Bursa Travel Guide – Attractions, Transport, Best Time to Visit
Last update February 10, 2026
Bursa is a city located in the Marmara Region of Turkey, within Bursa Province. It lies in northwestern Turkey, south of the Sea of Marmara, near the Uludağ mountain. Bursa is recognized for its historical significance as an early Ottoman capital, its natural surroundings, including the Uludağ ski resort, and its culinary specialties. The city combines urban, natural, and cultural elements in a geographically accessible location.
Bursa Overview
- Location: 2 hours south of Istanbul
- Primary features: Ottoman history, Uludağ skiing, İskender kebab
- Time needed: 2-3 days (1 day minimum)
- Best time to visit: Dec-Mar (skiing) or Apr-Jun (sightseeing)
- Cost level: Low to medium compared to major Turkish cities
- Tourism profile: Cultural tourism, winter sports, urban sightseeing
Reasons Travelers Visit Bursa
- Historical significance as first major Ottoman capital with preserved Ottoman architecture
- Location near Uludağ mountain, Turkey’s leading winter sports destination
- Rich culinary tradition including İskender kebab and local thermal baths
- Geographic setting offering urban access to natural landscapes and parks
Best Time to Visit
The best visiting seasons for Bursa depend on activities. Skiing season runs from December to March, with cold temperatures and snow on Uludağ. The spring months of April to June offer mild weather suitable for sightseeing outside winter sports. Summer months can be hot, with less tourist influx. Autumn is cooler but less visited. Peak crowd levels coincide with ski season and spring public holidays.
| Season/Months | Weather | Crowd Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec-Mar) | Cold, snow on Uludağ, suitable for skiing | High during ski season |
| Spring (Apr-Jun) | Mild, moderate rainfall | Moderate |
| Summer (Jul-Sep) | Hot, dry | Low to moderate |
| Autumn (Oct-Nov) | Cooler, occasional rain | Low |
How to Get There
Bursa is accessible via road and sea transport from nearby major cities. The closest major city is Istanbul, approximately 150 kilometers north. Transport options include bus, car, and ferry connections. Bursa does not have a commercial airport; the nearest airports are Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport in Istanbul.
- Road access via highway connections from Istanbul and other cities
- Regular intercity bus services to and from surrounding provinces
- Ferry connections from Istanbul to Bursa’s Mudanya port
From Istanbul
- Car: Approximately 2 hours via O-5 and D575 highways (150 km)
- Bus: Approximate travel time 2.5 to 3 hours from Istanbul bus terminals
- Ferry: From Istanbul Yenikapı or Kabataş to Mudanya (1.5 to 2 hours), plus 30-minute drive to city center
From Izmir
- Car: Approximately 5 hours (330 km) via O-5 highway
- Bus: Direct buses available; travel time around 6 hours
- No direct flights; nearest airports require transfer via Istanbul
From Antalya
- Car: Approximately 7 hours (580 km) via D650 and E90 highways
- Bus: Approximately 8 hours with direct services available
- No direct flights; nearest major airports require transfer
From Ankara
- Car: Approximately 4.5 hours (380 km) via E90 and E89 routes
- Bus: Multiple daily buses available, travel time around 5 hours
- No direct flights; connections usually via Istanbul
Getting Around
- Public buses operate within Bursa city and suburbs
- Minibus and taxi services are widely available
- Walkable city center; most major attractions within 2-3 km radius
- Car rental options for travel to surrounding natural areas and Uludağ
- Uludağ accessible by cable car from city
Top Attractions in Bursa
Ulu Camii (Grand Mosque)
An Ottoman-era mosque constructed in the 14th century, noted for its large size and Indo-Islamic architectural features. It is a historical religious site. Average visit duration: 30-45 minutes.
Green Tomb (Yeşil Türbe)
Mausoleum of Ottoman Sultan Mehmed I constructed in the early 15th century. Its tile work and architecture represent Ottoman design. Type: Historical monument. Average visit duration: 20-30 minutes.
Uludağ National Park
Mountain and ski resort area featuring winter sports, hiking trails, and natural scenery. Type: Natural site. Average visit duration: Half day to full day depending on activities.
Koza Han
Historic caravanserai built during the Ottoman period, used for silk trade. Currently a market and cultural site. Type: Historical commercial building. Average visit duration: 30-60 minutes.
Bursa City Museum
Museum presenting the history, culture, and urban development of Bursa. Type: Museum. Average visit duration: 1-2 hours.
Common Visitor Activities
- Visiting Ottoman architectural sites within the city center
- Skiing and snowboarding on Uludağ during winter months
- Shopping and tasting silk products at Koza Han market
- Sampling traditional Bursa cuisine including İskender kebab
- Hiking in Uludağ National Park during non-winter months
- Exploring museums and cultural centers in the city
Suggested Bursa Visit Duration
A visit to Bursa requires at least one full day to cover main city attractions. Two to three days are recommended to include Uludağ National Park activities such as skiing or hiking, and to explore historical and cultural sites comprehensively. Half-day visits limit options primarily to Ulu Camii and nearby markets.
Nearby Destinations
- Uludağ National Park – 35 km (30-40 minutes drive)
- Mudanya – 25 km (30 minutes drive), ferry port on Sea of Marmara
- Gölyazı – 50 km (1 hour drive), historic lakeside village
- Iznik – 80 km (1.5 hours drive), ancient city with Roman and Byzantine sites
Practical Information
| Climate | Temperate oceanic climate with cold winters (snow on mountains) and hot summers |
|---|---|
| Seasonality Notes | Winter for skiing on Uludağ; spring for sightseeing; summer can be hot and less crowded |
| Crowd Levels | High during ski season and spring holidays; moderate rest of year |
| Constraints or Limitations | No airport in the city; transport connectivity depends on ferries and road; occasional closures on Uludağ in severe weather |
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of travelers visit Bursa?
Bursa attracts cultural travelers interested in Ottoman history, winter sports enthusiasts visiting Uludağ, and food lovers seeking traditional Turkish cuisine like İskender kebab. Visitors who combine nature access with urban exploration also frequent Bursa.
How many days are needed to visit Bursa?
• Minimum 1 day to visit key historical sites in the city center.
• 2-3 days recommended to include Uludağ National Park activities and more cultural visits.
Is Bursa a safe city for travelers?
Bursa is generally safe for travelers, with standard urban precautions advised. Public transport and tourist areas are regularly policed. No unusual safety risks have been reported.
When is the best time to visit Bursa?
The best time depends on the purpose: December to March for skiing and winter sports on Uludağ; April to June for sightseeing in milder weather. Summer is hot and less crowded; autumn has fewer visitors but cooler weather.