It is an open secret that Bill Gates docked his superyacht at Bodrum.
This municipality located nearly 1.5hr away by plane from Istanbul, is part of the Province of Mugla. This place is actually nearer to the Greek island than that of their capitol.
You can attend crazy beach parties, feast your eyes with beautiful yachts at the harbour and yet, the town provide kids friendly attractions for families.
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Besides the famous Bodrum Castle, there’s also the Maritime Museum and Zeki Muren Arts Museum.
Table of Contents
- How did we get in?
- Ways to get in
- Where did we stay
- Hotels to recommend
- 2D1N Itinerary
- Conclusion
- Pin to read Later
- Other Europe Destinations
How did we get in?
Prior to Bodrum, we were at a Greek Island, Kos. From Rhodes Island, we travel back to Kos for a night as there were no direct ferry to Bodrum.
Ways to get in
You can fly in direct from Istanbul, which will take you about 1.5hours to the Airport of Bodrum. Being a small town, the airport is about 30 minutes from the town by drive.
You can take a ferry from other Greek island if you enjoy island hopping. You can go on to www.ferryhopper.com for ferry tickets as well as ferry schedule.
If you want to save money, you can take an overnight bus from Istanbul for about 13 hours.
Where did we stay
We stayed at Sade Boutique Hotel. I cannot emphasis how much I love this cute little place. Its super whimsical with loads of cute life-size animals, toadstool, strawberries figurines. They made me feel like I’m visiting Alice in her Wonderland.
As a family of 4, we managed to book a family suite that came with a queen bed and 3 single beds. So there were ample space for all us and our luggages. If you have young kids, this is a perfect place. They serve a basic spread of breakfast every morning and it’s located right in the city centre. They are also about 10-15 minutes walk to their local bus station.
Hotels to recommend
Ready to party? If you are looking to escape the city – life and being in a recluse for a while, Vogue Hotel has everything you can have without needing to step out of the hotel. Vogue Hotel is the epitome of luxury. With 110 guest rooms and villas with the view to the Aegean Sea, it has international restaurants, 33 slides to their pool, a theme park, sand pit and spa facilities. Whether its a family retreat or couple time, there’s things for everyone.
If you are looking for a more convenient location nearer to city, you may want to try DoubleTree by Hilton Bodrum Marina Vista. It’s a modern European style hotel with a modest outdoor swimming pool, spa amenities, gym and bar/ restaurants. The hotel faces the Bodrum Harbour.
Another recommendation if you are looking for a convenient yet more affordable, is Asmin Hotel. They are popular and near the Bodrum Bazaar for friends who wants to do shopping. They offer morning breakfast, as well as a small pool.
2D1N Itinerary
Day 1 – Bodrum Castle and Museum Underwater Archeology – Bodrum Bazaar
Day 2 – Zeki Muren Arts Museum – Bodrum Maritime Museum – Bodrum Ancient Theatre – Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
Bodrum Castle and Museum Underwater Archeology
Address: Çarşı, Kale Cd., 48400 Bodrum/Muğla, Türkiye
Kids Friendliness: 8 / 10
Entrance Fee: 20YTL = USD 0.60
This castle has got to be the highlight of all Bodrum’s attractions. Built by the Knights Hospitaller, it’s a castle at faces the sea. Within it’s premise, there are a few different attractions such as the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archeology, Karia Princess Museum, a chapel amongst various others.
The whole place is like a maze with the exhibits weaving both indoors and outdoors. There are plenty of running place for children to run about. I do not find the exhibits boring with a lot of words. It’s really suitable for children because it has a lot artefacts for kids to see on top of the words. Therefore for preschooler who can’t really read well, it’s still interesting.
Bodrum Bazaar
Address: Çarşı, Külcü Sk. No:49, 48400, 48400 Bodrum/Muğla, Türkiye
Kids Friendliness: 6 / 10
Entrance Fee: Free
Have you been to the Istanbul Grand Bazaar? This bazaar is definitely a smaller one. While it’s not as grand as the one in the capitol, it’s still very interesting going around the lanes looking at the wares they are selling. Most of the shops sell knock off branded goods.
Most of the shops sells adults’ items such as clothes, ‘luxury’ bags, watches, etc. Not much for the kids to see and experience as this is a shopping place.
As a word of caution, if you plan to visit other parts of Europe, please do not bring the knock offs in.
Zeki Muren Arts Museum
Address: Kumbahçe, Zeki Müren Cd. No:11, 48400 Bodrum/Muğla, Türkiye
Kids Friendliness:
Entrance Fee: 20 YTL = USD 0.60
For those not in the know, Zeki Muren is like the Elvis Presley of Turkey. He was a Turkish singer, composer, songwriter, actor and poet. The museum was converted from his house. Most of the furnitures were still intact. The exhibit also showcase his show costumes as well his past albums.
It was very interesting, especially looking at his bedroom that was fully decorated in pink. They even place his vintage car at the back of the house.
Bodrum Maritime
Address: Çarşı, Nazım Hikmet Sk. No.4/1, 48400 Bodrum/Muğla, Türkiye
Kids Friendliness: 9 / 10
Entrance Fee: 30 YTL = USD 0.90
A small 2 story building that showcase everything about Bodrum Maritime history. Though small, it packed a punch.
Bodrum used to be a small fishing town before it was transformed into a tourist hot spot. From the olden days of simple fishing to bigger commercial angler activities, a lot were displayed through the exhibits. Actifects were aplenty for kids to see. There were even a huge display of seashells from the region, big and small.
Bodrum Ancient Theatre
Address: Yeniköy, D330 No:175 D:169, 48440 Bodrum/Muğla, Türkiye
Kids Friendliness: 5 / 10
Entrance Fee: Free
If your kid is a history buff, yes! it’s awesome to see an ancient theatre that is very well preserved. It’s not merely a few pieces of stones left on the ground like many others. You can definitely see the entire structure of the theatre.
However, it’s very rocky and super hot in the summer with no shade at all. It would be great for older children who are undergoing history studies. Perhaps not so friendly for younger children. The younger ones can play with the sand and little pebbles though.
Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
Address: Çarşı, 48400 Bodrum/Muğla, Türkiye
Kids Friendliness: 6 / 10
Entrance Fee: Free
There is a little air-conditional room with a short video introducing the place. However most were in ruins and all that was left were a few rocks on the ground that depicts nothing of the real monument.
The video was rather educational though not very long. For children who do not like the much of the summer sun, can opt to stay inside the room while parents roam around the site.
Conclusion
Honestly, do I want to revisit Bodrum in the future again?
Yes, I would definitely come again. The colours are very fun and vibrant everywhere. The view at the pier with rows of yacht was indeed an eyeopener.
Pin to read Later
Other Europe Destinations
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