Bursa
Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asia · Turkey
Did you know?
- The city is a gateway to ski slopes and forests on Mount Uludağ.
- Ottoman mosques, tombs, caravanserais, and bazaars fill a former imperial capital.
- İskender kebap is the signature dish to seek out in this food-focused city.
See also
Iznik
Turkey40.43°N 29.72°E
Overview
Bursa is a historic Ottoman capital with UNESCO-listed heritage, major mosques and bazaars, and a strong food culture. It also opens onto Mount Uludağ for forests and winter sports.
Languages: Turkish
Overview
Bursa is the fourth-largest city in Turkey and the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, packed with historic mosques, tombs, caravanserais, and bazaars. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage site (with Cumalıkızık) and one of the best food cities in Western Turkey, especially known for İskender kebap. The city serves as a gateway to the ski slopes and forests of Mount Uludağ.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Açelya Hotel
Small basic hotel, but clean, central and value for what you're paying.
Recorded price: B&B double 250 TL
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Bursa Merkez Otel
Cosy small place in town centre. The Çeşmeli - drinking fountain - is set into the wall.
Recorded price: B&B double 250 TL
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Efehan Hotel
Middling central place.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hilton Bursa Convention Center and Spa
Upmarket place with 187 rooms and suites, spa, Turkish baths, sauna, pool and fitness center, 2 restaurants, a bar, patisserie and lobby lounge, and free parking. But it's 5-star going on 3, with erratic service, cleanliness and cuisine.
Recorded price: B&B double 1300 TL
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Gönlüferah
Pleasant hotel in two sections: "City" and "1890". On hillside with mountain view, limited parking.
Recorded price: B&B double 600 TL
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Kent Hotel
Simple mid-price hotel near Central Mosque.
Recorded price: B&B double 400 TL
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Safran Otel
Charming small hotel in a renovated old house near city gates. Some street noise in ground floor rooms.
Recorded price: B&B double 2200 TL
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Çelik Palas Hotel
Atatürk had this built in Art Deco style in 1935 as a guest house for his visitors, but most rooms are in the modern annexe. Both sections are showing their age.
Recorded price: B&B double 3000 TL
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Money
Many museums free. Cash is common; Bursakart for public transport.
Transport
Metro fare 12 TL (2024). Bursakart required for some buses; single tickets available.