Traveling to Bodrum, Turkey: great hotels, popular restaurants and iconic sights

Bodrum is located on the picturesque western coast of the Aegean Sea in Turkey. The city of about 200 thousand inhabitants is in demand among travelers from all over the world due to its impressive art scene, gourmet restaurants, shopping, and luxury hotels. In addition, Bodrum is known for its warm summer atmosphere and small, fragrant tangerines. There are numerous sights, masterpieces created by prominent artists, and a large number of bazaars that allow you to plunge into the unique atmosphere of Turkey. In addition, Bodrum is a city of boutique hotels, wineries, and beautiful beaches.

Also, some of the largest ships in the world dock at the shining coast at the Turkish marinas. All in all, sun-drenched Bodrum is a luxurious vacation destination in Europe where every traveler will find something for themselves. Plan your upcoming trip to Bodrum with the following guide to hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

The best resorts and hotels in Bodrum

Susona Bodrum

Susona Bodrum, LXR Hotels & Resorts, located in the Torba district, welcomes with lush bougainvillea and other greenery along the pathways and buildings. Guests staying at this beautiful Bodrum hotel can enjoy incredible views of the Aegean Sea. In addition, the Susona Bodrum offers a large variety of facilities for a perfect vacation, including:

• access to a private beach;
• several swimming pools
• a full-service spa with a Turkish bath.

There are various dining options on-site, specializing in fine dining.

Mandarin Oriental

One of the best hotels in Bodrum, Turkey, first opened its doors to guests in 2014. Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum offers 130 luxurious rooms with incredible views of Paradise Bay. This complex will be an ideal choice for both a romantic vacation and a family vacation with children, thanks to the large number of amenities, including

• spa center
• kids club;
• outdoor and indoor swimming pools;
• 11 restaurants and bars, and more.

This chic luxury hotel even offers helicopter tours to complete the range of experiences on a vacation in Turkey.

Bodrum Edition

Around the prestigious Yalikavak Marina, you will find several representatives of international hotel brands of the highest class. The Bodrum Edition, opened in 2018, is an ideal place for those who are looking for a quiet and relaxing vacation and do not want to be in the epicenter of a lively nightlife with crazy and noisy parties. Like an oasis in the middle of the city, this hotel offers more than 100 rooms in various configurations. The complex also provides several excellent dining options. Of particular note is the Brava restaurant, headed by the talented Peruvian chef Diego Munoz.

Amanruya

Amanruya, part of the Aman brand, is an atmospheric hotel located in the Göltürkbükü district. It was opened in 2018. The complex consists of only 36 cozy rooms, so you can count on maximum comfort and privacy. The pavilions are made of stone and overlook private gardens with private pools. Amanruya offers a wide variety of activities and events, such as sailing, fishing, and tours on a traditional Turkish gulet, a wooden masted boat.

Macakizi

The Göltürkbükü district in Turkey is known for its cluster of art galleries, clothing stores, and jewelry boutiques interspersed with small eclectic hotels that allow you to feel the unique atmosphere of Bodrum. In particular, this applies to Maçakizi. The heart of the local art scene, this wonderful hotel is the perfect choice when planning a trip to Bodrum. Opened in the 1970s, the complex has a total of 74 rooms. After a renovation in 2000, Machakizi offers its guests even more comfort and style. It also often hosts various exhibitions, including those from the artisanal retailer '74Escape.

What to do in Bodrum: the best attractions

Karnas Vineyards

Established in 2005 by the Işmen family, Karnas Vineyards is the first vineyard in Turkey dedicated to the production of Zinfandel. The family fell in love with this grape variety during a trip to Napa Valley in California and decided to grow it in their homeland.

The area of the territory is 165 hectares, so visitors have a lot of space for walking and exploring. Both grapes and olive trees are planted here. You can not only take a walk here but also have dinner and order a tasting with views of the fields stretching into the distance.

Zay Yaşam

Art lovers should add Zai Yaşam to their itinerary. The art center occupies five buildings at once. There is not only a gallery but also a large library and a picturesque garden where you can enjoy wonderful jazz concerts in the evenings.

Pileveneli

Located in Yalikavak, this outpost of one of Istanbul's most famous art galleries is a must-see. It hosts exhibitions by cutting-edge artists, such as the recent one featuring the work of digital artist Refik Anadol. In addition, there is a great souvenir shop where you can buy original gifts to remember your trip to Bodrum.

