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Bodrum - at a glance
Luxury, culture, and hospitality are the hallmarks of Bodrum, a city located on the eponymous peninsula on the southwestern coast of the Aegean Sea. In the ancient world, Bodrum was known by its Greek name: Halicarnassus. It was made famous by the mausoleum constructed in the fourth century B.C., which was one of the seven wonders of the world. Bodrum faded into obscurity after it was destroyed by Alexander the Great in 334 B.C. But things began to change in the 1920s, when poet and painter Cevat Şakir was exiled to Bodrum; he fell in love with its idyllic beauty and described it in his works. The little fishing village began to grow into an exclusive resort town, eventually becoming a popular travel destination for people from all walks of life.
Today, the city is still characterized by the typical whitewashed, flat-roof houses that Şakir depicted. Vacationers are drawn to the many little bays and the clear, azure water – but the night life is a major attraction as well.
The city boasts many bars, cafés, and restaurants – particularly around the castle – and lots of them have tables set up directly on the beach. Other attractions include Kumbahçe Beach – Bodrum’s public downtown beach – and Bodrum Harbor with its numerous luxury yachts. The selection of hotels is as diverse as the people who visit Bodrum, with everything from luxury suites to family hotels.
Top Ten Sights in Bodrum

Bodrum Kalesi (Castle of St. Peter)
Kale Caddesi
Bodrum
Turkey
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Website
Tel: +90-2/523 16 25 16
Opening times:
Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The Castle of St. Peter was constructed by the Knights of St. John in the 15th century using rubble they collected from the destroyed mausoleum. The castle was designed in the Franconian-Byzantine style, with five towers named after the countries of origin of its early inhabitants. After the crusaders abandoned the castle, it was used to store underwater treasures discovered by divers. That tradition continues today: The castle is now home to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
Bodrum Sualti Arkeoloji Müzesi (Museum of Underwater Archaeology)
Kale Caddesi
Bodrum
Turkey
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Website
Tel: +90-2/523 16 25 16
Opening times:
Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The Museum of Underwater Archaeology has been open to the public since 1961. Countless finds from shipwrecks are on display here in Bodrum Kalesi, alongside reconstructions of famous ships, an extensive collection of amphoras, and many other fascinating archaeological items. The museum is considered one of the world’s finest in the field of underwater archaeology.
Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
Bodrum
Turkey
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Opening times:
Daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The mausoleum, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, was originally constructed as the tomb of Mausolus in Halicarnassus (today known as Bodrum) in circa 350 B.C. The structure was approximately 50 meters tall when it was first built. It was badly damaged in the 12th century, but its foundation remained largely intact. In the 15th and early 16th centuries, the Knights Templar of the Order of St. John dismantled large sections of the ruins and used the stones to construct the Castle of St. Peter. Today, similar tombs are still referred to as mausoleums.
Theater at Halicarnassus
Bodrum
Turkey
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The Hellenistic theater in Halicarnassus was built some time between the 4th and 3rd centuries B.C. Halicarnassus came to prominence with the construction Mausolus’ tomb, at which point the city’s ancient Greek theater also became a popular attraction. The theater has been open to the general public since 2003, and it hosts numerous concerts.
Day trip to Kara Ada
Bodrum
Turkey
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The island of Kara Ada (“Black Island”) is across from Bodrum and is famous for its clean pebble beaches and healing mud. The dark pines lend the island its name as well as its particularly good air quality.
Blue Cruise (boat tour)
Bodrum
Turkey
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Opening times:
Daily: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
A “Blue Cruise” is a boat tour that follows in the footsteps of Cevat Şakir. The poet and painter came up with the term during his exile in Bodrum. In his works, he often described the trips of exploration he took along the coast in little fishing boats. Today, you can still take the same tours as the poet took back then. A wide range of tour operators offer tours to many different destinations.
