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Bodrum City Guide

A Glimpse into History

According to Herodotus, “The Father of History,” who was born in Halikarnassos (the ancient name for Bodrum) in 484 BC, Bodrum was founded by the Dorians. Later, the Carians and Lelegians settled in the region. In 650 BC, the Megarians arrived, expanded the city, and renamed it Halikarnassos.

Bodrum came under Persian rule in 386 BC. Halikarnassos experienced its most glorious period in 353 BC when it became the capital of the Caria region. During this time, the Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was built by Queen Artemisia in memory of her brother and husband, King Mausolos.

In 192 BC, Bodrum fell to the Romans but did not see significant development during this period. It passed into the hands of the Byzantines in 395 AD, and then to the Turks in the 11th century. After the First Crusade, it was re-taken by the Byzantines, only to fall back into Turkish hands in the 14th century. In 1415, it came under the control of the Knights of Rhodes and was finally incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in 1522 during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent. After the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey, its name was officially changed to Bodrum.

Location

Bodrum is a district located on the western tip of Muğla province in the Aegean Region. It borders Milas to the east and forms a peninsula surrounded by the Aegean Sea to its north, east, and south. With numerous associated towns, Bodrum covers an area of 689 km² and boasts a coastline stretching 215 km.

Bodrum is 111 km from Muğla city center. It’s approximately a 2-hour drive from Bodrum and just a 45-minute ferry ride from Rhodes Island. Its distance from other major cities includes Istanbul (706 km), Ankara (708 km), and Izmir (242 km).

When to Visit?

While the conventional wisdom suggests visiting Bodrum during the summer, the best time to go truly depends on your expectations. Bodrum welcomes tourists year-round with its peaceful and enjoyable atmosphere.

Naturally, during the hot summer months, Bodrum’s beaches, sea, sun, and vibrant nightlife become highly attractive. The colorful summer festivals in Bodrum further reinforce this appeal, with concerts, sailing races, and dance performances continuing throughout the season. However, when choosing to visit in summer, consider that Bodrum becomes incredibly crowded with both domestic and international tourists, often pushing its capacity to the limit. Therefore, booking your accommodation several months in advance is highly recommended.

Spring and autumn (especially May-June and September-October) are ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed holiday with fewer crowds. The weather is pleasantly mild during these months, allowing for comfortable exploration. If you’re looking for an alternative vacation – where you can still enjoy yourself but escape the throngs, perhaps to find some peace and quiet – Bodrum is an excellent choice even in winter. Consider visiting in January for the Tangerine Festival or in February for the Gündoğan Sausage and Wine Festival, which offer unique experiences during the off-season.

Accommodation and Holiday Options

Given Bodrum’s diverse offerings, choosing accommodation that aligns with your expectations is key. Bodrum’s architectural style, influenced by its Mediterranean geography, mirrors the region’s charm. As part of Muğla, a province with some of the most sought-after holiday destinations in the Aegean, Bodrum presents an abundance of lodging options. It’s crucial to book your accommodation several months in advance if you plan to visit during the summer, as prices can be higher, and availability limited.

For those not constrained by budget and seeking a comfortable, hassle-free vacation, all-inclusive hotels are a popular choice. Larger groups might find it more suitable to rent a spacious house. For more budget-friendly options, there are numerous apart-hotels and guesthouses available. Prices will vary depending on your chosen location and type of accommodation.

Accommodation options are generally concentrated along the coastline. You’ll find a wide array of choices in Bodrum center. If you wish to stay close to Bodrum’s vibrant nightlife, opting for a central location would be ideal, as it also offers easy access to the main attractions.

Must-See Attractions

Bodrum offers a wealth of places to explore, from its charming coves and lively towns to its historical and cultural treasures in the center. Tourist attractions, particularly popular during the summer, draw large crowds. Streets, beaches, festival grounds, and historical sites brim with local and international visitors. No matter how long you stay in Bodrum, you’re sure to find something to do or new places to discover. Bodrum offers a wide range of options for visitors of all ages and cultural backgrounds.

