Explore Bursa City in the Heart of Turkey

Bursa city was the Ottoman Empire's first capital, and the city's multi-colored buildings and narrow streets provide the city with a vibrant urban fabric. This fourth-largest Turkish city, formerly known as Prusa in ancient times, is found in the middle of Turkey and is a cultural and historical treasure.

The city's nickname is "Yeşil Bursa" (Green Bursa) because of its scenic parks and gardens that dot the city. The hundreds of mosques in the city, built over centuries, led to a local saying that "there's a walk for every day in the year, and a mosque for every walk." If you're planning a trip to Turkey, Bursa is a must-see destination. Bursa's rich history of silk production dates as far back as the 15th century, when the city gained fame throughout Europe and Asia for its textile arts.

Top Bursa attractions

The heart of Bursa city runs through its breathtaking Ottoman architectural masterpieces. The historic monuments tell the story of the empire's first capital in their monumental structures.

Grand Mosque of Bursa and its 20 domes

One of the most iconic Bursa attractions and a highlight among Turkey landmarks is the Grand Mosque of Bursa. The city's skyline is dominated by the Grand Mosque of Bursa (Ulu Cami). Sultan Bayezid I commissioned this masterpiece between 1396 and 1399. The mosque has 20 big domes arranged in four rows of five, supported by twelve massive columns.

The spacious sanctuary contains a unique eighteen-sided fountain (şadırvan) in the center which helps the congregation in conducting ritual ablutions. Beautiful Ottoman Baroque-style decorations and calligraphic compositions of the 18th to early 20th centuries adorn its walls.

Green Mosque and Green Tomb

The Green Mosque (Yeşil Cami) changed Ottoman architecture forever when it was built between 1419 and 1424. Sultan Mehmed I's dream was realized with gorgeous blue-green Iznik tiles that gave this complex its unforgettable name. While distinct in style and era, the Green Mosque’s vibrant İznik tiles invite comparison to the later Blue Mosque in Istanbul.

The Green Tomb (Yeşil Türbe), a hexagonal building, stands close by, built in 1421 as the final resting place of Sultan Mehmed I. This elegant mausoleum is covered with blue-green tiles, one of the most recognizable sights of Bursa. 

Koza Han and the silk bazaar

Sultan Bayezid II completed Koza Han in 1491, and it served as the hub of Bursa's silk trade. The caravanserai offered traders a safe resting point along the Silk Road with its 95 rooms surrounding a peaceful courtyard.

The old marketplace still thrives today, selling pure silk scarves, fabric, and accessories. Koza Han is situated between the Grand Mosque and Covered Bazaar, preserving its business-like ambiance while clinging to Ottoman trade traditions.

Cumalıkızık Village (UNESCO site)

A short 14-kilometer drive east of Bursa takes you to Cumalıkızık Village, a perfectly preserved early Ottoman village. The UNESCO World Heritage village charms visitors with cobblestone streets and brightly painted wooden houses in traditional Ottoman architecture, featuring stonework and adobe walls.

The 14th-century village illustrates how city and rural life coexisted in the early Ottoman Empire. Cumalıkızık preserves its natural beauty with traditional houses, narrow streets, and farming landscape, enabling visitors to step back into Ottoman rural life.
 

Nature and Adventure in Bursa

Bursa city's natural playground fascinates nature enthusiasts throughout the year, apart from its historical sites. The region's snow-capped mountains and forests offer activities for every season.

Uludağ Mountain: hiking and skiing

Uludağ Mountain rises high at 2,543 meters as the Marmara region's highest peak. The natural wonder developed as Turkey's first winter sports center and remains the nation's best ski resort. The mountain is covered with snow for 178 days annually. Winter sports are in full swing from late December to late March. Chair lifts, ski lifts, and equipment rentals are available in the area.

Summer reveals a different mountain with 71% forest cover and 28% alpine meadows. Hikers love the trails from Sarıalan to Çobankaya through thick forests. The protected environment shelters diverse wildlife. Bears, foxes, wild boars, mountain eagles, and numerous bird species inhabit freely.

Bursa Uludağ Gondola ride

The trip to the summit of Uludağ is as thrilling as the destination. The Bursa Teleferik, built in 2014, is 8.8 kilometers long. It is the world's longest monocable detachable gondola system. The new system replaced a 50-year-old cable car from 1963. The passenger capacity was raised from 120 to 1,500 per hour. Travelers spend 22 minutes going through four stations: Teferrüç in Bursa, Kadıyayla (transit stop), Sarıalan (camping and picnic ground), and Kurbağakaya at 1,870 meters. Each station is complemented with shopping malls and restaurants to enhance the experience. The gondola lift becomes an attraction and not just a transportation means.

