The 9 Best Things to Do in Bodrum, Turkey

The magnificent peninsula of Turkey is a fascinating transcontinental landscape. Straddling Europe and Asia, it boasts diversity in its scenery and cultures, making it a treasure trove for tourists looking to delve into the rich heritage and savor an assortment of distinct experiences on their next adventures abroad. 

From its colorful and thriving city settlements, including the likes of its capital Istanbul, to the whimsical hot air balloon-filled skies in Cappadocia, this country has much to be marveled at and adored by visitors from every corner of the globe. 

Whilst the aforementioned destinations are some of the most sought-after by those who flock to uncover the delights of Turkey, the charming city of Bodrum is a location that sits high on the list of popular tourist destinations in the country and is one that we would certainly recommend. 

Nestled on the Aegean Coast, Bodrum is known for its breathtaking marina, its beautiful castle, and the fantastic surrounding coastline that is almost magnetic for visitors who can’t resist sun, sea, and sand during their vacations. 

Whilst the sun-kissed city has much to occupy visitors,  those who haven’t been before may be unsure of what the settlement has to offer within the bigger picture of things to do and things to see in Turkey.

But rest assured that there is an assortment of things to do in Bodrum that will suit every travel personality and group. From adventurous souls to families looking for activities to suit both parents and children, there’s something for everyone here. 

And to prove it, here at Unforgettable Travel, we’ve listed the 9 best things to do in Bodrum to make your holiday simpler. From the best things to do in Bodrum in summer and winter, to the best things to do as a family, we’ve revealed all below.

With winter offering a cooler climate, those who are planning to visit the city during this season may be unsure of what to do in Bodrum at this time of year. 

However, whilst this season is the mildest, average temperatures still stay at around 17°C, offering a comfortable climate. Even though the season sees more rainfall, there are still plenty of Bodrum attractions and sights to be seen that you can take advantage of during winter when fewer visitors will be making their way to the destination. 

We’ve recommended our favorite things to do in Bodrum in winter below: 

Visit Bodrum Castle

Also known as St. Peter’s Castle, this 15th-century fortification looks over the city of Bodrum. Having once been the stronghold that guarded its civilians and protected the city from invasion and infiltration, now, Bodrum Castle is one of the most popular landmarks for tourists and locals alike. 

Designed by a German architect, the castle boasts a strong and striking architectural structure and is one of the tourist attractions in Bodrum that remains open during winter. It is also home to one of the Bodrum city museums, and perhaps the most unique of all, the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology. It has been here since 1964 and showcases items and artifacts from historic shipwrecks. If you’re visiting Bodrum Castle, you may as well take a peek at the museum as well!

Venture To On Of The Ancient Seven Wonders Of The World

Many aren’t aware that Bodrum was once the home of one of the ancient wonders of the world, and now visitors can marvel at the crumbling ruins that are scattered around the site of the Mausoleum of Mausolus. 

This ancient Mausoleum once stood proudly in Halicarnassus, which is Bodrum’s ancient name. It is the final resting place of the king of Mausolus, who died in 353 BC, and the site once soured 46 meters high with beautiful stone pillars and spectacular friezes. 

Those spending a day in Bodrum sightseeing in winter can expect an enjoyable day filled with history and interesting artifacts whilst visiting here.

A handful of the best things to do in Bodrum are best experienced in the summertime. At this time of year, expect a hot and humid heat. The hottest month is July when temperatures can reach average highs of 35°C and lows of 24°C. 

There are plenty of fun things to do in Bodrum at this time of year, but we’ve selected two of our favorites that you shouldn’t miss out on:

Try Your Hand At Scuba Diving

Turkey is a country whose waters offer some of the most perfect conditions in which sea-loving tourists can engage in water-based activities. In the summertime, Turkey’s waters offer fantastic visibility for diving, where an array of sealife and new and mesmerizing species can be observed in their natural habitats. 

As a pearl of Turkey, and one of the best seafront resorts, Bodrum is a fantastic location to try your hand at scuba diving for the first time or simply experience it in one of the best destinations in the world. Flora and fauna including moray eels, octopus, stingrays, and seahorses are but a few of the beautiful species you may encounter whilst engaging in scuba diving activities in Bodrum.

Go On A Boat Tour To Explore The Best Beaches in Bodrum

One of the top things to do in Bodrum in summer, a boat tour will allow you to appreciate the city’s beauty and surrounding landscape from a new perspective. 