Here are some of the must-see places in Bodrum, where you can find history, art, and entertainment:

• Bodrum Castle and Underwater Archaeology Museum: A historical structure that has become the symbol of Bodrum, this castle now also functions as the “Underwater Archaeology Museum.” Built on a rocky area between two harbors, its construction utilized stones from the Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which was destroyed by an earthquake. The museum features collections including a Turkish bath, Amphora display, East Roman Shipwreck, Glass Hall, Glass Wreck, Coin and Jewelry Hall, Carian Princess Hall, English Tower, Torture and Massacre Chambers, and the German Tower. It was awarded “Special Commendation” in the European Museum of the Year competition in 1995.
• Mausoleum at Halicarnassus: Built in Halikarnassos by Queen Artemisia in honor of King Mausolos, this is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, though it does not exist entirely today. It was a monumental tomb that combined Greek architecture with its columns and Egyptian architecture with its pyramid-shaped roof. Today, the area where the Mausoleum stood is an open-air museum.
• Ancient Theater: Located in the north of the ancient city of Halikarnassos, this classical-era structure was built into a hillside around 337 BC. Situated in Bodrum center, at the foot of Göktepe mountain, it has a “horseshoe” shape characteristic of Roman Empire theaters. It was restored in 1960 and now hosts numerous festivals, organizations, and shows, with a capacity of 13,000 people.
• Myndos Gate: Believed to have been built in the 4th century BC as the entrance gate to the city of Halikarnassos, Myndos Gate is historically significant. It was the site of conflicts during Alexander the Great’s campaign, where his soldiers could not cross due to excavated trenches, leading it to be known as “Alexander the Great’s Cursed Gate.”
• Bitez: With its lush greenery and blue waters, Bitez is one of Muğla’s most popular areas. Located in the south of Bodrum, its 200-meter crescent-shaped public beach is noted for its cleanliness and Blue Flag award. The sea is calm and waveless, making it ideal for various water sports, and it’s one of Turkey’s best areas for surfing.
• Gümüşlük: One of Bodrum Peninsula’s most famous spots, Gümüşlük is a peaceful and calm bay renowned for its fish restaurants. It becomes quite crowded during the summer season. Here, you can stroll, listen to music at cafes, browse jewelry in the streets, and dip your feet in the sea at any time of day for a tranquil experience.
• Rabbit Island (Tavşan Adası): Located in Gümüşlük, this island offers a unique experience: you can walk to it through the sea. It’s famous for its unique view from the top, especially at sunset.
• Bardakçı Bay: Situated just outside Bodrum Harbor, Bardakçı Bay is ideal for those seeking an alternative. Its beach is clean, and the water is beautiful. From its 300-meter long beach, you can enjoy views of Bodrum Castle and windmills.
• Zeki Müren Museum: This is the house in Bodrum where the legendary Turkish classical music artist Zeki Müren, known as the “Sun of Art,” spent his final years, later converted into a museum by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
• Pedasa Ancient City: Located 4 km from Bodrum center, this ancient city was established 3500 years ago. Also known as Gökçeler Castle, it is well-preserved, and excavations are ongoing.
• Bodrum Maritime Museum: Located in Bodrum, Muğla, this museum sheds light on maritime history from past to present. It showcases Bodrum’s important sponge diving, fishing, and transportation activities, along with Bodrum-style boats.

Getting Around

Bodrum has a well-organized urban transportation network. Like most holiday resorts, it features convenient minibus lines for both locals and tourists. From the central bus station in Bodrum, minibuses depart every 15 minutes, providing easy access within Bodrum and to surrounding towns. These minibus services serve popular tourist spots like Göltürkbükü, Yalıkavak, Gümbet, Turgutreis, Bitez, Ortakent, Akyarlar, Gümüşlük, Karaincir, Yalıçiftlik, Torba, Mazı, Mumcular, Bağla, Güvercinlik, and Gündoğan. Fares are reasonable, though they can be a bit higher due to Bodrum’s popularity as a tourism center.

