General Information about Bursa
Located in northwestern Turkey, Bursa is one of the country’s largest and most historically significant cities. With a population of about 3.2 million (2024 data), it is Turkey’s fourth most populous province. Bursa is often called “Green Bursa” (Yeşil Bursa) because of its parks, gardens, and surrounding forests. It is also one of the most important industrial, cultural, and tourism centers of Turkey.
Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire (1326–1363) and remains a city filled with Ottoman architecture, mosques, tombs, and bazaars. Today, it is equally famous for its automotive industry, textile production, natural hot springs, and ski resorts.
Situated at the foot of Uludağ Mountain, Bursa combines history, culture, and nature. It has also been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its early Ottoman monuments.
Places to Visit in Bursa
- Uludağ Mountain: One of Turkey’s most popular ski resorts in winter and a natural park for trekking and camping in summer.
- Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii): Built in 1399, an iconic Seljuk-style mosque with 20 domes.
- Green Mosque and Green Tomb (Yeşil Cami & Yeşil Türbe): Symbols of Bursa, decorated with exquisite turquoise tiles.
- Cumalıkızık Village: A UNESCO-listed Ottoman village with cobblestone streets and wooden houses.
- Koza Han: An old silk market, reflecting Bursa’s history as a major silk production center.
- Muradiye Complex: Tombs and mosques of Ottoman sultans and princes.
- Oylat Thermal Springs: Healing waters surrounded by forest.
- Irgandı Bridge: A rare example of a bridge with shops built on it.
- Bursa City Museum: Exhibiting the cultural and industrial history of the city.
- Gölyazı Village (Uluabat Lake): A picturesque fishing village with Roman ruins and stunning lake views.
- Iznik (Nicaea): An ancient city famous for its role in Christianity and Ottoman-era Iznik tiles.
Bursa Bus Terminal
Bursa Intercity Bus Terminal (Bursa Otogar) is one of the busiest terminals in Turkey, providing connections to nearly every province.
Facilities include:
- Ticket offices for national and regional bus companies
- Large waiting areas
- Restaurants, cafés, and shops
- Minibus services to districts like Gemlik, Mudanya, İnegöl, and İznik
- Shuttle services to Bursa city center and Uludağ
Travel times: Istanbul–Bursa (~3 hours by ferry + bus), Ankara–Bursa (~5–6 hours), İzmir–Bursa (~4–5 hours).
What to Eat in Bursa?
Bursa is world-famous for its cuisine, especially meat dishes and desserts.
- İskender Kebab: Invented in Bursa, this dish of döner meat over pita bread with tomato sauce, butter, and yogurt is the city’s most iconic food.
- Kestane Şekeri (Candied Chestnuts): A unique Bursa specialty, made from local chestnuts.
- Pideli Köfte: Meatballs served over pita bread with tomato sauce and butter.
- Cantık: A type of local pide with minced meat topping.
- Kemalpaşa Dessert: A syrup-soaked pastry originally from the Kemalpaşa district.
- Milk Desserts (Sütlü Tatlılar): Popular local sweets like sütlaç (rice pudding).
- Fresh Produce & Olives: Grown in the fertile lands around Bursa.
- Inegöl Köfte: Famous meatballs originating from the İnegöl district.
How to Get to Bursa?
- By Bus: Bursa is easily accessible from Istanbul (~3 hours), Ankara (~5–6 hours), and İzmir (~4–5 hours).
- By Air: Bursa Yenişehir Airport (~50 km from the city) offers domestic flights. For international flights, Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport is a convenient alternative (~120 km).
- By Ferry: From Istanbul, ferries to Mudanya and Bandırma provide fast and comfortable access.
- By Train: Bursa is connected to the high-speed train (YHT) via Eskişehir and Ankara.
- By Car: Istanbul–Bursa 155 km (~3 hours), Ankara–Bursa 390 km (~5–6 hours), İzmir–Bursa 330 km (~4–5 hours).
Bus Companies Operating in Bursa
- Metro Turizm
- Pamukkale Turizm
- Varan Turizm
- Balıkesir Uludağ Turizm
- Seç Turizm
- Buzlu Turizm
- Kamil Koç excluded
Local bus firms also provide frequent trips to Uludağ, Mudanya, Gemlik, İnegöl, and İznik.
