BURSA & ULUDAĞ
Bursa & Uludağ is a spectacular combination of Ottoman imperial history and rugged natural grandeur. It serves as a bridge between the past, with its stunning mosques and bazaars, and the vibrant present.
This single region, centered around Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, and the magnificent Uludağ Mountain, offers a blend of serene alpine landscapes and a rich, deeply rooted cultural heritage.
Most Popular Attractions
Bursa City Core & Historic Sites:
Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque): A spectacular early Ottoman mosque known for its twenty domes and impressive calligraphy.
Yesil Cami (Green Mosque): A beautiful mosque famous for its intricate tilework and marble carvings, representing early Ottoman architecture.
Yesil Türbe (Green Tomb): The richly decorated mausoleum of Sultan Mehmed I, adjacent to the Green Mosque.
Koza Han: A historic silk bazaar and caravanserai, still a bustling center for silk and textile trade today.
Muradiye Complex: A peaceful area featuring the mosque and tombs of several early Ottoman sultans and their families.
Bursa Citadel (Tophane): The original walled city, offering panoramic views and housing the tombs of the Ottoman Empire’s founders, Osman and Orhan Gazi.
Orhan Gazi Mosque: An early mosque built by the second Ottoman sultan.
Bursa Archeology Museum: Houses artifacts dating back to the prehistoric and Roman eras of the region.
Bursa City Museum: Dedicated to the city’s history, culture, and social life.
Emir Sultan Mosque: A picturesque mosque and complex named after a respected scholar, known for its location and views.
Bursa Bazaars & Culture:
Covered Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı): A historic market area connected to Koza Han, offering a wide array of goods, from spices to jewelry.
Irgandı Bridge: A unique historic bridge that features a bazaar with shops built into its structure.
Hacı İvaz Paşa Mosque: A lesser-known but architecturally significant early Ottoman mosque.
Karagöz Museum: Dedicated to the traditional Turkish shadow puppet play, a cultural icon of Bursa.
Cumalıkızık Village: A wonderfully preserved Ottoman village near Bursa, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its colorful historic houses.
Uludağ Mountain & Natural Sites:
Uludağ National Park: The primary attraction, known for its diverse flora and fauna, and serving as a major winter sports center.
Uludağ Ski Center: A popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, with numerous slopes and facilities.
Bursa Teleferik (Cable Car): One of the world’s longest cable car rides, ascending to Uludağ and offering incredible views of Bursa and the surrounding nature.
Cennet Tepe (Heaven Hill): A viewpoint on Uludağ offering stunning vistas, especially during sunset.
Softaboğan Waterfall: A small, scenic waterfall accessible via a hike on the mountain slopes.
Oylat Cave and Thermal Springs: A complex featuring a large cave system and famous hot springs known for their therapeutic properties, a short drive from Bursa.
Tofaş Bursa Anadolu Arabaları Museum: A museum showcasing the history of the Turkish-made automobile.
Activities & Experiences
Ride the Bursa Teleferik (Cable Car): Take the world’s longest single-rope cable car from Bursa up the mountain, offering spectacular, panoramic views of the city and nature.
Ski or Snowboard on Uludağ: Experience Turkey’s premier winter sports center with slopes catering to all skill levels, from beginner to advanced.
Explore the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami): Marvel at the stunning calligraphy inside this early Ottoman architectural masterpiece, which features twenty domes.
Visit the Green Mosque (Yeşil Camii) and Green Tomb (Yeşil Türbe): Discover these iconic Ottoman monuments, famous for their exquisite turquoise and blue-green tile work.
Wander through the Koza Han (Silk Market): Shop for high-quality silk products, textiles, and souvenirs in this historic 15th-century caravanserai, once a key stop on the Silk Road.
Hike in Uludağ National Park: In spring and summer, enjoy the vast network of trails, explore glacier lakes, and find scenic picnic spots in the “Great Mountain” National Park.
Savor Iskender Kebap: Taste the signature dish of Bursa, a delicious combination of thinly sliced döner meat, pide bread, tomato sauce, yogurt, and hot melted butter, at an authentic local spot.
Step Back in Time at Cumalıkızık Village: Explore this well-preserved Ottoman village, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its unique wooden houses and cobblestone streets.
Relax in the Thermal Baths: Unwind in the city’s famous hot springs, particularly in the Çekirge district, which has been known for its therapeutic waters since Byzantine times.
Visit the Historical Plane Tree (İnkaya Çınarı): See this massive, ancient sycamore tree, one of the oldest and largest in Turkey, often a scenic stop on the way up to Uludağ.
Take an ATV/Quad Bike Safari: Enjoy an adrenaline-pumping off-road adventure through the forested lower slopes and valleys of Uludağ Mountain.
