Budget Travel to Bodrum 2024
Welcome to Bodrum!
Bodrum is a lovely seaside resort that is famous for its lovely hotels, great beaches, delicious food, and its beautiful marina. As well as that there is a very nice Castle with an outstanding museum for history lovers.
If you’re looking for an affordable vacation destination, then Bodrum is the perfect place for you. There are lots of low-cost attractions, food, and accommodations available for budget-conscious travellers.
With a little planning and by following some simple tips, you can make the most of your vacation in Bodrum and cut costs. This budget-friendly travel guide to Bodrum will give you all the information and travel advice you need to help you get the most of your getaway to this beautiful Turkish holiday destination.
Key Takeaways
- You can explore historical attractions like Bodrum Castle and the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
- The town has some of Turkey’s most stunning beaches, from busy places like Bodrum City Beach to quieter ones like Yali Beach, where you can enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere. Many public beaches offer free amenities like sunbeds and umbrellas.
- Bodrum offers holidaymakers budget-friendly accommodation options to suit every taste and pocket.
- You can try tasty Turkish cuisine inexpensively . Foodies will love savoury the local specialities.
- There are lot of interesting day trips that you can have during you stay in the city, making it a great place to explore the surrounding area and even the nearby Greek Islands.
- If you are looking for a lively and affordable nightlife scene there are plenty of relaxed bars to bustling clubs.
- Getting to Bodrum is easy, with affordable flights to Milas-Bodrum Airport and well-connected bus routes.
Where is Bodrum?
Bodrum is one of the most popular tourist seaside destinations in Turkey. It´s situated on a peninsula on the coast of the Aegean Sea and is located in the province of Muğla in southwestern Turkey.
The road distance from Bodrum to Istanbul is approximately 660 kilometres, and it is about 420 kilometres north of Antalya.
The nearest airport is located approximately 36 kilometres from the city centre.
Map of Bodrum
What to Do in Bodrum
Bodrum Castle
You can start discovering Bodrum’s fascinating history by visiting Bodrum Castle. The castle is easy to get to and is located in the centre of the town. As well as being of historical interest, the castle also offers visitors stunning views of the city and the Aegean Sea.
Bodrum Castle is also called the Castle of St. Peter. It is an impressive fortress that was built in the early 15th century by the Knights Hospitaller. They were also known as the Knights of St. John or even the Knights of Rhodes.
The castle was built to help defend the nearby island of Rhodes and protect the trade routes of the Eastern Mediterranean from the Ottomans and pirates.
The castle has several magnificent towers that act as different viewing spots. These include towers with the following names: the Snake Tower, the English Tower, the German Tower, the French Tower, and the Italian Tower.
There is also a nice chapel that was used by the knights, as well as dungeons where prisoners where held, which are both worth visiting.
Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum
The museum is a fascinating attraction that is situated within the castle. The museum is a must-see destination for history lovers.
There are many historical artefacts that have been recovered from below the sea, including some of the oldest shipwrecks in the world.
The museum has several different exhibitions, including:
Glass Wreck Hall
This wonderful exhibition displays the remains of a 16-metre ship that was carrying a cargo of glass during the Byzantine Era. . The ship is thought to have sunk around 1025 and it is now protected within the museum.
Carian Princess Exhibition
This is another interesting exhibition in the museum. There is golden jewellery and other interesting artefacts from the tomb, of the Carian Princess. The objects that are on display are beautiful and are thought to be well over 2000 years old.
Glass Hall Exhibition
There is a huge collection of glassware on display that dates back to 1400 BC. Most of the items were either found in shipwrecks or at local excavation sites.
The museum opens from 9 to 4.30; however, some exhibition halls are closed between 12 and 2 p.m. So, it´s best to arrive between 9 and 10 a.m. or just after 2 p.m. The castle is closed on Mondays. The entrance fee is about 14 euros, and it will take you around 2 hours to see everything.
Bodrum Marina
Another must-see attraction is Bodrum’s marina. Here, you can admire the luxurious yachts and enjoy a Turkish coffee or snack at one of the many lovely cafes in the harbour.
Alternatively, you can just take a walk and watch the sunset over the Aegean and enjoy the lively evening atmosphere. The marina is also located near the centre of the town and it is easy to get to on foot.
