Bursa City Hotels

Bursa, which became the first capital of the Ottoman Empire when Orhan Bey took it from Byzantium in 1326, is today the 4th largest city in Turkey. It is a very functional city in every aspect, from agriculture to tourism, from industry to trade, from nature to modernity, you will find answers to all our needs in this city. Bursa will give you unforgettable moments with its old and deep-rooted history, nature, tourism and delicious cuisine culture. It is both one of the most developed cities and one of the most historical cities of our country. Very recently, it has also been selected as the most suitable city for the European Union Standards of our country. Bursa ranks 28th among the world's top thirty cities to live in. It is worth coming and seeing just for this aspect alone. If you want to evaluate it in terms of tourism, you can see all kinds of tourism types in Bursa, from summer tourism to nature tourism, from winter tourism to sea tourism, from cultural tourism to conference tourism. Do you want to taste different flavors, come to Bursa. Delicious Inegol meatballs, delicious chestnut candy, delicious vegetables and fruits and many more local dishes with delicious Iskender Kebab are all in Bursa. If you want to breathe fresh air, come to this green city. It is waiting for you with its vast and lush forests, nature and beautiful air. See the production sites and giant factories. The tombs of the first six Ottoman sultans are also here. Dozens of tombs and complexes are here... There are dozens of places to visit from our history and the history of other cultures.

When to Visit Bursa?

• Bursa is a city that can be visited year-round, but the summer months are generally the most popular. During this time, temperatures are higher, and tourist attractions tend to be busier. However, Bursa offers unique beauty and activities in all seasons.
• In spring, the city comes alive with natural beauty and pleasant weather. It's the perfect time for nature walks, visiting botanical gardens, and exploring historical landmarks.
• Autumn is another lovely season, when the city and surrounding nature areas start to display stunning colors. The weather is still mild, and tourist spots are usually less crowded. It's a great time to visit parks known for their fall foliage.
• Winter is ideal for those interested in skiing and winter sports, especially in Uludağ, one of Turkey’s most famous ski resorts. You can also unwind in Bursa’s historical Turkish baths or explore the old bazaars in the city center.

How to Get to Bursa

Located in the Marmara region, Bursa is surrounded by Balıkesir and Yalova, with Marmara Sea and Istanbul to the north. You can reach Bursa via road, sea, or air.

There are frequent and regular bus services—often every hour or half-hour—from major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Adana.
For sea travel, İDO and BUDO ferries are available, especially from Istanbul.
Bursa is also well connected by air. In addition to regular flights, it offers special services like seaplanes and heli-taxis, providing a more unique travel experience.

What are the must-see places to visit in Bursa?

First of all, if we need to start from historical and cultural places, you can visit Ulu Mosque, Green Mosque and Green Tomb, Koza Han, Muradiye Complex, Osman Gazi and Orhan Gazi Tombs, Irgandı Bridge, Inns District and Grand Bazaar, Emir Sultan and his Tomb, Bursa Castle, also known as the Sultanate Gate, Turkish-Islamic Arts Museum (Green Madrasa) and Bursa Archeology Museum. As it is known, Bursa was the capital of the Ottoman Empire for a period and in this respect, it contains many historical places. It also contains extremely important artifacts in terms of Turkish culture. Uludağ is an important nature and winter tourism center. You can also visit Soğanlı Botanical Park and Zoo from a different perspective.

Shopping in Bursa

Koza Han: One of Bursa's oldest and most iconic bazaars, famous for silk and silk products like shawls, scarves, ties, and fabrics.

Çakır Han: Right next to Koza Han, this spot offers a wide range of handcrafted items including silver jewelry, handwoven rugs, ceramics, and glasswork.

Culture Park Handicrafts Market: Located inside Culture Park, this market features traditional crafts like wood carving, ceramics, glasswork, and copperware.

Fun & Activities in Bursa

Explore Historical Bazaars: Wander through Kapalı Çarşı, Koza Han, and Uzun Çarşı, shop for unique handmade items, and soak up the historic ambiance.

Gastronomy Tour: Bursa is famous for its rich cuisine. Don’t miss local specialties like İskender kebab, pideli köfte, and Kemalpaşa dessert at local restaurants.

Take the Cable Car: Ride the teleferik from the city center up to Tophane for panoramic views, or continue all the way to Uludağ for a scenic mountain experience.

Visit Gölyazı: A peaceful lakeside village near Bursa known for its calm atmosphere and beautiful lake views. Perfect for a relaxing walk, discovering historic houses, and enjoying nature.

Stroll through Culture Park: A green oasis in the city center, with a lake, picnic areas, bike rentals, and playgrounds great for families or anyone wanting a break in nature.