Many areas in and around Bodrum are perfect for walking or cycling, and they’re also suitable for mountaineering and rock climbing enthusiasts. The canyons of İçmeler, Beldibi, and Yerkesik-Sarnıç village offer options for both canyon tours and rock climbing. Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy scenic routes along the Marmaris-İçmeler coast, Günnücek, Yalancı Boğaz, and Paradise Island from Bodrum center. Other suitable cycling areas include the Gökova coastline (between Karacasöğüt and Bördübet), Hisarönü, Orhaniye, Selimiye, Bozburun coastal strip, and the village roads of Bayır and Söğüt.

Another convenient way to get around Bodrum is by ferry and boat. Ferries are particularly popular for trips to Rhodes Island. The journey between Marmaris and Rhodes Island is 25 nautical miles and takes approximately 1 hour. Ferries from Marmaris depart at 9:15 AM, with return trips from Rhodes at 5:00 PM. Boats at the Municipal Pier in Bodrum center are ideal for daily tours to nearby coves.

Local Delicacies

In Bodrum, the distinctive flavors of Aegean cuisine, rich in vegetables, olive oil, and seafood, are very noticeable. Bodrum offers a vast culinary spectrum, with these delicious flavors available in both luxurious restaurants and local eateries serving traditional dishes.

Bodrum is surrounded by places where you can swim, try local foods, enjoy taverns with fasıl music at night, find traditional restaurants serving olive oil-based vegetable dishes, and cafes offering village breakfasts.

Asmalı Çardak in Yalıkavak is a popular spot for celebrities and is famous for its breakfast. Another great breakfast option in Yalıkavak is Havva Ana, known for its popular pastry varieties. In Gümüşlük, at Lokmacı Ana, you absolutely must try the honey lokma, tangerine jam, and tangerine delight. For tea and coffee lovers, there are many delightful tea gardens along the coast in all the coves.

Bodrum’s eateries are known for their generous hospitality. Stuffed zucchini flowers (kabak çiçeği dolması) and mixed fried vegetables are absolute must-tries here; while you can find them elsewhere, their authentic taste truly shines in Bodrum. Sea beans, okra with olive oil, artichoke salad, and radish green salad are some of Bodrum’s light local dishes. Other popular local flavors include köpoğlu mezesi (eggplant, peppers, yogurt, and tomatoes), mustard green salad, keşkek (a traditional stew), herbal cheese pastry, and gypsy salad (made with plenty of curd cheese). Don’t forget to buy some of the region’s world-famous pine honey before you leave Bodrum!

Nightlife

Just like its daytime, Bodrum’s nightlife is incredibly vibrant. It’s one of the most colorful and dynamic holiday destinations, highly popular with both local and international tourists. Bodrum’s entertainment scene continues until the early hours in bars, nightclubs, restaurants, taverns, and even in the streets. A wide array of options is available, including live music, karaoke nights, fasıl (Turkish classical music), electronic music, DJ performances, and concerts by famous artists. There’s entertainment to suit every taste. You can join the wild parties at famous nightclubs, enjoy a relaxed evening with rakı and fish, or if you want to save money but still have fun, you can participate in the street entertainment that always enlivens Bodrum’s streets. In short, especially on summer nights in Bodrum, you’ll find plenty to do, no matter what you’re in the mood for.

Some of the most popular nightclubs include M&M, Deli Bar, Seyfi Bar, Mavi Bar, Kedi Kulüp, and Veli Bar. Other highly acclaimed venues are Halikarnas The Club, Adamik Bar, Mandalin, and Marina Yacht Club. Additionally, Karpuz is considered one of Bodrum’s hottest spots for pop music. Many popular Istanbul venues have also opened branches in Bodrum. Hardal, located in Türkbükü, has become a favorite in Bodrum for both its food quality and its parties with DJ performances. Fenix, Anjelique, Zuma, and Eva Klein, which also opened branches in Bodrum after Istanbul, are among the most popular nightclubs. Sahne Istanbul in Türkbükü is packed with people attending concerts by famous artists. Maça Kızı in Türkbükü is expensive but one of the most popular venues. Billionaire and Sess are popular spots in Yalıkavak Palmarina.

Another alternative is to attend concerts by famous artists like Teoman and Göksel at Özak Pansiyon in Gümüşlük. For more alternative music, Kule Rock City and Körfez are among the most popular rock bars. For a pleasant evening with meyhane music and friends, Filika is a good choice. For those who prefer lower-volume music, Moonlight Cafe Bar offers a nice evening with a sea view. Cocktail lovers will find Gekko Cocktail & Whisky a very enjoyable alternative.

