by Al Khail Real Estate Broker
If you are looking for a list of the best things to do in Bursa, this article is for you!
The metropolis of Bursa, located in northwestern Turkey on the slopes of Mount Uludağ, is the fourth largest city in Turkey and is chock-a-block stuffed with a fascinating heritage, mosques, and other tourist attractions. Traveling to Bursa from Istanbul is easy, as a little road trip will already get you there, but it is so different from Istanbul in every way: amazing natural scenery, nightlife, magnificent architecture, and, finally, kind and loving people.
In addition, if you are planning to travel to Bursa, or even buy Properties for sale in Bursa, we suggest you read this article to the end to get detailed information in this field.
In this blog, you will find the best tourists’ attractions and some cool ideas for your trip to Bursa. Let’s check 30 top-rated things you should do in Bursa without any hesitation.
Top spots to visit when you travel to Bursa
Welcome to the fourth largest city in Turkey. In Bursa, there are accommodation options for every taste and budget. Bursa is also referred to as the Green Bursa due to its mountain backdrop and numerous and varied parks. So rest assured there are always special and unique things to do in the Bursa. It doesn’t matter which model of the historical and scenic spot you’re looking for, you’re sure to find one you like. If you’re still wondering what to see in Bursa, the good news is that your search ends here. Because I am going to give you a complete list of the best places to visit in Bursa.
Bursa, which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage List, has a long history that can be explored. For a more in-depth guide, here is a list of fantastic and the best things to do in the Bursa:
1. Visit the magnificent Bursa Grand Mosque
You will be amazed to see the stunning beauty of the Bursa Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami). Bursa Grand Mosque is located in the center of the old town in Nalbantoğlu and you will surely recognize this mosque from its two unique minarets. This mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world, which is registered in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visiting this mosque is one of the best things to do in Bursa.
The story of the construction of this mosque is very interesting. Sultan Bayezid promised that if he would win the Napoleonic War, he would build 20 mosques in the city. Eventually, Sultan Bayezid won the war and instead of building 20 mosques, he decided to build 20 domes on one mosque. The architecture of this mosque is inclined to the earlier Seljuk style, but it has also been greatly influenced by Persian mosques.
2. Enjoy the Bursa Tele cabin
The Bursa Tele cabin is one of the longest cable cars in the world with a route of about 8.2 km, which passes for 22 minutes on the slopes of the Uludağ Mountains. The final station of this cable car is 1.810 meters above sea level. Seeing the natural and unique scenery from the Bursa cable car is one of the best things to see in Bursa.
Not only is this cable car a popular tourist attraction in Bursa, but it is also used to transport skiers to the Uludağ ski slope in the winter. Along the way, you will see amazing views of thickly forested lower slopes, mountain peaks, and the sprawl of Bursa city. Do you also love winter sports? Maybe skiing? Maybe you even enjoy a fun winter activity like building a snowman with your friends. Then you will definitely fall in love with Bursa.
3. Enjoy Shopping and Sightseeing in the Central Bazaar in Bursa
Bursa was a prominent stop on the Silk Route trails between east and west. Kapali Çarşi in Turkish means covered bazaar. The original bazaar is from 1340, but Koza Han section of this bazaar was built in 1491. Koza Han is a two-story building with a beautiful garden in the middle. Do you know someone who doesn’t love to shop? If you know, be sure to introduce him to me! Shopping and walking in the back alleys of this beautiful and lovely market in Bursa is one of the best things to do in Bursa.
The arched cells on the two-story Koza Han building host specialized silk product stores. Locals come to the market to buy and drink tea, and you can enjoy socializing with lovely people and buying high-quality silk.
4. Visit the Green Mausoleum in Bursa
Definitely, one or more religious places can be seen in every history and culture from all over the world. One of the top spots to visit when you travel to Bursa is Green Mausoleum or Yeşil Türbe. The Green Tomb is located on a hill next to the Green Mosque, not far away from the city center. Definitely, visiting this beautiful and magnificent mosque in Bursa will give you very beautiful and lasting memories.
The interior of the tomb is decorated with colorful tiles and a beautiful super detailed wooden door from the same period still exists next to the tomb. This tomb is dedicated to the fifth Ottoman Sultan Muhammad I and there are seven other tombs inside this place.
