PLACES TO VISIT IN BODRUM – BODRUM TRAVEL GUIDE
odrum is undoubtedly one of Turkey's most popular holiday centers. This popularity isn't limited to just Turkey; it is known in many countries around the world. As a district of Muğla province, Bodrum hosts millions of holidaymakers every year. With a population of approximately 350 thousand, Bodrum welcomes an average of one million guests during the summer months. If you want to learn what makes this district, flocked to by both local and foreign tourists, so popular, pack your suitcases and come to Bodrum!
Bodrum is not just a holiday resort where you get lost in the summer crowds; it is a story waiting to be discovered with its thousands of years of history, the light that changes in every bay, and its unique lifestyle culture.
In this article we have prepared for you, you will find the calm face of Bodrum, the right addresses for local flavors, and updated information for 2026. From the history of Bodrum Castle to the hills where the sunset is best watched, we have compiled all the values of the city with the sensitivity of a local.
Although Bodrum is often associated with sea, sand, and sun-themed summer holidays, it possesses thousands of years of history and harbors many important historical values. Therefore, we can say that Bodrum is very rich in terms of places to visit. Unfortunately, most visitors leave without fully exploring Bodrum. However, there are many things to do and, of course, many places to visit in Bodrum.
We see Bodrum not just as a tourist destination, but as our home. We want you, who come to Bodrum for a holiday, to feel no strangeness while touring our home. Are you ready to discover Bodrum under the guidance of those living here?
Here is the comprehensive Bodrum Travel Guide, which we hope will enable you to fully explore this place when you arrive.
July and August are considered the perfect months for swimming in Bodrum.
Bodrum is a delightful destination during the spring and autumn seasons.
Accelerated Bodrum Travel Guide (2026)
- Places You Must See: Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Bodrum Castle and Museum of Underwater Archaeology, Zeki Müren Arts Museum (At least one day should be set aside).
- Best View: Turgutreis and Bardakçı Windmills (Sunset hours are the ideal time).
- Local Gastronomy: Bodrum Fish Restaurants (Mezes should be tried one by one, if ambiance is important, Gümüşlük should be preferred), Çökertme Kebab, Vegetable Döner, and Bitez Ice Cream. You can also experience both international cuisines and chic kebab restaurants in Bodrum.
- Sea Pleasure: Orak Island, Aquarium Bay, Karaada (Black Island), Çatal Island (You must definitely take a daily boat tour).
- Shopping & Gifts: Gümüşlük Handicrafts Market and Bodrum Bar Street are places you must visit. Also, there is a street full of shops selling souvenir products in almost every town.
- Nightlife: Although Bodrum Center doesn’t have its old vibe, you can prefer bars that haven’t compromised their quality. Yalıkavak Marina has become the heart of the luxury entertainment concept; you can find many bars and nightclubs inside and around the marina.
- Ideal Time to Visit: Late May or September are the times when it is away from the crowd and the sea is most beautiful. For sea and sun enjoyment, July and August.
HOW TO GET TO BODRUM?
Transportation options to Bodrum are quite extensive. The fastest option, Milas – Bodrum International Airport (BJV), is 36 kilometers away from the district center.
Transportation from the airport to Bodrum center takes an average of 35-40 minutes depending on traffic. To get to the center after landing, you can choose HAVAŞ and MUTTAŞ buses (a more economical option) or private transfer vehicles.
For those preferring the road, there are direct bus services to Bodrum Bus Terminal from almost every city in Turkey. A modern bus terminal was built at Bodrum’s Torba junction in recent years. Remember that this is the last stop for intercity buses; regular minibuses (dolmuş) run from the terminal to the city center.
If you want to come by sea; you can make a delightful entry to Bodrum with ferries departing from Datça in the summer months or with voyages organized from surrounding Greek islands, primarily Kos Island.
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS IN BODRUM
You have many accommodation options in Bodrum. You can find an alternative for every budget, from luxury hotels to pensions, from bungalow houses to camping areas.
We have explained the hotels we love and have visited in Bodrum in detail on our Bodrum Hotel Recommendations pages. If you wish, you can take a look at these pages and read our articles where we examine hotels suitable for you in depth.
On the other hand, we think that our Villa Rental Guide article will be read with interest by those looking for a little privacy on their holidays. Our “Villa holiday or hotel holiday?” comparison might change your mind while planning your holiday.
Remember, the first important step of a pleasant holiday is choosing the right hotel. It won’t be very pleasing for a family with children to go to a hotel with no children’s activities. Or, for someone who devotes all their time to sunbathing on holiday, choosing a hotel without a good beach might spoil the holiday pleasure.
This street is a must-visit for every tourist exploring Bodrum!
