Bursa travel guide (hotels, sights, beaches, tips & info)

Bursa is one of the most visited cities in the Marmara Region with its rich and varied historical artifacts, charming seaside villages and natural beauty.

While traces of the Ottoman Time can be found in different parts of the city, the surrounding villages welcome visitors with their natural beauty and historical features in all seasons. With its healing waters, ski resorts and crystal clear waters, Bursa offers opportunities for wellness tourism in the Summer and Winter.

Bursa Travel Guide

Bursa is located to the south of Marmara in the Marmara Region bounded by the Sea of ​​Marmara and Yalova to the north, Kütahya to the south, Bilecik in the east and Balikesir in the West.

Arrive & Depart Bursa

Due to its location between and Istanbul, Izmir and Ankara It can be transported to Bursa by sea and air, especially by road.

Unfortunately, only a few international airlines have Bursa-Yenisehir Airport in their flight schedules.

Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport is 70 km from Bursa. There is an airport bus for transportation from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Bursa. The journey time is about 2 1/2 hours.

The distance between Istanbul and Bursa is approximately 245 km. 3 hours and 30 minutes by car.

However, if you decide to go directly to Yalova from Osmangazi Bridge, take the Eskihisar-Topçular ferry, or go on an IDO-organized expedition to Bursa or Yalova, the travel time will be reduced to 1,5 hours.

For passengers who prefer a ferry with a car, it is 45-60 TL. Toll for Osmangazi Bridge starts from 117 TL.

Bursa is accessible by intercity bus every day of the year. There are bus connections to Bursa almost every half hour from cities like Istanbul, Ankara, Eskisehir, Izmir, Kocaeli and Yalova.

Car rental in Bursa

It is very convenient to rent a car from Sabiha Gokcen Airport.

The prestigious major Internationals and Nationals Car rental companies have offices directly at the airport and their stands are located at the exit of the terminal.

Especially in summer you should book a car as early as possible, as demand is always very high.

Hotel in Bursa

Bursa is a place that has witnessed many historical events from the past to the present, and is known for its historical beauty like Ulu Mosque and natural beauty like Uludağ. It is also preferred by local and foreign tourists every year for its popular holiday center.

Bursa hotels offer accommodation options with a variety of characteristics such as Therme, Apart, Pension, City, Meeting or 3, 4, 5 stars that stand out with affordable hotel prices. Bursa has grown rapidly in terms of business and trade volume and is a popular holiday center with free parking, indoor and outdoor pools, restaurant and spa hotel concepts, and hotel options for various functions.

Apartments in Bursa

In Bursa you will find many fully equipped apartments that can be booked through AirBnB.

Sights in Bursa

While traces of the Ottoman period can be found in different parts of the city, the surrounding villages welcome visitors with their natural beauty and historical features at any time of the year. With its healing waters, ski resorts and crystal clear waters, Bursa offers opportunities for wellness tourism in both summer and winter.

Considering the points of interest & sights from Bursa, although it is impossible to arrange them all in one vacation, visiting the most famous of these places can be a pleasant experience.

1. Uludag (Uludag)

Uludag is the most important Ski Area of the Turkey and was declared a national park in 1961. Uludag is the highest mountain in the Marmara region. The ski center of Uludag is Keşiş Tepe at 2.486 meters above sea level. Entrance fees to the national park range from 7 to 28 TL. While the average price for camping and caravan accommodation is 20-30 TL, overnight stays in chalets range from 250 to 450 TL.

2. Mudanya

Mudanya is one of the coastal regions of Bursa and a popular area for historical tourism, nature tourism and summer vacations. Since 700 BC in the 6th century B.C. The part of the city that was inhabited from the XNUMXrd century BC shows traces of Greeks, Byzantines and Ottomans.

3. Golyasi (Golyazi)

Gölyazı, a fishing village in Nilüfer District on the shore of Uluabat Lake, has been especially famous for its historical structure and natural beauty in the last 5 years. Despite these characteristics, Bursa is one of the areas that must be considered when planning sightseeing.

4. Botanical Park (Botanical Park)

The botanical garden covers 400 hectares and includes themed areas such as English, Japanese and French gardens, as well as faithful reproductions of historical buildings such as Çift Bacalı Ev and Havuzlu Konak.

5. Bursa Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii)

The Ulu Mosque on Ataturk Street is one of the landmarks of Bursa. The building that Yıldırım Beyazıt erected after the victory of Niğbolu is the most classic example of a multi-legged mosque plan.

The architect of the Grand Mosque was Ali Neccar. The mosque is the largest example of early Ottoman architecture and is covered by 20 domes, the central part of which is made of glass. The total indoor area is 3165 square meters.

6. Turkish Islamic Art Museum (Green Madrasah) (Türk İslam Eserleri Müzesi (Yeşil Madrasah))

Yesil Madrasa, also known as Sultaniye Madrasa, was one of the first Ottoman religious schools. The Green Madrasa was built between 1414 and 1424 by the architect Hacı İvaz Pasha.