Hill over Bodrum
Bodrum
Turkey
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The hill over Bodrum is the perfect spot to get a bird’s-eye view of the city and the Bodrum Peninsula. Old windmills are dotted across the landscape – charming relics of the city’s past.
Myndos Gate
Bodrum
Turkey
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The Myndos Gate was the western entrance to the historic city of Halicarnassus (today known as Bodrum). The gate was built in 360 B.C. and protected the city from enemy invaders. It even initially repelled Alexander the Great, who could not get past the moat in front of the gate. Tombs dating from Hellenistic and Roman times can also be found near the gate.
Bodrum Harbor
Bodrum
Turkey
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Bodrum’s harbor has earned the city comparisons to Saint Tropez. The many cafés, bars, and restaurants along the beach offer a beautiful view of the exclusive yachts and sailboats, as well as of the Castle of St. Peter, which lies directly across from the harbor.
Day trip to Milas
Turkey
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A day trip to the Carian city of Milas (ancient name: Mylasa) is well worth it for the city’s historic district alone. The Firuz Ağa Mosque is also located here – a 14th-century structure from the era of the Menteshe principality. Beçin Castle, also constructed in the 14th century, is another fascinating sight, as is the Gümüşkesen Monument, a smaller version of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus.
Country Information
Country overview
For sheer diversity, it’s hard to beat Turkey. The country seems to exist in multitudes – of people, of natural landscapes, of cultures. It is a land of vast open spaces, massive mountain ranges, fertile valleys and rugged coastline, fast-growing cities and sleepy villages, bustling neon-lit seaside resorts and unfrequented beaches. Traces of the region’s eventful history abound in its numerous archeological sites, the most famous of which are Pergamon and Troy.
The heart of Turkey beats in Istanbul: Its attractions – Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques and colorful bazaars – draw tourists from all over the world. Visitors will also appreciate the wonderful diving spots and bathing beaches to be found on the country’s Mediterranean and Aegean coasts.
Geography
Turkey borders the Black Sea and Georgia to the northeast, Iran and Armenia to the east, Iraq to the southeast, Syria and the Mediterranean to the south, the Aegean Sea to the west and Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest. Asia Minor (or Anatolia) is the name given to the peninsula that forms a bridge between Europe and Asia.
Two east-west mountain ranges, the Black Sea Mountains in the north and the Taurus in the south, enclose the central Anatolian plateau, but converge in a vast mountainous region in the far east of the country.
General knowledge
Key Facts
Population: 82 million (2018)
Capital: Ankara
Language
Turkish is the official language.
Currency
New Turkish Lira (TRY; symbol YTL) = 100 New Kurus (Ykr). Notes are in denominations of YTL200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of YTL1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 New Kurus.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style plugs with two round pins are used.
Public holidays
Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2020 – December 2021 period.
Note
Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given below are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Ramazan Bayramı, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Ramazan Bayramı itself. Ramazan Bayramı and Kurban Bayramı may last up to several days, depending on the region.
2020
Yılbaşı (New Year’s Day): 1 January 2020
Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı (National Sovereignty and Children’s Day): 23 April 2020
Emek ve Dayanışma Günü (Labour Day): 1 May 2020
Atatürk’ü Anma (Commemoration of Atatürk) and Gençlik ve Spor Bayramı (Youth and Sports Day): 19 May 2020
Şeker Bayramı/Ramazan Bayramı (Feast of Sugar/End of Ramadan): 24 to 26 May 2020
Demokrasi ve Millî Birlik Günü (Democracy and National Unity Day): 15 July 2020
Kurban Bayramı (Feast of Sacrifice): 31 July to 3 August 2020
Zafer Bayramı (Victory Day): 30 August 2020
Cumhuriyet Bayramı (Republic Day): 29 October 2020
2021
Yılbaşı (New Year’s Day): 1 January 2021
Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı (National Sovereignty and Children’s Day): 23 April 2021
Emek ve Dayanışma Günü (Labour Day): 1 May 2021
Atatürk’ü Anma (Commemoration of Atatürk) and Gençlik ve Spor Bayramı (Youth and Sports Day): 19 May 2021
Şeker Bayramı/Ramazan Bayramı (Feast of Sugar/End of Ramadan): 14 to 16 May 2021
Demokrasi ve Millî Birlik Günü (Democracy and National Unity Day): 15 July 2021
Kurban Bayramı (Feast of Sacrifice): 20 to 23 July 2021
Zafer Bayramı (Victory Day): 30 August 2021
Cumhuriyet Bayramı (Republic Day): 29 October 2021
All information subject to change.
