The ultimate Bodrum travel guide: must-see spots and activities

In this post, I’ll take you through everything you need for an unforgettable trip to Bodrum — from the best ways to get there and where to stay to top attractions, must-try local dishes, and exciting activities like island boat tours and the best sunset spots. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or a longer holiday, this guide will help you experience the very best of Bodrum!

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When I was planning my trip to Bodrum, I realised that to fully explore the area, you need to spend at least 3-4 days here. This is the perfect amount of time to visit the main attractions, relax on the beaches, enjoy the local cuisine, and take a boat trip around the islands. If you have more time, you can explore the surrounding areas and enjoy the more secluded spots of the region.

I arrived at Milas-Bodrum Airport, which is located 40 km from the city. To get to Bodrum, there are a few options: taxi, car hire, or the Havaş Shuttle. I chose the latter. As of February 2025, the ticket for the Havaş Shuttle costs 150 TRY (around €6), and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes to the bus station near the market. The shuttle also stops near the Migros Jet store in the centre of Güvercinlik. I got off at the bus station, which is only a 10-minute walk from the coastline. From there, you can also take a minibus to neighbouring villages.

On the way back, I used Havaş Shuttle again. Buses depart 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. However, to be honest, I felt this was not enough time. I didn’t check in any luggage, and passed through security quickly, but just as I was about to go to the toilet, the "last call" for boarding was announced. Next time, I’d take the earlier bus!

For our stay in Bodrum, my friends and I chose a two-bedroom house with a garden near the harbour — Mel’s Garden House. Now the price for 3 nights is 500 euros for the entire house for four people. The location of the house is fantastic, literally just behind Starbucks, which means the marina with cafes and shops is only a 2-minute walk away. However, the central Bodrum beach is a bit further — about a 20-minute walk.

Interesting fact: since 2017 the Booking.com website has been blocked in Turkey. However, the website and app can still be used from foreign countries to make hotel reservations in Turkey.

Gümbet Beach (2.5 km from the centre of Bodrum): a Blue Flag beach, but honestly, I wasn’t very impressed. It’s sandy, but the water is murky, and there are cigarette butts and bottles scattered around. To get to Gümbet Beach, you need to cross a hill, which takes around 30 minutes on foot. Many people take a taxi to get there, but if you enjoy walking, I don't think you'll find the route too challenging.

Bodrum Windmills. This is a great spot to catch the sunset. The windmills are located on a hill between Bodrum and Gümbet, and the views from there are amazing!

Bodrum Public Beach. This is a completely different story! The beach is pebbly, the water is clear, and the beach is clean. There are also free umbrellas without sunbeds, which was a big plus for me.

Bodrum Marina. A lovely place for evening strolls, with stunning views of yachts and the sea.

Bodrum Castle and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Be sure to visit these historical sites to learn more about the region’s past.

Bodrum Ancient Theatre. One of the most famous landmarks of the city, offering a fantastic view of Bodrum and the sea. Entry is free.

One of the best ways to explore Bodrum is by taking a boat trip. We opted for a tour to Black Island with natural springs and caves, but the weather changed, and we ended up going to Orak Island with its beautiful blue lagoons instead. The cost of the 7-hour boat tour is 1300 TRY (about €34), and lunch is included. You can find more details about tours here.

Bodrum Balik Ekmek. The perfect spot for a cheap and tasty snack. They serve balik ekmek (fish sandwich) and fried calamari.

Bodrum Ev Mantısı. A great place to try manti (Turkish dumplings).  I had a mix of boiled and fried manti with meat, and also tried a local çibörek.

Nese Kumpir. A place to try kumpir — baked potatoes with various fillings. Kumpir is a popular Turkish street food consisting of baked potatoes, usually topped with various fillings. The potato is baked in its skin, then cut in half, and the inside is mashed. A variety of toppings are added, ranging from cheese and sausage to salads and vegetables.

Kaya Pub Bodrum is a cosy and atmospheric pub located in the heart of Bodrum. It’s the perfect spot for those who want to enjoy local beer, relax, and spend time in a friendly setting. A standout feature of Kaya Pub is its wide selection of local drinks, including the popular Turkish beer from Bodrum Pablo, as well as draft beer and a great variety of cocktails. If you want to try the local beer, this is the place for you. They serve draft beer as well. 

Chinabloom. For sushi lovers and those into interesting in cocktails. Visit during happy hour (from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM) to get a second cocktail for free. It’s a bit pricey, but the atmosphere and aesthetics make it worth it.

Bodrum turned out to be a true hidden gem for me. This charming town has everything I love about travelling — rich history, vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and, of course, incredible food. If you're looking for a destination in Turkey that perfectly blends sightseeing, outdoor adventures, and relaxation, Bodrum won’t disappoint. With its laid-back vibe and atmosphere reminiscent of the Greek islands—but at a much more budget-friendly price — it’s an ideal getaway. Plus, during the summer, SunExpress offers direct flights from Berlin to Bodrum, making it even easier to visit.

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