Bodrum CastleAttraction
Bodrum Castle
A fortress begun by the Knights of St John in 1402, with four towers named after England, France, Germany and Italy.
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Things to do in Bodrum
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Photo: Hamdigumus, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
AirportsMilas–Bodrum Airport (BJV), about 36 km from the town
Getting aroundTaxis, minibuses (dolmuş), boats and hire cars
CurrencyTurkish lira (TRY)
Best monthsMay, June, September and October
Bodrum in brief
Bodrum is a port town on the Aegean coast of Türkiye, at the entrance to the Gulf of Gökova. In ancient times it was called Halicarnassus.
Its skyline is dominated by Bodrum Castle, built by the Knights of St John from 1402. The castle now holds a museum of underwater archaeology.
The town was once home to the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today visitors come for the castle, the ancient theatre, the yacht harbour and the villages and bays of the Bodrum peninsula.
Top attractions in Bodrum
Tickets and guided visits for the city’s best-known sights.
Bodrum Castle
Mausoleum at HalicarnassusAttraction
Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
The site of the tomb built for Mausolus in the 4th century BC, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
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Bodrum Ancient TheatreAttraction
Bodrum Ancient Theatre
A Greco-Roman theatre on the hillside above the town, with views over the bay.
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Bodrum MarinaAttraction
Bodrum Marina
The yacht harbour beside the castle, lined with boats, shops and waterfront restaurants.
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Myndos GateAttraction
Myndos Gate
The remains of a gate in the 4th-century BC walls of ancient Halicarnassus.
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GümüşlükPhoto: Bodrum Castle — Serhio Magpie (CC BY 4.0); Mausoleum at Halicarnassus — FollowingHadrian (CC BY-SA 4.0); Bodrum Ancient Theatre — Onur CİHAN (CC BY-SA 4.0); Bodrum Marina — Justinianus (CC BY-SA 4.0); Myndos Gate — S.L.Kozhin (CC BY-SA 3.0); Gümüşlük — Koray (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikimedia Commons
Tours and day trips
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Getting there and around
Airport transfer from Milas–Bodrum Airport (BJV)A pre-booked car from arrivals to your hotel on the peninsula. The airport is about 36 km from Bodrum town, so allow time for the road. Alternatives are an airport shuttle bus or a taxi.
Getting around BodrumDolmuş minibuses link Bodrum town with villages and beaches on the peninsula. Taxis cover shorter trips. The old centre and harbour are best explored on foot.
Car rentalA hire car helps if you want to reach several bays and villages in a day. Parking in the centre in summer can be hard, so ask your hotel about parking.
Flights
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Where to stay
Pick a neighbourhood first, then compare hotels.
1
Bodrum town centre
Close to the castle, the marina and the restaurants. Suits first-time visitors who want to walk everywhere.
2
Gümbet
A beach resort area west of the centre, with a long beach and many hotels. Suits those who want a beach holiday close to town.
3
Yalıkavak
A coastal village with a large marina, on the northern side of the peninsula. Suits those who want a quieter base with sea views.
4
Gümüşlük
A small fishing village with restaurants on the water. Suits visitors who want a calm stay away from the busy centre.
Hotels in Bodrum with live prices
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Top hotels in Bodrum
Popular hotels with strong guest ratings. Open a hotel to see photos, facilities and live prices.
Hotel Centro Bodrum
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Jasmin Elite Residence & SPA★★★★
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Radisson Collection Hotel, Bodrum★★★★★
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The Marmara Bodrum - Adult Only★★★★★
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Degirmenburnu Residence★★★★
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Costa Sariyaz Hotel Bodrum
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Doria Hotel Bodrum-City Center★★★★★
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Azka Otel★★★★★
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El Vino Hotel & Suites
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Casa Nonna Bodrum - Adult Only
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Denizati Pension
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İlya Apart 2★★★
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Bodrum day by day
- Day 1: Castle and old townBodrum Castle and its underwater archaeology museum in the morning, then a walk around the marina and the old streets.
- Day 2: Ancient HalicarnassusThe Mausoleum site, the Myndos Gate and the ancient theatre, with a view over the bay from the top of the seats.
- Day 3: Gümüşlük and the peninsulaA drive west to Gümüşlük to see the shallow ruins of Myndos, then lunch by the water and time on a beach.
- With a fourth dayA boat trip along the coast, with stops to swim in the bays near Bodrum.
Local tips
- Summer days are hot. Visit the ancient sites in the morning and bring water, a hat and sun cream.
- Wear flat shoes with a good grip. The castle has steps and uneven stone, and the theatre has steep rows.
- Opening times and ticket rules at the sites can change, so check them before you go.
- Boats also cross from Bodrum to the Greek island of Kos. Check the schedule and the passport rules before you plan a trip.
- Milas–Bodrum Airport is some way from the town, so plan your transfer before you arrive.
Before you go
Travel insuranceCover for medical costs and cancellations.
Luggage storageLeave bags near the station or the sights.
Flight delay compensationCheck whether a delayed or cancelled flight qualifies.
Everything for Bodrum
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Travel guide
May, June, September and October are the best months, and three days cover the main sights while a week adds beach and boat days. Milas–Bodrum Airport is about 36 km from the town, so plan your transfer and choose where to stay on the peninsula before you arrive.
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Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Bodrum?
Three days cover the castle, the ancient sites and a trip to Gümüşlük. Many visitors stay a week to add beach and boat days.
How far is Milas–Bodrum Airport from Bodrum?
The airport is about 36 km north-east of Bodrum town and about 16 km south of Milas. A transfer or taxi is the usual way to reach the town.
Is Bodrum the same place as ancient Halicarnassus?
Yes. Bodrum stands on the site of Halicarnassus, the ancient city that was home to the Mausoleum.
Can I see the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus today?
Only the foundations and some fragments remain on the site. Many of the sculptures from the Mausoleum are now in the British Museum in London.
What is inside Bodrum Castle?
The castle holds the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, with finds from ancient shipwrecks in the Aegean such as amphoras and glass.