Bursa is the fourth largest city in Turkey. Though just 2 hours from Istanbul, it’s so different. Bursa has it all: mountains, sea, culture, nightlife, architecture, nature, food, and professional hosts. There are so many things to do in Bursa that you could easily spend a month.
We’ve been several times to the city and love it. Locals call it the Green City due to the abundance of green nature and the incredible mountains. The city is ancient, vibrant, safe, and easy to discover. Besides, there are fantastic places to visit in the area around Bursa.
The city remains under the radar. Most tourists visit Istanbul, Cappadocia, and the Turkish coast. What a mistake! Bursa combines the best of Turkey. The birthplace of the Ottoman Empire is contemporary and fun. It’s got mountains, the sea, and lakes. Fortunately, it’s so easy to go to Bursa from the rest of the country.
Where to Stay in Bursa
Bursa has accommodation options for all tastes and budgets. We believe the best place to stay in Bursa is the center. You will be able to walk to most attractions. Besides, the center is beautiful, quiet, and very atmospheric. Likewise, stay close to Bursa, but in one of the hotels in the middle of nature.
The best hotel in Bursa is the Divan. The contemporary hotel is next to the city’s nicest park and close to the metro. The rooms are huge, super comfortable, and have a balcony. Guests have access to one of the best spas in Turkey with natural mineral waters. We had a great time here!
The Çelik Palas Hotel Convention Center & Thermal Spa is from the 1920s. It’s got breathtaking views of the city and the mountains. The pool and the spa are gorgeous. B Loft has the best value for money. The hotel is on the pedestrian main street. The rooms are elegant, comfortable, and perfectly isolated. We loved the service.
How to Get to Bursa
It’s very easy to go to Bursa from Istanbul. Ferries leave from Eminönü in central Istanbul or Yenikapı and take two hours to reach Mudanya on the coast. From there, take a bus an inexpensive taxi to Bursa. There are no trains, and buses from Istanbul can take longer due to the traffic.
However, several bus companies link Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport with Bursa in a couple of hours. A bus takes approximately 6 hours from Ankara to Bursa. Thus, it’s best to take the fast train to Eskişehir and then a bus, shortening the time to 4.5 hours.
Eskişehir is an incredible destination in itself. Besides, it’s a great place to connect to other destinations, including Konya and Cappadocia. There are also buses from Bursa to Izmir on the coast. The journey takes from 4 to 6 hours. Bursa’s airport is 40 km from the city. There are flights to the rest of the country.
Places to Visit and Things to Do in Bursa
Visit the Magnificent Grand Mosque of Bursa
The Grand Mosque of Bursa is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. The Sultan wanted a mosque to celebrate his victory over European forces in the battle of Nicopolis. The original temple was completed in 1399. UNESCO included the mosque in its List of World Heritage Sites.
As you can imagine, the building suffered a lot throughout its history; especially during an earthquake in 1855. Closed for years, it opened once again in 1889. In any case, the temple is incredible. Today, it is the center of spiritual life in Bursa. Thus, be sure to be respectful.
The mosque is in the center of the Old Town. You will recognize it from its two minarets. Enter the temple through its north entrance. You will see 12 columns supporting 4 rows of 5 domes each. Unlike most mosques, this one has a lovely fountain in the middle.
Explore Every Corner of Bursa’s Bazaar
We love the Grand Bazaar in Bursa. It’s historic, beautiful, and very alive. We are talking about a large area in the center of town. Locals visit the bazaar to shop, drink tea, and socialize. Far less touristy than the one in Istanbul, it’s very atmospheric.
Kapali Çarşi means covered bazaar in Turkish. The original bazaar is from 1340. Due to its beauty and importance, UNESCO included the complex of buildings in its list of World Site Heritage Sites. Check out Koza Han, built in 1491. It’s a two-story building with a lovely garden in the middle.
For coffee, head to Pirinç Han nearby. The two-story ancient mall has a courtyard full of coffee houses. Everyone in Bursa visits. From there, walk to Fidan Han, smaller than the other two but so peaceful. The views of the hills on the back are amazing. Don’t rush and take your time.
Admire Bursa’s Most Impressive Mosque and Tomb
The Green Mosque in Bursa is like no other. You won’t believe your eyes. The mosque is in the middle of a garden in the center. Some of the trees that tower above the temple are over 400 years old. Don’t rush in, and check the fountain too.
The building is from 1419. Check out the intricate carvings of the windows and exterior walls. Notice that both minarets are baroque. The massive entrance door has inscriptions by Rumi. Once inside, admire the exquisite tiles that cover the walls. Raise your head for the most delicate ceilings.
Notice the lovely fountain in the middle. Don’t forget to see the prayer rooms on both sides. The mosque complex included a madrasa and a hammam, now a shop and restaurant. You can’t leave without visiting the elaborate Green Tomb, steps away. Sultan Mehmed I rests inside the 1421 masterpiece.