Visit the City Museum: Learn more about Bursa’s history and culture through exhibitions of historical artifacts and traditional arts.

History of Bursa

Bursa is a historic city located in the Marmara Region in northwestern Turkey. Throughout history, it has hosted various civilizations and has served as a significant center of trade and culture. The city's history dates back to the 2nd millennium BC. In ancient times, it was ruled by several civilizations, including the Lydians, Persians, and Bithynians.The most important era in Bursa’s history began in the 13th century when Osman Gazi, the founder of the Ottoman Empire, conquered the city. The Ottomans made Bursa their first capital and transformed it into a major cultural and commercial hub.Many iconic structures were built during the Ottoman period, such as the Green Tomb (Yeşil Türbe), Green Mosque (Yeşil Cami), Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), Tophane, and Koza Han. In the early years of the empire, Bursa served as the administrative heart of the Ottomans. However, during the reign of Sultan Murad II, the capital was moved to Istanbul following its conquest.Even after the capital shifted, Bursa continued to thrive as an important center of trade and culture. Silk production and trade played a vital role in the city's economy, with Koza Han serving as the focal point of this thriving industry.After the fall of the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, Bursa maintained its significance and became one of the country's leading industrial and commercial centers. Today, Bursa is not only one of Turkey’s largest industrial cities but also a major destination for cultural and historical tourism.

What is Bursa Famous For?

Green Bursa & the Green Tomb: Bursa is famously known as “Green Bursa” due to its lush greenery, large parks, and centuries-old plane trees. One of its most iconic landmarks is the Green Tomb (Yeşil Türbe), the final resting place of Ottoman Sultan Mehmed I. It's a symbol of the city’s rich heritage and stunning tile work.

Ottoman Silk Trade:During the Ottoman period, Bursa was a major center for silk trade. Renowned for sericulture and silk products, the city played a central role in the silk trade across the empire. Koza Han, the historic marketplace, was the heart of this industry and remains a popular destination today.

Historic Bazaars and Caravanserais:The city center is famous for its historic bazaars and inns. In Covered Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı), Koza Han, and Uzun Çarşı, you can shop for handcrafted souvenirs, textiles, jewelry, and other traditional products in an authentic setting.

Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami): One of the most significant religious buildings from the early Ottoman period, Ulu Cami is the largest mosque in Bursa. With its 20 domes and elegant calligraphy, it reflects the architectural grandeur and spiritual importance of early Ottoman design.

Delicious Local Cuisine:Bursa is known for its rich and diverse culinary heritage. Must-try local specialties include İskender kebab, Kemalpaşa dessert, pideli köfte (meatballs with bread and sauce), and candied chestnuts (kestane şekeri). You can find these tasty dishes in many traditional restaurants around the city.

Where to Go to the Sea in Bursa?

Gemlik, another alternative close to Mudanya, has a coastline where you can swim in the sea. There are clean and spacious beaches on the Gemlik coast.

Armutlu, which is a little further away from Bursa, is also located on the Marmara Sea coast. You can swim in Armutlu, known for its natural beauties and clean sea, and enjoy the natural beaches.

Erdek, which is a little further away from Bursa, is located on the southern coast of the Marmara Sea. You can swim and enjoy the summer in Erdek, which is famous for its sparkling sea and sandy beaches. 

Best Things to Do in Bursa

There are plenty of excursions in the city to increase our historical and cultural knowledge. As it is an industrial city, there is a wide range of jobs and activities. You can visit Uludağ, one of the centers of winter tourism and nature tourism, and participate in various sportive and artistic activities. It is also very rich in shopping. It is one of the important trade centers of our country with its large shopping centers and a wide variety of products.

Bursa Food & Beverage Recommendations

Dozens of types of breakfast places, many types of meatballs, many types of home-cooked meals, desserts Bursa is the best in this city. Bursa gives us unforgettable moments with Bursa Chestnut Candy, Bursa Kemalpaşa Dessert, a Bursa-specific pita called Cantık, Tahini Pita and of course our world brand Bursa Iskender Kebab, Inegol meatballs and local dishes. He advises us to visit him again and again. If you want to eat meat and its derivatives, some of the most famous places to visit are Mavi Dükkan, which should be İskender, Cemal Cemil Usta Uludağ Kebab Restaurant, Yeşil Pideli Köfte. For breakfast, Cumalıkızık Stone House, Tirilye Çamlı Kahve can be a great option. If you want to eat Tahini Pita, Tuzpazarı Historical Abdan Bakery and Red Bakery will be our recommendation for you. If you want to taste the pita called Cantık, which is unique to the region, this time I can recommend you Kardeşler Pide Salonu and Acı Dayı.