PLACES TO VISIT IN BODRUM
Among the most important elements that make the district attractive are shopping streets, historical structures, museums, fun streets, towns with views you will adore, and a food culture that expands every year.
For this reason, it is best to program the duration of your Bodrum trips in a way that allows you to tour these places. Assuming you have a short holiday, let’s list the places to visit in Bodrum that you must see now…
If you walk 3-5 minutes down towards the sea from the Bodrum minibus terminal, you will find yourself in the heart of Bodrum. Your left goes to the famous Bodrum Bar Street, and your right goes to Neyzen Tevfik Street, where there are high-quality fish restaurants and different venues, and then to the marina.
Bodrum center is a place that every holidaymaker must visit. You may not be able to finish it in just one day. Every avenue, every street hosts colorful restaurants and shops.
If you are going to spend most of your holiday in the center, we toured the center step by step for you in our Places to Visit in Bodrum Center article; you must definitely read this detailed article.
BODRUM BAR STREET
Although the name of this street is known as Bodrum Bar Street among those coming to Bodrum for a holiday, it is actually Cumhuriyet Street.
Our advice when you come to Bodrum center; first, let yourself go to Bodrum’s liveliest street, visit the souvenir shops, and then go to the Bar Street filled with entertainment venues (as the name suggests).
Although this street comes to mind when talking about places to visit in Bodrum, do not neglect to enter the back streets as well. You can visit different shops and quality venues, and discover Tekilacılar Street, which is a side street off Bodrum Bar Street. Although it has a different atmosphere in the evenings, touring Tekilacılar Street during the day is also enjoyable.
When in Bodrum, a visit to Bodrum Castle is a must-do activity.
The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus is believed to have been destroyed during a major earthquake in Anatolia.
BODRUM CASTLE
Naturally, Bodrum Castle, the symbol of the district, sits at the top of the places to visit in Bodrum list. Built by the Knights of Saint John between 1406 – 1523, the castle has reached today almost completely preserved. There are sections in the castle such as the English Tower, French Tower, and dungeon.
The Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology inside the castle is considered one of the few museums of its kind in the world. The castle is in the center of the district, and let us not pass without adding that you may need to set aside a day to tour every corner of it.
MAUSOLEUM AT HALICARNASSUS
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, which is overlooked by most people coming to the district, is actually one of the most important historical structures hosted by Bodrum. Because the mausoleum is counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; for this reason, it is naturally one of the most important in our places to visit in Bodrum ranking.
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus is on Turgutreis Street, very close to the Bodrum bus terminal, and you can visit it every day of the week except Monday.
The Mausoleum was built by Artemisia, the sister and also the wife of King Mausolus, in his memory. Unfortunately, many parts of the mausoleum, which was one of the largest tombs at the time it was built, are exhibited in the British Museum in England.
Let us state that the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus unfortunately does not stand in its old glory. In this historical area serving as an open-air museum, the collapsed parts of the mausoleum are exhibited. Since you have come all the way to Bodrum, we recommend you not to return without seeing the ruins of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
ZEKI MÜREN ARTS MUSEUM
The settlement of Zeki Müren, one of the legendary voices of Turkish classical music, played a big role in the popularization of Bodrum. The house where the legendary artist lived in Bodrum was turned into a museum some time after his death and became one of the most visited points in Bodrum.
Items such as Zeki Müren’s clothes and awards are exhibited in the museum. It is also possible to see the artist’s car in the garden. Zeki Müren Arts Museum is also in the Kumbahçe Neighborhood in Bodrum city center. You can reach the museum with a pleasant walk on Cumhuriyet Street. This museum is closed on Mondays.
BODRUM MARITIME MUSEUM
Opened in 2011, the museum exhibits models faithful to the originals of “Bodrum type” boats, which have an important place in the economic, social, and cultural life of the region. In the special section reserved on the upper floor of the museum, the very valuable and rich (nearly 6,000 sea shells belonging to 168 families) “Hasan Güleşçi Sea Shells Collection”, which Hasan Güleşçi created by collecting from various parts of the world over a period of about 40 years, is presented.
There is also a collection in the museum belonging to Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı, whom all Bodrum locals love wholeheartedly and who strove to make Bodrum, where he came as an exile, a corner of paradise. If you want to get to know the “Fisherman of Halicarnassus” closer, you must definitely spare time and visit this beautiful museum located in Bodrum center.
HISTORICAL WINDMILLS
The windmills, one of the symbols of Bodrum, are located on Bardakçı Hill. This is one of the most romantic spots among the places to visit in Bodrum. By going up to Bardakçı Hill, you can see the historical windmills and take plenty of photos.