The crowds, especially in summer, fill popular venues and streets throughout the summer nights. During the hot summer months, when it’s hard to walk in the central streets, finding a spot in famous restaurants and nightclubs can also be quite challenging. If you’re in Bodrum during the winter, the nightlife will be quieter due to the town’s more serene atmosphere. However, some venue owners have started organizing special events and live music nights to liven up Bodrum’s winter nightlife. This way, the nightlife continues to some extent with the local Bodrum community even in winter.

Many entertainment venues in Bodrum center stay open until the morning. There are places that offer not only music but also dance and light shows. Prices at famous and popular venues are quite high, so it’s advisable to plan your night accordingly. Bodrum’s nightlife is almost endless. New venues continue to open with changing trends, and existing venues modify their music or style. There are also many venues frequented by celebrities and with a large number of regulars.

Today, due to tourist expectations and contemporary entertainment preferences, alternative entertainment venues have largely moved outside the center. For those seeking a quieter nightlife, venues in Gümüşlük and Yalıkavak can be recommended. These areas will be calmer than the center and can be reached by minibus from Bodrum center. You can also spend your evening with family or friends at a restaurant, enjoying the delicious dishes of Aegean cuisine. Gümüşlük, in particular, offers options for enjoying a rakı-balık meal with music at one of its seaside fish restaurants.

The most suitable place to spend time without necessarily entering a venue is the beach itself. Along the coast in many parts of Bodrum, you can spend your evening enjoying performances, music, and dance shows. In fact, an evening stroll along the beach in Bodrum is highly recommended. Along the coastal road, you can find people selling ornaments, souvenirs, paintings, and jewelry. You can spend hours enjoying the lively and brightly lit streets until late at night.

Festivals and Events

Bodrum, famous for its unique characteristics and exciting activities, hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, both in summer and winter. You can choose from a variety of festivals where you can taste local flavors, dance to loud music, pick up a new hobby, or simply immerse yourself in art. Indeed, Bodrum has an endless festival atmosphere, offering events that cater to diverse audiences and interests. Alongside new and emerging events, most festivals are annual occurrences. Here are some of them and their seasons:

• Tangerine Festival: Held every January, this festival offers a wide variety of foods made with tangerines, one of the first things that come to mind when you think of Bodrum.
• Gündoğan Sausage and Wine Festival: This festival, held on the last Saturday of February on the beach each year, is ideal for those who want to enjoy Bodrum even in winter.
• Slow Cheese Bodrum: Organized every two years in March, this event allows you to taste different cheeses and learn about their sustainability.
• Bodrum Pedasa Festival: Held annually in April or May, this festival aims to preserve and teach ancient values, featuring various talks and competitions.
• Bodrum Kite Awareness Festival: Taking place every May at the Değirmenler (Windmills) area in Gümbet, this festival is open to all ages. With the slogan “Let’s lift barriers to the sky,” it promises visitors a very special experience.
• International Bodrum Dance Festival: This festival, which held its 18th edition in 2017, is known as Europe’s largest dance festival. With the participation of European Union countries, it promises a colorful and dazzling experience. All performances, held annually in May in Bodrum’s streets and Bodrum Castle, are free and open to the public.
• Summer Tango Fest Bodrum: Held in Bardakçı Bay every late June or early July, this festival welcomes hundreds of tango lovers. The festival also includes various classes, workshops, and extra parties.
• Chill-Out Festival: Promising unlimited music, sea, and sun, Chill-Out offers visitors two very entertaining days in mid-July.
• The Bodrum Cup: Held in October, this festival started with sailing races but has expanded its scope to include all sea enthusiasts, making it one of Bodrum’s unique festivals.

Other events held throughout the year in Bodrum include D-Marin International Classical Music Festival – Bodrum Music Festival, Karaova Grape Harvest Days, Bodrum Jazz Festival, Karyasanat Baroque Music Festival, SunSplash, Sustainable Living Film Festival, Slow Food Bodrum, and Bodrum Ancient Theater Concerts.