And better yet, whilst on your boat tour, you can visit some of the best beaches around the city. There are plenty of boat tours taking place during the summer months which depart from Bodrum’s harbor to take you on a scenic journey of the beautiful surrounding coastal locations. 

Whilst you visit Bodrum you have to at least once have felt the sand between your toes at any one of its nearby golden sandy shoreline locations. Bodrum’s main beach however, known as Bodrum beach, can be reached by foot easily from the town center at any point during your trip. Boasting a long curving seaside bordering the glistening Aegean Sea, it’s argued to be the best beach in Bodrum, so shouldn’t be missed off your list of things to do during your stay here.

In Bodrum, the party doesn’t stop just because the sun has set. The city has developed a reputation for being one of the best places to visit if you’re looking to experience a thriving nightlife scene. Extending into the early hours of the morning, once night falls you can witness a different side to Bodrum that you wouldn’t necessarily expect the city to hold beyond daylight hours. 

We’ve listed but a few options of things to do in Bodrum at night to keep you entertained:

Explore Bodrum’s Buzzing Nightlife Scene

For anyone looking to start their night off on a high, you should make a beeline for one of the city’s most vibrant streets that has been named for its unrivaled nightlife. 

Bodrum Bar Street, officially known as Cumhuriyet Street, extends through a huge portion of the city. Beginning, or ending, at Bodrum Castle and stretching a mile along Bodrum’s coastline, the street is illuminated at night time in fluorescent colors that dance in the reflections of the neighboring Aegean Sea. 

If you’re looking for a good night, you can ensure that this will be the case if you visit any establishment along Bar Street. 

Dine At Any Of The City’s Best Eateries

For when you’ve worked up an appetite throughout the day having visited a wealth of Bodrum tourist attractions and sights, the evening is one of the best times to dine in Bodrum as it switches to its nightlife personality. You can eat in some of the most sought-after establishments as the sun sets for a picturesque end to any evening. 

Meyhanes are traditional Turkish restaurants or bars and are an integrated and important part of Turkey’s culinary culture. Visiting a Meyhane is one of the best things to do in Turkey to experience the best of the country’s gastronomic scene. 

So, whilst in Bodrum, we’d highly recommend you visit Iki Sandal Meyhanesi, a traditional Turkish tavern serving local delicacies, including pickled fish and traditional mezes. Also offering a stunning selection of seafood, the tavern is an authentic experience to sample the very best of Turkey, and Bodrum’s, food scene.

Planning to visit Bodrum with your family? Fear not, as there is a multitude of activities in Bodrum to keep all ages entertained. We’ve highlighted a few of our favorites to inspire you:

Explore Bodrum Bazaar 

The aromas, striking colors, and hustle and bustle of Bodrum Bazaar are enough to keep any member of the family mesmerized. Visiting a bazaar is one of the top things to do in Turkey given the place that they hold in the country’s history and culture. Located in Bodrum city center, Bodrum Bazaar is a fantastic destination to indulge in this during your holiday. 

Home to everything from souvenirs to spices, fashion items, and more, this is a great destination if you and your family are looking for a quick shopping fix. Be prepared to bargain for what you’re looking for, and you may just come away with some real steals during your visit here. 

Spend the Day at A Waterpark

Especially during the summertime when you and your family may want to seek respite from the heat of the day, Bodrum Waterpark is a fantastic family-friendly place to keep children of all ages, and even adults, entertained.

Located only 9km from Bodrum city center, the waterpark is spread over 40,000 square meters and is one of the largest in the Bodrum Peninsula. 

Here, expect to be excited by thrilling water rides for a variety of ages, lulled by lazy wave pools, and invigorated by large jacuzzis. The destination also has a number of restaurants and changing and storage facilities on-site, meaning you have everything you need to spend a whole day here should you wish.

Indulge At A Hammam

Whilst not unusual in Turkish culture, Hammams are not a part of Western culture and so may seem unusual to travelers from foreign countries. Hammams are a type of steam bath or Turkish bath, with the purpose of relaxing, cleansing, and soothing your body.

If you’re looking to experience a core element of Turkish culture, we would highly recommend visiting a hammam during your stay, and Bodrum is home to Bodrum Hammami for those that are looking to indulge. 

A family-run business, the Bodrum Hammami is located nearby to Bodrum Market and its interior is reminiscent of a traditional Turkish home. Here, you’ll engage in a treatment cycle involving different steps of cleansing your body, including a sauna-style experience and a massage.