You have the chance to come here by minibuses from Bodrum center, but you will have to walk a short slope. Or you can reach it with a short taxi ride from Bodrum center or Gümbet. One side of the hill looks at Bodrum center, and the other side looks at Gümbet; the view here is incredibly beautiful. Tip: Watching the sunset from here is very delightful, but take something to drink with you while going up here to make this romantic atmosphere even more beautiful because there is no place to shop near the windmills.
The Historical Windmills offer a breathtaking sunset view, making it one of the most romantic spots in Bodrum.
HISTORICAL PLACES OF BODRUM
Bodrum is one of the richest destinations in our country in terms of historical places. Most of the tourists flocking to the district especially in the summer months leave without discovering the historical places hosted by the peninsula, and we think this is truly a big mistake.
Bodrum is so rich in historical places that even while walking in the back streets, especially in the center of the district, you encounter many ancient ruins. Many points of the district have the status of historical sites and, although many people do not know, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is in Bodrum. We list Bodrum’s historical structures below; if you want to get to know these historical structures better, we recommend reading our Historical Places of Bodrum article.
Historical Structures of Bodrum:
- Bodrum Castle
- Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology
- Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
- Bodrum Ancient Theatre
- Historical Water Cisterns (Gümbetler)
- Kızılhisarlı Mustafa Pasha Mosque
- Myndos Gate
- Bardakçı Windmills
- Pedasa Ancient City
- Historical Windmills
- Aspat Castle
- Bodrum Venetian Castle
- Madnasa Ancient City
- Termera Ancient City
- Apostol Church
- Ottoman Shipyard
- Theangela Ancient City
- Myndos Ancient City
Don't forget to set aside a day of your Bodrum vacation to explore Gumusluk.
Along the Bitez coast, there are plenty of venues offering beach club services.
BODRUM PENINSULA (Popular Towns)
One of the biggest mistakes tourists coming to Bodrum make is to end their holiday without exploring a place different from the town where their hotel is located. Maybe many people tour Bodrum center, but there are towns we want you to see in Bodrum! Let us briefly describe the towns, each a world of its own, reachable by vehicle or minibuses from Bodrum center, and leave the choice to you.
GÜMÜŞLÜK: Bohemian and Romantic
Gümüşlük has a special place among places to visit in Bodrum for almost everyone. There are numerous fish restaurants on the coast of Gümüşlük, one of the most popular neighborhoods of the district. Its view, seaside seating areas, and bohemian atmosphere are among the leading elements making this place attractive.
If you had the chance to look at the world from space in the evening, you could see Gümüşlük shining! Because when evening comes, laughter, sounds of clinking glasses, and fun conversations rise sparkling from Gümüşlük towards space… Definitely make a reservation at one of the restaurants on the Gümüşlük coast for an evening; we promise you won’t regret it. Also, do not neglect reading our Gümüşlük Travel Guide article before going to Gümüşlük.
BİTEZ: Bodrum’s Coolest Neighborhood
Bodrum’s Bitez Neighborhood is becoming a more special place as years go by. Especially in the region called Bitez ‘Köy İçi’ (Inside the Village), special venues are opening one after another. These successful restaurants, bars, and cafes, paying attention to their concept, service, and flavor, have almost changed the face of the region.
We think one of the most important features distinguishing Bitez from other neighborhoods of Bodrum is the quality of these venues and the sincere environment they create. Although we who live in Bodrum are aware of it, holidaymakers are just discovering that Bitez is a special place.
Of course, these special venues are not the only factor making Bitez a special place; to get to know Bitez coast, Bitez’s prominent restaurants, and places to visit and swim in Bitez closer, you must read our Bitez Travel Guide article.
YALIKAVAK: The Shining Star of Bodrum
Yalıkavak is one of the most preferred towns for holidays in Bodrum. Thanks to Yalıkavak Marina, which is among Turkey’s most modern and luxurious marinas, the town has become very popular. With its beaches, luxury hotels, entertainment venues, immaculate sea, and of course famous windmills, thousands of people choose Yalıkavak for holiday every year.
Yalıkavak Marina hosts famous shops and chic restaurants as much as it hosts luxurious yachts throughout the year. For this reason, we can say that Yalıkavak is a bit more expensive compared to other neighborhoods of Bodrum.
If you have a plan to spend your summer holiday in Yalıkavak, you can find all the information you would want to learn about the town in our Yalıkavak Travel Guide article.
TURGUTREİS: City of Sunset
Turgutreis, a town as developed as Bodrum’s center, perhaps even more than its center, is also one of the crowded points of the district in winter. Hosting D-Marin, one of our country’s most modern marinas, plays an important role in the popularization of Turgutreis, which attracts tourists in the summer months alongside the resident population.
