General Information about Eskişehir
Eskişehir, located in the northwestern part of Central Anatolia, is a modern and lively city built along the Porsuk River. With a population of around 910,000 (2024 data), it is widely known as a vibrant student city, thanks to Anadolu University and Osmangazi University.
Historically, the city was ruled by civilizations such as the Phrygians, Lydians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans. Known as “Dorylaion” during Roman times, it served as an important trade hub. Today, Eskişehir is considered one of Turkey’s most livable cities, combining historical heritage with modern lifestyle.
The city is world-famous for meerschaum (lületaşı), a mineral unique to Eskişehir used in making pipes and ornaments. Economically, the city is supported by industry, agriculture, tourism, and education. With its riverside parks, gondola rides, and European-style cafés, Eskişehir has gained the nickname “Venice of Anatolia.”
Places to Visit in Eskişehir
- Odunpazarı Houses: Restored Ottoman-era houses filled with art galleries and boutique hotels.
- Odunpazarı Modern Museum (OMM): A significant museum of contemporary art in Turkey.
- Porsuk River & Adalar District: Gondola and boat rides reminiscent of European cities.
- Sazova Science, Culture and Art Park: Featuring a fairy tale castle, pirate ship, and science center.
- Kentpark: Home to Turkey’s first artificial beach.
- Eti Archaeology Museum: Exhibiting artifacts from Hittite, Phrygian, Roman, and Byzantine periods.
- Meerschaum Museum: Dedicated to Eskişehir’s signature stone.
- Şelale Park: A scenic park with panoramic city views.
- Kurşunlu Complex: An Ottoman-era religious and cultural complex.
- Phrygian Valley: Famous for hiking and rock-carved monuments.
- Yazılıkaya (Midas Monument): A monumental rock shrine from the Phrygian period.
Eskişehir Bus Terminal
The Eskişehir Intercity Bus Terminal serves as a key hub between Central and Western Anatolia.
- Large, modern platforms
- Ticket offices of national and regional bus companies
- Comfortable waiting halls
- Restaurants, cafés, and shops
- Frequent minibus services to districts
Travel times: Istanbul–Eskişehir (~5 hours), Ankara–Eskişehir (~3 hours), Bursa–Eskişehir (~2.5 hours), Izmir–Eskişehir (~6 hours).
What to Eat in Eskişehir?
Eskişehir’s cuisine reflects a mix of Anatolian and Balkan migrant traditions.
- Çibörek: A fried pastry stuffed with minced meat, brought by Tatar immigrants.
- Balaban Köfte: Local meatballs served with yogurt, tomato sauce, and butter.
- Met Helva: A soft-textured, unique dessert.
- Poppy Seed Pastry (Haşhaşlı Çörek): Popular in rural areas.
- Kıygaşa: A type of fried bread, often eaten for breakfast.
- Kaşık Helvası: A traditional semolina dessert.
- Gerdek Dessert: A sweet dish traditionally served at weddings.
- Meerschaum Coffee: A unique local presentation of coffee.
How to Get to Eskişehir?
- By Bus: Regular services from Istanbul, Ankara, Bursa, and Izmir.
- By Air:Hasan Polatkan Airport provides limited international flights, mainly to Germany. The nearest major airports are Ankara Esenboğa (~230 km) and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (~320 km).
- By Train: Eskişehir is a central stop on the High-Speed Train (YHT) line, with direct connections to Istanbul, Ankara, and Konya.
- By Car: Istanbul–Eskişehir 320 km (~5 hours), Ankara–Eskişehir 230 km (~3 hours), Bursa–Eskişehir 150 km (~2.5 hours).
Bus Companies Operating in Eskişehir
- Metro Turizm
- Esadaş Turizm
- Anadolu University Tourism Transportation
- Varan Turizm
- Seç Turizm
