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Bodrum has long been a top Turkish getaway for Irish and British holidaymakers. But there's far more to it than sun loungers and sunset selfies.
This guide rounds up the best and most unusual things to do in Bodrum.
Jump to:
👉 Bodrum for history lovers
👉 Bodrum for beach lovers
👉 Bodrum for food and drink fanatics
👉 Bodrum for party people
👉 Bodrum for families
The Best Things to Do in Bodrum: Beaches, Bazaars and Unexpected Gems
1. Wander Bodrum Castle and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology
Adobe Free Stock / nejdetduzen
Bodrum Castle sits over the harbour, offering fantastic views across the bay.
Founded by the Knights Hospitaller in the 15th century, it now houses the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
The museum showcases some of the world's oldest shipwrecks and their treasures. These include the famous Uluburun shipwreck from the 14th century BC.
2. Stroll Through the Old Town and Bazaar
Adobe Free Stock / OlegD
Bodrum's Old Town is where Instagram dreams meet real Turkish life.
Narrow streets wind between whitewashed buildings, hung with purple flowers that make perfect photos.
The weekly bazaar turns Tuesday mornings into sensory overload, with enough spices, textiles and Turkish souvenirs to fill a suitcase.
It's a great place to find proper Turkish delight, handmade soaps and local artists selling hand-woven carpets and ceramic tiles.
Street food here is excellent too. Try gözleme made fresh before your eyes. Or grab a fresh döner that puts your local kebab shop to shame.
Adobe Free Stock / Esin Deniz
3. Relax on Bodrum's Beaches
Bodrum's coastline caters to every type of beach lover.
Gumbet Beach is where the party crowd congregates. Complete with clubs, water sports and music.
Bitez Beach takes a more low-key approach. It's quieter and more family-friendly, with excellent beachside restaurants serving fresh seafood.
Perfect if you want to settle in with a good book without a volleyball landing on your towel.
For a real local experience, head to Yahsi Beach, where you'll find fewer tourists and more Turkish families enjoying the peace and a picnic.
4. Visit the Site of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
Wikimedia Commons / Carole Raddato
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
And sadly, the keyword here is 'was'. Earthquakes and medieval stone recycling have reduced the site to foundations and marble blocks.
What remains might not look like much. But it's still an experience to visit the place where one of history's most significant monuments stood.
Information boards help you imagine the 45-metre-tall tomb so impressive it gave us the word 'mausoleum'.
The small museum shows recovered sculptures and explains the site's importance.
Entry is free. This makes it possibly the best value Wonder of the Ancient World experience you'll ever have.
5. Cruise the Aegean on a Gulet Boat
Adobe Free Stock / Tarik GOK
Wooden gulets are to Bodrum what red buses are to London; iconic and totally worth a spin.
These beautifully crafted boats and their operators offer everything from half-day trips to week-long adventures.
Day cruises typically include swimming stops at secluded coves, snorkelling gear and lunch onboard featuring fresh fish that was probably caught the same morning.
Unusual Things to Do in Bodrum
Sure, old towns are reliable and a little beach time is great.
But these more unusual things to do in Bodrum will keep you entertained beyond the guidebook spots.
6. Have a Hammam in a Historic Turkish Bath
Adobe Free Stock / Africa Studio
Turkish hammams offer a traditional bathing experience that's been part of Turkish culture for centuries.
Bardakçı Hamami is one of Bodrum's oldest and most authentic baths.
Lie on warm marble while an attendant uses a rough mitt called a kese to exfoliate your skin.
This removes dead skin cells and improves circulation. The scrubbing is thorough but not painful.
Next comes a soap massage using olive oil-based soap that creates mountains of foam.
The whole experience takes about 45 minutes to an hour. You'll feel incredibly relaxed and your skin will be noticeably softer.
Many visitors say it's one of the most authentic Turkish experiences you can have.
7. Visit Zeki Müren Art Museum
Wikimedia Commons / Gargarapalvin
Zeki Müren was Turkey's most beloved 20th-century pop star.
Known for his flamboyant style and powerful voice, he became a cultural icon.
Müren was groundbreaking in Turkish popular music, blending traditional and modern styles. He was also known for breaking gender norms with his theatrical performances and fashion choices.
His former home in Bodrum is now a museum showcasing his life and career and offers an insight into how Turkey's biggest star lived.
It features displays of Müren's elaborate stage costumes, adorned with sequins, velvet and intricate embroidery.
His personal collection includes photographs, awards, gold records and memorabilia from his 40-year career.
As well as being a fascinating spot, the museum really emphasises Müren's cultural impact and why he remains so beloved decades after his death.
3. Explore Ancient Theatre Ruins at Sunset
Wikimedia Commons / Mickapr
While most people flock to Ephesus for their ancient theatre fix, Bodrum's amphitheatre offers a more intimate experience.
