Overview
Bursa, at the foot of Uludağ, was the capital of the Ottoman state in the 14th century, before the court moved to Edirne and later to Istanbul. Its old centre holds the early imperial mosques and tombs, among them the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), completed in 1399, and the Green Mosque (Yeşil Cami) and tomb, with their blue-green İznik tiles, from the early 15th century. Bursa and the nearby village of Cumalıkızık form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Beside the mosques, the historic bazaars and hans, including the Koza Han, built for the silk trade, are still busy. Bursa is famous for İskender kebab, for chestnut candy and for its thermal baths. A cable car climbs through the forest to Uludağ, and the city is easy to reach from Istanbul by ferry and road. It is a good one-day trip or a base for a longer stay.
Highlights
- The Grand Mosque and the Green Mosque
- The Koza Han and the silk bazaar
- İskender kebab and chestnut candy
- The cable car to Uludağ
Best time to visit
April to October is the best time, with warm days. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable. Winter is cool, and Uludağ draws skiers. The mosques close to visitors at prayer times.
- JanJanuary: Not ideal
- FebFebruary: Not ideal
- MarMarch: Good
- AprApril: Best
- MayMay: Best
- JunJune: Good
- JulJuly: Not ideal
- AugAugust: Not ideal
- SepSeptember: Best
- OctOctober: Best
- NovNovember: Good
- DecDecember: Not ideal
● Best · ○ Good · blank: not ideal. Conditions vary by year, so check local forecasts and access before you go.
Getting there
Fly to Istanbul (IST), then take a bus or a ferry and bus to Bursa, about 2.5 hours. The city is also reached by ferry from Yenikapı to Mudanya. Taxis and local buses link the main sights, and the metro serves some areas.
What to expect
The old centre is compact, and the main sights are within walking distance of each other. Dress modestly in mosques, with shoulders and knees covered, and women with headscarves. Allow a full day.
Practical tips
- Dress modestly for the mosques, and check prayer times.
- Try İskender kebab in its home city, and a chestnut candy.
- Visit the Koza Han in the morning for tea in the courtyard.
- Combine with Uludağ or Cumalıkızık if you have time.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Bursa important?
It was the first major capital of the Ottoman Empire, and its early mosques and tombs are among the finest.
What is İskender kebab?
Sliced döner on pide with tomato sauce, yogurt and melted butter, a dish that originated in Bursa.
How far is it from Istanbul?
About 2.5 hours by road or by ferry and bus.
Official sources
Rules, fees, permits and conditions change. Check the official pages below before you travel.
- Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (Go Türkiye)
- Republic of Türkiye e-Visa
- UK government travel advice: Turkey
Photos
Last reviewed October 2026. Details are for planning only and can change; confirm access, permits and conditions with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Photography: Sirayeti (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons, Dosseman (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons, Dosseman (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