There is a park in the town so beautiful that you cannot see even in big cities: Şevket Sabancı Park. Along the coast, there is a very beautiful walking and cycling path approximately 10 kilometers long. Turgutreis, the most beautiful town in Bodrum to watch the sunset, is ideal for families with children and those who want an affordable holiday. If you plan to spend your holiday in Turgutreis, you must definitely read our Turgutreis Travel Guide article.
GÜMBET: Address of Entertainment
Gümbet, 10 minutes away from Bodrum center by vehicle, is also known as “Little England”; because Gümbet is flooded by the British in the summer months. In Gümbet, which also has a bar street, there are countless entertainment venues suitable for every taste.
The sea at the end part of the Gümbet coast is very shallow, and for this reason, it is a beach that can be recommended for families with children. However, it is useful to underline; Gümbet is not really a suitable place for those who want a quiet holiday. Because in almost every point of Gümbet, the dose of entertainment is quite high and a bit messy!
Bodrum, being a peninsula, boasts an abundance of exquisite bays.
MOST BEAUTIFUL BAYS OF BODRUM
There are countless beautiful bays surrounding the Bodrum peninsula. It is not possible to go to most of these beautiful bays by road; if you want to see them, you must definitely take a boat tour.
If you want to plan a boat tour, the hotel you are staying at definitely has a contracted tour company; they will direct you. Even if not, don’t worry; if you are staying in Bodrum center, there are countless tour boats at the harbor. Not only in Bodrum center, but daily tour boats also serve in the harbors of central places like Turgutreis, Gümbet, and although fewer in number, Yalıkavak, Bitez, and Akyarlar.
Before planning a daily boat tour, we recommend you read our Bodrum Boat Tour article where we explain all the details you need to know about the Bodrum boat tour.
As a final word; if you go to the Bodrum bays we will list below, our request from you is to keep these bays clean. Since these beautiful bays of Bodrum remain virgin, the municipality does not have the chance to come here and clean. They remain clean thanks to the sensitivity of volunteers or holidaymakers like you who go to visit these beautiful bays.
BODRUM BAYS YOU MUST DEFINITELY SEE
You need to know that tour boats departing from Bodrum center and Gümbet and tour boats departing from Turgutreis stop at different bays. If you are planning to take a boat tour, you need to pay attention to this.
- Aquarium Bay
- Meteor Hole (Meteor Çukuru)
- Camel Beach
- Karaada (Black Island)
- Poyraz Bay
- Orak Island
- Kargıcak Bay
- Tavşan Burnu Bay
- Paradise Bay (Cennet Koyu)
- Kisebükü Bay
- Aspat Bay
- Dilek Cave
- Lovers Bay (Aşıklar Koyu)
- Çatal Island
The ferry ride from Bodrum to Kos Island takes a mere 25 minutes, providing a convenient travel option.
Lake Bafa is a must-see destination that we highly recommend to everyone.
PLACES TO VISIT NEAR BODRUM
There are many beautiful places to visit near Bodrum. Because Muğla, the province Bodrum is affiliated with, hosts Turkey’s most popular holiday resorts. Holiday resorts like Datça, Marmaris, Fethiye, Dalaman are also among the popular holiday resorts of Muğla province. Going to these holiday resorts takes two or three hours by car.
Apart from the places we introduce below, Ephesus for history buffs, Dalaman for rafting lovers, and the natural wonder Pamukkale are among the places that should be seen.
DAY TRIP FROM BODRUM TO KOS ISLAND
Greece’s Kos Island, which most holidaymakers coming to Bodrum visit for the day, is one of the places that should be visited. If you have a Schengen visa, having your passport with you is enough to go to Kos Island. Before 2022, you could go to Kos Island with a Gate Visa, but the Gate Visa application was abolished. You can only visit this beautiful island by obtaining a visa. Since Greece is a member of the European Union, citizens of European Union countries can visit Kos without a visa.
Kos Island is 20-25 minutes away from Bodrum by ferry. Daily ferry services are organized to Kos from Bodrum center and Turgutreis Neighborhood. Ferries departing every day at 09:00 in the morning from Bodrum center and Turgutreis return around 18:00 in the evening.
We explained Kos Island in detail in our Kos Island Travel Guide article; we think you will enjoy reading it.
EVERYONE MUST SEE BAFA LAKE
Among the places near Bodrum, Bafa Lake and its surroundings are very valuable to us. Those who come to Bodrum by car know; while going from Aydın’s district Söke towards Milas, a huge lake on your left forces you to look at itself with its magnificence and beauty of its view. Everyone certainly feels like pulling the car to the side of the lake and enjoying the view. But Bafa Lake is not just a lake with a beautiful view!
It has a separate importance with its history, geographical formation, and historical structures around it. It is very beneficial for you to know Bafa Lake in detail before going for a visit. When you read our Bafa Lake Travel Guide article, you will look for an experienced tour company to go, and towards the end of the page, we explained that company in detail.
