Related Posts
Bursa City wasn't just a stop for me. My wife and I lived there for 6 months!
It’s the kind of place that quietly grows on you, with its historic mosques, the mountain air drifting from Uludağ, old bazaars, and the aroma wafting from Bursa’s bakeries (truly the tastiest in all of Turkey). Bursa offers a rhythm that’s nothing like Istanbul’s chaos, yet every bit as rich.
Nicknamed “Yeşil Bursa” or “Green Bursa,” this city truly lives up to its name, with lush landscapes at every turn. Whether it’s the streets, public parks, or slopes of Mount Uludağ, Bursa’s vibrant greenery is a constant companion.
This guide is packed with things to do in Bursa City, not just the usual must-sees, but also local favorites and honest tips from my experience living in this underrated gem.
🎥 Prefer to watch?
Here’s a video guide to Bursa showing exactly what to expect: main sights, local food, street scenes, and real vibes from my journey.
Historical and Geographical Snapshot of Bursa City
Past capital and present gem: Bursa takes pride in being the first official capital of the Ottoman Empire from 1335 to 1363 AD, evident by the ancient buildings built in Ottoman architecture, such as mosques and the tombs of sultans, particularly Sultan Osman Ghazi, the founder of the Ottoman Empire.
But there's more to Bursa than just its past and nature, as Turkey's fourth-largest city by population, and a key industrial and commercial hub. Known historically for its silk and textile trade, it houses most of Turkey’s automobile production and boasts one of the most important universities in Turkey, Uludağ University.
Located in northwestern Turkey, in the Marmara region, it’s about 2 hours away from Istanbul, 3.5 hours from İzmir, and 4.5 hours from the capital, Ankara.
Weather in Bursa City
- Winters: Cold with frequent snow and rain; average temperatures around 6°C, often dipping below 0°C
- Summers: Moderate to warm; typically between 28°C and 35°C
Overall, Bursa’s climate makes it a year-round destination for travelers.
How to Get to Bursa?
You can reach Bursa by ferry from Istanbul called "Budo," departing from Eminönü Port, which takes around 2 hours. You can also get there by bus from any city, but there is no direct train or flight to Bursa.
Due to the proximity between Bursa and Istanbul, some buses run from and to Istanbul airports, taking about 1.5 hours from Sabiha Airport and 2 hours from Istanbul International Airport.
Recommended Hotels in Bursa
- Holiday Inn Bursa ⭐⭐⭐⭐: Situated in the city center, this hotel boasts amazing reviews.
- Bursa Park Apart ⭐⭐⭐: Budget-friendly option. Offers a prime location and outstanding staff assistance.
Transportation in Bursa
Public transportation in Bursa includes metro, buses, and trams in some areas. You buy a Bursa transportation card at any metro station, and load it to ride all public transport.
Transport in Bursa can be time-consuming because they stops at many stations. A bus or metro trip might take an hour to a destination that is 20 minutes away by car. You’ll likely need to switch buses or metros.
There are also minibusses called “dolmuş” that you pay for in cash. They operate in certain areas and are slightly faster since they take shorter routes.
There are plenty of taxi stands in Bursa, which all use meters, but fares can be a bit pricey. Uber wasn’t operating when I was there, and while there’s an alternative app called BiTaksi, I've never managed to get a ride through it!
I recommend using the Moovit app to check available transport options to your destination, since public transportation info isn’t available on Google Maps in Bursa (this might change over time).
Tourist places in Bursa
To help you plan your trip to Bursa more efficiently, I'll go over each area individually and list all its tourist attractions. This way, you can allocate your time accordingly and visit all the sites sequentially.
Mudanya
If you’re coming to Bursa from Istanbul by ferry, Mudanya is the first place you'll set foot in; it's the coastal side of Bursa city on the Sea of Marmara.
The area features a beautiful promenade along the coast, lined with cafés and restaurants, especially seafood spots, all overlooking the sea. One of the best is Meral Ablanın Restaurant; the seafood there is so delicious.
At the end of the promenade is the Tirilye district, known for its colorful wooden houses, making it an ideal place for Instagram photos.
The nightlife in the city is lively and enjoyable. You’ll often see young people playing music and singing outdoors, surrounded by bystanders enjoying the atmosphere.
You can explore Mudanya either at the beginning of your Bursa trip or before heading back to Istanbul, but it’s best experienced at night.
