The city of Bodrum, Turkey, surprised me right from the moment I stepped off my cruise ship and into the city. I’m not quite sure what I expected from my first visit to Turkey, but I instantly fell in love with this town. The city of Bodrum has so much to explore, from beautiful turquoise waters to endless shopping plazas to browse.
Despite the long list of happenings in Bodrum, I found it quite doable to fit everything I wanted to see in one (long) day of exploring here. Bodrum is the third-most popular cruise port in Turkey, leaving many visitors with only one day to explore everything this city has to offer. Here’s how I spent one fantastic day in Bodrum, Turkey — and how you can too.
Visit the Bodrum Castle
Located just a few minutes from the port area is the Bodrum Castle, also known as the Castle of St. Peter. This historic fortification was built in 1402 by the Knights of St. John and has a rich history to explore. This castle was once used as an area of refuge for the Knights Hospitallers. Later, in the 19th century, this castle was also used as a prison. Even if you aren’t a super history nerd, the construction of this castle alone is worth exploring. Plus, there are some pretty awesome views of Bodrum from the top.
The location of the Bodrum Castle is right by the cruise ship port, making it a must-do for visitors who are only spending a day here on a cruise. The castle has multiple levels and a lot of uneven steps, so be sure to wear comfortable sneakers. Visitors can purchase tickets either just for the castle or a dual-ticket that also includes a visit to the Bodrum Museum of Archaeology (which is situated inside the castle).
Try Turkish coffee and local foods
As much as I love sightseeing, the best part of visiting any new country is trying local foods. Before even setting foot on land, I had a long list of must-try Turkish foods I wanted to get throughout the day. First, I set out to try Turkish coffee, a strongly flavored, unfiltered brew of coffee made in Turkey. There are dozens of coffee shops and cafes in Bodrum, making this a must-do during your visit.
You’re bound to find many big-name chain restaurants as you explore the town, such as McDonald’s and Starbucks. But if you really want to immerse yourself in a new culture, I recommend stepping outside of your comfort zone and visiting a local Turkish restaurant. First, we tried a Turkish flatbread pide, a type of flatbread with meat on it, as well as manti, a type of Turkish dumpling. If you’re looking for a more upscale spot for Turkish dining, don’t miss Otantik Ocakbaşi (recommended by the Michelin guide). Just don’t go there hungry — the portions are huge.
Explore the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
Once named one of the seven ancient wonders of the world, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus is a tomb built between 353 and 351 BC. This spot only costs a minimal entrance fee and takes under an hour to explore, making it an easy add to a one-day itinerary in Bodrum. Through a series of earthquakes thought to have occurred between the 12th and 15th centuries, most of the area was destroyed.
However, today, visitors can still explore the site for a glimpse into the ancient world. At the time, this was one of the most impressive structures, as it was taller than anything built around this era. This spot is also where the term mausoleum came from, as this tomb was built for Mausolus, a ruler of an ancient kingdom in Asia Minor.
Relax on the beach & go on a boat tour
There are also lots of great beaches to explore in Bodrum, perfect if you’re more in the mood to relax and take in the beauty of this city. Giritli Beach is a popular option due to its close location to the port, though there are several if you wish to explore a bit further out. The beautiful scenery of the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea just feels like a postcard.
If you wish to do some exploring, there are also several boat tours, day cruises, and yachts that line the port area and sell day tickets. Many of these boat tours take you out to visit a small island right off the coast of Bodrum, known as Orak Island. While I didn’t do a boat tour myself, I heard it was pretty awesome from some other tourists on our cruise.
Browse the Bodrum Museum of Archaeology
If you plan to visit the Bodrum Castle, it’s also worth exploring the Bodrum Museum of Archaeology while you’re inside. This museum features artifacts from ancient shipwrecks and is known as one of the world’s premier underwater archaeology museums.
While I’ll admit that this type of attraction is typically not up my alley, I enjoyed exploring the ancient glass collection located here. If you want to really dive into the history and understand what you’re looking at here, I recommend getting a guide or audio guide to immerse yourself in the history.