5. Check out the enchanting Inca Historic Tree in Bursa
Like me, are you interested in history and seeing historical monuments? Do not miss visiting the 600-year-old landmark in Bursa. The historic and beautiful Inca tree is known as a sacred tree and is one of the most popular attractions of Bursa. Every year, many tourists come to Bursa to see this tree and enjoy the tranquility of cafes and restaurants around this sacred tree.
This historic tree is Located in İnkaya, Uludağ Cd. Visiting this historical monument and spending several hours deep in history is one of the top things to do in Bursa.
6. One of the best places to visit in Bursa: Cumalıkızık village
Cumalıkızık village is one of the most famous villages in Bursa, which is located on a hill 14 km east of Bursa. Due to the historical importance of these houses, the villages in this area were included as part of Bursa’s UNESCO World Heritage listing.
Some of the houses in this village date back to the earliest period of the Ottoman era. Brick houses with wooden decorations and cobbled alleys are all reminiscent of Ottoman architecture.
Some of these houses have been turned into cafes and restaurants, creating a cozy and unique atmosphere for leisure or weekends.
7. Visiting Old City Wall in Bursa
A ten-minute, uphill walk west from the Grand Mosque will take you to the oldest section in Bursa, which is Hisar Gate. Hisar Gate is the only surviving remains of the old city castle of the former citadel.
This wall is located above a promontory overlooking the city of Bursa, and from the top of this gate, you can see the best views of the city under your feet.
8. The beauty of the Muradiye Mosque Complex in Bursa is amazing!
The unique Muradiye Mosque complex consists of a mosque and 12 tombs, which belong to the year 1436. Since Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman era, there are tombs of some sultans and members of the family of Sultan Murad II in this complex.
This complex is decorated with colorful tiles and intricate calligraphy, and even in Istanbul, there is no building as beautiful as the Muradiye Mosque! The Mihrab inside this complex is one of the greatest Mihrabs in Turkey. There is also a bath and a school in this complex, which today has become a museum of the Quran and manuscripts of Muradiye.
9. Enjoy Sama dance in Mevlevi cultural center in Bursa
Although Konya is the most famous city to watch the Sama dance, Bursa also has an active Mevlevi cultural center, in which you can watch the Sama (the religious ceremony of the whirling dervishes).
A special ceremony called the Karabaş-i Veli Kültür Merkezi is held every night at this art center, which lasts for 30 minutes. Women watch the dance from the balcony upstairs and men from the ground floor. Be sure to visit this cultural center during your trip to Bursa. Because watching Sama dance is one of the best things to do in Brusa.
10. Green Mosque is one of the best places to visit in Bursa
The Green Mosque was built by Sultan Mehmed I in 1422. This mosque, known as Yeşil Cami in Turkish, is originally one of the unique and magnificent examples of Ottoman architecture. The green mosque has tiled walls inside and outside the mosque.
11. Cross the Historic Irgandı Bridge in Bursa
The Irgandı Bridge is about a 15-minute walk from the Bursa Grand Mosque, built on a small creek. This covered bridge belongs to the 15th century and consists of two arches.
Nowadays, many shops and coffee shops have opened along this bridge, and you can spend happy moments along this bridge. One of the best things to do in Bursa is to spend a day on this bridge. You can also purchase holiday homes in Bursa in this neighborhood too.
12. Explore the Lakeside Village of Gölyazı in Bursa
Lake Ulubat is located 40 km west from Bursa, where migratory birds pass through the lake in the spring. If you are looking for a taste of quiet rural life on a peninsula, the small village of Gölyazı offers this opportunity.
The ruins of the famous Roman era and 750-year-old giant plane tree are located in this village. The people of Bursa come to this village to spend their weekends and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and boating by the lake.
13. Do not forget to visit the best museums of Bursa
Three museums in Bursa are among the best attractions in the city. These three museums are the Atatürk Museum, the Archaeological Museum and the Karagöz Museum.
The Atatürk Museum is located in front of the most beautiful park in the city, and Ataturk himself lived there in the 1920s and 1930s.