Boat Trips from the Marina
From the harbour there are many boats offering trips to the nearby Olak Islands which are sometimes compared to the Maldives because of their crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches.
Bodrum Old Town
The Old Town is a labyrinth of cute narrow streets with whitewashed houses, shops , cafes and restaurants. It is a delightful place to spend time just wandering around and enjoying the atmosphere. It is located just near to the castle area and is a must-see location when visiting the town.
Bodrum's Beaches
Bodrum has some of the best beaches in the county, and many of them are free. However, remember to take plenty of sun protection with you, as it´s expensive to buy when you arrive in Turkey.
The beautiful beaches of Bodrum are great for sunbathing and swimming, with crystal-clear waters and golden sands and are the ideal place to relax during your holiday.,
Many travellers find it difficult to believe that not all beaches in Turkey are free. There are many private beaches that are managed by beach bars.
This means you will have to order drinks and snacks from their waiters to be able to stay there and enjoy the facilities.
Public beaches, however, are free, and many of them even offer free sun beds and beach umbrellas. If you are on a tight budget, you should choose public beaches, but try to get there early in the morning during the summer to make sure you get a sun bed.
Bodrum City Beach (Bodrum Plaji)
This unpretentious and centrally located beach is popular with visitors staying near or in the town centre.
It is not bad for a city beach, and for those people who don´t want to go far from their accommodation, it can be convenient with lots of amenities. It´s a small public beach with free sunbeds and umbrellas.
Bitez Beach
If you prefer a beach that is a little more peaceful but still has everything you need near by, then Bitez Beach is for you.
It is more laid back than Gumbet, and there is golden sand. The sea is quite shallow and good for swimming. The beach is generally not so busy, especially if you avoid the central areas.
The nightlife in Bitez is very pleasant and is probably more suitable for people who are a little older. Bitez is around 15 minutes by road from the centre of Bodrum. There are a lot of buses and minibuses that go there, but maybe in the evening it is easier to take a taxi for around 5 euros.
Gümbet Beach.
There are many beaches to choose from, including the popular and easily accessible beaches such as Gumbet or Bitez.
Gumbet Beach is a busy beach with lots of bars and restaurants. It also has a good nightlife and is popular with younger people. It is mainly a beach with small pebbles, but there are some areas with sand.
It is only a few kilometres from the centre of Bodrum; you can take a taxi for just a few euros, or a bus or minibus for much less. However, if the weather isn´t too hot, you can easily get there on foot.
Ortakent Beach & Bodurm Waterpark
This is another lovely beach that is just a little further down the coast from Bitez. Again, it is a calm and relaxing atmosphere with many luxury hotels. There are plenty of water sports activities here, as well as some very nice places to eat.
There is also the huge Bodrum Water Park located nearby that offers 11 slides, rafting, etc. for a fun day out at around 20 euros for those over 12 years old.It is a bargain compared to the prices of waterparks in other seaside resorts in Turkey.
Yali Beach
The further down the peninsula you travel, the more beautiful the scenery becomes. If you are looking for turquoise waters with a backdrop of green hills, you should travel to somewhere like Yali Public Beach.
There are free sun loungers and beach umbrellas at this beach, but it gets busy early in the summer season, and you need to get there before 9 a.m. to find a place.
It is located about 30 minutes by road from the Bodrum town centre. You can get there by bus or minibus. If you are travelling in a small group, then it is even more affordable to go by taxi.
Some parts of the beach are private and offer more facilities. The beach has fine, small pebbles, but is comfortable to walk on.
Day Trips from Bodrum
Yalıkavak Marina
Yalikavak Marina is located on the other side of the Bodrum peninsula and is home to many rich and famous people.
If you take a trip there, you can enjoy the views of the beautiful bay and see some of the biggest luxury yachts in the world. You can also window shop in the designer boutiques, and drink a coffee in one of its upmarket coffee shops.
The cheapest way to get there is by local minibus (Dolmuş), and it takes about 20 minutes from Bodrum.
Türkbükü
Another nearby destination for Bodrum is the nearby fishing village of Türkbükü. These days, it is more of a trendy tourist destination.
There are spectacular sea views of the Aegean, and it has a beautiful promenade lined with lovely restaurants and lively bars. You can go there by boat from Bodrum Marina, bus, or taxi.