Mudanya is about 30 minutes by car from downtown Bursa (Osmangazi), but it can take up to 1.5 hours by public transportation. There’s a bus stop in Mudanya that connects to different areas, but if you're out past 11 PM, your only option will be a dolmuş (minibus) to the metro station.
Osmangazi
Osmangazi is the center of Bursa city and its historic heart, from which you can access most of Bursa's tourist attractions. The closest metro station to the historic sites is Şehreküstü Station.
1. Bursa Grand Bazaar
Once you step out of the metro station, you will see a statue of Sultan Osman Ghazi in the square, and behind it a street that leads to the grand bazaar, a beautiful place resembling Khan El-Khalili in Egypt. It has clothing, furnishing, gold, spice markets, and many restaurants serving İskender kebab, Bursa’s most famous dish.
2. Grand Mosque of Bursa (Ulucami)
A 3-minute walk from the Grand Bazaar, you'll find the Grand Mosque "Ulucami," one of the most important archaeological landmarks in Bursa, a cornerstone of Ottoman architecture.
When completed in 1399 AD, Ulucami ranked among the top five mosques in the entire Islamic world! Ordered by Sultan Bayezid I, it stands out for its impressive array of 20 domes and 2 minarets, one built during Bayezid I's reign, the other added by his son, Sultan Mehmed I.
The mosque houses the oldest known covering of the Kaaba, it's a powerful symbol, dating back to 1517 AD, and marks the transfer of the Islamic caliphate, from the Abbasids in Egypt to the rising Ottoman Empire.
3. The Old Silk Market (Koza Han)
Just a few steps from the Great Mosque, the Old Silk Market (Koza Han) opens its doors to visitors, taking them on a journey through time to an era when silk was a symbol of luxury.
The market was built in 1415 AD and was one of the most famous silk markets, once hosting merchants from all over the world. Today, the market still retains some of its historical charm, with old shops selling various types of textiles.
Around the dome that centers the inner square, simple cafés offer tea and delicious simit. Savor a cup of tea, and let your imagination paint a picture of this vibrant marketplace in old Bursa.
Heading back from the Old Bazaar, take Cumhuriyet Street, where the tram runs. In the middle, you'll find Tarihi Bursa Tatlıcısı, a super old and yummy dessert shop! Grab some baklava or qatayef for a delicious pick-me-up before your next adventure.
4. Tophane Hill
At the end of Cumhuriyet Street, Tophane Hill stretches on the other side. You can take the paved road and stairs to the top, where the tombs of Sultan Osman I and his son Sultan Orhan, the conqueror of Bursa City, are located.
Like the guards at Birmingham Palace, in front of Sultan Osman's tomb are guards dressed in Ottoman uniforms who do not move! If you are there by the time they leave, you'll witness a folkloric ceremony like a scene from a historical Turkish movie!
In the outer courtyard, restaurants and cafes are scattered where you can relax and have a cup of original sand-brewed Turkish coffee while enjoying a panoramic view of Bursa and Mount Uludağ.
Also, a row of ancient cannons stands in the middle of the courtyard, and above them rises the famous Clock Tower, built in 1906 AD, about 33 meters tall. The tower is beautifully lit at night, forming a distinctive symbol of Bursa City.
Outside the courtyard, some small shops are selling Ottoman costumes, and the famous Bursa products, like Honey and pickled olives. You can also walk for about 10 minutes to Bursa’s Historic Walls, where you can take great memorial photos.
5. Historic Tree (Inkaya)
15 minutes drive away from the center, or 30 minutes by public transport, you'll reach one of Bursa's most famous symbols; "Inkaya" historical tree.
Inkaya tree is over 600 years old, standing 35 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of 3 to 4 meters. It has 13 main branches from which many smaller branches emerge, making it as large as a garden by itself.
Under the tree, there's a nice cafe, and some restaurants nearby serving barbecue. The tree is located on a high hill, so the view from above is stunning.
6. Public Parks in Osmangazi
Bursa truly earns its nickname "Green Bursa" with a ton of public parks all over the city. The coolest part? Entry to all of them is free! Spend a whole day chilling out and soaking up the greenery for no charge.
Culture Park is one of the largest and most beautiful parks in Bursa city, located in the center of Osman Gazi. You can easily reach it by subway, a 10-minute walk from two stations nearby: "Kültürpark" station; two stops before Osman Gazi, or "Merinos" station that follows it.
The Park is filled with charming green spaces, a large lake in the middle with Pedal boats, and many activities for children.