Fudrum Culinary Park

Located in the Bitez district, the Foodrum Culinary Park offers cooking classes and small group tours of the bazaar led by Chef Pelin Dumanli. So gourmets and food lovers alike can learn a lot about Turkish cuisine.

The best restaurants

Orphoz

Next to the Zeki Müren Museum of Art, the Cağlar and Cağrı Bozçağa brothers opened an ambitious and luxurious restaurant in Bodrum that attracts both locals and gourmet travelers. The tasting menu is based on seafood, as well as local fish in various variations. The dinner culminates with a plate of seasonal fruits.

Malva

Located in the Susona district of Bodrum, this restaurant specializes in local and seasonal cuisine. Under the direction of talented chef Necmi Agacs, Malva offers artful dishes, well complemented by products purchased from the Yalikavak Bazaar and also collected in a small rooftop garden, which is located just a few steps from the restaurant's kitchen.

Bodrum Müdavim

Bodrum Müdavim is a beautiful restaurant located in the heart of the city. The establishment offers a varied menu focused on the freshest seafood, as well as incredible views of Bodrum Castle, dating back to the 1400s. In addition, the restaurant boasts one of the largest assortments of the national Turkish drink - Raki, for which many regular visitors choose Bodrum Müdavim.

Lemon Gümüşlük

Limon Gümüşlük is among the best restaurants in Bodrum. If you want to enjoy Turkish cuisine in a stylish setting, head here. The dishes at Limon Gümüşlük are served in a dreamy garden filled with vintage furniture and various decor. We advise you to come early to dine while watching the picturesque sunsets. The restaurant itself is located in the Gümüşlük district, which is famous for its fragrant tangerine groves.

Shopping

To feel the whole "taste" of old Bodrum, it is worth taking time to visit the night markets. There are two main markets in the city: one is located along the Turkbuku promenade, by the sea in Goltürkbuku, and the other is around the castle. Here you will find everything and even more - handmade handbags and leather shoe shops, numerous stalls selling popular ankle bracelets, clothes, or beaded jewelry. Cotton dresses deserve special attention.

The Yalikavak Bazaar, one of the city's many open-air markets, is open every Tuesday and Friday. Here you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables, olives, cheeses, and spices from local vendors.

Although Yalikawak is home to many world-class luxury brands, it is also worth paying tribute to less Western fashion. In particular, Misela is among the leading brands of accessories and handbags in Turkey. If you want to buy handmade furniture or dishes, you should visit the Leleg Living boutique, which is located next to the Leleg restaurant of the same name.

When is the best time to plan a trip to Bodrum

The high season lasts throughout the summer, so most hotels are open from late May to late October. The city receives the most travelers in July and August, but the weather stays warm until just under mid-autumn, so if a beach vacation is not a priority, it's best to plan your trip for the off-season. At this time, prices can be more affordable and crowds of tourists are much smaller.

Getting there

When planning a trip to Bodrum, the first thing you need to think about is the most convenient way to get to Turkey. You can get to your destination by plane, bus, car, and ferry.

Up to six direct flights are operated daily between the capital and Bodrum by Turkish Airlines and Pegasus. Another option is bus service, but the system can be difficult for non-locals. In addition, such a trip from Istanbul to Bodrum can take about ten hours. You can also rent a car, but it's quite expensive, so flying is one of the most cost-effective options in terms of time and money.

There is a ferry to Bodrum from the Greek island of Kos. The trip takes only half an hour and costs less than $30 one way. However, it should be borne in mind that ferries run only in season.

Places worth visiting

Most tourists stay in the lively center of Bodrum. There is a castle, a large number of restaurants and cafes, and souvenir shops. A must-do is a walk through the narrow streets that allow you to fully experience the old town.

Yalikavak Marina allows you to experience a more luxurious life. Here you will find fine restaurants and luxury shops, beach clubs, and yachts - in general, this part of the city reflects all its maximalist beauty.

Another part of Bodrum is the fishing enclave of Gümüşlük. This area with its private beaches and restaurants along the waterfront demonstrates a calm, relaxed atmosphere. Gümüşlük allows you to feel for a short time how the locals live near the Aegean Sea.