Bodrum was Halicarnassus in antiquity, one of the important cities of the ancient world, and two of its monuments are an easy walk from the center. The Ancient Theatre, built into the hillside in the 4th century BC, seated 13,000 spectators for Greek tragedies, comedies, and musical performances, and it remains one of Turkey's best-preserved classical theaters. The acoustics still work: a person speaking normally on stage can be heard in the top row, and the theater hosts performances to this day. From the upper seats you see the whole town, the harbor, the castle, and the Greek islands offshore, the same backdrop ancient audiences had. Nearby, the Myndos Gate marks the spot where Alexander the Great attacked the city walls in 334 BC. The two sites together take two to three hours.

Bodrum has about 2,400 years of recorded history. The Knights of St. John built the castle partly with stones taken from the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, and Ottoman rule followed. Much of that construction still stands and is open to visitors.

Visitors interested in ancient and medieval sites will want a few hours here. The Greek theater and the castle both photograph best in the late afternoon.

First-time visitors and solo travelers both manage easily here. The area is walkable, and staff at most sites are used to tourists.

Bodrum Castle sits in the harbor below and houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. The marina has waterfront restaurants, and the town markets are a short walk away.

Nearby bazaars sell Turkish crafts and souvenirs. Tea houses in the side streets are a good place to rest between sights.