Discover the Muradiye Complex: Visit the peaceful and beautifully preserved tombs, mosque, and medrese (theological school) of the second Ottoman capital’s founding period.
Local Tips & Transport
The Cable Car is Key for Uludağ: The Bursa Teleferik is the most popular, fastest, and most scenic way to reach Uludağ Mountain. It’s a tourist attraction in itself, but also an essential transport link to the mountain resorts.
Public Transport in Bursa: The city is served by an efficient system run by Burulaş, including the BursaRay metro system and an extensive network of municipal buses and tram lines (T1, T2, T3). For most users, getting a BursaKart (public transport card) is the easiest way to pay fares.
Dolmuş (Minibus): For reaching smaller neighborhoods, narrow streets, or areas not covered by the main metro/bus lines, the dolmuş (shared taxi/minibus) offers a quick and affordable option. They operate on fixed routes and you pay the driver directly.
Getting to Uludağ by Road: While the cable car is great, you can also reach the mountain by road via private car, taxi, or shared minibuses (dolmuş or tourist shuttles) that depart from the Tophane area. A car is necessary if you plan to visit multiple points within the sprawling National Park not directly served by the cable car station.
Inter-City Travel: Bursa’s inter-city bus terminal (Otogar) connects it with all major cities in Turkey. The T2 tram line connects the Otogar to the city center. Sea buses (ferries like BUDO and İDO) from the nearby Mudanya port offer a scenic alternative to land travel for reaching Istanbul.
Ottoman Heritage: Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire (before Edirne and Istanbul), which means it is rich with the tombs, mosques, and architectural complexes of the earliest Sultans. Take time to appreciate the founders’ history, particularly in the Muradiye and Tophane districts.
Cuisine is a Highlight: Be sure to try İskender Kebap at one of the city’s historic restaurants—it’s a local point of pride. Other must-try flavors include local chestnuts (kestane şekeri) and the fresh local milk products from Uludağ’s pastures.
The Silk Road Legacy: Bursa’s history is inextricably linked to the Silk Road. Visit the Koza Han not just for shopping but to soak in the atmosphere of a historic trading hub. You can still see old-style silk weaving workshops in the surrounding area.
Uludağ is a Year-Round Destination: While famed for winter sports (generally December to March), Uludağ is also a popular summer escape, offering a cool climate, hiking, and camping. Be prepared for crowds during the peak winter ski season.
Turkish Hospitality: As is true throughout Turkey, locals are generally welcoming and eager to help. Learning a few basic Turkish phrases like Merhaba (hello), Teşekkür ederim (thank you), and Lütfen (please) will be greatly appreciated.
Hidden Gems:
- Tofaş Museum of Anatolian Cars: A fascinating collection of historical carts, carriages, and automobiles in a beautifully restored Ottoman bathhouse.
- Gölyazı: A picturesque village on a small peninsula in Lake Uluabat, known for its old Greek houses and the Ağlayan Çınar (Weeping Plane Tree).
- Irgandı Bridge: A unique, historic Ottoman bridge that is also a market with small shops and craft workshops built into it (one of only four such bridges in the world).
- Saltanat Kapısı (Sultan’s Gate): One of the main gates of the old city walls near the Tophane Clock Tower, offering great views over the modern city.
Top Restaurants
Uludağ Kebapçısı Cemal & Cemil Usta [$15-$30] – The original, highly-acclaimed creator of the famous İskender Kebab (döner kebab served over pita, topped with tomato sauce, brown butter, and a dollop of yogurt). This location offers an authentic, classic experience.
Kayhan Köftecisi [$10-$20] – A long-standing, no-frills local spot, highly favored for its Pideli Köfte (meatballs served over pita bread with a rich sauce and butter), a local specialty. Located in the historic Kayhan district.
Yesil Izgara Pideli Kofte [$10-$20] – Another authentic and beloved eatery on Kayhan Street specializing in Pideli Köfte. It’s a casual spot known for its consistent quality and traditional setting.
Hayat Lokantası [$10-$25] – A classic Turkish lokanta (tradesmen’s restaurant) near the city center, known for its wide variety of pre-cooked, home-style Ottoman and Turkish dishes (), perfect for a quick, hearty, and authentic meal.
Hacı Dayı Pidecioğlu [$10-$20] – A local favorite in the Kayhan district known for its delicious and well-made pide (Turkish flatbread with various toppings, similar to pizza), including the classic kuşbaşılı pide.
Tabak Ev Yemekleri [$10-$20] – A charming, small local place focused purely on traditional homemade Turkish meals (ev yemekleri), offering a constantly changing menu of fresh, comforting dishes.
Köfteci Yusuf [$10-$20] – A massive local chain, but extremely popular with Turks and renowned for its high-quality, juicy köfte (grilled meatballs), along with a variety of other grilled meats. Excellent value.