Restaurants in Bodrum
The restaurant scene is just as lively and colorful as Bodrum’s visitors. Exclusive and upscale restaurants are as much a part of the scene here as traditional establishments.
Visitors will find the greatest selection near the castle and the beach – delicious meals in a Mediterranean atmosphere!
Kortan Restaurant
Cumhuriyet Caddesi 21
Bodrum
Turkey
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Price category: Luxury
One of the city’s oldest fish restaurants impresses its guests with delicious seafood dishes and a heavenly view of the castle – enjoy a sunset dinner! Reservations are recommended.
Marina Yacht Club
Bodrum
Turkey
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Price category: Luxury
This restaurant serves superb cuisine, and the location regularly hosts live music performances by famous musicians.
El Vino Restaurant
Pamili Sok. El Vino Hotel 14
Bodrum
Turkey
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Price category: Moderate
At this establishment, guests can enjoy typical Mediterranean cuisine with a stunning panorama view of the harbor and the ocean. The menu also caters to vegetarians, vegans, and people with food allergies.
Evimiz
S. Y. Cansevdi Sk. 9
Bodrum
Turkey
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Price category: Moderate
Tucked away on a side street, this place is a hidden gem for those in the know: fine French cuisine in a beautiful courtyard.
Otantik Ocakbaşi Kebap, Steak & Grill House
Ataturk Caddesi 46/B
Bodrum
Turkey
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Price category: Budget
Despite its name, this beautiful, lush garden restaurant also caters to vegetarians.
Hotels in Bodrum
The city of Bodrum boasts a diverse selection of hotels, from luxury suites to family hotels. The more exclusive hotels are generally located directly on or near the beach.
Especially exclusive hotels can also be found around the centrally located Kumbahçe Beach. Many of the more affordable mid-range hotels are in the districts of Gümbet and Bitez.
Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay
Hacıgiden Caddesi 33/1
Bodrum
Turkey
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Category: Luxury
This 5-star hotel, with its nearly 180 rooms and suites, offers world-class service. Guests who enjoy swimming will love the hotel’s multiple pools and private beach.
Artunc Hotel
Fabrika Sk.
Bodrum
Turkey
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Category: Luxury
The architecture of this hotel at the heart of Bodrum stays true to the region’s traditional style. The hotel’s grounds, which include a tropical garden and a large swimming pool, are particularly impressive. And the restaurant serves exceptional Turkish and international cuisine.
Manastır Hotel & Suites
Mustafa Kemal Caddesi 37
Bodrum
Turkey
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Category: Moderate
This hotel on the grounds of an 18th-century monastery is famous for its fantastic view of Bodrum Bay. The hotel’s large rooms are stylishly decorated and feature beautiful overgrown wooden balconies with a perfect view of the water. The pool in the hotel’s courtyard rounds off an ideal beach vacation.
Bac Pansiyon
Cumhuriyet Caddesi 16
Bodrum
Turkey
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Category: Budget
This hotel directly on the beach has been in business since the 1980s. It was completely renovated and now offers ten comfortable and modern rooms, many of which have a heavenly ocean view from their private balconies.
Agan Pansiyon
Atatürk Caddesi 75
Bodrum
Turkey
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Category: Budget
This friendly, family-owned hotel in the heart of Bodrum is a great deal. All of the rooms have modern furnishings as well as air conditioning, a TV, bathroom, and balcony.
