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Bursa
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Bursa blends Ottoman heritage, silk-trade arcades and Uludağ landscapes, with grand mosques, historic baths, lively markets and celebrated İskender kebab.

First Ottoman Capital

Bursa lies on the northern foothills of Uludağ in north-western Turkiye, where fertile plains, mineral springs and mountain landscapes have shaped the city’s history. Known in antiquity as Prusa, it became the first major Ottoman capital after its conquest in 1326 and remained the dynasty’s principal political and cultural centre during the formative years of the empire. Its historic core still reflects that early importance, with monumental mosques, domed religious complexes, royal tombs, covered bazaars and traditional baths woven into the modern city.
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Markets, Mosques and Silk

The centre unfolds around the Grand Mosque, or Ulu Cami, the vaulted arcades of Koza Han and the market streets where Bursa’s silk-trading heritage remains visible. The Green Mosque and Green Tomb introduce a more intimate expression of early Ottoman architecture, while the Muradiye complex preserves a quiet cemetery landscape associated with Ottoman princes and courtiers. Nearby Cumalıkızık, a historic village on the city’s eastern edge, offers stone-paved lanes and timber-framed houses that evoke rural life around the old capital.

Mountain and Contemporary City Life

Bursa is also a gateway to Uludağ National Park, a major winter-sports and summer recreation area reached from the city by road and cable car connections. In the urban districts, thermal bathing traditions, university life, industrial enterprise, cafés and restaurants give the city a contemporary rhythm. Local specialities such as İskender kebab and candied chestnuts connect everyday dining with Bursa’s regional identity, while museums, renovated hans and neighbourhood mosques reward slower exploration beyond the principal monuments.

When is the best time to visit Bursa?

Best: May–June, September · 25–29°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January1152
February1248
March1746
April2046
May (best)2552
June (best)2944
July3228
August3224
September (best)2738
October2163
November1571
December1262

Getting to and around Bursa

How to get there

Bursa is served by Yenişehir Airport, east of the city, although flight availability is more limited than at Istanbul’s airports. Many international visitors arrive through Istanbul and continue by road, coach or a combination of ferry and road transport across the Sea of Marmara. Intercity buses connect Bursa with Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir and other Turkish cities, generally using the large Bursa intercity bus terminal. The city is also linked with Istanbul by fast ferry services to terminals such as Mudanya, followed by local transport or a taxi journey into Bursa. Road connections make Bursa straightforward to reach from Istanbul and the wider Marmara region, but schedules and seasonal services should be checked before travelling.

Transportation

Bursa’s historic centre is best explored on foot, particularly around Ulu Cami, the covered bazaars, Koza Han and the nearby Ottoman complexes. The city has an integrated public transport network including buses, the Bursaray light-rail system and the BursaRay metro, while trams serve selected central routes. Taxis are widely used, and electronic or reloadable transport cards are useful for repeated journeys on public transport. The cable car links Bursa with the Uludağ area, though mountain travel is affected by weather and operating conditions. The urban area is spread across a broad plain, so reaching districts beyond the old centre may take considerably longer than navigating the compact historic quarter.

Best attractions in Bursa

Bursa’s principal sights cluster around the historic centre, where the Grand Mosque, or Ulu Cami, anchors a walk through covered bazaars, hans and the silk-trading courtyard of Koza Han. The Green Mosque and Green Tomb introduce richly decorated early Ottoman architecture, while the Muradiye Complex offers a quieter setting of gardens, tombs and religious buildings. The Bursa City Museum and Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum provide context for the city’s dynastic and commercial past, and the Tophane district brings historic tombs together with broad views across the urban plain. Beyond the centre, the timber houses and sloping lanes of Cumalıkızık reveal a village landscape tied to Bursa’s Ottoman development. Uludağ National Park supplies a contrasting mountain setting for winter sports, walking and summer recreation, reached from the city by road and cable-car connections.