Baycan Beyin Meşhur Kahvesi [$15-$25] – A charming and traditional spot known for its rich culinary experience, offering classic Turkish dishes and a welcoming, inviting atmosphere.
Tavacı Refik [$20-$35] – Popular among locals, especially travelers, for its specialty: sac tava (a type of stir-fried meat dish cooked in a large metal pan), offering a delicious and rustic meal.
Uludağ Zirve Tesisleri Restaurant [$20-$40] – Located near the summit of Uludağ Mountain, this restaurant offers delightful Turkish cuisine and amazing panoramic views of Uludağ National Park.
Kaya Uludağ Restaurant [$30-$50] – Situated within one of the major mountain hotels, it provides a warm, cozy mountain dining experience with a focus on hearty Turkish cuisine, ideal after a day on the slopes or hiking.
Zennup 1844 [$30-$60] – A highly-regarded restaurant that elevates traditional Ottoman and Turkish cuisine with modern techniques and beautiful presentation. Known for its sophisticated atmosphere and rich, historical flavors.
İsmail Alsat [$25-$45] – Popular among Turkish locals and less known to foreign tourists, this Nilüfer district restaurant is known for its high-quality meat dishes, steaks, and a modern approach to Turkish grilling.
Kebabçı Tamer [$20-$40] – While traditional in its core focus on grilled meat dishes, this establishment is recognized for its refined setting and attention to detail, a step up from typical kebab houses.
Uzan Et Mangal [$25-$45] – A popular, family-friendly spot known as a meat-lover’s paradise, offering excellent grilled meats, juicy steaks, and traditional Turkish barbecue (mangal) in a simple yet comfortable setting.
Chalet 1889 [$40-$70] – Located in Swissôtel Uludağ, this exclusive dinner restaurant offers an inspired menu that blends international cuisine with a strong Turkish influence in a luxurious, Swiss-designed chalet setting.
The Quarter [$30-$50] – The signature restaurant at Swissôtel Uludağ, offering an eclectic mix of Turkish and international cuisine with a focus on sustainable, locally sourced produce in an intimate bistro setting on the mountain.
Nergiz Ev Yemekleri ve Kafeterya [$15-$25] – Though focused on home-style food, this spot often presents its dishes with a slightly more modern café atmosphere than a traditional lokanta. A great place for daily Turkish soups and mains.
Döner Y [$15-$25] – A higher-quality döner kebab and grilled meat spot with fast service and a beautiful setting, often featuring an outdoor area for a more contemporary dining experience.
Pahalı Yeri [$30-$50] – Known for its modern interpretation of Bursa cuisine, offering a creative menu in a stylish environment, popular with a sophisticated local crowd.
Eskibağ Restaurant [$25-$45] – Situated with beautiful views outside the city center, offering traditional Turkish dishes and barbecue in a serene setting, often with a slight modern touch to the presentation.
Da Vittorio Ristorante Italiano [$40-$80] – Widely regarded as one of Bursa’s top dining establishments, offering an authentic, high-end Italian experience using the best local and imported ingredients. (A refined break from Turkish food).
Balcon Restaurant Bursa [$40-$70] – Known for its elevated ambiance and menu, offering a selection of appetizers, meats, and delicious meals, perfect for a refined evening out.
Kitapevi Hotel Restaurant [$40-$70] – Located in a beautifully restored Ottoman-era mansion, this restaurant offers fine dining with a focus on classic Turkish and international cuisine in a very elegant, historic setting.
Podyum Park Restaurants [$40-$80] – The Podyum Park area hosts several upscale dining options, including steakhouses and international cuisine, perfect for a modern, high-end meal in a trendy environment.
Ulusoy Et Lokantası [$50-$90] – Known for its extremely high-quality meats, this is a premium steakhouse experience in the Bursa area, a favorite for special occasions and business dining.
Crowne Plaza Sunrise Restaurant [$60-$100] – Located in the Crowne Plaza hotel, offering a fine dining experience with a blend of international and Turkish cuisine in a sleek, modern setting.
Koza Han Cafés [$5-$15] – Located in the historic silk market, this is not a single restaurant but a collection of courtyard cafés offering traditional Turkish coffee, tea, and simple pastries (lokum), served slowly over coal—a unique and traditional experience.
Setbaşı Köprüsü Çay Bahçesi [$5-$10] – A simple tea garden along the river near the historic Setbaşı Bridge, perfect for a very local, cheap, and atmospheric break with tea or coffee.
Fikret Balıkçılık [$25-$45] – A popular seafood restaurant in the Nilüfer district, serving a variety of fresh fish dishes and mezes (appetizers), a good option if you are “kebap-ed” out.