Nightlife in Bodrum
Nightlife in Bodrum means exclusive clubs, beach bars, and modern dance clubs. The atmosphere ranges from Mediterranean and traditional to futuristic and flamboyant.
During the high season, the crowds are mainly western, so the majority of bars serve alcohol. The clubs that host live acts playing Turkish and Greek music are particularly popular.
Küba by SEBASTIAN
Neyzen Tevfik Caddesi 50
Bodrum
Turkey
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One of the finest bars in Bodrum, with an attached restaurant. The atmosphere tends to be relaxed and peaceful in the evenings. But as the night wears on, the soul and jazz music only gets louder!
Mandalin
Dr. Alimbey Caddesi Sk. 1025
Bodrum
Turkey
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It looks like a little café by day, but from 11:00 p.m. on, it transforms into a bar with live music. The balcony gets you close to the stage and also gives you a great view of the water.
Moonlight
Cumhuriyet Caddesi 60B
Bodrum
Turkey
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This bar behind the castle opened in 1989 and offers seating directly at the seaside.
Theater at Halicarnassus
Bodrum
Turkey
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Every year, the large historic theater hosts countless concerts, festivals, and other events. The open-air Hellenistic theater in Halicarnassus was constructed some time between the 4th and 3rd centuries B.C. and has been open to the public since 2003.
Fora
Dr. Alimbey Caddesi 11
Bodrum
Turkey
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Fora is a Turkish pub, the perfect place for an evening by the sea. The beautiful wooden terrace offers a stunning panorama view of the beach promenade.
Events in Bodrum
Bicycle Festival
The Bicycle Festival is held every year following the motto “Hand in hand for a Bodrum without exhaust fumes.” In the evenings, visitors can enjoy live music, acrobats, and dance performances.
International Bodrum Dance Festival
UNESCO has added this dance festival to its World Cultural Heritage list. It offers a mix of workshops, parties, shows, and competitions in all popular dance styles. Registration is required.
Bodrum Müzik Festivali (Bodrum Music Festival)
Soloists, instrumental ensembles, and choirs from around the world travel to Bodrum for this festival. For three days, famous artists and talented young musicians perform at various venues, including the historic theater of Halicarnassus.
Bodrum Jazz Festival
The Jazz Festival in Bodrum is held every year in collaboration with the International Jazz Festival Rhodos. The festival primarily features performances from Turkish and Greek musicians.
Bodrum Cup Wooden Yacht Regatta
The Bodrum Cup began in 1989 as an effort to promote sailing among the peninsula’s residents. Traditionally, the focus has been on sailing education. Today, the Cup lasts several days and is a popular festival among sailing enthusiasts. It can also be an interesting event even for people who don’t sail, however: Visitors can join a sailboat as guests, or simply enjoy the musical entertainment back onshore.
All information subject to change. Please check the dates on the relevant event organizer’s website.
Telephone & Internet
Telephone/mobile phone
International dialling code: +90
Telephone
Making calls with a public telephone requires either a telephone card or special tokens (“jettons”). They are available at post offices and kiosks.
Mobile Phone
GSM 900/1800. Using your own mobile phone with a SIM card from your home country may result in high roaming fees. It is more affordable to use Turkish SIM cards; they are available for purchase from several shop. The primary network operators are Turkcell (turkcell.com.tr), Aycell Aria (avea.com.tr), and Telsim Mobil Telekomuniksyon (telsim.com.tr).
Internet
There are internet cafés throughout Turkey, even in small towns and rural villages.
Free Internet access via Wi-Fi is possible in many busy tourist spots as well as in almost all hotels (including even small guesthouses and budget hostels), many restaurants, bars and cafés. When using public Wi-Fi networks, it is a wise precaution to ensure encryption of all passwords, credit card details and banking credentials entered. Use of a VPN app or security software to check the safety of a hotspot is recommended.