Another beautiful Park in Osman Gazi is Soğanlı Botanik Park, perfect for a relaxing picnic beside its sparkling lake. Don't forget to pack some treats for the resident ducks and turtles!
Afterward, head outside the park to İskender Efendi Konağı, a historic restaurant and the birthplace of the iconic İskender kebab.
Yıldırım
Yıldırım might be light on tourist traps, but don't miss its star attraction: the Bursa Cable Car. Located in Yıldırım, but it's still super close to Osmangazi, just a 20-minute bus ride away.
1. Bursa Cable Car (Teleferik)
Get ready for epic views! Bursa Cable Car takes you on a magical ride up the slopes of Mount Uludağ, revealing panoramic scenes that will stick in your memory forever.
Fun fact: it’s said to be the longest cable car line in the world, stretching around 9 kilometers!
Ticket prices change often, but they’re usually cheaper for locals and residents than for tourists.
Feeling fancy? The cable car offers premium upgrades for an extra fee. Think private cabins, snack platters, and a VIP waiting room between the stations. But here’s a secret: you can earn a private cabin for free if you get there early before the crowds.
Bursa Cable Car has three stops. In winter, the last one turns into a ski haven! From there, you can catch a smaller, even cooler cable car for an extra ticket. This one is open-air, so it feels like you’re flying through the mountains.
Up at the top, get ready for amazing photos! You can also camp here and soak in the beautiful nature. Just remember; it’s colder up there, so come prepared.
There’s also a ton to do: go camping or have a picnic in the open park, let the kids enjoy the playground, or join a motorcycle tour through the forest trails. Still feeling fancy? Stay overnight in a cozy cabin hotel and wake up surrounded by stunning scenery.
2. The Old Ottoman Village (Cumalıkızık)
Cumalıkızık is an old Ottoman village that still preserves its houses just as they were during the Ottoman era. It serves as a living example of authentic Ottoman architectural art. The homes, built with a mix of wood, stone, and brick, feature balconies and ornate wooden windows. The village's roots trace back to the 14th century AD.
Many of these houses have been turned into small restaurants offering Turkish breakfast and Turkish Pie (Gözleme), as well as shops selling local products like honey, pickles, berry juice, handicrafts, and clothing.
Being here feels like stepping into a Turkish historical series. You can visit for breakfast, but in my opinion, you can skip this place if your time is limited. It’s not very impressive, quite far especially by public transport, and not suitable for the elderly due to its gravel-paved, difficult-to-walk streets.
Kestel
The Kestel area is a bit far from the city center, and has only one notable attraction worth visiting: the Saitabat Waterfalls.
1. Saitabat Waterfalls
Saitabat Waterfalls are located about 22 kilometers from the center of Bursa. It takes around 1-1.5 hours by public transport, or 25 minutes by car.
From the moment you arrive until you leave, the sound of flowing water is a constant presence. The area features a small waterfall flowing between rocks and forests, with some quiet restaurants and cafes along the banks of the watercourse. Enjoy a meal or a cold drink while relaxing to the sound of fresh water amidst the beauty of nature.
There are also small shops selling local products and Turkish ice cream (Dondurma) in the summer, along with a place to rent horses and carriages.
Nilüfer
Nilüfer district is regarded as the most modern area in Bursa, home to the renowned Uludağ University. This area features modern buildings like shopping centers, cafes, and restaurants. Nilüfer hosts the most upscale residences in Bursa, while also offering its fair share of tourist attractions.
1. Gölyazı Village
Gölyazı Village, part of the Nilüfer municipality, is a small village located on a peninsula in the middle of a lake. It’s known for its waterfront restaurants and cafés, which mostly serve breakfast and Turkish pie (Gözleme).
In the summer, you’ll also find ice cream and juice vendors scattered around. This charming spot offers a peaceful escape for anyone looking to unwind away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
The village is about a 30-minute drive from Uludağ University in Nilüfer. Buses run from the Uludağ University metro station to Gölyazı, taking roughly an hour. Just be aware; after 8 PM, there’s no transportation back, not even taxis.
The best thing to do in Gölyazı is hop on a boat tour around the island.
One of the notable attractions is an ancient tree, believed to be over 700 years old, which is surrounded by a local legend claiming it bleeds!
According to the legend, during the Greek rule of the island, a Muslim boy and a Christian girl fell in love and used to meet under this tree. When Turkey gained independence and there was a population exchange, the boy went to propose to the girl's brother before they left.
