Bursa holidays

How to reach Bursa

Flights from the UK to Bursa aren’t direct, but once travellers land in Istanbul, the city is easy to reach.

• Flight time: Flights to Istanbul from London take about 3 hours 45 minutes.

• Transfer time: After flying into Istanbul, ferries to Bursa from the southern shore of the Sea of Marmara offer a scenic route. From Marmara, there are bus or metro links to Bursa centre, making a total transfer time of about 2.5 hours. Alternatively, Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport connects by bus and ferry directly to Bursa (both take around 2 hours).

• Price: Buses from Istanbul airports to Bursa cost around TRY400 (£9), while ferry and bus combinations are approximately TRY600 (£15). Taxis from Yenişehir Airport to the city centre cost about TRY1,000 (£25).

Best time to visit Bursa

The best time for holidays to Bursa depends on your sightseeing and weather preferences. Bursa offers different charms in different seasons – from ski-friendly winters to sunlit spring explorations.

• April to June offers perfect weather for sightseeing, with mild temperatures between 18 and 26°C, 8 to 10 days of light rain per month and 8 to 10 hours of sunshine daily.

• July to August is the peak of summer, with temperatures regularly above 30°C. Rainfall is rare, and with around 12 hours of sunshine each day, this is the season for basking in the sun.

• September to November brings cooler autumn temperatures, with highs dropping from 28°C in September to a mild 15°C by November. This shoulder season is ideal for exploring Bursa’s markets and historical areas without the summer crowds.

• December to March sees Bursa transform into a winter wonderland, with temperatures between 5 and 10°C and an average of 7 days of rain or snow monthly. This season is perfect for skiing in nearby Uludağ, with shorter daylight hours but charming snowy landscapes.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Turkish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and shops, especially in tourism hot spots.

• Local habits and customs: Greetings are warm, and it’s polite to say “merhaba” (hello) and “teşekkür ederim” (thank you).

• Currency: The Turkish Lira is the local currency. ATMs are common, and many places accept credit cards, although some local markets prefer cash.

• Getting around: Bursa’s well-organised public transport includes buses, trams and the metro (BursaRay), all accessible with a BuKart, a reusable transport card available at kiosks for around TRY80 (£0.20). A single fare is roughly TRY20 (£0.50).

• Electricity and plug types: Turkey uses the standard European 220V with Type C and F plugs. Visitors from the UK will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Turkey is 3 hours ahead of GMT and does not observe daylight saving time.

Best things to do in Bursa

Bursa, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire, is a captivating city filled with historical treasures, beautiful mosques and scenic mountain views. Here are some of the top experiences to enjoy during your Bursa holidays:

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Tophane Park: This elevated park offers some of the best views in Bursa. It’s especially popular for sunsets, with a panoramic outlook over the old city and beyond. The park is home to the tombs of Osman and Orhan Gazi, the founding fathers of the Ottoman Empire.

• Uludağ Mountain: The cable car ride to Uludağ National Park is an adventure in itself. Visitors are lifted to incredible views over Bursa and the forests of Uludağ. The mountain is perfect for winter sports and summer hikes, with expansive views stretching across the Marmara region.

The best districts

• Hisar District: Known for its narrow, winding lanes and historical atmosphere, the Hisar area was once the heart of the old city. Walk through centuries-old gates and discover restored Ottoman houses, ancient mosques and small shops offering traditional crafts.

• Yeşil (Green) District: Centred around Yeşil Cami (Green Mosque) and its intricately tiled mausoleum, this area is filled with small cafés and local shops, giving explorers a taste of authentic Bursa life in a relaxed setting.

Historical monuments

• Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque): Built in the early 15th century, Ulu Cami is one of the most important mosques in Turkey. Its 20 domes and intricate calligraphy make it an architectural masterpiece.

• Koza Han (Silk Market): Located in the bustling Kapalı Çarşı (Covered Bazaar), Koza Han is where merchants once traded silk from the East. Today, it’s still full of textile shops and a lovely courtyard where visitors can sip tea and soak up its rich Ottoman history.

• Yeşil Cami and Yeşil Türbe: Yeşil Cami (Green Mosque) and its adjoining tomb, Yeşil Türbe, are famous for their turquoise tiles and intricate Iznik ceramics, a highlight of Ottoman art.