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Best landmarks in Bursa

Bursa’s landmarks embody the early Ottoman state and the city’s later commercial prosperity. Ulu Cami, commissioned under Sultan Bayezid I and completed in the early fifteenth century, is distinguished by its broad multi-domed interior and central fountain, while its calligraphic decoration gives the prayer hall a powerful visual identity. The Green Mosque and Green Tomb, built under Mehmed I, are associated with the restoration of Ottoman authority after the interregnum and are noted for their elaborate tilework. Koza Han represents Bursa’s silk economy through its two-storey commercial courtyard and arcaded form. In Tophane, the tombs of Osman and Orhan connect the city directly with the Ottoman dynasty’s beginnings. The Muradiye Complex and its dynastic tombs, together with historic baths and the village houses of Cumalıkızık, extend that architectural story beyond the central market quarter.

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Neighbourhoods in Bursa

Best restaurants in Bursa

Bursa’s culinary identity is closely linked to İskender kebab, in which thinly sliced döner is served over bread with tomato sauce, melted butter and yoghurt; the dish developed in the city and remains a defining local meal. Candied chestnuts, or kestane şekeri, reflect the abundance of chestnut trees around the region and are sold widely as gifts and confections. Traditional eateries around the centre serve grilled meats, soups, pide and home-style Turkish dishes, while Çekirge and other established districts add restaurants associated with the city’s thermal and hotel culture. Market streets and historic hans bring tea, pastries and simple snacks into the sightseeing experience. Bursa’s proximity to fertile agricultural land also supports seasonal fruit, vegetables and dairy products, while contemporary restaurants reinterpret regional ingredients without displacing the city’s established culinary traditions.

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Best bars in Bursa

Bursa’s evening life is more measured than Istanbul’s, with activity concentrated in central cafés, restaurants, hotel bars and established entertainment areas rather than a single all-night club district. Around the city centre and university-influenced parts of Nilüfer, visitors can find modern cafés, pubs, live music and venues serving cocktails or local and international drinks. Çekirge has an evening atmosphere shaped partly by hotels, thermal facilities and restaurants, while traditional tea gardens offer a quieter way to socialise. Cultural programmes at theatres, concert halls and municipal venues provide alternatives to nightlife centred on alcohol, and seasonal performances may add music or dance to the evening calendar. Customs vary by venue, but modest public behaviour and respect for more conservative neighbourhoods are appropriate, particularly away from commercial entertainment streets.

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Best nightclubs in Bursa

Bursa’s evening life is more measured than Istanbul’s, with activity concentrated in central cafés, restaurants, hotel bars and established entertainment areas rather than a single all-night club district. Around the city centre and university-influenced parts of Nilüfer, visitors can find modern cafés, pubs, live music and venues serving cocktails or local and international drinks. Çekirge has an evening atmosphere shaped partly by hotels, thermal facilities and restaurants, while traditional tea gardens offer a quieter way to socialise. Cultural programmes at theatres, concert halls and municipal venues provide alternatives to nightlife centred on alcohol, and seasonal performances may add music or dance to the evening calendar. Customs vary by venue, but modest public behaviour and respect for more conservative neighbourhoods are appropriate, particularly away from commercial entertainment streets.

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Best shops in Bursa

Shopping in Bursa remains closely tied to the historic market district, where the covered bazaar streets, Bedesten and Koza Han form a commercial landscape shaped by the silk trade. Koza Han is particularly associated with silk scarves, fabrics and textiles, while nearby shops sell Turkish towels, embroidered goods, jewellery, leather items and traditional gifts. The market area also offers lokum, spices, dried produce and Bursa’s celebrated candied chestnuts, making food products a practical alternative to decorative souvenirs. Modern retail centres and department stores serve contemporary local life, especially beyond the old core and in expanding districts such as Nilüfer. Visitors interested in authenticity should compare fabrics, ask about materials and distinguish handmade work from mass-produced goods. Historic hans are as important for their architecture and social atmosphere as for the items displayed in their shops.