Spend Time in Muradiye Mosque Complex
Not even Istanbul has a building as gorgeous as the Muradiye Mosque and Tombs. The complex consists of the Muradiye Mosque and 12 tombs. The mosque from 1436 is in the middle of a lovely garden. Originally it was a Mevlevi Sufi compound. The mihrab inside is one of the greatest in Turkey.
Each and every tomb is worth your time. Sultan Murad II commissioned them for his relatives. His is the biggest. Huma Hatum, his wife and mother of Mehmed the Conqueror, is buried here too. The tombs vary in style. Besides, the tiles inside are amongst the best in the country.
The complex includes a madrasa and a hammam. Today, the Madrasa homes the Muradiye Qoran and Manuscripts Museums. The building itself is impressive, and the collection inside, dazzling. The bath is in front of the complex. Hang around the garden and the park to enjoy the atmosphere.
Visit Other Ottoman Mosques of Bursa
Bursa has three other UNESCO-listed mosque complexes. Yildirim Beyazit Mosque is on a hill to the east of the center. The mosque complex is big and includes a hospital, bath, madrasa, and a tomb. It’s considered the first elaborate mosque of the Ottoman Empire. The hospital was the first one in the empire.
Murat Hudavendigar Mosque is west of the center. It’s the only one with a madrasa on the second floor. The mosque itself is on the first floor. A Greek architect built it in 1366. A park surrounds the complex. Walk till the end to see the tomb of Murat Hudavendigar.
A block from the Grand Mosque we find Gazi Orhan Bey Mosque. The original temple from 1339 suffered a lot throughout its history. The temple has some of the most exquisite decorations in the country. It included a hammam, nowadays a han. The park surrounding the mosque is gorgeous.
Roam the Streets of Bursa Castle
Bursa has a Castle on the hill overlooking the city. Go there in the afternoon for killer sunsets. It’s a big area to walk along admiring the views of the city. Osman Gazi built it in the late 13th Century after the Ottomans conquered the city. Only sections of the southern and eastern walls survived the perils of time.
You will notice old traditional Turkish houses in the area. Some have been restored to their former glory and home restaurants and bars. Access the area through the Imperial Gate. The tombs of Osman Gazi and Orhan Gazi are in front. The UNESCO-listed tombs are inside a former Byzantine Monastery.
Locals visit the park in front of the Imperial Gate. Walk across the park until you reach Tophane Clock Tower, part of the monastery from 1905. It offers the best views of the city. Keep walking south along the walls until you reach the oldest and most important section of the Castle.
Cross the Historic Irgandı Bridge
Some 15 minutes walking from the Grand Mosque we find Irgandı Bridge. The stone bridge is over a small stream. It’s a splendid green area with old traditional houses, local restaurants, and lots of character. Today, cute shops and cafes line the covered bridge.
Actually, you have to visit three bridges. Setbaşi Bridge is a two arch stone bridge from the 15th Century. To admire it, go down where the stream used to be. There are a couple of coffee houses with fantastic views of the bridge and a mosque. Irgandi Bridge is 3 minutes away.
From Irgandı, walk 3 more minutes along the stream until you reach Boyacikulluğu Bridge. Though not as elaborate as the other two, it’s a big stone bridge from 1530. Local people flock to the area, especially in the afternoons. Pick your favorite coffee house and chill while enjoying memorable views.
Visit Bursa’s Best Museums
Bursa has three museums worth visiting. The Atatürk Museum is across the Kültür Park, the nicest park in the city. Atatürk himself lived in the house in the 1920s and 1930s. Delicately refurbished, the old three-story house is in the middle of a garden. The collection inside includes documents, photos, and original furniture.
A short distance from the house inside the Kültür Park, we find the Archaeological Museum. Though one of the oldest in the country, it moved to its current location in 1872. Before entering, check out the garden full of ancient sculptures. The collection inside includes artifacts millions of years old.
Further west is the Karagöz Museum. The building used to be a power plant. However, it was converted into a one-of-a-kind art house in the 1990s. The museum is dedicated to the Turkish art of shadow play. It’s got authentic puppets and instruments.
Indulge Yourself in a Thermal Bath
Bursa has the best thermal baths in Turkey. A visit to Yeni Kaplica is a must. Rustem Pasa did the building under the orders of Suleyman the Magnificent in 1522. Mineral springs feed the big pool in the center. The massive building has 8 columns, marble walls, and tall domes.
The Kara Mustafa Otel next door offers brilliant thermal baths too. Both places are in Kültür Park. Walk invigorated after your bath through a splendid park. Tarihi Beyaz Hamami is at the foot of the hill, below the clock tower. It’s a local traditional hammam that offers an authentic experience.
Çakir Hamami is in the center. Built in the 1400s, it was refurbished in the 1960s and offers a woman’s and men’s section. Locals visit this traditional bath. As mentioned, the Divan hotel gives you access to a spa with mineral waters and state-of-the-art facilities.
Watch the Whirling Dervishes
Watching whirling dervishes is an experience you’ll never forget. Actually, dervishes don’t just dance, they perform ancient rituals. The live music is superb, and the dancing magical. We’ve seen them in Istanbul, Bursa, and Konya. As you probably know, Konya is the spiritual center of the Mevlana dervishes.
