Tourist Places To Visit In Bodrum

This beautiful seaside city of Bodrum is known for its crystal clear waters, sandy beaches and its rich history as the capital of Caria, a thriving region in ancient times. The Mausoleum of Mausolus located in the old town area of Bodrum (Halicarnassus) was one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world and is what makes the region so famous. There are many interesting places to visit in Bodrum and the nightlife is especially quite popular around this area. Visit Turkey and don't miss this charming city. Here's a list for your to jot down. 

The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (also spelt Halikarnassos) was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world because of its beautiful architecture and decorative sculptures. It was built around 350 BCE as a tomb for Mausolus, the then ruler of Caria, where Halicarnassus was the capital city. The entire structure was destroyed in an earthquake between the 13th and 15th century so there isn't much to see now, but it is still a must visit to learn about the history behind this fantastic piece of architecture. It is located within the city centre of Bodrum.

This historical fortification is an iconic landmark of Bodrum and stands tall at the edge of the city facing the sea. It is also known as the Castle of St. Peter. It was built in the late 15th century only to be immediately captured by the Ottomans in 1523 and remained under their empire for nearly 400 years. The chapel within the castle was converted to a mosque during this period. The castle has 4 towers with names of nations that contributed to its defence and construction - French, English, Italian and German. A 5th tower - Gatineau, leads to the dungeons. This castle is now home to the Bodrum Museum Of Underwater Archaeology.

Located inside the Bodrum Castle, this enchanting museum is a must-visit. It has unique and interesting exhibits of artefacts and multimedia displays. As you enter, passing by the huge amphorae collection, you will be amazed at the  Glass Wreck Hall which showcases a 16-meter ship, sunk in the 1st century CE. Another amazing underwater find is within the French Tower, which is the cargo of a Greek ship, sunk in the 4th century BCE. There is also a treasure room where you can find many excavated items, recovered from many Bronze Age shipwrecks.

At just about 20 minutes drive is Yahsi Beach, one of the most beautiful and cleanest beaches in Bodrum. Pedestrian roads make it kid-friendly. A variety of restaurants, cafes and bars make it a lively place. And of course, the crystal clear water is what drives the crowds by the dozen. You can enjoy many water sport activities like Surfing, Parasailing, Jet Ski, Banana Boat and Sailing. Enjoy being a beach bum in this exotic location.

The Milta Bodrum Marina offers stunning views of hustle and bustle of the sea and boats. There are many luxurious yachts lined up at the pier, which make for a pretty sight. Around the marina, you will find many restaurants, cafes, bars and shops. The place is lively at nigh too with street performances and open-air seating. You can hire a boat from here and take a small trip around to other islands or beaches.

Windmills have become a popular spot for taking photographs. Not all that famous, but the windmills at Bodrum offer nice views of the city as they are located on a hill. The windmills were used from the 18th century till the 1970s. Currently, they are abandoned and not properly maintained, but they still do make for a nice click, especially during sunset. For best views, you need to hike up a bit. It is located on the hill between Bodrum and Gumbet.

The Bodrum Amphitheatre is a well-preserved architectural structure, built during the Hellenistic period around 4th Century BCE. The theatre is made up of 3 main parts, the stage, orchestra and audience seating and is the perfect example of a classical Greek theatre. It has an estimated seating capacity of 13000 people. Even today, many concerts and shows are performed here, especially during the summers. It is located on the road to Gumbet.

A hidden gem of the city is Bardakci Cove, which is located about 15 minutes from the Bodrum Castle. This cove can be reached via a water taxi or a dolmus. You can spend a day relaxing on this beach, which has clean and clear water and is perfectly calm for swimming. There are only 3-4 hotels here, which make it an exclusive spot. It is a lovely place to go snorkelling as there are many colourful fishes here.