DAY TRIP FROM BODRUM TO DALYAN
Dalyan, for which daily excursion tours are organized from Bodrum, is another place that should be seen. It is a place of unique beauty with İztuzu beach where Caretta carettas take refuge for the spawning period, labyrinth-shaped reeds, and a natural wonder lagoon system.
Take a look from the air to see the impressive beauty of this natural wonder town. The tour companies will definitely take you to a place where you can see Dalyan from the top anyway. Dalyan, visited more by foreign tourists, calls you to an impressive trip with Kaunos Rock tombs, ancient city ruins, and the mud bath that foreign tourists love very much. Do not miss this opportunity when you come to Bodrum for a holiday.
Make sure to include a visit to Gümüşlük Handicrafts Bazaar in your itinerary while enjoying your holiday in Bodrum.
SHOPPING PLACES TO VISIT IN BODRUM
Almost every town in Bodrum has a shopping street. In these streets, you can buy summer clothes and jewelry from souvenir shops. Apart from these streets, unfortunately, many shopping malls have opened in Bodrum and continue to open! We say unfortunately because we are worried that the chaos and concretization experienced in big cities will surround Bodrum!
Bodrum’s center houses countless shopping shops. On Cumhuriyet Street, known as Bar Street, and its back streets, there are souvenir shops, Bodrum’s local clothing brands, and local jewelers again.
Apart from these, it is possible for you to find many more shopping shops; carpets, watches, sandals, whatever comes to your mind. For this reason, this street gets very crowded in summer months. Our advice is to go in the early morning hours, it is calmer.
One does not return from Bodrum without buying a gift. There are many special places to buy either a Bodrum holiday memory or a small gift for your loved ones. We also recommend you read our Where to Buy Gifts in Bodrum article. In this article, we suggest many special addresses to you.
BODRUM CENTER SHOPPING PLACES Bodrum’s center houses countless shopping shops. On Cumhuriyet Street, known as Bar Street, and its back streets, there are souvenir shops, Bodrum’s local clothing brands, and local jewelers again.
Apart from these, it is possible for you to find many more shopping shops; carpets, watches, sandals, whatever comes to your mind. For this reason, this street gets very crowded in summer months. Our advice is to go in the early morning hours, it is calmer.
GÜMÜŞLÜK HANDICRAFTS MARKET You shouldn’t return without seeing Gümüşlük Handicrafts Market when you come to Bodrum. There are many souvenir shops in this market, such as jewelry, bags, sculptures, ceramic products created by artists living in Bodrum.
Apart from this, Cadı Gümüşlük (Witch Gümüşlük), whose prices increase parallel to its popularity, is located at the end of this market. Without forgetting, it is impossible not to mention Etnika Butik. In this store, which we think our female readers will like very much, you can buy beach clothes or hats that will crown your beauty alongside clothes adorned with Bodrum’s local motifs.
When this shopping tires you, you can have a delightful fish feast at Gümüşlük fish restaurants a few steps away. If you want to go to Gümüşlük Handicrafts Market, we recommend you go in the afternoon. Almost all the shops here start opening in the afternoon and stay open until late at night.
MILTA BODRUM MARINA Milta Marina, located in the center of Bodrum, has a small shopping center. It might not even be correct to call it a shopping center; it would be more accurate to say like a small street. There are about 10 or 12 stores here. Milta Bodrum Marina hosts high-class stores like Ay-yıldız underwear and swimwear/bikini store, Mavi Jeans, İpekyol, Tommy Hilfiger.
YALIKAVAK MARINA Yalıkavak Marina, one of Turkey’s most modern marinas, hosts many luxury yachts every year. There are also many luxury shopping stores in Yalıkavak Marina. Many stores from jewelry to clothing are a point that shouldn’t be passed without seeing for holidaymakers who love luxury shopping. Also, let us remind you that there are a few luxury restaurants in Yalıkavak Marina.
TURGUTREİS D-MARIN Turgutreis D-Marin is Bodrum’s second-largest marina. Although shopping areas are not as big as Yalıkavak Marina, we recommend you to visit. You can find both souvenir and clothing stores. Apart from shopping shops, there are considerably large Starbucks and Kahve Dünyası branches. Let us state that there are also quality restaurants for dining.
MIDTOWN SHOPPING CENTER Midtown Shopping Center, located in Ortakentyahşi, is one of Bodrum’s largest shopping centers. You can find countless shopping stores and restaurants in the shopping center, which has both open and closed areas. Let’s not list these shopping stores one by one; instead, we can say something like this: there are over 100 stores in Midtown Shopping Center, from clothing to jewelry, from children’s clothing to accessories and technology. Without forgetting, let us state that there is also a large Decathlon store, which is a sports and outdoor store.