• Muradiye Complex: Set in a peaceful, tree-lined area, the Muradiye Complex includes a mosque and tombs of Ottoman royalty. This serene setting offers a glimpse into Bursa’s Ottoman past and is a wonderful place to explore at a slower pace.

Day trips in the area

• Cumalıkızık Village: Just outside Bursa, this UNESCO-listed village offers a picture-perfect view of Ottoman architecture, with cobbled streets, wooden houses and a charming market. Cumalıkızık feels like stepping back in time and is a wonderful contrast to the city.

• Gölyazı Village: Located on the edge of Lake Uluabat, Gölyazı is known for its peaceful lakeside setting and beautiful sunsets. This small fishing village offers boat rides, photo-worthy scenery and ancient ruins scattered throughout.

Activities for families in Bursa

Bursa has plenty to offer families, with activities that balance culture, nature and fun.

• Playgrounds: Kültür Parkı, a large, family-friendly park, has playgrounds, a boating lake and a summer funfair, making it perfect for children. The open-air theatre hosts shows during the warmer months, adding an extra element of entertainment.

• Interactive museums: The TOFAŞ Anatolian Cars and Carriages Museum, located in a restored silk factory, displays a fascinating collection of antique cars, carriages and traditional vehicles. Kids can also enjoy the interactive exhibits and garden area.

• Zoos: Located near the city centre, Bursa Zoo is a small but well-kept zoo with a variety of animals, ideal for an afternoon visit with younger children.

• Uludağ Ski Resort: In the winter, Bursa’s Uludağ is a family-friendly ski destination, with slopes for all ages and easy options for beginners. Visitors can rent equipment on-site, and there are plenty of cosy cafés and restaurants to warm up in after a day on the slopes.

Free things to do in Bursa

Bursa has many free and low-cost activities that allow explorers to experience its rich culture and natural beauty without spending a small fortune.

• Free events: Bursa hosts the annual Uluslararası Bursa Festivali (Bursa International Festival), a vibrant cultural festival held in June with free performances at Kültür Park. The event includes live music, dance shows and theatrical performances.

• Exploring the historic bazaars: Bursa’s bazaars, including the Kapalı Çarşı and Koza Han, are free to enter and are filled with traditional shops and tea houses. A trip to one is a great way to experience local culture and pick up some bargain souvenirs.

• Hisar walking tours: Several walking tours, offered on a tips-only basis, explore the atmospheric Hisar district with its ancient city gates, tombs and lanes.

Local dishes in Bursa

One of the true highlights of holidays to Bursa is the chance to enjoy its rich culinary traditions, which mix Ottoman influences with locally crafted delights. From savoury kebabs to sweet treats, Bursa offers an array of dishes that reflect the city’s history and regional flavours.

Some typical dishes

• İskender kebab: This famous Bursa dish features thin slices of döner kebab served over pita, topped with rich tomato sauce, melted butter and a side of yoghurt. It’s a must-try for meat lovers and is served in traditional restaurants throughout the city.

• İnegöl köfte: Originating from the nearby town of İnegöl, these tender meatballs are made with a unique blend of spices and minced meat, often grilled and served with flatbread and salads.

Street food

• Pideli köfte: A fusion of Bursa’s classic flavours, this dish serves small meatballs over bread, topped with a tomato and butter sauce, often accompanied by a yoghurt dip.

• Midye dolma (stuffed mussels): Popular across Turkey, these mussels are stuffed with spiced rice and served with a squeeze of lemon, making them a favourite street snack.

Sweets and desserts

Bursa is well known for its kestane şekeri (candied chestnuts), a local speciality often enjoyed as a treat or gift. Another must-try dessert is sütlü kadayıf, a light, shredded wheat pudding soaked in milk syrup and sprinkled with nuts.

Local drinks

• Ayran: This refreshing, slightly salty yoghurt drink is a staple across Turkey and is especially good when paired with kebabs and other meat dishes.

• Turkish tea: Served in iconic tulip-shaped glasses, tea is a social staple in Bursa, often enjoyed in the city’s historic tea gardens and markets.