Tourism in Bursa
Bursa is a huge university city, just a few hours away from Istanbul by road. Famous as one of the capitals of the Ottoman Empire, Bursa has a lot of other perks to its location, namely the nature that is all the way around it. You have probably had about the ski resorts that are situated in Turkey, and Bursa is home to without a doubt the best one!
If you’re thinking of visiting Bursa, perhaps as part of a road trip to or from Istanbul, then there is certainly plenty to see and do. The great thing about bursa is that it is very environmentally friendly, and everything within the city is designed to be ‘green’. The landscape around it really benefits from this regulation, and you will be able to breathe in fresh air, which is a total chance from some other cities nearby, such as Istanbul!
Bursa really is a great blend of old and new. You will see ancient buildings and architecture, sat right next to some modern structures, such as shopping malls and cafe bars. Of course, if you venture around 10km away from Bursa, you will come into contact with the huge Mount Uludag. This is where the famous ski resort is located and during the winter months, thousands flock to enjoy the slopes and the winter vibe. Bursa is guaranteed snow during the coldest months of the year, and December in particular is a fantastic time to head there – New Year in the snow is really captivating!
So, Bursa really does have it all – a young, university vibe, natural sights and an environmentally friendly approach, plentiful history, and a modern take on life too. There are many hotels to stay in, and some of the big named chains have hotels here. Nightlife is very vibrant and varied, and you’ll find quaint cafes, big restaurants, clubs, and cocktails bars, all within close proximity to one another.
Top Sights to See in Bursa
If you get the chance, heading out to Uludag is a must do. Even in the summer months, the scenery is truly breath-taking and there are many summer activities, such as walking and mountain biking to enjoy. Of course, winter is when that region comes alive, and even if you can’t ski, it’s a great place to try and learn! Check out the scenic cable cars for a truly amazing view.
Aside from amazing scenery, Bursa is home to several museums, such as the Bursa Archaeology Museum, Ataturk Museum, Bursa City Museum, and the Green Mausoleum. Ulu Cami Mosque is also somewhere you need on your top visit list, which dates back as far as the 14th century.
Uludag isn’t the only natural wonder around here, as Saitabat Waterfall is a great spot. Located right at the foot of the mountain, this three foot high waterfall is home to a huge number of pigeons, but overall it is a stunning sight to capture on photograph. There is also an on site restaurant which serves freshly caught trout cooked in butter – delicious!
Another top spot is Koza Han. This means ‘silk cocoon market’, and it is literally that! Silk imported from China came towards Bursa around the 15h century and ever since that time this part of Bursa has been renowned as the spot for silk clothing and accessories. There is also a tea garden just outside the market, which is ideal for watching the world go by.
Bursa is certainly a city to visit if you’re looking for an alternative to Istanbul, or perhaps another stop on your road trip. Most people forgo all the other cities in Turkey and favour the largest one, but this is a mistake! Bursa is a fantastic place to visit, and is teeming with history and natural sights to enjoy.
