Bursa is the third largest city in Turkey and is rarely included in popular tourist routes. However, Bursa is worth visiting as it has managed to preserve its centuries-old history and attractions. If you know what to see in Bursa, you can plan your trip yourself. In addition, the capital of the country, rich in other cultural heritage sites of Turkey, is located near the city.
Holiday season in Bursa
The most active influx of tourists to Bursa is observed in the period from early May to late September. This is due to the warm and stable weather at this time. In the first month of spring, the thermometer rises to + 20-25 degrees, and in June the air warms up to + 27-29 degrees. This weather lasts until September.
The first cold snaps fall at the beginning of November. The air is cooled to +13 degrees. Autumn nights are cold, especially at the end of November. In December and November there is a significant amount of precipitation and a stormy wind blows. Therefore, it is better to refuse to travel to Bursa in winter. Average temperature indicators from January to March can range from +8 to +10 degrees.
As for the water temperature, it is considered the most comfortable for swimming in July and August. In October, some tourists still enjoy a beach holiday, but the water temperature is already dropping to +18 degrees.
TOP 10 interesting places in Bursa
Ulu-Jami Mosque
Ulu-Jami Mosque
The Great Mosque, or the Ulu-Jami Mosque, is the largest in the city and is located in the very center. The building was erected at the end of the 14th century on the initiative of Sultan Bayazid, who wanted to perpetuate the memory of the victorious battle at Nekopol. Visitors are amazed at the scale of the mosque and its architectural features. The structure is built in the shape of a rectangle, the roof of which is crowned with 19 domes. The base and the roof are connected by a row of columns.
The interior of the mosque deserves special attention, which includes such memorable details as:
- a large fountain for ritual ablutions;
- a glass dome allowing daylight to pass through;
- high ceilings with arched windows;
- vintage wall calligraphy lettering.
The mosque is open for free visits. However, tourists must follow certain rules. During religious holidays, only Muslims can enter the mosque.
Koza Han Silk Market
Silk market
The market is considered one of the most visited in the city. It was founded in 1491 by the decree of Sultan Beyazit, after which it actively developed and became a center for trade in natural silk. The choice of goods was not accidental, since it was in Bursa that the last destination of the Great Silk Road was located. Several living quarters and shopping malls were equipped inside the market especially for Chinese traders. Over time, the need for a hotel has disappeared, and the market has turned into a huge trading platform.
Until now, the interior decoration of the market has remained practically unchanged. In addition, several shops and souvenir shops were added to it. Koza Han sells fresh, locally sourced produce in the morning, and a textile fair opens in the afternoon. Here you can buy silk products, souvenirs, dishes, clothes and household items.
Green mosque
Green mosque
The sight is rightfully recognized as the hallmark of Bursa. The building was built for over 10 years, starting in 1414. The idea of the craftsmen was to create a unique complex consisting of a madrasah and a mausoleum. The mosque madrasah belongs to the type of Muslim educational institutions, where they still receive religious education.
The mosque building is divided into two halves. The first has a marble pool where ablutions are performed. The second hall is made in the form of a drum and rises 12 meters in height. The room is faced with green faience and carved elements, which the architects call the highest examples of Ottoman art.
The mausoleum was erected for Sultan Mehmed elebi. The ruler chose the place of his burial in advance and his ashes are kept here to this day. The façade of the mausoleum is lined with turquoise marble slabs, playing in the sun in different shades.
Uludag resort
Uludag resort
Bursa is popular not only for its architectural monuments, but also for its resorts. There is a ski complex 27 kilometers from the city, which is not inferior in terms of comfort to other international-class resorts.
Since December, lovers of active types of winter recreation have gathered here. Equipped tracks, a guarantee of safety on all sections of the path, modern sports equipment, a hotel with heated rooms - all this creates ideal conditions for an interesting pastime.
As a bonus, tourists are offered free training sessions with experienced instructors. Additional services include descent from slopes of any complexity, accompanied by a professional.