OASIS SHOPPING CENTER Oasis Shopping Center, Bodrum’s first shopping center, was opened in 1988. It is not as big as Midtown and there are differences in their concepts too.
They launch themselves more as a culture, art, entertainment, and life center. There are over 20 shopping stores in Oasis. There are technology, women’s, men’s, children’s clothing, jewelry, personal care stores, and cinema halls in Oasis Shopping Center. While going from Bodrum center to Gümbet, Oasis Shopping Center remains on your right after passing Bodrum Ancient Theatre.
AVENUE SHOPPING CENTER Avenue Shopping Center is located in Çırkan neighborhood. Don’t let it confuse you, all shopping centers are located on the main road. It is very easy to reach all of them with Bodrum city minibuses.
There are over 30 shopping stores here. Avenue is a new and modern shopping center. There are also many resting areas; like cafes, restaurants, bookstores… The shopping center, which has both open and closed areas, might not look big to your eyes from the outside, but when you go down to the lower floor, you will see that many stores are there.
Bodrum offers a wealth of captivating attractions, but its culinary delights are truly remarkable.
WHAT TO EAT IN BODRUM?
Experienced travelers taste local flavors wherever they go, and Bodrum is very rich in terms of local flavors. There is no one who hasn’t heard the legendary tastes of Aegean cuisine. Bodrum is also a place where you can taste the most beautiful examples of Aegean cuisine.
New restaurants open in Bodrum every year. Some are luxury, some are boutique restaurants. You can find many special restaurants for every food you can think of; pizza, kebab, fish, meatballs, hamburger, sushi, and local flavors.
Also, Bodrum is famous for its breakfast. Almost everyone coming to the district definitely goes to one of these delicious breakfast venues. Do not pass without reading our Bodrum Breakfast Venues Recommendations article!
WHAT IS BODRUM FAMOUS FOR? Herbs of Bodrum, an Aegean district, are famous. Many magnificent herbs like radish weed (turp otu), mustard weed (hardal otu), sea beans (deniz börülcesi), wild asparagus (tilkişen), sorrel (kuzukulağı) are indispensable for Bodrum tables. Our What to Eat in Bodrum article will give you broader information on this subject.
Apart from Bodrum herbs, Bodrum Çökertme Kebab, Bodrum’s famous Vegetable Döner, Stuffed Squash Blossoms (Kabak Çiçeği Dolması), Lokma Dessert are also among the flavors you must definitely taste.
BODRUM’S FAMOUS HERBS While these herbs are generally consumed as salads, you can also taste mezes (appetizers) made from these herbs in meyhanes (taverns). Also, magnificently delicious pastries (börek) are made from these herbs in breakfast venues; we recommend you taste these flavors too.
STUFFED SQUASH BLOSSOMS (KABAK ÇİÇEĞİ DOLMASI) Do not skip the stuffed squash blossoms, the unique dish of Aegean cuisine. Especially, stuffed squash blossoms are definitely found in the menus of all fish restaurants in Bodrum. Most breakfast venues in Bodrum also include Stuffed Squash Blossoms in their mixed breakfasts; we suggest you taste it.
BODRUM ÇÖKERTME KEBAB Bodrum Çökertme Kebab is a flavor that everyone can love. We can say it is one of the most popular and delicious dishes of Bodrum. Local tourists might be familiar with Bodrum Çökertme Kebab, but we recommend they eat this delicious dish in its place of origin.
On the other hand, we definitely recommend holidaymakers coming from abroad to eat it. You will want to eat this delicious dish, served with matchstick-thick fried potatoes, julienne-cut tenderloin meats on top, and tomato sauce seasoned with spices and strained yogurt on top of that, repeatedly throughout your holiday.
You can read our Bodrum Çökertme Kebab article to get information about Bodrum Çökertme Kebab dish and learn recommended restaurants.
BODRUM’S FAMOUS VEGETABLE DÖNER Our national food döner is already very popular worldwide. Both local and foreign tourists have definitely eaten döner before. But the making of Bodrum Döner is a bit different. The spices used in its making, its special sauce, countless spices used in its marinade, and fresh vegetables put inside make Bodrum Döner a different flavor. Bodrum döner is a flavor that every holidaymaker should not end their holiday without tasting.
Where can you eat Bodrum Döner? Şirin Döner and Nokta Döner in Bodrum center are among the addresses where you can eat the best Bodrum Döner.
BITEZ ICE CREAM You have the chance to eat Bitez Ice Cream, the local ice cream maker of Bodrum, in almost every neighborhood. You will create excuses for yourself to eat this delicious ice cream, which spread from Bodrum to the whole country, again and again.
Bitez Ice Cream has many branches throughout Bodrum. Do not end your holiday without tasting Bitez Ice Cream, especially made from flavors unique to Bodrum.