The Mevlana organization has a cultural center in the center of Bursa. It’s an ancient building with a splendid garden. Notice the intricate wooden work outside. You can sit beneath trees and enjoy tea. Go inside and prepare to be dazzled. The lodge and center are the real things. No tourist trap here.
You can check their website for current schedules. Sometimes they stream live rituals. The cultural center is a 10-minute walk from the Grand Mosque. The neighborhood around is interesting too. There are a couple of old mosques. Walk 2 minutes to Temenyeri Park to enjoy amazing views and peace.
Have Dinner in a Traditional Restaurant
The food in Bursa is considered by Turks the best in the country. Eateries of every price and taste dot the city. The best seafood and traditional restaurants in Bursa are on Arap Şükrü Street, also known as Sakarya. It’s a pedestrian street beneath the clock tower.
We loved to eat with fantastic views by the Green Mosque at Yuce Hunkar. The restaurant offers Turkish and international food on a terrace. Pervane Café is next to the Murayide Mosque and Tombs. The beautiful restaurant has a terrace with splendid views. Coffee houses and bakeries line the center’s main pedestrian street.
Ömür Köftecisi in front of the Grand Mosque is a local’s favorite. Sori Café has a huge terrace overlooking the mosque. Young people visit to socialize. You can also have a bite in the hans. Another brilliant area to eat is next to the stream, around the historic bridges. The main restaurants street there is called Kayhan.
Take the Cable Car to Uludağ Mountain
You have to take the Bursa to Uludağ cable car. As mentioned, some of the country’s most impressive mountains tower over the city. In winter, people from all over Turkey visit Bursa to ski. However, the mountains are impressive all year round. In summer and spring, they provide a much-needed breath of fresh air.
At 5.5 miles (9 km), it is the longest cable line in Turkey. The station is 1.5 miles (2.5 km) from the center. Thus, you can walk there in 30 minutes. Likewise, you can take a public bus or an inexpensive taxi. Everything is well organized and has easy-to-follow instructions. Pay your entrance ticket and enjoy the ride.
The system has three stops. However, you can only come down at the final stop. That’s where the hotel area is. It’s a big green zone with a couple of coffee houses and restaurants. The views are the best in Bursa. You can walk for hours through nature.
Roam the Streets of Cumalıkızık
Cumalikızık is the nicest most authentic Ottoman village we have ever seen. UNESCO included the 700-year-old village in its World Heritage Site List due to its beauty and cultural importance. Unlike most old villages in Europe, this one is real, not a reconstruction. People have been living here for ages.
All you have to do is roam the village’s streets. You won’t see a single franchise or gentrified quarter. Ancient houses with lovely courtyards line the leafy streets. You have 270 authentic houses to visit. Search for a historic mosque, fountain, and bath. Eat at any of the local restaurants offering delicious homemade food.
The village is on the foot of Mount Udulağ, some 6 miles (10 km) from the center. We advise you to take public transportation. You reduce your ecological footprint and see the city. Several buses connect the center to Cumalikızık. You can also take the metro to Cumalıkızık-Değirmenönü metro station and a bus or taxi to the village.
Go on a Day Trip to Gölyazi
We strongly recommend spending at least a night in Gölyazi. The little village sits on a peninsula on Lake Ulubat. You won’t get a more authentic experience. The views are epic, the atmosphere authentic, the food delicious, and the people warm. If you don’t have time, go on a day trip from Bursa to Gölyazi.
The village goes back to before the Romans and Ancient Greeks. Visit the remains of a church and city walls. Climb to the hill to see an ancient theatre. Go in the afternoon to enjoy an unforgettable sunset over the lake. The tree at the entrance of the village is a 400-year-old beauty.
If you get hungry, eat at any restaurant offering delicious food and views. To spend the night, stay at Faik Bey Konagi, a traditional house overlooking the lake. To go to Gölyazi, take the metro to the last stop, Üniversite. Bus No. 5 departs from the bus station in front. The journey is an attraction in itself.
Go on a Day Trip to Iznik
Spend at least a night in Iznik. However, if you don’t have time, go to Iznik from Brusa on a day trip. The town sits on the shores of Lake Iznik and combines architecture, culture, and nature. The city was the capital of the Ottoman Empire in 1331. Frequent buses leave from Bursa’s main bus station to Iznik.
Ancient walls surround the town. Enter through the Lefke Gate, an intact section of the exterior wall. Walk to your right to the Green Mosque from 1391. From there, it’s a couple of blocks to Iznik’s oldest mosque, Haci Ozbek Mosque from 1333. Agia Sofya Mosque is 2 minutes away. It used to be a Byzantine church.
You’ve got several hammams, museums, old churches, ancient trees, and lovely mansions to keep you busy for a couple of days. Then, of course, you have to discover the lake. Besides, Iznik is famous in Turkey for its tiles. The best hotel in the town is the Seyir Boutique, a restored mansion in the center.
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