Ephesus
For travellers who are interested in history and culture, a day trip to the nearby ancient city of Ephesus is a must-do experience.
It gives visitor fascinating glimpse into the history of the region and a chance to take some great photos. The ancient site is located about 2h. 30m bus ride from Bodrum. The journey is challenging because public buses poorly connected.
The best way to get there, by far, is to do it as an organised excursion. If you are travelling as a group, you could also rent a car, if you have an international driving licence and a credit card, (not a debit card).
There are many travel agents in the town that will offer this tour, picking you up and dropping you off at your hotel or hostel. Excursions cost around 40 euros per person and the price will include transport, entrance fees and a guide. Excursionmania seems to be one of the cheapest tour agencies offering this trip.
Pamukkale & Hierapolis
This is another possible day trip that holidaymakers enjoy taking when staying in Bodrum. A visit to Pamukkale and the adjoining ancient Roman city of Hierapolis make a great holiday experience with plenty of opportunities to see both natural
wonders and historical landmarks. It is a long day trip that is not really possible on public transport due to the connections and time constraints. If you rent a car, it is possible, but start out early in the morning. If you plan to go there for longer, check the Pamukkale guide.
The best option is to go on an organised excursion that will pick you up and drop you off at a nearby location to your accommodation. Excursionmania is also the cheapest tour agencies offering this trip.
Day Trips to the Greek Islands
If you fancy an adventurous day trip, you can take a ferry to one of the nearby Greek islands. Kos is the most popular one to visit, followed by the smaller island of Symi. Both islands are located just a short distance away from Bodrum.
However, these are not the only options available. From the nearby town of Turgutreis, there are several more islands that you can visit, including Leros, Patmos, and Kalymnos, depending on the day of the week that you are planning to travel.
It is a good idea to do some research on each island and decide which one is the right one for you. Take some euros, a hat, plenty of sun protection cream, a towel, and a bathing suit with you so that you can enjoy the sandy beaches, explore historical sites, and savour delicious Greek cuisine.
Make sure you have a valid visa for travel to the EU before purchasing your ticket and remember that there is a one-hour time difference between Greece and Turkey, so don´t miss the ferry back.
To go on a day trip to Kos, you should start out from the marina at around 9 a.m. and return around 5 p.m. It takes about 30 minutes to get there on the fast catamaran, and it will cost around 25 euros.
These ferries leave from the cruise ship terminal which is located about 1 kilometre outside the main town.
Day Trips to Datça
According to a recent CNN news channel report, Datça is a beautiful Turkish peninsula destination that has been forgotten by time.
It may well be true that this lovely small town has been kept a secret by those in the know, in fear that it will be ruined by mass tourism.
The town is located just under two hours away by ferry, but it is still possible to go there on an inexpensive day trip from Bodrum. Who knows you may even want to make Datca your next holiday destination for your next trip to Turkey.
The return crossing on Bodrum Ferry Boat costs about 25 euros.
Affordable Accommodation in Bodrum
Hostels in Bodrum
For travellers who are looking for a budget-friendly stay with a nice social atmosphere, hostels in Bodrum are an excellent choice. This type of accommodation offers shared dormitory rooms at affordable prices, giving you the opportunity to meet and connect with other travellers.
Many hostels also offer common areas, kitchens, and organized activities, which offer a great overall experience while keeping costs down. La Luna Hostel – Situated in the centre of Bodrum, 100 m from the beach. https://la-luna-hostel-bodrum.business.site
Bodrum Ecohostel – Situated 15 km from the town of Bodrum in a rural area on the peninsula, but within walking distance to the beach.
Websites such as Hostelworld.com and Hostelz.com are often the easiest way to book hostels and offer favourable rates.
Budget Hotels & Guesthouses
If you prefer a bit more privacy and comfort, economic hotels in Bodrum are another great option. These hotels offer clean and comfortable rooms at a fraction of the price of luxury resorts.
While they may not offer all the amenities of higher-end accommodation, they provide a comfortable and affordable base for exploring Bodrum. A couple of examples include:
Istankoy hotel – Centre.
Majaste Hotel – Gümbet district
It can often be cheaper if you check accommodation prices and special offers on websites such as booking.com, and Agoda.
Check if the breakfast is included, as this will save you extra money on eating breakfast outside of the hotel.
