History · Bodrum · Turkey
6 historic sites to see in Bodrum
The places that tell the story of how the city came to be.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: DoubleGrazing, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Start with Bodrum Castle and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, Mausoleum at Halicarnassus and Ancient Theatre of Halicarnassus. Together the 6 picks below take roughly 6–7 hours across 2 areas; 1 is free.
Key facts
- Places in this guide
- 6
- Free entry
- 1
- Time to see them all
- 6–7 hours
- Areas
- Bodrum Town and Ortakent and Yahşi
Historic sites in Bodrum
Castle · Bodrum Town
1.Bodrum Castle and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology
Its towers, named after the knights' national tongues, now house the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, with the Bronze Age Uluburun shipwreck, the Glass Wreck Hall and amphorae from the seabed.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- History
- Views
- Rainy day
- Kids
Historic site · Bodrum Town
2.Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
Earthquakes destroyed it, and today the site holds foundations, scattered column drums and a small display with models of the original.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Iconic
Historic site · Bodrum Town
3.Ancient Theatre of Halicarnassus
From the upper seats there are sweeping views over the bays and the castle, and the theatre sometimes hosts summer concerts.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Views
- Photo spot
Historic site · Bodrum Town
4.Myndos Gate
It was here that Alexander the Great's army attacked the city in 334 BC.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Off the beaten path
Historic site · Bodrum Town
5.Pedasa
Walking trails lead through olive and pine woods to the remains of walls, houses and a temple, with views over the peninsula.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Off the beaten path
- Outdoors
- Active
Historic site · Ortakent and Yahşi
6.Mustafa Paşa Tower
It is a quiet stop on the way to Yahşi beach.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Off the beaten path
- Architecture
Grouped by area
| Area | Places | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Bodrum Town | Bodrum Castle and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Ancient Theatre of Halicarnassus, Myndos Gate and Pedasa | 2–3 hours + 45 minutes + 45 minutes + 30 minutes + 1.5 hours |
| Ortakent and Yahşi | Mustafa Paşa Tower | 30 minutes |
Booking and timing
Of these 6, 1 free, 4 low cost, 1 mid-priced. None needs booking far in advance. The longest visit is Bodrum Castle and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology; group the rest by area to save travel time.
How to fit them into 2 half-days
Grouped by area and kept to about four hours each, so you walk more than you ride.
- Half-day 1 (Bodrum Town): Bodrum Castle and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology → Mausoleum at Halicarnassus → Ancient Theatre of Halicarnassus → Myndos Gate, at least 4 hours.
- Half-day 2 (Bodrum Town and Ortakent and Yahşi): Pedasa → Mustafa Paşa Tower, at least 2 hours.
The quietest months for queues
- March: highs of 17°C (63°F), about 7 rainy days, very quiet crowds. Spring flowers on the hills; many hotels still closed, and the sea is cold.
- November: highs of 20°C (68°F), about 7 rainy days, very quiet crowds. Mild with the first winter rains; most beach clubs close, and the town returns to local life.
- February: highs of 15°C (59°F), about 9 rainy days, very quiet crowds. Cool and showery; a quiet time for walks and ancient sites.
The neighbourhoods they are in
- Bodrum Town — Whitewashed lanes, the castle, two bays, the marina and Bar Street
- Ortakent and Yahşi — Long sandy beach and an Ottoman tower village on the south coast
More of Bodrum
Questions travellers ask
+Where should I start in Bodrum?
Bodrum Castle and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. The Knights Hospitaller began building the Castle of St Peter in the early 15th century, partly with stone taken from the ruined Mausoleum.
+Which of these are free in Bodrum?
Myndos Gate.