Bursa, Turkey's metropolis in northwestern Anatolia, is a vibrant and ancient city with numerous points of interest, but what to see and do in Bursa depends primarily on your interests. If you are a fan of history, authentic Turkish food, and winter tourism, Bursa is the best destination for your upcoming trip.
Bursa's history can be dated all the way back to 5200 B.C. when the area was first settled. Between 1335 and 1363, what is now Turkey's fourth-largest city passed through the hands of the Greek, Bithynia, and Roman Empires before becoming the Ottoman Empire's first major capital. Let's discover this charming city that bears witness to history.
Grand Bazaar in Bursa
The Grand Bazaar in Bursa is one of the best shopping areas in the world. During the Ottoman era, the city was known for producing high-quality silk products. Fine silk can be found in 40 shops on the top floor of the bazaar's Koza Han section.
Vendors selling shoes, clothes, carpets, belts, jewelry, antiques, and souvenirs, as well as dried fruits, nuts, locally grown cheeses and honey, and a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, can be found in the bazaar, as well. The best part of it all is that these are all handmade stuff! So, there is so much to buy for yourself or for your loved ones as a souvenir in Bursa.
Go Skiing in Uludag
If the city's hustle and bustle become tiring (and it does!), you can flee to the top of Uludag (Great Mountain), the ancient province of Bithynia's Mount Olympus. It rises to the south of the settlement, which is constructed on the slopes of the mountain. In the summer, a Teleferik (cable car) east of the city center takes you to near the summit, where you can go hiking (or just get some fresh, cold air) and ski in the winter.
Uludag Mountain, the ancient province of Bithynia's Mount Olympus, rises 2543 meters (8343 feet) to the south of the settlement, which is constructed on its slopes. Discover this giant mountain and enjoy winter in a breathtaking view that offers the best skiing slopes in Europe.
Eat Iskender Kebab
The original Iskender Kebap Restaurant, located in a blue house in Bursa, is well worth a visit if you're looking for traditional Turkish cuisine. The restaurant was established in 1867 and is named after Iskender Efendi, whose signature dish is also known as Iskender Kebap. It is made of bread, juicy meat, yoghurt, tomato sauce with spices, and butter, and it is totally out of this world! if you visit Bursa, you must try this popular Turkish kebab!
Visit Grand Mosque in Bursa
The Grand Mosque, which was constructed between 1396 and 1399 and has twenty domes and two minarets, is located in the old city center. It is Bursa's largest mosque and a prime example of early Ottoman architecture.
The mosque's white, black, and gold interior is spacious and dimly lit, creating a serene and somewhat intimate atmosphere. The museum is open to the public, but people must remove their hats and shoes before entering, and women must cover their heads with a scarf. Without a stop here, no tour of what to see and what to do in Bursa is complete.
Does Istanbul Tourist Pass cover Bursa day-trip?
Definitely! Apart from iconic Istanbul landmarks such as Galata Tower and Hagia Sophia, with Istanbul Tourist Pass, you get more than what you pay for. The Pass includes a one-day trip to Bursa, a city 2 hours away from Istanbul. You do not have to confine yourself to Istanbul, get your pass, and explore the getaways from Istanbul with ease and comfort. Make sure that you travel to Bursa with Istanbul Tourist Pass, and save up to 75%!