BODRUM TANGERINE Bodrum Tangerine, one of the first flavors that come to mind when Bodrum is mentioned, is also among the flavors that should be tasted. You will encounter products like tangerine soda, tangerine jam, tangerine delight made from Bodrum Tangerine wherever you go.
They will definitely offer you tangerine jam in breakfast venues too. Do not forget to buy tangerine delight or tangerine jam for your loved ones or yourself before ending your holiday and returning home!
BODRUM’S LOCAL BEER PABLO BEER Established in 2017, Bodrum’s local beer Pablo Beer won everyone’s appreciation in Bodrum with craft beer production. You have the chance to drink Pablo Beer, which has five different varieties, in most markets and bars. While you are in Bodrum, definitely taste Bodrum’s local beer too.
The fish restaurants in Bodrum will not only tantalize your taste buds with their delectable cuisine but also captivate you with their charming ambiance.
BODRUM FISH RESTAURANTS
A fish restaurant is definitely found in every neighborhood of Bodrum. You can even see dozens of fish restaurants lined up side by side in some popular locations. When a fish restaurant is mentioned, the first thing that comes to our minds as Turks is rakı; after all, can fish be eaten without rakı!
We are so lucky that, also due to its geographical location, we can always eat fresh fish in Bodrum fish restaurants; all Bodrum fish restaurants pay attention to this. Mezes make one eat more and more with both their variety and flavors; sometimes we even forget to order fish. Meze is everything in a fish restaurant.
There are very good fish restaurants on Neyzen Tevfik street in Bodrum Center, on Gümüşlük coast, on Yalıkavak coast, and in all Bodrum neighborhoods. Everyone definitely has a favorite fish restaurant.
Finally, let us say this; definitely have a fish restaurant experience when you come to Bodrum for a holiday. Especially taste as many different mezes as you can. Our Bodrum Fish Restaurants article will help you when choosing a restaurant.
BODRUM BEACH CLUBS
There are dozens of beach clubs in the magnificent bays and beaches all around Bodrum, which is a peninsula. These beach clubs attract those who want to combine the sea, sand, and sun trio with entertainment throughout the summer.
Most Bodrum beach clubs also provide service regarding food and beverage, meaning they offer the opportunity to have breakfast here in the morning, swim and sunbathe, and then eat lunch, and even dinner in the same venue. This is a big advantage for those who want to spend the whole day at the sea.
Some Bodrum beach clubs have also started giving live music concerts in recent years. You can get more detailed information about these beach clubs in our Bodrum Beach Club Recommendations article. Let us state that we update the entrance fees by calling these beach clubs regularly every year.
BODRUM PUBLIC BEACHES
It is thought that life in the world started in water, and perhaps for this reason, most people are connected to the sea with a great passion. Thousands of people waiting to meet the sea throughout the year flock to Bodrum, famous for its sea and beaches, with the arrival of summer.
The magnificent beaches it hosts undoubtedly play a huge role in Bodrum being a world-renowned and very popular holiday resort. There are numerous beaches all around Bodrum, which is a peninsula; having so many beaches makes it easy for everyone to find exactly what they are looking for.
In some towns, public beaches can be small or there can be public beaches that are not ideal for families with children. The subject of which public beach is for you might confuse you a bit. Actually, we examined it in detail for you. In our Bodrum Public Beaches Impression article, we explained every public beach down to the finest detail. Maybe you would want to learn how the public beach of that region is before choosing your hotel for the holiday; definitely take a look at this article of ours too.
HOW IS BODRUM NIGHTLIFE?
If today Bodrum is a holiday center known all over the world, attracting millions of local and foreign tourists every year, one of the most important reasons for this is the district’s legendary nightlife.
Bars, discos, venues playing live music in the bar street in Bodrum center; in short, whatever you expect in the name of nightlife, there is more. Of course, the most important thing is what kind of nightlife you like!
If you want disco-style entertainment, Gümbet Bar Street offers exactly the style of entertainment you are looking for. There are about ten nightclubs here. It is possible to find live music, dance shows in these nightclubs. Gümbet’s nightlife is for those who like overly lively and loud music. Not just nightclubs, but almost all bars in Gümbet are also small nightclubs.
Those looking for a slightly calmer, standard bar environment should take the road to Bodrum Bar Street. There is slightly more controlled entertainment in bars on Bodrum Bar Street. Whatever kind of music you like, you will definitely find a bar you will love in Bodrum.
There are also many options in Bodrum for those who like live music. Although most of these are Turkish music, foreign tourists also often prefer these live music venues to have fun.
Marina Yacht Club, whose name has become identified with Bodrum, comes first among these. In other live music venues serving in the new generation tavern (meyhane) concept, belly dancing is done, halay is danced, and zeybek is performed. Our advice to foreign holidaymakers coming from abroad is to experience these venues.