Karadeniz Balık Evi [$25-$40] – Located in the bazaar area, this fish restaurant specializes in Black Sea region seafood, offering fresh fish and calamari in a less common, local environment.
Cumalıkızık Village Restaurants [$15-$30] – The historic Ottoman village of Cumalıkızık is famous for its traditional village breakfast and lunch spots, offering an abundance of local cheeses, jams, bread, and homemade dishes in a unique, historic setting.
Dababa Pizzeria [$15-$25] – A popular non-Turkish option for a casual meal, known for serving quality pizzas and Italian fare in a relaxed setting.
Doyum Köfte Salonu [$10-$20] – A highly recommended, no-frills, purely local establishment focusing on just one thing: excellent, traditional grilled meatballs (köfte), a truly authentic street food experience.
Tarihi Çınaraltı Restaurant [$15-$30] – Located in a historical area, this spot offers traditional Turkish food under the shade of ancient plane trees, providing a very pleasant and picturesque atmosphere.
Uludağ Sokak Lezzetleri (Street Food) [$5-$15] – Not a restaurant, but the street vendors and smaller shops near Kent Meydanı and the bazaars offer quick, delicious Turkish street food favorites like lahmacun, buttered corn, and simit.
Bülent Börekçilik [$5-$15] – A popular chain for a quick, cheap, and delicious breakfast or snack, specializing in flaky, crispy Turkish pastries (börek) with various fillings, particularly cheese.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Kat 3 (Üçüncü Kat): Located in the Nilüfer district (specifically in the Magazin Outlet Center area), this vibrant nightlife spot is known for a spacious interior, well-stocked bar, and an energetic atmosphere, often hosting karaoke nights that attract a lively crowd.
Bongo Bar: One of Bursa’s older and more established entertainment venues, centrally located for easy access. It offers a mix of modern and classic pop music, attentive staff, and a decent sound system, appealing to a diverse crowd.
High Out Dart Club: Found in the central Bursa area, this popular spot combines the fun of darts with an excellent pub atmosphere. It frequently hosts talented live musicians and is known for its friendly service and cost-effective drinks and snacks.
Podyum Park Restaurants & Cafés: While primarily an open-air shopping and entertainment complex in Nilüfer, the numerous high-end cafés, restaurants, and bars within the park offer sophisticated settings for evening drinks, often with outdoor seating and a lively, youthful atmosphere.
Adres Bar: A cozy spot in the city center or a well-known entertainment area (like Nilüfer), often recommended by locals for its warm atmosphere and good selection of drinks, acting as a great place to start the evening.
Cheers Bar: Situated in a central or bustling area of Bursa, it’s a casual, unpretentious pub known for its friendly service, reasonable prices, and a mix of music, perfect for a relaxed night out.
Cadde Üstü (Nilüfer): A general area in Nilüfer known for its concentration of cafes and pubs, many of which serve mixed drinks and local beverages in a street-level, lively setting.
Club Altın Ceylan: Located within the Kültürpark area of Bursa, this venue often hosts events and has bar sections that offer a more upscale experience for evening drinks and socialization.
Beer’s Pub: A popular spot for beer enthusiasts in Bursa (often found near central Nilüfer or Osmangazi areas) offering a wide variety of domestic and imported draft and bottled beers, along with a laid-back pub environment.
Nicoleta Bistro & Bar: Located in a more modern area of Bursa (likely Nilüfer), this venue offers a contemporary bistro setting, making it a good spot for evening dining and enjoying a selection of wine and mixed drinks.
Uludağ Hotel Lobby Bars (Various Hotels): During the winter season, the large hotels on Uludağ Mountain (like Swissôtel Uludağ, Karinna Hotel) feature sophisticated lobby lounges or dedicated bars (e.g., Swissotel’s The Quarter or Lobby Lounge) that serve cocktails, wine, and spirits in a cozy, après-ski atmosphere, often with fireplaces and mountain views.
After-Ski Huts/Cafes (Uludağ Ski Center): Right at the base of the slopes in Uludağ, some cafes, such as the famous Beceren Café, transform in the late afternoon into lively spots for après-ski drinks, often serving popular drinks like mulled wine (Şarap).
Olimpiyat Pub: A well-known pub in the city center of Bursa, offering a traditional pub environment with a focus on local and international beers and spirits, often attracting a student and local crowd.
Coffee Bar (Uludağ – Swissôtel): Located in the Swissôtel Uludağ Bursa, this upscale spot provides a chic setting for both coffee and cocktails, with a modern design that brings in the mountain’s natural feel.
Hayal Kahvesi Bursa (Podyum Park): A chain venue popular in Turkey, located in Podyum Park, known for hosting live music performances and offering a wide selection of drinks in a large, professionally managed bar setting.