The brother enraged and stabbed the boy, who then died under the tree, the girl took her own life beneath the same tree, and since then, it is said to bleed during certain seasons. Do you believe that!?
2. Kadim Restaurant
Previously known as Khayal, is the most popular restaurant among Arabs in Bursa, celebrated for its delicious Turkish and Arab cuisine. Located in the heart of the Nilüfer district, this restaurant is renowned for its elegant decor and excellent service.
3. Marka Mall
Marka Mall is the largest shopping center in Bursa city, featuring over 200 stores with the most famous international and local brands. It also hosts numerous restaurants and cafes, including the renowned Mado restaurant, which is famous throughout Turkey.
4. Parks in Nilüfer
- Podyum Park: One of the most beautiful parks in Bursa, featuring a small amusement park for children and a plaza for cafes and restaurants. It's especially lovely to visit at night.
- Kent Park: My favorite park in Bursa. In addition to the green spaces, it has a very large artificial lake in the middle. You can sit and relax by the lake, overlooking Mount Uludağ, offering a stunning view, especially at sunset. The park also has a restaurant Köfteci Yusuf, one of the famous restaurants in Bursa.
- Extreme Park: More than just a park, it's a world of excitement and adventure. Extreme Park offers a variety of activities, including car racing, fast trains, and climbing walls. There is also a designated camping area. It's the perfect spot for adventure enthusiasts and those looking for a dose of adrenaline.
- Bursa Zoo: One of the most important attractions in Bursa, especially for families and children. It covers about 50 acres, and houses more than 700 animals across over 100 different species. The zoo also includes a living museum that showcases the history of life's evolution and the diversity of creatures through the ages.
Optional Places
Tourism in Bursa never really ends. There are always hidden gems waiting to be discovered. They might not be widely known, and few people visit them because they’re hard to reach by public transport, so you’ll probably need a car. Still, I’m including them here in case you’re staying in Bursa for a longer period and curious to explore more.
- Gököz Resort: About 60 kilometers from Osmangazi, or roughly an hour by car, Gököz Resort is outside the urban center of Bursa City. This small neighborhood is known for its lush green nature beside Gököz Lake.
- İznik Village: A beautiful rural village on İznik Lake, part of Bursa, but about 76 kilometers from the city center, which is roughly an hour by car. It's also close to Istanbul, about 1.5 hours by car.
- Sadağı Canyon: A natural reserve located about 65 kilometers from the center of Bursa, or roughly an hour by car.
- Suuçtu Waterfalls: Approximately 110 kilometers from the city center, about 1.5 hours by car.
- Doğancı Dam: About 18 kilometers from the city center, roughly 25 minutes by car. If you’ve been to Kocaeli or plan to go, you’ll find a similar spot there.
- Green Tomb: Unlike the previous places, this one is not as far away, located in the Yıldırım area we talked about earlier. It houses the tomb and mosque of the fifth Ottoman Sultan, Sultan Mehmed I.
Food in Bursa City
The quality of food in Bursa City was noticeably better than in other cities, even at popular chains like Burger King and KFC. I tried them in Bursa and later in busier places like Istanbul, and I could clearly taste the difference. The food in Bursa is just much tastier.
Pastries! What I loved most about Turkish food was the breakfast pastries like börek, poğaça, and simit. After visiting many cities in Turkey, I found no place that made pastries as tasty as those in Bursa.
The most famous dish in Bursa is İskender kebab. You can find it all over Turkey, but it originally comes from here.
İskender kebab is made of döner (shawarma meat) served over chopped bread with a light tomato-based sauce and yogurt on the side. Melted ghee is poured on top right before serving. For me, it wasn’t bad, but honestly, not my favorite.
Another specialty that started in Bursa is peynirli pide. It’s made with dough shaped like a triangle and topped with cheese, or a mix of cheese with meat or chicken.
Final Thoughts
Bursa City has so much more to offer than most people expect, from peaceful parks and mountainside views to rich history and some of the best food I've had in Turkey. Whether you're planning to stay a few days or just making a day trip, there's always a lot to explore.
If you’re short on time and coming from Istanbul, check out my guide for planning a Day Bursa Trip. It shows how to experience the city’s highlights in a single day without spending more than $100.
Let me know in the comments what part of Bursa you’re most excited to see, or if you’ve already been, what stood out the most for you.
If you enjoyed this guide, make sure to subscribe to my newsletter for more real travel tips, personal stories, and future journeys. Until next time, happy wandering!