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Bursa essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Turkish lira, written as TL or TRY. Cards are commonly accepted in established hotels, shopping centres, restaurants and many larger shops, while contactless payment is available in parts of the city but should not be assumed everywhere. Small cafés, market stalls, local buses, taxis and village businesses may require cash, so carrying modest amounts of lira is practical. ATMs are widely available in central Bursa and commercial districts, although international cards may incur charges or prompt different withdrawal options. Visitors should keep some smaller notes for minor purchases and check whether a card transaction is being processed in lira rather than in a home-currency conversion.
Safety
Bursa is a large, active city where ordinary urban precautions are appropriate. Keep phones, wallets and passports secure in crowded markets, transport hubs and busy pedestrian areas, and take care when crossing roads, as traffic can be dense. The historic centre is generally easy to navigate during daylight, while visitors unfamiliar with quieter districts should use sensible judgement after dark. Mountain excursions require preparation for rapidly changing weather, uneven paths and winter conditions. In busy bazaars, agree taxi destinations clearly and use licensed taxis. Earthquake awareness is relevant throughout Turkiye; familiarising yourself with accommodation exits and following official instructions is sensible without allowing it to overshadow a normal visit.
Emergency Situations
In Turkiye, call 112 for police, fire and medical emergencies; the service coordinates the relevant emergency response. State the location clearly and explain whether police, an ambulance or fire assistance is required. International visitors should carry identification and keep their accommodation details accessible, as English-language assistance may vary according to the service and situation. For urgent medical treatment, public hospitals and private facilities are available in Bursa, but travel insurance and confirmation of payment arrangements are advisable. On Uludağ, weather, road conditions and seasonal activity can affect access, so follow local authority, resort and transport guidance. For non-urgent help, accommodation staff can assist with translation or contacting local services.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly when visiting mosques, covering shoulders and legs as appropriate, and remove shoes before entering prayer areas; women may find a head covering useful, although requirements and provision vary by site. Avoid walking across prayer spaces or photographing worshippers without permission. Turkish social etiquette values courtesy, greetings and patience, particularly in smaller shops and traditional neighbourhoods. Tipping is not compulsory but is customary for good service in restaurants, cafés and taxis, with the amount depending on the setting. Ask before photographing people, workshops or religious ceremonies, and do not touch historic surfaces or climb on monuments. Alcohol is available in secular venues, but public behaviour should remain respectful.
Local Tips
Use the historic market district as a geographical anchor: Ulu Cami, Koza Han, the bazaars and nearby hans can be combined in one walk, while the Green Mosque and Green Tomb form another rewarding cluster. Cumalıkızık is best treated as a separate half-day outing rather than a quick stop in the city centre. Bursa’s thermal-bath tradition is concentrated in districts such as Çekirge, where visitors should distinguish ordinary public facilities from more private spa arrangements. The elevated slopes and Uludağ provide cooler conditions than the plain, especially outside summer, so layers and suitable footwear are useful. Local buses, rail and transport-card information can change, making official signage and current station advice more reliable than old timetables.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloMerhaba[Mer-ha-ba]
GoodbyeHoşça kal[Hosh-cha kal]
YesEvet[Eh-vet]
NoHayır[Ha-yur]
Please/You're welcomeLütfen[Loot-fen]
Thank youTeşekkürler[Teh-shek-kuur-ler]
Excuse me/SorryÖzür dilerim[O-zur dee-leh-rim]
How are you?Nasılsınız?[Na-sul-suh-nuhz]
Fine. And you?İyiyim. Siz?[Ee-yee-yim. Siz?]
Do you speak English?İngilizce konuşuyor musunuz?[Ing-ee-leez-jeh ko-noo-shu-yor mus-unuz?]
I don't understandAnlamıyorum[An-lah-muh-yor-um]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenüyü görmek istiyorum, lütfen[Men-oo-yu gur-mek is-tee-yor-um, loot-fen]
I don't eat meatEt yemem[Eht ye-mem]
Cheers!Şerefe![She-re-fe!]
I would like to pay, pleaseÖdemek istiyorum, lütfen[Uh-deh-mek is-tee-yor-um, loot-fen]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Yardım![Yar-dum]
Go away!Uzaklaş![Oo-zak-lash]
Call the Police!Polisi arayın![Po-li-si a-ryun]
Call a doctor!Doktor çağırın![Dok-tor cha-ee-run]
I'm lostKayboldum[Kai-bol-dum]
I'm illHasta oldum[Has-ta ol-dum]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Satın almamı istiyorum...[Sat-un al-ma-muh is-tee-yor-um]
I'm just lookingSadece bakıyorum[Sah-deh-je ba-ku-yor-um]
How much is it?Ne kadar?[Neh ka-dar]
That's too expensiveÇok pahalı[Chok pa-ha-luh]
Can you lower the price?Fiyatı indirebilir misiniz?[Fiyat-uh in-de-re-bi-leer mis-in-iz]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Saat kaç?[Sa-at kach]
It's one o'clockSaat bir[Sa-at beer]
Half past (10)On buçuk[On boo-chuk]
MorningSabah[Sa-bah]
AfternoonÖğleden sonra[Oh-leh-den ah-sor-na]
EveningAkşam[Ak-sham]
YesterdayDün[Doon]
TodayBugün[Boo-goon]
TomorrowYarın[Ya-run]
1Bir[Beer]
2İki[Ee-kee]
3Üç[Ooch]
4Dört[Durt]
5Beş[Besh]
6Altı[Al-tuh]
7Yedi[Yeh-dee]
8Sekiz[Seh-keez]
9Dokuz[Do-kooz]
10On[On]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?.... nerede?[Neh-reh-deh]
What's the address?Adres ne?[Ad-res neh]
Can you show me (on the map)?Bana gösterebilir misiniz (haritada)?[Ba-na gur-ste-re-bi-leer mis-in-iz (ha-ree-ta-da)]
When's the next (bus)?Bir sonraki (otobüs) ne zaman?[Beer son-rah-ki (o-to-boo-s) neh za-man]
A ticket (to ....)Bir bilet (....'e)[Beer bee-let (....'e)]

