Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology (Bodrum Castle)

The most suitable period for visiting is April-May and September-October. The weather temperature is much more favorable for walks inside the castle, and visitor density is significantly lower compared to the summer tourism season. In July-August, the castle can be quite crowded; if you plan to visit during this period, it is recommended to go before noon, preferably close to 09:00. In winter months, keep in mind that the closing time is moved to 16:30.

Bodrum Castle is located right in the city center and next to the harbor. Since it is approximately 1.5-2 km from Bodrum bus station, you can easily reach it by city minibuses (dolmuş) or taxi. During the summer season, it is also possible to walk to the castle from many points in Bodrum. Museum phone number: (0252) 316 25 16.

An average of 2-3 hours is sufficient to visit the 14 exhibition halls, walk on the castle walls, and enjoy the view. The vast majority of visitors state that they comfortably complete the museum with a half-day program. If you enjoy taking photos or are interested in the details of each hall, you can extend this time.

The most photographed spot in the castle is the view of Bodrum Bay from the upper parts of the walls. This angle, where the city skyline stretching between the two harbors and the blue waters are seen together, offers very beautiful shots, especially in the afternoon light. The stone structures and towers in the castle courtyard also provide a rich background for photography. Don't forget to ask at the entrance if flash photography is allowed in the exhibition halls inside the museum.

The harbor area immediately surrounding Bodrum Castle is very rich in fish restaurants and tavern-style venues. For fresh seafood, you can choose the restaurants along the coastline near the castle. For more affordable options, it's enough to walk a few streets into the bazaar; small eateries serving pide, gözleme, and kebabs are concentrated here.

The ground inside the castle is largely stone-paved and uneven in places; walking with high heels or slippery sandals can be both tiring and risky. Shaded areas are quite limited in summer, so bring sunscreen and plenty of water. If you don't have a Museum Card, you can obtain one at the sales point at the castle entrance. For those who want to participate in the Night Museum event, a separate e-ticket (200 TL) is on sale; it is recommended to get information from muze.gov.tr before going for this experience.

The Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology opened its doors in 1964 and has maintained its unique position as one of Turkey's most distinctive museums ever since. The collection covers underwater finds from a wide period spanning the 16th century BC to the 16th century AD; cargo from ancient shipwrecks, amphorae, glass artifacts, and many other objects are exhibited in 14 separate halls. Bodrum Castle, where the museum is located, was built by the Knights of St. John between 1406 and 1523; it is considered one of the best-preserved military structures of the Middle Ages and has been among the UNESCO World Heritage candidates since 2016.