Free things to do · Bodrum · Turkey
6 free things to do in Bodrum
Bodrum without the ticket prices: sights, walks and views that cost nothing.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Haluk Comertel, CC BY 3.0
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Quick answer
You can fill at least 2 days in Bodrum without paying an entry fee: Myndos Gate, Bodrum windmills, Neyzen Tevfik waterfront and marina and Gümüşlük and Rabbit Island are all free. Stay in Bitez, Ortakent or Turgutreis rather than Yalıkavak or Göltürkbükü for better-value hotels.
Key facts
- Free sights in this guide
- 6
- Low-cost extras
- 8
- Cost level
- Moderately priced
- Lowest hotel prices
- November–March
Free sights and experiences
Historic site · Bodrum Town
1.Myndos Gate
Combine it with the ancient theatre and the Mausoleum on a self-guided walk of ancient Bodrum.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Off the beaten path
Viewpoint · Gümbet
2.Bodrum windmills
Walk up from Bodrum Town in about 20 minutes, or take a taxi, and arrive before sunset.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Couples
- Photo spot
Waterfront · Bodrum Town
3.Neyzen Tevfik waterfront and marina
Walk it at dusk, then choose a fish restaurant away from the busiest stretch near the castle.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- After dark
- Couples
- Food
Waterfront · Gümüşlük
4.Gümüşlük and Rabbit Island
Book a waterfront table for sunset in summer, and bring water shoes for wading to the island.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Couples
- Food
- Views
- Photo spot
Waterfront · Yalıkavak
5.Yalıkavak Marina
Visit in the early evening to walk the marina, then eat in the old village nearby.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Shopping
- Couples
- After dark
Waterfront · Turgutreis
6.Turgutreis sunset promenade
Combine it with the town's weekly market earlier in the day.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Couples
- Photo spot
Free sights by area
| Area | Free sights | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Bodrum Town | Myndos Gate and Neyzen Tevfik waterfront and marina | 30 minutes + 1 hour |
| Gümbet | Bodrum windmills | 45 minutes |
| Gümüşlük | Gümüşlük and Rabbit Island | Half a day |
| Yalıkavak | Yalıkavak Marina | 2 hours |
| Turgutreis | Turgutreis sunset promenade | 1 hour |
Worth a small ticket
Historic site · Bodrum Town
Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
Visit the castle first; many of the Mausoleum's stones were built into its walls.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Iconic
Experience · Bodrum Town
Gulet day trip
Pick a boat with fewer passengers and check the itinerary and lunch arrangements before paying.
- Time needed
- Full day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Couples
- Iconic
Historic site · Bodrum Town
Ancient Theatre of Halicarnassus
Climb to the top row late in the afternoon for the best view of the castle and harbour.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Views
- Photo spot
Street · Bodrum Town
Bar Street (Cumhuriyet Caddesi)
Check drink prices before ordering; prices vary widely between venues.
- Time needed
- An evening
- Cost
- Low cost
- After dark
- Shopping
- Food
Museum · Bodrum Town
Zeki Müren Art Museum
Ask staff about his music; they often play recordings in the garden.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- Rainy day
- Art
- Off the beaten path
Historic site · Bodrum Town
Pedasa
Go in the morning in spring or autumn; the trails are exposed in summer.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Off the beaten path
- Outdoors
- Active
Historic site · Ortakent and Yahşi
Mustafa Paşa Tower
Stop on the way to or from Yahşi beach; there is little else to see nearby.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Off the beaten path
- Architecture
Beach · Bitez
Bitez Bay
Go in the morning for calm water with children, or in the afternoon for windsurfing lessons.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Active
More ways to save
- Stay in Bitez, Ortakent or Turgutreis rather than Yalıkavak or Göltürkbükü for better-value hotels.
- Use dolmuş minibuses instead of taxis for trips between bays.
- Visit in May, June or late September for lower prices and fewer crowds.
- Prices in Turkey change quickly with inflation; check current costs locally.
- Weekly markets are a good place for fruit, snacks and souvenirs at local prices.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Bodrum expensive to visit?
Bodrum is moderately priced for most visitors, but 6 of its best-known sights are free, which makes a tight budget workable.
+What is the best free thing to do in Bodrum?
Myndos Gate: Combine it with the ancient theatre and the Mausoleum on a self-guided walk of ancient Bodrum.