If you say “I want to listen to beautiful music while chatting with my friends,” don’t worry, there are bars in Bodrum that you will love very much for this too.
On the other hand, we have a wonderful article for the meyhane culture, which is one of the entertainment understandings Turkish people love most; Best Meyhanes of Bodrum. This article covers venues where you can chat with your loved ones, eat delicious mezes, drink a few doubles of something, and have a good time.
Entertainment lasts until midnight in the summer season in Bodrum. Still, drink moderately, don’t end your beautiful night unpleasantly.
WHICH BODRUM BAR SHOULD YOU GO TO?
One of the biggest factors in Bodrum being a popular holiday resort is its bars. The music is high quality, and the atmosphere becomes identified with the music. Kule Rock City, Körfez Bar, Mavi Bar, Mandalin Bodrum, Veli Bar are among the prominent bars of Bar Street.
It is possible to find a bar where you can listen to music according to every taste in Bodrum. Tekilacılar Street, which is one of the side streets of Cumhuriyet Street known as Bodrum Bar Street, also turns into a carnival place in the evenings. There are bars in this street where you can experience both music and entertainment at different levels.
There are many quality bars outside Bodrum Bar Street too. We recommend you read our Best Bars of Bodrum article where we explain these beautiful Bodrum bars to you down to the finest detail.
BODRUM NIGHTCLUBS
When Bodrum nightclubs are mentioned, Gümbet Neighborhood comes to everyone’s mind. There are many popular nightclubs in Gümbet with crazy entertainment life, disco-style music, and dance shows. Gümbet, frequently preferred by British holidaymakers, is also known as ‘Little England’ among the public.
In previous years, there were a few nightclubs in Bodrum center too. But due to complaints coming from guests in other businesses and residential areas about overly loud music and entertainment lasting until morning hours, they had to leave Bodrum center. There are still a few nightclubs, and they continue to serve by obeying some rules.
We cannot help but mention; there is also a floating nightclub in Bodrum; Club Catamaran. Taking its guests from Bodrum center at a certain hour, this catamaran for 1500 people is very famous in Bodrum with its crazy entertainment style. It serves by traveling on the sea until late hours of the night. Let us warn you, this entertainment understanding may not appeal to everyone.
BODRUM FESTIVALS
Bodrum is assertive not only with its beaches and entertainment life but also with festivals in various concepts it hosts throughout the year. Bodrum festivals add color to Bodrum life and attract the attention of visitors coming to the district as much as those living in Bodrum.
However, we still think Bodrum festivals are not promoted enough. We hope these festivals, each being important and successful organizations in their field, will be promoted better.
Bodrum Music Festival, International Gümüşlük Music Festival, Chill-Out Festival held at Xuma Beach, and Bodrum Dance Festival are among the most important ones. Apart from these; fun festivals appealing to the stomach like Tangerine Festival, Gündoğan Sucuk-Wine Festival, Slow Cheese Bodrum, and Bitter Herb (Acı Ot) Festival are also held in Bodrum.
We definitely recommend you read our Bodrum Festivals Guide article where you can follow all Bodrum festivals. Maybe after reading this article, you will review your travel plans and rearrange them to participate in these festivals.
WHAT TO DO IN BODRUM?
The first answer to the question “What to do in Bodrum?” is, of course, to enjoy the sea and the sun. However, there are many more activities to make the Bodrum holiday more enjoyable. If you finish your holiday without leaving your hotel throughout your Bodrum holiday, you are making a big mistake.
Just as there are many places you need to visit and see in Bodrum, there are also many activities to do for every taste. Windsurf, parasailing, scuba diving, jeep safari tours are among the popular activities done in Bodrum.
Aside from these activities, you must definitely take a boat tour. Also, there are wine tasting tours for wine lovers. You have the chance to go to three large and special vineyards in Bodrum and do a delicious wine tasting tour.
Of course, these activities are the first ones that come to our mind; it is best if you read our What to Do in Bodrum? article and get broader information about activities to be done in Bodrum. You must definitely take a look at our guide article where we direct you to activities to be done in Bodrum and places where you can do these activities.
Bodrum is definitely one of the most correct destinations for those who want to experience a holiday and travel experience full of every moment. We hope our places to visit in Bodrum article has enabled you to have an idea before touring Bodrum.
Before ending our article, we invite you to our Facebook group named Bodrum Travel Tips. The purpose of this community is for you to share your Bodrum holiday experiences or ask for advice about Bodrum from other users. Help guests coming to Bodrum from both abroad and within the country, give advice, suggest venues, give information about places to visit in Bodrum.
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We wish you a happy holiday…
