A city centred round its harbour, much of its accommodation can be found close by, though our recommendations for the best places to stay in Bodrum tend to be further out of town. The preferred method of travel is by sailboat, or yacht, and the most popular meals are made with the freshest bounty of the sea - served in the city’s nicest restaurants which line the coast.
Some of our Bodrum Collections:
Moving away from the harbour and into the city centre, Bodrum’s culture is focused on the purity of that deep blue water, with many visitors and locals coming in off the ocean to spend a pleasant afternoon in one of the Turkish baths for some rest and relaxation.
Even Bodrum’s history is best discovered under the harbour - a visit to the popular Museum of Underwater Archaeology will have you feeling like you’ve landed in Atlantis. Before you come back to the surface though, take a moment to look out of the renovated windows of Bodrum Castle for a spectacular view of the life blood of the city - the crowded harbour which is still keeping the city going.
Tourism is Bodrum’s cash cow, and more than a million visitors flock to its beaches each year. But Bodrum retains a bougainvillea-shaded charm, and houses that look like they’re made of sugar cubes. Especially in the outlying coastal villages. The castle and museums, Ottoman era mosques and laws restricting building works have helped to preserve Bodrum's own character.
It's only in the last few decades that this fishing village has been associated with idyllic beach breaks and favoured by royalty and A Listers. But behind the fancy bars and restaurants and the palm lined promenades many of the best places to stay in Bodrum are still reasonably priced. And of course the beaches are free, as are many of the historic sights and museums. So Bodrum is a great option if you're on a budget and you just want one base.
What not to miss:
- Visit St Peter's Castle, both beautiful, well preserved and boasting fabulous views across the city.
- Be sure to stop at the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, a fascinating and unique attraction for this coastal region.
- Wander through the pretty cobbled streets of the Gumusluk area and bask on the scenic beaches.
- The Bodrum Amphitheatre gives an interesting insight to the city's past.
- Spend a lazy day unwinding on the picture perfect Yahsi beach.
As with such a popular place to visit (especially during the peak summer months) many of the best places to stay in Bodrum are quickly snapped up, so plan ahead to book you favourite.