Suuçtu Waterfall and nature parks

Suuçtu Waterfall drops 38 meters along a fault line, 20 kilometers from Mustafakemalpaşa district. Beech trees envelope this natural wonder that is a peaceful escape from city life. The waterfall's Suuçtu Nature Park, a protected area, offers picnic areas, brookside tables, and refreshing pools. Individuals adore this refreshing oasis especially when they are suffering from hot summer days. Bursa's landscape is peppered with waterfalls scattered throughout the province. Suuçtu remains one of the most dramatic and accessible ones.
 

Food and Flavors of Bursa

The cuisine of Bursa city is a mixture of flavors dating back to the Ottoman era. Visitors can enjoy authentic Turkish gastronomy on their Turkey tour that matches the beauty of its architecture.
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Iskender Kebab: a local legend

İskender Kebab is Bursa's most famous dish since its creation by Mehmetoğlu İskender Efendi in 1867. This iconic dish is made with thin layers of döner meat on top of pieces of pita bread with generous toppings of tomato sauce, yogurt, and melted butter. The magic of İskender lies beyond its döner meat - it's the divine harmony that happens when crunchy pita meets creamy yogurt, velvety tomato sauce, and warm melted butter.

Candied chestnuts and other desserts

Bursa's traditional dessert is Kestane Şekeri (candied chestnuts). Artisans there use the chestnuts from the slopes of Uludağ Mountain. It takes skill to prepare - the chestnuts are boiled, peeled, wrapped in cheesecloth, and soaked in boiling sugar syrup. It takes a full day for the sweets to rest before they are ready to be served.

These candied chestnuts have historical importance in Ottoman palace cuisine. They were even presented to Atatürk by local delegations while he was visiting. "Kafkas" is the modern-day leading producer of this delicacy. The treaty received official geographical indication status in 2013, highlighting its unique regional heritage.

Traditional Turkish breakfast spots

Bursa Turkish breakfast brings together fresh ingredients that are family-style served. Each morning meal will include tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, white cheese, fresh bread, and a few spreads like jam, honey, and butter. Black tea completes this traditional affair.

UNESCO-recognized Cumalıkızık Village has also become famous for village-style breakfasts. Misi and Derebahçe villages are also visited by foodies. Hünkar Köşkü offers a sumptuous spread of breakfast with a lovely view of the city from its location in the mountains. Locals suggest Özsüt Café on F.S.M. Boulevard for their divine honey-sweet cream spread.
 

Cultural Experiences and Local Life

Bursa city's daily life weaves together centuries-old Ottoman traditions with the pulse of modern Turkish culture.

Thermal baths in Çekirge

The mineral-rich underground springs of Çekirge district, just five kilometers northwest of central Bursa, have made Turkish baths an essential part of local culture since the 14th century. The historic Çekirge Sultan Thermal, 700 years old, stands as one of the region's oldest operating hamams. These baths provide a more authentic local experience than Istanbul's tourist-focused establishments. Visitors can enjoy traditional soaking, scrubbing, and massage treatments in beautiful marble-adorned heritage buildings. 

Museums and art centers

Bursa's museums showcase the city's rich heritage. The Bursa Archeology Museum displays artifacts from the Middle Miocene Period through the Eastern Roman era. The collection expresses notable pieces like the Aktopraklık Mound skeleton and bronze Apollo Statue. The Bursa City Museum, 40 years old, tells the region's story through archeological discoveries, ethnographic objects, and art collections. The Gökdere Madrasa Culture and Art Center hosts concerts, Sufism lessons, and folk music performances in a beautifully restored historical setting.

Festivals and performing arts

Bursa comes alive each October with the International Bursa Theater Festival for Children and Young People, held by Assitej Turkey. Spring arrives in the form of the Bursa Balkan Theaters Festival, which hosts successful theatrical troupes from all over to the city. All of that aside, however, the International Bursa Festival remains the city's highlight. 

Shopping in bazaars and modern malls

Bursa offers shopping experiences in a variety of settings. The Bursa Grand Bazaar, second only to Istanbul's, sells traditional abayas, prayer mats, and other goods at prices lower than the capital. Modern shopping centers like Korupark and Zafer Plaza feature international brands, restaurants, and entertainment spots. Silk lovers will find Koza Han a perfect destination for authentic textiles that capture Bursa city's historical character.
 

FAQS

Q1. Why is Bursa famous?

Bursa city is famous for being the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, its thermal baths, silk markets, and the stunning Uludağ Mountain.

Q2. Is Bursa close to Istanbul?

Yes, Bursa is about 2 hours from Istanbul by ferry or car, making it a popular day trip destination from Istanbul.

Q3. Is Bursa in Turkey worth visiting?

Absolutely! Bursa attractions include historic mosques, UNESCO-listed bazaars, and natural beauty like Uludağ and thermal springs.

Q4. What is Bursa's famous dish?

Bursa is known for İskender kebab, a delicious meat dish served with yogurt and tomato sauce over pita bread.

Q5. What are the top attractions in Bursa city?

Bursa attractions include the Grand Mosque, Green Tomb, Silk Bazaar, and the Uludağ cable car. Don’t miss the historic Cumalıkızık Village.

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