Shopping in Bodrum
Key areas
Cumhuriyet Caddesi is the perfect street for a shopping tour: It offers jewelry, clothing, herbs, leather goods, and much more.
Markets
The colorful, lively bazaar district is located at the heart of Bodrum. Part of it is covered, protecting it from the summer sun and rain showers. The high-quality leather products are particularly popular, and lovely textiles, souvenirs, and jewelry are also available. Additionally, natural sponges have been sold here for centuries. Farmers markets with fresh products can be found in many districts of Bodrum and in the surrounding towns.
Shopping centers
Bodrum offers the large Oasis Shopping Centers, which are open until 11:00 p.m., as well as the Midtown Shopping Center on the Cumhuriyet Caddesi shopping promenade.
Climate & best time to visit
Today: Friday, 13.12.2019 09:00 UTC

cloudy
temperature
57°F
wind speed
2.5 mph7 days forecast
Saturday
14.12.2019
64°F / 50°F
Sunday
15.12.2019
64°F / 54°F
Monday
16.12.2019
64°F / 45°F
Tuesday
17.12.2019
63°F / 45°F
Wednesday
18.12.2019
66°F / 52°F
Thursday
19.12.2019
66°F / 50°F
Friday
20.12.2019
63°F / 54°F
The regions along the Aegean coast, the Mediterranean, and the Sea of Marmara have a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The climate varies in other parts of the country.
Visa & Immigration
IATA Travel Centre
The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.
Travel etiquette
People greet one another with a handshake. Turkish people are very hospitable. Visitors should show respect for Islamic customs and traditions.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in all public buildings, such as hospitals, shopping centers, sports stadiums, movie theaters, theaters, restaurants, bars, clubs, cafés, and on public transportation.
Clothing
Casual clothing is acceptable everywhere, but beachwear belongs on the beach.
Tipping
A service charge is already included in hotel bills, but cleaning staff and porters expect a tip. A 10 percent tip is customary at restaurants, and taxi fares should be rounded up.
Health
Emergency number: 112
Food & drink
The tap water in cities is chlorinated, but it is still advisable to drink bottled mineral water instead, which is available everywhere. Water sources labeled “içilmez” are not drinkable; water sources labeled “içilir” or “içme suyu” are safe to drink.
Milk is pasteurized. Only consume meat or fish that is well done. At street food stands, the usual caution is warranted. Only eat dishes that have been freshly cooked. Ideally, you should be able to watch the dishes being prepared. During the summer months, the temperatures in Turkey can climb to 40° C, so make sure to always carry a bottle of water to prevent dehydration.
Other risks
Bilharzia pathogens can be found in some ponds and rivers, primarily in the southeast along the Syrian border. Consequently, swimming and wading in inland waters should be avoided. Well-maintained swimming pools where the water is chlorinated pose no risk.
The latest studies indicate a high risk of hepatitis A infection throughout the country, and a moderate risk of hepatitis B infection. A vaccination to protect against hepatitis A is generally advisable. For longer visits or visits involving close contact with the local population, or with children and young people, the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended.
HIV/AIDS is a problem and a danger to those who put themselves at risk of infection. Unprotected sexual contact, unclean syringes or cannulae, and blood transfusions can pose a significant, potentially life-threatening risk.
The pathogens that cause Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever occur in rural areas throughout the country; they are transmitted by ticks, and primarily in the summer. Tourists should take measures to protect themselves from tick bites. Socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts are recommendable for hikes through grass or underbrush.
Isolated cases of leishmaniasis, a parasitic infection transmitted by the sand fly, occur in the south. The risk can be minimized by wearing clothing that covers the skin and by using insect repellent.
The infectious disease brucellosis occurs throughout the Mediterranean and is spread through contact with farm animals or the consumption of infected raw meat.
Rabies is present throughout Turkey. Carriers include dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccinations are advised for backpackers, children, those at risk for vocational reasons, and those staying in Turkey for longer periods. Victims of animal bites should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Vaccinations against tuberculosis are recommended.