The Archaeological Museum moved to its current location in 1872, and many sculptures and artifacts are housed inside and outside the museum.
The former use of the Karagöz Museum was a power plant, and in 1990, it became a unique art house. This museum belongs to the art of shadow play in Turkey.
14. Spend a day in Bursa Zoo
If you are traveling to Bursa as a family, be sure to take your children to visit the lovely little Bursa Zoo. One of the best things to do in Bursa for children is to watch the lovely animals at the zoo. Not only that, but the zoo also has laid-back cafes where you can chill for a while and enjoy some drinks.
15. Visit Tophane Citadel in Bursa
If you want to spend an hour in a unique hangout spot with a spectacular view, Tophane Citadel is the best choice. This citadel is located in the oldest area of Bursa, Osman Ghazi, and is located on a historic hill.
Tophane Citadel is even listed in the UNESCO World Heritage listings. You can enjoy delicious local food in the surrounding restaurants after visiting this building.
16. Do not forget to eat traditional Turkish food in Bursa
One of the best things to do in Bursa is to eat traditional Turkish food. After a long tour and enjoying the tourist attractions of this beautiful city, now it is time for delicious food.
Haci Dayi Restaurant is one of the oldest restaurants in Bursa, has been serving the best and most delicious traditional Turkish food since 1950. Enjoy your meal!
17. Indulge Yourself in a Thermal Bath in Bursa
If you want to enjoy a spa bath, the thermal spa of Eski Kaplıca Hamam in Bursa is the best choice for you. Kaplıca Hamam is a local traditional hammam that offers an authentic experience.
This bath is located 5 km northwest of the central city and has been in business since the fourteenth century.
18. Experience a day trip to Isonic from Bursa
The historic lakefront town of Iznik is located on the shores of Iznik Lake, 77 km northeast of central Bursa. This small and slightly scruffy city is about a day away from Bursa and visiting this city is one of the top spots to visit when you travel to Bursa.
This city was once the Byzantine city of Nicaea (where early Christian bishops gathered at the Council of Nicaea) and it still holds on to remnants of its rather grand past. In this city, visit the preserved segments of the town’s Roman-Byzantine walls, which once wrapped around the entire town. It is amazing!
19. Uludağ National Park is one of the best places to visit in Bursa
If you also like exploring natural wonders as well as physical activity, then you may enjoy hiking in the Uludağ National Park. This beautiful park is open 24 hours a day and you can enjoy exploring the wonders of this unique nature at any time of the day or night.
From the top of this mountain, you will see the magnificent view of the city at night and enjoy the shining stars above your head. I suggest you to set up a camp for one night in this park and enjoy the cool and pleasant weather.
20. Original Iskender Kebab Restaurant in Bursa
If you are looking for traditional, authentic, and delicious Turkish food, make sure to visit the original Iskender Kebab restaurant in Bursa. This authentic and traditional restaurant is located in a blue house in Bursa that dates back to 1867. This delicious Turkish dish is also named after its founder, Iskender Efendi. Do not leave Bursa without eating Iskender Kebab!
21. Zafer Plaza Shopping Mall in Bursa
If you are looking for modern shopping centers, we suggest you to visit Zafar Shopping Center. Part of this building is built in the shape of a symbolic pyramid and there is a large and excellent cinema in this shopping center. Shopping at this mall is one of the best things to do on rainy days in Bursa.
22. A perfect winter sport in Bursa: Ski on Uludağ
Winter sports in Bursa will keep you warm and energetic even on the coldest days of the year. Uludağ ski resort is easily accessible from Turkey and Bursa and is Turkey’s busiest winter ski resort. This resort area has a 28 km slope that provides a good space for beginner and professional skiers.
The area has hotels, restaurants and ski equipment shops, and transportation between the various slopes of the mountain is possible via 24 cable cars. One of the top things to do in Bursa is actually wintered sports. Even if you don’t like the cold and winter, this unique atmosphere will make you fall in love with winter sports.
23. Buy silk from the Silk House in Bursa
Next to the mosque and the green tomb in Bursa, there is a large silk shop called the Silk House, which I strongly suggest you to visit. This colorful building has three floors filled with a variety of handicrafts, local arts and high quality silks. Buying silk from this shop can be a unique souvenir from your trip to Bursa.