History of Bursa

Prusa and Ancient Bithynia

Bursa’s ancient predecessor, Prusa, is traditionally associated with Prusias I, the Bithynian ruler who founded or reorganised the settlement in the third century BC. Its position near fertile agricultural land and routes crossing north-western Anatolia supported growth within the Kingdom of Bithynia. The city later entered the Roman sphere and became part of the Roman and then Byzantine world, when it was known as Prusa or Prusa ad Olympum, referring to the nearby mountain later called Uludağ. Mineral springs contributed to its continuing importance, while the surrounding plain supported cultivation and trade. Although little of the ancient urban fabric remains above ground, Bursa’s geographical setting explains its enduring role as a regional centre linking inland Anatolia with the Sea of Marmara.

Byzantine Prusa and Its Springs

Under Roman and Byzantine rule, Prusa developed as a provincial settlement valued for its agricultural hinterland, strategic position and thermal waters. The city experienced the political uncertainties that affected north-western Anatolia during the late Byzantine period, including pressure from Turkic powers advancing into the region after the eleventh century. Its baths and springs remained an important part of local life, while military and commercial routes connected the settlement with Nicaea, Nicomedia and the Marmara coast. Byzantine Bursa was not the monumental city visible today, yet its topography, water culture and strategic location established foundations that the Ottomans would later expand. Remnants of earlier fortifications and archaeological traces survive unevenly amid the denser urban landscape.