The faithfully restored madrasah is now a Museum for Turkish-Islamic art open to visitors. The museum displays wood, carvings, marquetry, tiles and ceramics from the Seljuk, Belik and Ottoman periods from the 13th to the 20th centuries, as well as Seljuk and Ottoman coins, traditional clothing and handicrafts.

7. Irgandı Bridge (Irgandı Köprusü)

Irgandı Bridge is one of the 4 bridges in the world connected to Arasta, an ancient bridge built by Hacı Muslihiddin in Timurtaş in 1442.

8. Ataturk House (Ataturk Evi)

The Atatürk House on Çekirge Street was built in the 19th century. During Ataturk's second visit to Bursa, it was purchased by the Bursa Municipality from Miralay Mehmet Bey and presented to Ataturk. Ataturk has stayed in this house on all his visits since 1923.

9. Bursa Inns (Bursa Hanları)

During the History Bursa was an important trading center due to its location with many historical hotels.

The largest of these hotels is Ipek Han. İpek Han in Osmangazi district was built by Mehmet Çelebi. A two storey hotel with 39 rooms on the ground floor and 42 rooms on the top floor. Its name is İpek Han because silk and cocoons have been made here since ancient times. The inn sells textiles that are still in use today.

10. Famous Streets of Bursa (Bursa'nın Meşhur Caddeleri)

Bursa is one of the most developed provinces in the Marmara Region, and its wide and busy streets are also one of the places worth visiting. This includes the city square of Bursa.

Restaurants, cafes and shops along Fatih Sultan Mehmet Boulevard in the Nile River district is one of Bursa's most central spots, offering visitors the opportunity to shop and enjoy Bursa's famous flavors.

Activities in Bursa

• A visit to the museums in the center of Bursa will allow you to experience the history of the city, as well as its culture and traditions.
• You can enjoy the tranquility of nature at Reşat Oyal Park or the Botanical Garden in the city center.
• You can mingle with the people of Bursa, take a pleasant city tour, catch your breath in the restaurants and cafes of Set Başı Caddesi and cross the Irgandı Bridge from here.
• You can spend a fun evening at Arap Şükrü Street in Bursa's Nevizade.
• You can shop in beautiful malls and bazaars, especially in Zafer Square in the heart of Bursa.
• After exploring everything in and around the center of Bursa, you can add Mudanya, Gemlik, Güzelyalı, Tirilye in summer and Uludağ in winter to your itinerary.
• dervish: Bursa is one of the most religious cities in Turkey. Therefore, the "whirling dervishes" of the Islamic Mevlana are part of the Bursa culture.
• Beach vacation: Mudanya is the city directly across from Bursa on the Sea of ​​Marmara. Locals like to swim at the Beach.

Excursions from Bursa

It is one of the most crowded cities in Turkey. There are many places that you can visit and visit as a day trip that are located near the center of Bursa.

• Iznik: Iznik is located about 75 km from the center of Bursa. Iznik's natural beauty, lakes and history is a place to explore. As the first Turkish capital of Anatolia, it is a very important place and very popular.
• Cumalikizik: Cumalikizik is located about 15 km from the center of Bursa. Cumalıkızık, the harmonious arrangement of the houses, also attracts attention with its friendly and warm atmosphere. It is also known as a fine example of civil architecture from the Ottoman period.
• Tirilye: Tirilye is a Greek fishing village with history, sea and natural beauty, located about 45 km from Bursa city center. It is an important place for weekend trips.
• Misi Village (Misi Koyu): The village of Misi is about 15 kilometers from the center of Bursa. Misi Village with its cultural buildings is a pretty village to visit. It attracts those who want a peaceful stroll while the river and nature flow by.
• Saitabat Waterfall (Saitabat Şelalesi): Saitabat Waterfall is located about 25 km from Bursa city center. A waterfall gushing out of the mountain gushing out of the gorge. You can enjoy a picnic or nature activity around the waterfall. There are also very special creatures in the area that have the opportunity to take beautiful photos in the great outdoors.
• Oylat Cave (Oylat Mağarası): Oylat Cave is located about 75 kilometers from the center of Bursa. Located beside Lake Oirat, the cave is harmoniously formed by stalactites and stalagmites dripping from the ceiling and is thousands of years old.
• Osmangazi Tomb (Osmangazi Türbesi): Osmangazi is the largest district in Bursa, and Osmangazi is also considered the third most populated district in Turkey. Osmangazi is the most economically and culturally rich area of ​​Bursa, very close to the city center and the outskirts of Uludag.
• Green Shrine (Yeşil Türbe): The tomb is in Yildirim. It is one of the most striking buildings in the park. The green mausoleum built by Sultan Çelebi Mehmet in 1421 is named after the color of the tiles on it.

Beaches in Bursa

Bursa is one of the highly developed cities for summer and winter tourism. The coastal areas of the city of Mudanya, Iznik, Gemlik and Karacabey have both public beaches and private companies. In these parts of the city, the beaches are available for both day trips and vacations with accommodation.