Apartment & Room Rental
For flexibility and affordability, renting an apartment or staying in a flat share through platforms like Airbnb is a popular choice.
This option allows you to have your own space while saving money on dining out by having access to a kitchen. However, sometimes there is not so much difference between buying food in supermarkets and cooking it at home and dining in a good budget restaurant.
Airbnb has a wide range of options, from private apartments to shared apartments staying with locals. You can filter your search based on your budget, preferred location, and the amenities you are looking for.
This will help you to find the perfect accommodation that fits your needs without stretching your travel budget.
Check out the previous reviews and photos of Bodrum Airbnb apartments, as well as their location before booking and remember to check the small print regarding facilities.
Check out the previous reviews and photos of Bodrum Airbnb apartments, as well as their location before booking and remember to check the small print regarding facilities.
Is there Air-con? Does the place have a Turkish toilet or a western toilet? is there a lift/elevator? Do they provide towels and bed linen? Is there wi-fi? These are the type of things you need to know before booking a place.
Eating in Bodrum
What to Eat
When it comes to budget-friendly cuisine in Bodrum, Turkish dishes are great and a must-try for foodies. There is a lot to choose from, including tasty kebabs, delicious mezze starters, etc. You’ll find a wide range of affordable Turkish options that are packed with flavour and most of it will not break the bank.
Don’t miss out on trying Turkish budget specialities like Gözleme, a traditional Turkish style crepe that is stuffed with various fillings, or Pide, a Turkish-style pizza topped with savoury ingredients.
For those on a tight budget, street food stalls and local cafes offer affordable options such as Dürüm, a wrap filled with grilled meats and vegetables, or Lahmacun, a thin and crispy Turkish pizza topped with minced meat and herbs.
As a fishing port Bodrum has its far share of fish restaurants, but when compared to meat, poultry and vegetarian meals, fish is often much more expensive and is perhaps not the best choice if you are on a budget.
Where to Eat
Bodrum has lots of good and inexpensive restaurants. If you eat in the marina, it will be expensive but if you go a little further away from the centre, you can find great food at reasonable prices.
Levant Ocakbasi – Has a great selection of meat dishes at a reasonable price and a pleasant atmosphere. It is located behind the marina.
Zakka Cafe & Restaurant is another nice place to get something to eat and has a good laid back atmosphere. It is also located near to the Marina.
For lovers of Indian curry, the Bombay Cottage Indian restaurant has you covered with tasty and spicy curries and great prices.
Bodrum´s Nightlife
Bodrum offers a lively nightlife scene with options that are suitable for every budget.
Halikarnas Club is the biggest nightclub in Turkey, with sea views and offering plenty of entertainment. Perhaps it is not a budget-friendly venue for young travellers, but more of a special one-off treat on your Bodrum trip.
Moonlight bar is a more relaxed and romantic bar that is frequented by both tourists and locals. It is more budget friendly and laid back, boasting to be one of the best bar locations on the Aegean.
Alcohol is relatively expensive in Turkey, compared to many southern European countries. Taxes are high and many budget restaurant do not serve it due to their religious beliefs.
However, hotels, bars, pubs, and larger more expensive restaurants will usually offer wine and Raki (a strong alcoholic drink that is similar to Greek Ouzo)
Shopping in Bodrum
Bodrum Bazaar
For a real Turkish shopping experience, you should take a walk around the Bodrum bazaar. It is located in the old town and this bustling marketplace is known for its good atmosphere and affordable prices.
You should try to negotiate the prices a little with the friendly stall owners, but try to be generous, as the economy in Turkey is not so good at the moment and times are hard.
You will find a wide range of goods in the bazaar, from clothing and accessories to traditional Turkish crafts.
Bodrum Street Market
For a true taste of local life, visit Bodrum’s street market. It offers a wide array of products, including fresh produce, spices, textiles, and handmade crafts.
It is held two days per week, on Fridays for fresh food and on Tuesdays for clothes and various other items.
Getting to Bodrum
International Flights
If you’re arriving by air, Milas-Bodrum Airport is the easiest option. It is located just a short drive away from Bodrum town. The airport offers many regular flights to many national and international destinations.
Several budget airlines fly from Europe and the Middle East to Bodrum. Here are just a few examples:
Check websites such as Skyscanner, Kayak and even Google flights to help you find the best prices. You can also sign up to low-cost carrier newsletters to get informed when they offer special deals.