The Ottoman Conquest and First Capital

Ottoman forces captured Bursa in 1326 during the reign of Orhan, after a prolonged campaign begun under his father, Osman. The city became the first major Ottoman capital and a centre from which the emerging state developed its administrative, religious and commercial institutions. Orhan commissioned major buildings, and later sultans added mosques, schools, charitable kitchens, baths, markets and caravanserais. Bursa also became an important place of dynastic burial: Osman and Orhan are commemorated in the area of Tophane, while later rulers and members of the dynasty were buried in complexes across the city. The early Ottoman monuments established architectural patterns that would later be refined in Edirne and Istanbul.

Silk, Trade and Imperial Culture

Bursa prospered as the Ottoman state expanded, benefiting from its location between Anatolia, the Marmara region and routes towards Iran. Silk production and trade became especially significant, with raw silk arriving from eastern regions and being woven or exchanged in the city’s hans. Koza Han, built in the fifteenth century, remains the clearest surviving expression of this commercial world. The city’s religious complexes also served social functions through schools, kitchens, fountains and lodging facilities, making the urban centre a network of commerce and public welfare. Bursa’s baths and thermal springs added another layer to its reputation, while its workshops, gardens and literary circles helped form an influential Ottoman cultural environment.

Earthquake, Reform and Modernisation

Bursa was severely affected by the earthquake of 1855, which damaged many buildings and prompted extensive repair and rebuilding during the late Ottoman period. Restoration altered parts of the historic centre while preserving major monuments, including the Grand Mosque and a number of early Ottoman complexes. The nineteenth century also brought administrative reforms, new transport links and changing commercial patterns. Bursa continued to depend on silk, agriculture and its thermal resources, but manufacturing began to develop alongside established crafts. The city’s built environment consequently combines monumental Ottoman structures, nineteenth-century interventions and later urban expansion rather than representing a single uninterrupted architectural period.

Industry and the Republican City

After the establishment of the Republic of Turkiye in 1923, Bursa expanded beyond its historic core and became one of the country’s important industrial centres. Textile production continued the city’s long commercial association with silk, while automotive manufacturing and related industries later transformed the economy and attracted new residents. Urban growth spread across the plain towards surrounding districts, placing pressure on agricultural land and historic neighbourhoods. At the same time, conservation projects renewed attention to the early Ottoman monuments, traditional markets and village settlements around the city. Bursa and Cumalıkızık were inscribed together on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014, recognising the city’s formative Ottoman urban landscape and the rural settlements that supported it.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Bursa, Turkiye

Discover Bursa with Evendo: A 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details for all locations
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Explore Bursa like never before with Evendo, your comprehensive, free travel guide app. Plan, book, and discover the best attractions, landmarks, and local gems effortlessly.

  • Comprehensive history and travel essentials for visiting Bursa
  • Near Me feature to discover nearby attractions
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
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Welcome to Bursa, Turkiye’s hidden gem with a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. With Evendo, your journey through this enchanting city becomes seamless and memorable. This 100% free app-based travel guide is designed to help travelers uncover the best of Bursa, from its iconic landmarks to its hidden treasures.

Explore the grandeur of the Green Mosque and the majestic Uludağ Mountain. Discover local favorites like the Koza Han with its vibrant silk market, and indulge in the city’s culinary delights at Kebapçı İskender, known for its mouthwatering Iskender kebab. Evendo provides detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Bursa.

Each location in the app comes with rich descriptions, stunning images, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it incredibly easy for you to plan and organize your trip. Whether you’re looking to book a hotel, secure tickets for a guided tour of the historic Cumalıkızık Village, or find the best spots for nightlife, Evendo has it all in one place. Say goodbye to the hassle of piecing together your travel itinerary – Evendo simplifies the process, allowing you to focus on enjoying your adventure.

With features like the “Near Me” option to discover surrounding attractions, curated local tips to experience Bursa like a resident, and easy navigation through the app, Evendo ensures you make the most out of your visit. Plus, our global coverage spans over 7,000 destinations, so once you’ve experienced Bursa, the world is at your fingertips.

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