• Mudanya Beaches (Mudanya Plajları): Mudanya is the most popular summer resort town in Bursa. There are many summer resorts in the center of Mudanya district and in the surrounding communities. Due to the central location of the area, the beach is also ideal for day trips. This is a city with many accommodation options. In addition to seasonal summer rental options for longer stays, Mudanya also offers hotels, motels and inns.
• Gemlik Beaches (Gemlik Plajları): Gemlik, 20 minutes away by private car and 30 minutes by bus, is one of the most popular during the summer months due to its location on the coast of the Sea of ​​Marmara attractions the city. The beaches of the city center and surrounding communities are the first choice for locals, summer vacationers and tourists visiting Gemlik for their summer vacation.
• Karacabey Beaches (Karacabey Plajları): Karacabey Bayramdere Mevkii is one of the most popular places during summer vacations. Spend the day at the area's beaches and rent a summer house here.
• Iznik Beaches (İznik Plajları): Iznik is one of the top areas for summer vacations in Bursa. About an hour's drive from the center of Bursa, this area attracts the attention of tourists with its beaches, historical and natural beauty. Günbatimi Beach, İnciraltı Public Beach, Darka Resort, Göllücü Village and Boyalıca Beach on Iznik – Yalova Road are the bathing spots in Iznik.

Bars, pubs and clubs in Bursa

Bursa is one of the most developed and densely populated cities in the Marmara region, a city with very diverse entertainment options.

Discreet and modern shops welcome their guests almost on the city premises. In the city, where there are bistros, bars, pubs, clubs and discos, locals and tourists have the opportunity to have fun before sunrise.

Shops of famous stage artists stand out in the city center. While Arap Şükrü Street, which welcomes tourists from all over the world, stands out for its raki fish restaurant and fiddler, other restaurants along Altınparmak Street offer similar services.

In addition, cafes, restaurants, bars and pubs are the most popular entertainment venues on Fatih Sultan Mehmet Boulevard and Altınparmak Street in Görükle and Nilüfer, where Uludag University is located.

Eat in Bursa

Shopping in Bursa

Bursa was a trading center in the past and offers many shopping opportunities and product choices.

In addition to the shopping centers that are added every year, Bursa's shopping opportunities include bazaars in historic hotels, wide street shops and markets that attract locals and tourists alike.

There are some shopping malls in Bursa. World brands and Turkish brands can be found in shopping malls in the city center and surrounding areas.

Markets and bazaars near Bursa

On certain days of the week, neighborhood markets are set up in all parts of Bursa. While some of these markets are set up for basic groceries, some of them sell textiles. The covered, modern street market in the Nilüfer district is the most popular of these markets.

Besides the markets covered by Nilüfer, Oylat Pazarı and the market in Mudanya are also among the preferred markets for local products and textiles.

How much does a vacation in Bursa cost

Since the costs vary greatly depending on the season and your own preferences, only the average costs are considered here.

Package tour with all inclusive 1 week

• from €300 in the off-season
• from €450 in high season
• from €700 in high season in a 4-star hotel
• more than 900 € in the high season in a 5 star hotel

Hotel/Accommodation only:

• Budget hotel or guesthouse with Breakfast: €15 to €30 per day
• Mid-range hotel with all inclusive: €40 to €80 per day
• 5 star high-end hotel with all inclusive: more than 90 € per day
• AirBnB: own room from €10, own apartment from €50

Transport:

• Return flight from Germany to Istanbul: €70 to €500, depending on the season and the airline
• Single journey by bus: up to €1
• Airport transfer in collection bus: €10 to €20
• Taxi to the airport: €40 to €50. Private transfer from €35.
• Day trip, for example Pamukkale: €50 to €70 including entry and food

Eat, Drinks and other:

• Restaurant in tourist area, main course: €7 to €25
• Local restaurant, main course: €3 to €10
• Street food: Simit 50 cents, Rotary €1,50, corn on the cob 50 cents, Dürüm €1,50
• Glass wine in the restaurant: €3
• Glass of beer: €2,50
• Cocktails: from €8
• Bottle of water in store: 50 cents
• Groceries in stores: around 20% cheaper than in Germany
• Food at the bazaar: fruit and vegetables are 40% cheaper than in Germany

Total budget:

• Budget: €40 to €70 per day
• Mid-range: €60 to €100 per day
• High end: from €140 per day

Climate table, weather and the ideal travel time for Bursa

The Mediterranean Climate & Environment ensures warm and mostly dry summers. The bathing season lasts from June to mid September. It rains a lot in Bursa in autumn and spring.

High season, June to September:

The ideal time for a city trip to Bursa is from May to October. Between May and September the daily temperature is at least 25°.

Low season, April and May:

In Bursa it rains in March and April. In spring, 10 to 14 rainy days per month are normal. The temperature during the day is between 10 and 15°.

Off-season, October:

Bursa is windy and rainy in late October and November. Snow can often be seen on the peaks around the city. Temperatures drop rapidly from 15° in late October to around 10° in November.

Winter, long-term vacation and Moving abroad

In winter, the daytime temperature in Bursa rarely drops below 0°. Nonetheless, local Uludag is a great ski resort due to its altitude. From Bursa you can see snow on the surrounding mountains all winter long. The ski season usually lasts from the end of November to the end of February.