Domestic Flights
If you are already in Turkey, you can get a domestic flight to travel to Bodrum. There are many daily flights from Istanbul, Ankara and Antalya.
Turkish Airlines offers the most domestic flights to Bodrum, but it tends to be more expensive than low-cost airlines such as A-Jet Airlines, (formally AnadoluJet ), and Pegasus Airlines.
- Istanbul – Approx 1h.20m
- Antalya – Approx 1h.15m
If you buy your tickets well in advance you can often get a good deal that can help you reduce costs in domestic flights to the city.
Getting from Bodrum Airport to the City Centre
You can take an airport shuttle bus (Havaş) to Bodrum city centre for just a few euros. They run regularly throughout the day until the late evening, and you can buy the ticket on board.
When you arrive in Bodrum town you can either walk or take a taxi to your location, depending on where it is located.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi which will cost you about 15 euros, to the town centre. It takes about 30 minutes to go to Bodrum from the airport.
Intercity Buses to Bodrum
If you prefer a more scenic and cost-effective option, traveling from other Turkish cities to Bodrum, taking a bus is a fantastic choice. Turkey’s well-connected bus network provides affordable and comfortable transportation within the country. Check out our guide to buses in Turkey.
There are several bus companies operating routes to Bodrum from major cities like Istanbul and Izmir, making it an accessible destination for budget-conscious travellers. FlixBus and Pamukkale are probably the two most comfortable luxury bus companies travelling the city.
Istanbul (about 12 hours)
- Izmir (about 3h.30)
- Antalya – (about 6 hours)
Regional Buses
Getting from Fethiye and Marmaris, as well as other smaller towns in the region can be a little more challenging because there are often no direct buses available. You need to take a bus either to the town of Milas or Muğla and then get a connecting bus to Bodrum.
These buses will often be minibuses which are called “Dolmuş” in Turkish, (pronounced Dolmush). The area of the bus station with the larger intercity buses stop is separate from the area where the minibuses stop. Don´t be afraid to ask for help at the bus station if you are feeling lost as Turkish people are usually very friendly and helpful.
You will not be able to buy these tickets online, you have to buy them either at the bus terminal sometimes on the bus itself.
This means that the people who arrive first will get the seats first. So, you should always plan to travel in the morning during the summer season to make sure that you don´t have any problems in catching your connecting bus.
Getting from the Bus Station to the City Centre
As in most other cities in Turkey, the new intercity bus station (Yeni Otogar in Turkish) is located on the outskirts of the city. From there you can take a public bus or a minibus to the old bus station that is located in Bodrum town centre.
Getting around Bodrum
There is a good and cheap public bus system in the town. However, the cheapest form of transport is the shared taxi minibus. These minibuses are called Dolmus, in Turkish and will take you all over the town and beyond for very little.
However, drivers rarely speak English, so you must know exactly where you are going and how to pronounce it. Carry small change with you, the drivers will not be able to change large bank notes.
They stop and pick people up anywhere along the route. So, you should use your GPS google map to check you are going in the right direction and get off where it tells you.
Taxis are relatively inexpensive compared to the west and can provide fast and affordable transport, especially if you are not travelling solo. Always check that the taxi meter is switch on.
If you want to be sure you are going the right way, and not on a detour use your GPS. That is another good reason for getting a Turkish SIM card or an E-SIM such as Holafly when travelling to Turkey.
When to Visit Bodrum
Bodrum is a small town that gets very crowded during July and August, not only with international travellers, but also with wealthy Turkish holiday makers.
The weather is Bodrum is usually great, but the best time to travel there is in May, June, September or October, when the weather is warm enough to go to the beach, but there are not so many people.
Many retired people from Europe like to stay in Bodrum during the winter months to escape the bad European weather. What a great idea!
Is Bodrum Worth Visiting?
Bodrum is an excellent holiday destination for people travelling on every budget. It is a lovely town with some very nice beaches and local historical attractions.
It is much smaller than Antalya and that makes it a feel a little more cosy for people who are looking for a relaxing seaside destination outside of July and August.
There are also lots of interesting day trips that you can do, using the city as your base. This is great for people who get bored easily in a beach resort. It would be easy to spend a week here, if you like relaxing on the beach and enjoying some of the excursions.