24. Take a walk in the Culture Park
The largest green area in Bursa is Culture Park. There are many tourist attractions in this park such as a big carousel. From the top of this carousel, there is a beautiful view of the city and it is one of the best things to do in Bursa.
25. Enjoy Bursa’s natural area
You do not have to climb to the top of the mountain to see the beautiful nature and the unique wonders of Bursa. There are many beautiful beaches, waterfalls, parks, and small villages in Bursa, all of which are considered the wonders of this city. You can also enjoy activities such as fishing, camping, hiking and mountaineering in Bursa.
Spending hours of the day or week in nature is essential for the health of all of us. However, the good news is that you don’t need to travel a long way to reach charming and beautiful nature. Beauty and nature are near you. Spending time in this fascinating nature is one of the best things to do in Bursa.
26. Do not forget to buy Bursa handicrafts!
Bursa is a historical city with lots of handicrafts and antiques. If you are looking to buy a special and different item, make sure to visit the artistic shops in places like Kayhan Pazar, Irgandı Bridge, or Balibey Han.
27. Day trip to Trilye in Bursa
If you are one of those people who are looking to experience short trips of several hours a day to reach an attractive and spectacular place, then I suggest a day trip to the Trilye beach in Bursa. The city of Bursa is not located on the water, but do not worry too much because the sea is not too far away! The lovely seaside village of Trilye is located one hour west of Bursa.
The winding ocean roads with magnificent views lead you to this fascinating fishing village. Enjoy your trip to Trilye! This short trip is one of the best things you can do in Bursa. So do not worry about your weekend schedule anymore.
28. Nightlife takes place in the Podium Park in Bursa
If you are looking for the best nightlife in Bursa then Podyum Park is the best place for you. You can enjoy cafes and restaurants in this park. In addition, if you are looking to experience attractive and unique nightlife in Turkey, then definitely choose the city of Bursa to live. Experiencing nightlife is one of the top things to do in Bursa.
29. The best seafood restaurant in Bursa: Deniz Tabagi
Deniz Tabagi, a fish restaurant and seafood market that has opened in 1952 is the best place for you if you want to eat some of Bursa’s finest seafood. This restaurant is located in the Arap Şükrü area and is the best place for eating seafood like octopus, grilled sea bass, fried calamari, and grilled turbot.
Do you know what one of the advantages of living in Bursa is? That you can enjoy the delicious and unique Turkish food in Bursa and live an affordable life at the same time. Because the cost of living in Bursa is very affordable.
30. Watch and enjoy a Bursaspor match
There is a big football club in Bursa where football matches are held. Visiting a Bursaspor match in the new and modern Timsah Arena is one of the best things to do in Bursa. Timsah Arena stadium has a capacity of almost 45,000. This stadium is nicknamed the Crocodile stadium because of its shape and color.
I hope all the above Bursa travel tips were helpful for your trip to Bursa. May you have any more questions ask us in the comments! All these enjoyable activities and historical and attractive places show you well why Bursa is a good place to live and it is better for you to invest and buy property in this city.
Bursa is definitely worth the trip or the investment
This blog concludes our guide on the best things to do in Bursa. It does not matter if you are interested in history or traditional food, this beautiful city is sure to have something for you. You definitely found all your reasons for investing and buying property in Bursa in this article. Nothing can guarantee your future like a good and profitable investment. Buying property in Bursa and earning passive income from it is definitely one of the best ways to invest in Turkey.
Bursa is famous for its attractiveness to immigrants and its low cost of living. In addition, investing and buying apartments for sale in Bursa is much cheaper and better than in any other city in Turkey. Depending on your financial situation, you can buy a house or an apartment in Bursa and then apply for permanent residence in Turkey.
Now that you choose Bursa for living, the next step is to find your dream house there; a process through which our team at alkhailtr.com can guide you step by step. Contact us right now and get a free consultation. With 24/7 customer service, you will get the support you need whenever you have questions.
What do you think are the top spots to visit when you travel to Bursa? Your feedback is valuable to us. Please let us know!
