Bodrum is a city in Turkey located in the southwestern part of the country. In ancient Greek, it was known as Halicarnassus. It is one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World. Its major attraction is the Bodrum Castle which was built in the 15th century overlooking the harbour and the marina by the Knights Hospitaller. This castle is around 600 years old. You can witness the most romantic sunsets ever in this city. This city is full of resorts where you can enjoy your holidays peacefully. It is a waterfront city and during the spring season, you can see various wonderful flowers all around the city. This city is the hidden delight of Turkey.

When to visit Bodrum, Turkey

You can visit this beautiful city in the months of June to September. This city has a Mediterranean climate. The summers are dry and hot, while the winter season is cold and mild. You will be able to enjoy the beach and the pleasant weather. Various cultural and historical activities take place during this time of the year which you can attend and even enjoy. You can also visit the famous cafes and pubs of the city to enjoy the nightlife.

What to know about Bodrum, Turkey

Climate

This city has a quite pleasant summer season in comparison with the other cities of Turkey. The humidity in the air makes the summer season bearable for all. 25 to 30 is the average temperature in summers with hardly any chance of rain. You can relax around the beach and its sparkling blue water. This is the peak season where you may have to see a lot of crowd in the different places of the city. You can expect up to 14 hours of daylight during this time. There are many festivals you will see in the summer season. In the winter season, the temperature doesn’t go below negative, but you can expect an average temperature of 10 to 15.  Snowfall is not common in this city but chances of rainfall are there with about 15=20 days of rain.

Currency

The Turkish Lira is the currency used in Bodrum. You are allowed to carry your credit and debit cards with you to this city. There are many ATM machines available in the city. You can exchange your money at the airport exchange facilities, once you land in the city. 

Language

Turkish is the official language spoken by the native people of the city. Other than Turkish, the local people also speak in German and English. But if you want to learn Turkish, you can pick up a variety of books or audio courses which will help to make your Turkish better.

Transportation

Various public transports are there to visit different places and to enjoy the hidden delights of the city.

Metro

Train

Taxi

Ferries

Water taxis

Buses

Motorbike hiring

Car hiring

Places of attractions in Bodrum, Turkey

Bodrum Castle

This Bodrum Castle or Bodrum Kalesi is also known as the Castle of St. Peter which was built in 1402 by the Crusader knights Hospitaller. This castle construction was begun in 1404 under a German architect and the walls were the first to finish in 1437. This castle has four towers which are named as the English, German, French and the Italian towers. This castle was taken over in 1523 by the Islamic Ottoman Empire. The chapel of the Castle then was converted into a mosque with the addition of a minaret. In the year 2016, this beautiful Castle was inscribed in the tentative list of World Heritage Sites in Turkey. Now-a-days, this castle serves as a host to multiple treasures. There is a garden inside the castle that displays almost every plant and tree of the Mediterranean region. This castle is situated at the water’s edge which makes it very near from the harbour. It is open to the public and is home to the world's most renowned Museum of Underwater Archaeology that was founded in 1962. The whole city of Bodrum can be viewed from the top of the castle’s tower. You can imagine how people that used to live in this castle had a fantastic view of the surroundings.

Museum of Underwater Archaeology

This is one of the most stunning museums in the world and was established within the Bodrum Castle in 1964.  This castle was recently reorganised and renovated. In the usual space there are 14 exhibition halls which you will see after entering inside the museum. It is very clear from the name of the museum that it mostly contains underwater artefacts. For the better viewing of all the varied markings and colours of the glass, the specimens are shown in dark with illumination from below. There is also an aquarium in the hall which illustrates an underwater excavation.

The Myndos Gate

The Myndos Gate was one of the city gates and had a good harbour. It is the only surviving gate of the city walls. These walls were built in the 4th century by King Mausolus, having a length of 7 kilometres which served as a shield to the citadel from the outer world. It is one of the most popular historical sites in Bodrum city. It is considered as the most important remains of the city of Halicarnassus. This gate has the hills of the Bodrum peninsula in the background which looks marvellous. The staircase to the top of the gate’s tower is made of stone which can be used to climb up to the top and enjoy the views out to Bodrum’s Aegean Sea coastline. You can also visit this place after sunset when bright flood lights illuminate the two towers of this gate. The sea behind this gate is also a very lovely spot to hang out with family and friends.  This gate is situated between central Bodrum and Gumbet and is open every day for everyone. You can visit this place and know about the history it has.