Built in the 4th century BC, it could originally accommodate 13,000 spectators for performances and public gatherings.
And the acoustics are still excellent after 2,400 years.
Performers speaking at standard volume from the stage can be heard clearly in the top seats.
Head up at sunset, when the marble stones glow as the harbour below comes alive with evening activity.
4. Take a Day Trip to Kos
Adobe Free Stock / jovannig
Fancy getting a 2 for 1 countries deal out of your Bodrum trip? The Greek island of Kos is just 30 minutes away by ferry.
The journey itself is one to remember. Offering views of Turkish and Greek coastlines, you may also catch sight of a dolphin or two alongside the boat.
Over on Kos, you can enjoy a day sampling the relaxed Greek island lifestyle, its excellent beaches and traditional tavernas.
Kos Town features a mix of from its varied history. The harbour area has plenty of cafes and restaurants serving fresh Greek food.
Popular activities on Kos include visiting the ancient healing centre Asklepieion, cycling around the flat island and relaxing on beaches like Paradise Beach or Tigaki.
Fun Fact: Kos is the birthplace of Hippocrates, who is widely considered to be the 'Father of Medicine'. The famous Hippocratic oath, still used in modern form by doctors today, is based on his teachings. So there's a little ancient Greek wisdom in your GP's code of conduct.
Summary: The Best Things To Do In Bodrum for Every Traveller Type
For history lovers: Bodrum Castle offers maritime archaeology, the Mausoleum site provides ancient wonder credentials and the amphitheatre is the perfect setting for a sunset. Each represents different periods of human civilisation, from ancient Greek to medieval European influences.
For beach lovers: Bitez provides family-friendly relaxation, Gumbet delivers the party atmosphere and Ortakent offers the perfect middle ground. Each beach has distinct personality and facilities, from windsurfing schools to beach clubs.
For food and drink fanatics: Seafood at Limon Gümüşlük combines excellent fish with sunset views, while Marina Yacht Club offers sophisticated cocktails and people-watching opportunities. Traditional lokanta restaurants serve authentic Turkish cuisine that puts tourist traps to shame.
For party people: Beach clubs operate from morning until late, rooftop bars provide sophisticated evening entertainment, and night cruises combine dancing with Aegean views. The nightlife scene rivals established party destinations while maintaining Turkish character.
For families: Bodrum Aqua Park offers water slides and pools, glass-bottom boat rides provide marine life viewing without getting wet, and mini-golf courses keep children entertained between beach sessions.
Staying Connected in Bodrum - Why Use A Turkish eSIM?
Adobe Free Stock / muratart
Enjoy The Best of Bodrum with an eSIM
You might have your Bodrum itinerary worked out, but if you don't share your best bits, did you even go?
The best way to stay connected abroad in 2025 is with an eSIM for Turkey.
No looking for and swapping plastic SIM cards, no spending time in queues at Turksih phone shops and filling out paperwork.
Just download, install and be online the moment you land.
And with Turkey being outside of the Roam Like at Home zone, eSIMs can also help you avoid surprise roaming fees.
Ready to connect? Read my guide to choosing the best eSIM for Turkey - complete with a handy Turkey eSIM discount code.
FAQs
1. What Are The Top Tourist Attractions In Bodrum?
Bodrum Castle houses Turkey's premier underwater archaeology museum with ancient shipwrecks. The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus offers free entry to ruins of a Seven Wonder. The Old Town bazaar sells authentic crafts and local food. Gumbet and Bitez beaches provide different atmospheres - party vibes versus family-friendly relaxation.
2. Are There Any Unusual Things To Do In Bodrum?
Traditional Turkish hammams offer authentic cultural experiences with marble platforms and exfoliation treatments. The Zeki Müren museum showcases Turkey's most famous pop star's elaborate costumes and career. Ancient theatre ruins provide dramatic sunset views without crowds.
3. What's The Best Time To Visit Bodrum?
May to October offers warm, sunny weather with sea temperatures perfect for swimming. July and August are hottest (30-35°C) but the most crowded and expensive. June and September provide ideal conditions - warm weather, fewer tourists and more affordable hotel prices. October also still has pleasant temperatures for sightseeing.
4. Can I Use An eSIM In Bodrum?
Yes, eSIMs work excellently throughout Turkey with major networks providing coverage. They're particularly useful in Bodrum as you can use navigation apps, translate Turkish and share connections via hotspot. Many holidaymakers prefer eSIMs over hunting for Wi-Fi or facing surprise roaming charges.
5. What's The Best Way To Get Around Bodrum?
Dolmuş minibuses are the easiest and cheapest way to travel between Bodrum's beaches, towns and sights. Taxis are available but can get pricey in peak season. If you've got an eSIM, you can use local apps to check bus times, book airport transfers or navigate walking routes in the Old Town without relying on flaky hotel Wi-Fi.
