thing to make sure of when you are searching for accommodation is that the hotel has a sea view. Your holiday could be ruined if you get stuck in a room looking in the wrong direction.
As most of Bodrum can be explored on foot, you probably don’t need to worry about the hotel location, however, minimizing walk time to the beach is always a good idea.
Search for your dream hotel on Booking.com, Kayak, Expedia, or Hotels.com for a trustworthy website.
Alternatively, check out the hotel’s official website, as they often have better prices and membership programs that give perks and other benefits.
Where to Eat in Bodrum
Bodrum has plenty of eateries to choose from as a coastal city specializing in fish and seafood. These restaurants also include popular local dishes. Bodrum can cater to your culinary desires and wallet sizes – affordable quick bites to fancy sit-down meals.
Here are some great eateries that serve Mediterranean cuisine:
- Dinç Restaurant Café & Bar is located along the seashore and is the perfect place to relax and have lunch. It doesn’t have a single bad review on TripAdvisor regarding seafood and Turkish cuisine! Try their Grilled Seabass (Levrek Izgara) or Bodrum Kebab.
- Korfez Restaurant is a stone’s throw away from the castle and offers lunch and dinner. We suggest ordering the fish soup and stuffed squid.
- Trança Restaurant has sea views that will blow your mind. As you watch the expensive yachts return to the harbor after a day of exploring, enjoy their Ottoman dishes. Everything is delicious!
In addition, to the mentioned dishes, try the local favorites such as Turkish meatballs (Kofte) and Turkish Pizza (Pide).
Also, if you have a sweet tooth, don’t leave without trying Baklava, Saraylie, a pastry treat, and Katmer, an almond stuffed pie.
Bodrum’s Unmissable Attractions
Regardless of how long you stay in Bodrum, you won’t be bored for a second. With a wealth of history and well-preserved artifacts, you can imagine how the city has changed over the centuries. And with a recent modernization, it has become an entertainment hub.
- The Mausoleum – previously mentioned and is only 8 Turkish Lira to enter.
- Castle of St Andrew – opened daily from 09:00 to 19:30. Built-in 1402, it is filled with legends of the knights of John and the battles that occurred. It has 4 towers that help protect the 2 harbors located on either side of the castle.
- Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology – a unique museum filled with shipwrecked treasures and beautiful glass finds.
- Bitez Beach – relaxation in style. With sunbeds readily available, bars with refreshing beer and fruity cocktails, and plenty of beaches to play or walk on, this is the perfect place to unwind.
- Leleg Yolu – is a clearly marked path outside the city that’ll take about a 2-hour hike to complete. Be sure to bring snacks and water as you will be out in the wilderness.
- Stroll around Milta Bodrum Marina, which is considered one of the best marinas in Europe, and buy some souvenirs in the shopping center.
- Bodrum Antique Theatre –This free-to-enter Greco-Roman Theatre was built in the 4th century and seats 10,000. As soon as you enter the theatre, you’ll get chills as you get a strong sense of what it felt like to be at a mass event more than 1,500 years ago. Another reason to visit is to admire the panoramic views of Bodrum.
- Day Trip – Ferry to Kos with the FerryHopper. In summer, you can visit Kos from the Bodrum port in less than 60 minutes, for as little as €20, one way. To find out more about Kos, visit the official Greek website.
Check out the compact travel guide for Izmir and Hagia Sophia for more destination ideas and Turkey highlights.