Things to do in  Bodrum

A cluster of ancient 2-story homes spread across three tiers, the Ephesus Terrace Houses reveal how wealthy Romans lived during the city’s glory days. Glass floors let you admire geometric mosaics and still-colorful frescoes gleaming on the walls—it’s a small wonder some compare the site to Pompeii.

Once a glorious temple of gleaming marble and finely carved columns; the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus stood 164 feet (50 meters tall and was capped with a marble sculpture of a four-horse chariot. Built in 351 BC to house the tomb of King Mausolus, it was the grandest mausoleum of its time and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Jutting into the Aegean Sea from southwest Turkey, the thumb-shaped Bodrum Peninsula (Bodrum Yarimada is named after the city of Bodrum on its southern coast. At the center of what’s dubbed the Turkish Riviera—or Turquoise Coast—it offers lively resorts, sleek marinas, and quiet fishing villages wedged between blue seas and windmill-dotted hills.

Bodrum’s most prominent landmark, the Castle of St. Peter stands on the promontory that divides the city’s twin bays. Complete with towers, battlements, and gardens—and home to Bodrum’s Museum of Underwater Archaeology—this 15th-century-built fortress is a must-visit for travelers.

Perched below the rugged flank of Mt. Mykale, Priene is one of Turkey’s most attractive Greco-Roman archaeological sites, with an enormous Hellenistic theater, the spectacular ruins of a temple of Athena, a synagogue, Roman baths, and more. Trees and wildflowers (in season) make the ancient setting particularly atmospheric.

Crowning the promontory dividing Bodrum and Gumbet, the Bodrum Windmills are one of the region’s prettiest landmarks. Built in the 18th century to grind flour, the seven stone structures are now derelict but are still picture perfect and offer stupendous views over the bays of both resorts.

Explore the ruins of what was one of the most impressive structures in the ancient Roman city of Ephesus. The Temple of Domitian dates from the 1st century and is the earliest known structure dedicated to an emperor. It is located on the south end of Domitian Street.

The ancient metropolis of Miletus dates back to 1,400 BC, and was once a thriving port city known for its wealth and strategic position. A shifting river eventually led to the city's abandonment, but not before it was destroyed in 499 BC and rebuilt on a grid plan that inspired Roman cities.

Looming over the seafront along Bodrum harbor, Bodrum Castle is not just a historic landmark—the medieval ruins also house the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Showcasing the archeological finds unearthed from shipwrecks along Turkey’s (officially the Republic of Türkiye) Aegean Coast, the museum is a trove of ancient artifacts, Bronze age finds, and maritime treasures.

The grand Myndos Gate (Myndos Kapısı) once guarded the western entrance to the ancient Greek city of Halicarnassus and marked the route to nearby Myndos (now Gümüslük). Now in ruins, the gate is the last trace of the city’s once-mighty fortifications and remains a prominent landmark of modern-day Bodrum.

Set on a north Bodrum hillside, Bodrum Amphitheater (Antik Tiyatro is a relic of the ancient Greek city of Halicarnassus. Built in the 4th century BC and later developed by the Romans, the restored 13,000-seat theater offers a fantastic glimpse into the ancient world alongside stellar city views, and is a stage for concerts and events.

Close to the coastal resort town of Bodrum, the small village of Yalıçiftlik provides a tranquil retreat from the tourist crowds. Bordered by pine forests, olive groves, and rocky coves, Yalıçiftlik is the place to escape to the countryside, experience traditional Turkish life, and swim at secluded sandy beaches.

Jutting out into the Aegean Sea, you’ll find the ancient Greek city of Knidos (Cnidus), which dates back around 2,600 years. Excavations in the 19th century revealed that the abandoned city was an important cultural and political center. Today, it is most famous for its commission of the Aphrodite of Knidos statue, considered the first life-size sculpture of a nude female. While the original statue no longer exists, copies can be found in museums around the world, including the Museo Pio-Clementino in Vatican City.

Flanking an island-dotted bay on Bodrum Peninsula’s west coast, the fishing village of Gümüslük is a slice of traditional Turkey. Less developed and quieter than many nearby towns—although it can get busy during summer—this gem keeps visitors happy with a pretty beach, underwater archaeological relics, and seafood restaurants.

No Turkish city is complete without a bazaar, the bustling marketplace at the heart of local life. If you’re looking for a local experience, Bodrum Bazaar doesn’t disappoint, with dozens of shops and stalls selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to clothing, homeware items, souvenirs, handicrafts, and every flavor of Turkish delight imaginable.