Best things to do in Bodrum to enjoy the Turkish Riviera

Bodrum’s glistening stretch of coastline has long been a draw for travellers. This once-quiet fishing village has evolved into a destination that offers history, tradition, and, in recent years, a gold-flecked dose of glamour, attracting not only well-to-do Istanbulites fleeing the city for the summer but also the world’s jet set. From world-class dining and luxury hotels, to traditional beachfront tavernas and UNESCO-listed heritage sites, these are the best things to do in Bodrum.

View over the bay to Bodrum Castle

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Explore Bodrum’s history

Standing guard at the heart of Bodrum’s main harbour is Bodrum Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed landmark originally built in the 1500s by the order of the Knights of St John. In the centuries since, it’s had many uses, from a garrison base to a prison. Today, it houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, showcasing a fascinating collection of artefacts unearthed during underwater excavations of Turkish shipwrecks. The surrounding gardens are bursting with flowers and fauna from the Mediterranean region, guarded by roaming sapphire and emerald peacocks. Climb up to the Bodrum Amphitheatre, which sits on top of a hill overlooking the town centre. It’s one of the oldest theatres in Anatolia, although some parts have been renovated. Today, it hosts concerts and events, and is free to visit.

Wander Bodrum’s whitewashed alleys

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Wander the alleyways of Old Town

The labyrinthine alleyways of Bodrum’s Old Town are filled with hidden courtyards housing charming cafes that serve endless bowls of traditional Turkish breakfast dishes, such as menemen and çilbir. Whitewashed buildings edged with tumbling bougainvillaea are split by winding paths that lead down to the water’s edge, where colourful fishing boats bob on the surface. Parts of the Old Town are more charming than others but that’s all part of the joy of discovery.