Bursa Travel guide
Bursa is a city located in the northwest of Turkey and has a rich history dating back to the Ottoman Empire. It is a popular tourist destination for those looking for a unique cultural experience and to explore the city’s many historical sites. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend away or an adventurous trip, Bursa has something for everyone. From its stunning mosques and bazaars to its stunning natural landscape, Bursa is a great place to explore and experience the culture of Turkey. This comprehensive travel guide to Bursa will provide you with all the information you need to plan your trip and make the most of your time there. You’ll find information on the best places to visit, where to stay, and how to get around, as well as helpful tips on local customs and etiquette. So, grab your passport and prepare for an unforgettable journey to this beautiful and fascinating city.
Overview of Things to Do in Bursa
The best places to visit in Bursa include:
Grand Mosque of Bursa: This is the largest and oldest mosque in Bursa that was built during the Ottoman Empire. It is one of the most beautiful examples of Ottoman architecture and is a must-see on any trip to Bursa.
Bursa Uludag: This is one of the most popular places to visit in Bursa, especially for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Uludag is a mountain range about an hour outside of Bursa that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. You can also go hiking or enjoy winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding at Uludag during the colder months.
Uludag Nature Park: This is a smaller park that is located within the Uludag mountain range in Bursa. It’s a great place to take a short hike or walk and enjoy stunning views of the city.
The Bursa Botanical Gardens: Another great place to explore the city’s natural landscape is the Bursa Botanical Gardens. The gardens were established in 1899 and are home to over 6,000 plant species.
Where to Stay in Bursa
There are plenty of great places to stay in Bursa so you are sure to find something that fits your budget and style. The best areas to stay in Bursa include:
Uludag: This is a popular area to stay in Bursa due to its close proximity to the Uludag mountain range. Many visitors to Bursa prefer to stay in this area and make a day trip to Bursa city.
Cumalikizik: This is another popular area to stay for those visiting Bursa. It is about a 30-minute drive from Bursa city and a great place to stay if you want to be close to the city but not in the middle of the hustle and bustle.
Exploring the City’s Historical Sites
Grand Mosque of Bursa: As mentioned above, this is the largest and oldest mosque in Bursa. It was built during the Ottoman Empire and is one of the most beautiful examples of Ottoman architecture. It’s a must-see on any trip to Bursa and one of the best places to visit in Bursa.
Bursa Uludag: This is one of the most popular places to visit in Bursa, especially for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Uludag is a mountain range about an hour outside of Bursa that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. You can also go hiking or enjoy winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding at Uludag during the colder months.
Tips for Exploring the Bazaars of Bursa
The bazaars of Bursa are a highlight for many visitors. It is common for visitors to hire a guide to show them around and provide them with context and cultural insight. If you choose to hire a guide, here are some tips to help you navigate the bazaars of Bursa:
Expect a lot of walking: The bazaars are spread out across the city and are a big part of the Bursa experience. Don’t expect to be able to see all of them in one day. If you want to try, you’re going to need to be very fit or hire a taxi or tour bus to get you around.
Wear comfortable shoes: There is a lot of walking involved and the streets are often very uneven. It’s also very common for people to walk and shop at the same time so be prepared to hold your bags as you walk.
Be prepared to bargain: This is expected in the bazaars and part of the experience. Remember that the price being asked is a starting point, not a fixed price.
Exploring the Natural Landscape of Bursa
The Bursa Botanical Gardens are a great place to explore the city’s natural landscape. This is a popular attraction for those visiting Bursa and a great place to take a short hike and enjoy stunning views of the city. The Uludag Nature Park is a smaller park that is located within the Uludag mountain range in Bursa. It’s a great place to take a short hike or walk and enjoy stunning views of the city.
Local Customs and Etiquette
When visiting any new place, it is important to understand the local customs and be respectful of local etiquette. These are some things to keep in mind when visiting Bursa: - It is customary to remove your shoes when visiting a mosque in Turkey. You can leave your bag in the cloakroom and put it on the ground beside you. - Always remove your hat when entering any place of worship. - Avoid touching the ancient mosaics and statues. - Avoid eating and drinking in public areas. - Avoid littering and be respectful of the environment. - Be respectful towards locals and make an effort to learn the language.
How to Get Around Bursa
As Bursa is a big city and there’s a lot to see, it’s best to hire a taxi or tour bus to get around. If you’re staying in the central area, you can walk around the city and visit the main sites. If you’re staying in Uludag, you can hire a taxi or use the public transportation system in Bursa. There are buses that run every 30 minutes and take you to the city centre, as well as the bus station. There are also ferries that run between Uludag and Bursa. It’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective and see the beautiful scenery along the river.
Suggested Day Trips from Bursa:
There are a number of popular day trips from Bursa, including:
Istanbul: This is a popular day trip from Bursa and is only about three hours away by car. You can take a taxi or use public transportation.
Pamukkale: This is another popular day trip from Bursa. It is about four hours away by car and a great place to see spectacular natural beauty.
Iznik: This is a smaller town about an hour away from Bursa that is popular for its pottery and ceramics.
Hisar: This is a small town just outside Bursa that is popular among history buffs and offers stunning views of Bursa.
