Eskisehir is a city in the province of Eskisehir, located in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey. It lies in the northwest part of Central Anatolia, situated inland on the Porsuk River. Eskisehir is a significant urban center known for its industrial economy, university population, and cultural sites. The city features a continental climate and serves as a transport hub connecting western and central Turkey.
Eskisehir Overview
Location: Northwest Central Anatolia, approximately 330 km west of Ankara
Primary features: University city, Porsuk River, industrial economy, cultural museums
Time needed: 2–3 days (1 day minimum for central attractions)
Best season: April-June (spring), September-October (autumn)
Cost level: Low to medium compared to major Turkish cities
Tourism profile: Cultural tourism, urban sightseeing, educational visits
Why Visit Eskisehir
Historical significance: Hittite and Phrygian archaeological sites nearby, Ottoman architecture within city
Natural features: Porsuk River and its canals, parks such as Sazova Park
Cuisine characteristics: Local Turkish cuisine including ciger (liver), various Anatolian dishes
Geographic location: Inland Central Anatolia providing access to different Turkish regions via road and rail
Best Time to Visit
Eskisehir has a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. The best time to visit is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when temperatures are moderate and rainfall is lower. Winters can be cold with occasional snow, while summers can be hot and dry. Tourist crowds are moderate during off-peak seasons and slightly higher in spring and autumn.
Season
Months
Typical Weather
Crowd Levels
Spring
April – June
Mild temperatures, occasional rain
Moderate
Summer
July – August
Hot and dry
Low to moderate
Autumn
September – October
Mild temperatures and low humidity
Moderate
Winter
November – March
Cold, snow likely
Low
How to Get There
Eskisehir is accessible via several transport modes from major Turkish cities. It is a major railway junction and connected by highway. The city does not have its own airport; the nearest airports are in Ankara and Istanbul.
By train: Regular trains connect Eskisehir with Ankara, Istanbul, and Izmir
By bus: Intercity buses serve Eskisehir from all major cities
By car: Connected by the D200 and TEM highways
Nearest airports: Ankara Esenboğa Airport (~230 km), Istanbul airports (~330 km)
From Istanbul
By train: High-speed train takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours
By bus: Intercity bus travel time approximately 5 to 6 hours
By car: Driving distance approximately 330 km, about 4 to 4.5 hours
Flight: No direct flights; nearest airports require ground or train transfer
From Izmir
By train: No direct high-speed trains; regional train connections with transfers; total time 6 to 7 hours
By bus: Direct bus services taking approximately 5 to 6 hours
By car: Driving distance approximately 330 km, about 4 to 4.5 hours
Flight: No direct flights to Eskisehir, airport transfer needed
From Antalya
By bus: Direct bus available, travel time approximately 9 to 11 hours
By car: Driving distance approximately 600 km, about 8 to 9 hours
Flight: No direct flights; requires connection via Ankara or Istanbul plus ground transport
Train: No direct train connection; combination of bus and train required
From Ankara
By train: High-speed train travel time approximately 1 hour
By bus: Regular buses available, travel time about 1.5 to 2 hours
By car: Driving distance approximately 230 km, about 2.5 hours
Flight: Not necessary due to proximity and transport options
Getting Around In Eskisehir
Public transportation: City buses and trams operate within Eskisehir
Walkability: Central Eskisehir is walkable with pedestrian-friendly streets near Porsuk River
Distances: Major attractions are within 2 to 5 kilometers of each other in the city center
Taxi services: Widely available for short and medium distances
Bicycle rentals: Available, popular for local transit especially near parks and the river
Top Attractions in Eskisehir
Porsuk River and Canals
A river running through Eskisehir with artificial canals on the riverbanks. A natural feature combined with urban development, suitable for walking, boat rides, and dining. Average visit duration: 1 to 2 hours.
Odunpazarı Historic District
Traditional Ottoman architectural district with restored wooden houses and narrow streets. A cultural and historical site. Average visit duration: 2 to 3 hours.
Sazova Science, Art and Culture Park
A large urban park featuring science museums, an artificial castle, and playgrounds. A recreational and educational site. Average visit duration: 2 to 4 hours.
Eskisehir Archaeology and Ethnography Museum
Museum exhibiting artifacts from the region’s history, including Hittite and Phrygian periods. An educational attraction. Average visit duration: 1 to 2 hours.
Balloon Museum
Museum dedicated to the history of balloon flight in Eskisehir. A niche museum for aviation and transport history. Average visit duration: 1 hour.
Experiences and Activities
Walking tour of Odunpazarı district to observe Ottoman-era architecture – Odunpazarı Modern Museum designed by Kengo Kuma has become a global architectural landmark
Boat ride on Porsuk River canals
Visiting Sazova Park including the science center and artificial castle
Cultural visits to Eskisehir Archaeology and Ethnography Museum
Sampling Anatolian cuisine in city center restaurants
Eating authentic Çibörek(Çiğ Börek) (a deep-fried turnover filled with ground meat and onions, brought by the Crimean Tatar population) in the Odunpazarı district.
Suggested Eskisehir Visit Duration
A minimum of one full day allows for central sightseeing such as Odunpazarı district and Porsuk River. Two to three days are recommended to include parks, museums, and surrounding attractions. Half-day visits are possible but limited to a few key sites.
Nearby Destinations
Bursa – approximately 150 km northwest, 2.5 to 3 hours by car
Ankara – approximately 230 km east, 2 to 3 hours by high-speed train
Afyonkarahisar – approximately 130 km southeast, 1.5 to 2 hours by car
Konya – approximately 230 km south, 3 to 4 hours by car or bus
Practical Information
Category
Details
Climate
Continental climate with cold winters, hot summers, spring and autumn are mild
Seasonality notes
Spring and autumn have moderate weather; winter may involve snow and cold temperatures
Crowd levels
Moderate in spring and autumn, low in winter and summer
Constraints or limitations
No airport in city; limited direct flights, cold winters may impact outdoor activities
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of travelers visit Eskisehir?
Travelers interested in cultural tourism, university city atmosphere, and historical sites visit Eskisehir. It attracts those who prefer urban sightseeing and moderate climates with less crowded environments. Educational and cultural groups frequently visit due to the city’s universities and museums.
How many days are needed to visit Eskisehir?
One full day allows visiting main sites like Odunpazarı and Porsuk River. Two to three days are recommended to include museums, parks, and nearby historic sites. Shorter visits limit experiences to central locations.
Is Eskisehir safe for travelers?
Eskisehir is generally safe for travelers with standard precautions. Normal urban security considerations apply. Public transportation and pedestrian areas are commonly used with no unusual risks reported.
What is the best season to visit Eskisehir?
The best seasons are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) due to moderate temperature and lower rainfall. Winter is cold with possible snow, and summer is hot and dry, which may limit outdoor activities.
Written by James Murphy
James is an adventure traveler from the UK. He trekked the Lycian Way and explored the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. His articles focus on outdoor adventures, hiking trails, and off-the-beaten-path experiences in Turkey.
