Things To Do
in Bursa
Bursa sits at the foothills of Uludağ in northwestern Turkey, blending Ottoman heritage with a vibrant modern culture. It was once an early Ottoman capital, and its history is felt in grand mosques, caravanserais, and lively bazaars. The city is renowned for Iskender kebap, green-tiled mosques, and accessible thermal baths nearby.
Surrounded by forests and hot springs, Bursa offers a green escape just a short trip from Istanbul.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Grand Mosque of Bursa, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. Marvel at its stunning calligraphy and serene atmosphere while enjoying the early morning light filtering through its lush gardens. Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll through the nearby Koza Han, where you can witness silk weaving and even purchase some exquisite silk products.
Indulge in a traditional Turkish lunch at one of the local restaurants in the historic center, where you can savor the famous Iskender kebab. Following your meal, explore the Bursa City Museum to learn about the rich history and culture of the area, featuring artifacts from the Ottoman period. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Uluumay Ottoman Clothing and Jewelry Museum to see intricate displays of historical attire.
As the sun sets, enjoy a tranquil walk along the banks of the Bursa River, where the ambiance shifts to a peaceful evening setting. Settle down at a riverside café for some Turkish tea and sweet baklava, savoring the local flavors while watching the world go by. For a perfect end to your day, head to a cultural performance at the Bursa State Theatre, showcasing the region's artistic heritage.
Begin your day at the Green Mosque (Yesil Camii), renowned for its beautiful green tiles and intricate calligraphy. Spend time absorbing the peaceful ambiance and reflecting on the exquisite craftsmanship that went into its creation. Afterward, visit the adjacent Green Tomb, the mausoleum of Sultan Mehmed I, to admire its stunning architecture and lush gardens.
For lunch, try a local specialty like the Bursa kebab at a nearby eatery, where the flavors are as rich as the history of the city. Post-lunch, explore the lively streets of the historical district, stopping by the nearby Tophane Park for a panoramic view of the city from the hilltop. Here, you can also visit the Tophane Clock Tower, a charming landmark that adds to the picturesque landscape.
As evening falls, head to the bustling streets of Bursa for a delightful dinner at a traditional meyhane, where you can enjoy a variety of mezes and grilled meats. Engage with locals over delicious food and perhaps some live music that fills the air with a festive spirit. Finish your night with a casual stroll through the vibrant streets, soaking in the lively atmosphere of Bursa at night.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🧊Bottle of water (1.5L) | $0.50-1.00 |
| ☕Cup of coffee | $1-3 |
| 🚆One-way local transport ticket | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🛍️Groceries (basic weekly) | $25-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich Ottoman history and architecture in a compact city
- Excellent access to Uludağ for hiking and skiing
- Delicious regional cuisine and welcoming locals
- Vibrant markets, crafts, and historic han settings
- Seasonal crowds can spike around holidays and Uludağ
- Some areas may be hilly; comfortable walking shoes are essential
- Not a party-focused nightlife scene
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
- "Afedersiniz" - Excuse me / Pardon
- "Nerededir?" - Where is it?
- "Burası güvenli mi?" - Is this area safe?
- "Türkçe biliyor musunuz?" - Do you speak Turkish?
Places to Visit in Bursa
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic green tiles, tranquil courtyards, and intricate tilework ideal for close-ups and architecture shots.
Well-preserved Ottoman-era village with cobbled lanes, timber-framed houses, and atmospheric street photography opportunities.
Historic silk market courtyard with wooden galleries, soft light, and tea houses for atmospheric photos.
Broad alpine vistas and pine forests offering sweeping landscape shots, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Classic square scenes, urban life, and historic architecture framing city photography.
Food in Bursa
Bursa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Thinly sliced doner meat over pita, drenched in tomato sauce and served with yogurt.
Must-Try!
Cousin to köfte, often grilled and served with salad and bread.
Red lentil soup, a comforting starter in many Bursa eateries.
Warm semolina-based dessert typically served with syrup and cream or clotted yogurt.
A tangy, hearty soup made from dried yogurt and grain, popular in the region.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market area offering nuts, dried fruits, spices, teas, and regional sweets; a great place to sample street snacks and buy edible souvenirs.
Silk market district adjacent to a traditional han; enjoy tea houses and light snacks amid wooden galleries.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly 'Merhaba' (hello) and maintain relaxed (but respectful) conversation. Dress modestly when visiting mosques; remove shoes before entering; use your right hand for giving or receiving items. In social settings, it's polite to ask before taking photos of people.
Safety
Tipping in Bursa
Ensure a smooth experience
In many sit-down restaurants, a service charge may be included; if not, a tip of 5–10% is customary for good service. In cafes or casual spots, rounding up or leaving small coins is common.
Turkish Lira is the primary currency; credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger establishments, hotels, and many shops. ATMs are plentiful, and small markets or street vendors may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with blooming trees; great for city walks and village visits; pack a light jacket for cooler evenings.
Warm to hot in the city (often 25–32°C); Uludağ is cooler and ideal for day trips; stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.
Pleasant, with fall colors and harvest markets; layers recommended as temperatures vary.
Cold and potentially snowy; Uludağ offers skiing and snow activities; dress warmly and plan for longer travel times.
Bursa at Night
Hiking in Bursa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Several marked trails around the plateau offering forested paths and mountain scenery.
Scenic route passing rural villages and farmland, suitable for a day hike with cultural touches.
Airports
How to reach Bursa by plane.
Regional airport serving Bursa with domestic and limited international connections; convenient for travelers coming from other Turkish cities.
Major international hub; approximately 2–3 hours by road/train from Bursa depending on traffic; frequent connections to global destinations.
Another major hub with many regional and international flights; similar travel time to Bursa.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Turkish, with a strong student presence from Uludağ University and surrounding colleges; diverse neighborhoods include families, professionals, and long-standing craftspeople.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Bursa is home to strong football culture and local clubs; weekend matches draw local fans.
Uludağ is a key winter sports destination with slopes suitable for various levels.
Active community sports and gym culture are common in the city.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bursa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many temas (mezes) and vegetarian-friendly dishes like mercimek çorbası, börek with cheese or spinach, imam bayıldı; for meat-free options, ask for sebze yemekleri (vegetable dishes) or yoğurtlu mezeler.