In summer, snow melts on Uludag, and the territory is being prepared for the summer season. For this, tents, campfire sites and summer cafes are installed.
Archaeological Museum
Archaeological Museum
The museum was opened at the beginning of the 19th century, when archaeological excavations were actively carried out in Bursa. In their process, numerous artifacts were discovered. Therefore, the city authorities decided to combine the two small museums into one. The museum is located on Çekirge street and can be visited on any day except Sunday.
The main collection is formed by expositions that include exhibits over 4000 years old. In the first room, sculptures, tools made of bronze and sand, stone statues, and weapons are displayed. The second hall is dedicated to antique jewelry; clay and porcelain dishes; painting; household items.
It is convenient to navigate the building with the help of an audio guide in English, which contains information on each exhibit. On the basis of the museum, thematic exhibitions and master classes are regularly held.
Soanli Botanical Garden
Botanical Garden
A park of amazing beauty is located 5 kilometers from Bursa. Its arrangement took place at the end of the 20th century. To this end, the Turkish authorities liberated a vast territory of about 380 thousand square meters. For 2 years, landscaping and landscaping work was carried out on it. A team of local and European landscape designers worked on the garden project.
The park is divided into thematic zones according to the type of plants. For example, the central part is occupied by a rose alley and separate rose gardens. Another area is dedicated to tropical shrubs and trees. All the seedlings were brought to Soanlu from different regions of Turkey, as well as from other countries.
In addition, the park has several bike paths, a jogging lane, a small cafe and fountains.
Thermal springs
Turkey is famous for its mineral springs, among which a worthy place is taken by those located in the Cekirge region. Outwardly, the springs look like several natural pools filled with warm water. Near the springs, there are areas where you can drink healing water and lie down in a calm atmosphere after water procedures.
The springs in Bursa are rich in minerals, magnesium, calcium and have a special chemical composition. It helps to improve the functioning of all body systems, general health improvement and rejuvenation. Tourists often take healing water with them in order to use it in the future. Everyone has a great opportunity to relax in the sanatoriums built near the springs.
Bursa zoo
Bursa zoo
This place is ideal for couples with children and just animal lovers. The zoo was opened in 1989, after which it was constantly replenished with new representatives of the fauna. Today, the zoo is home to over 500 species of animals and birds. The most popular inhabitants are llamas, zebras, lions, giraffes, monkeys and crocodiles. Also on the basis of the zoo there is a terrarium and a small oceanarium.
A visit to the zoo is possible every day from 10 to 20 pm. On weekends, costumed performances and light shows with the participation of the best creative teams of the city take place on the central site.
For the smallest visitors, a mini-farm was equipped, where children can learn about the rules for keeping some species of animals and try their hand at caring for them.
Tophane Park
Tophane Park
Tophane Park is visited by everyone who comes to see Bursa. The park is located in the center of the city and is its hallmark. On both sides of the entrance, tombs were built in the 14th century, where the remains of Gazi Osman and his son are buried. These historical figures played an important role in the formation of the Ottoman Empire and are revered by the people of Turkey.
Walking along the central alley, you can see a tower with an old clock and several cannons installed here in memory of various military events. Climbing to the observation deck, tourists have a picturesque view of the city and its surroundings. According to popular legend, lovers who go up to the site will be happily married.
At the bottom of the park are cafes, shops and bars. At night, a stormy life is in full swing here, enveloped in a special atmosphere.
Village Cumalıkızık
If you want to feel the true spirit of antiquity, then you should go to the village, which is 10 kilometers from Bursa. This is the only settlement in Turkey that has retained its flavor to this day.
Twisted streets paved with cobblestones, miniature houses built in the Ottoman style, forged elements of facades - all this, combined with a peaceful nature, makes an indelible impression.
There is a museum in the village, where archaeological items from this area are kept. Also in Cumalıkızık you can buy original ceramic and clay souvenirs.
