Bursa Tourism: Uludağ, Cable Car & Top Hotels
Bursa, the first Ottoman capital, with a mountain reachable by cable car.
Bursa, the fourth largest city in Turkey and the first capital of the Ottoman State, located south of the Sea of Marmara about 155 kilometers from Istanbul.
What makes Bursa unique is that it blends three things in one city: an early Ottoman era with its mosques, tombs, and covered market; a mountain reachable by cable car with snow in winter; and natural hot springs making it a spa town for centuries.
It's the best known day trip from Istanbul, but it deserves an overnight stay. Those who visit in one day spend half on the road and leave with a diminished impression.
Famous sights of Bursa
Bursa’s famous sights are Uludağ Mountain and the cable car up to it, the Great Mosque, the Green Mosque, and the Gomali Kizik village.
Uludağ Mountain is the primary reason to visit: a long cable car from the city to the highlands with several stops, and from the top there are forests, trails, and restaurants. In winter it becomes a ski resort, and in summer a retreat from the heat among the trees.
The Great Mosque is among the most important early Ottoman buildings, featuring an inner fountain and large Arabic inscriptions on the walls. Nearby is the covered bazaar and the Silk Bazaar where silk trade flourished in old times. The Green Mosque and Green Tomb are known for their decorative tiles.
On the city outskirts lies the Gomali Kizik village, an Ottoman village preserved with its colorful houses and stone streets, inscribed on the World Heritage list. A half-day visit is worthwhile.
Bursa Hotels: Where to Stay and Which Area to Choose
Staying in Bursa offers three options: the city center near the mosques and the market, the Çekirge area for thermal baths, and the mountain hotels on Uludağ.
The city center puts you within walking distance of the Grand Mosque, the Covered Market, and the cable car station, and is the smarter choice for a first visit or for a one-night or two-night stay.
Çekirge is the hot springs neighborhood, and its hotels sit atop the thermal waters, suiting those who come to relax rather than wander. Uludağ hotels are inside the mountain and fit ski season, but they are far from the city and its services.
Bursa Weather and Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Bursa is April to June and September to October; while the snow season on Uludağ is December to March.
The gap between the city and the mountain is large: the city may be mild while the mountain is ten degrees or more colder. Bring a jacket even in summer if you plan to ride the cable car.
Winter is Bursa's peak season among Gulf visitors due to snow, and weekend crowds are heavy on the cable car and mountain hotels. Those seeking snow without crowds should choose weekdays rather than weekends.
Getting to Bursa
A little tip: reaching İzmir Airport is a much cheaper option for large families, as it's about 3 hours by car from Bursa.
Bursa has an airport in Yenişehir, but flights are domestic, and most visitors arrive by road from Istanbul, or from Izmir, where Izmir is 3 hours by car from Bursa, via a fast road serviced by several stops; the alternative is a ferry across the Sea of Marmara followed by a short road journey.
Cost of travel to Bursa and how many days are enough
Two nights is the suitable duration. One day from Istanbul is possible but won't cover the mountain and the Ottoman village together.
The biggest item in a day trip is the road itself: five hours round trip from Istanbul. An overnight stay turns the trip from a sprint into a visit. Inside the city, costs are low and walking covers most sights.
Where is Bursa located?
South of the Sea of Marmara in northwestern Turkey, about 155 kilometers from Istanbul.
How far is Bursa from Istanbul?
About 155 kilometers, about two and a half hours by car via the suspension bridge.
How many days are enough to visit Bursa?
Two nights are the suitable duration. One day from Istanbul is possible but won't cover the mountain and the Ottoman village together.
When is the best time to visit Bursa?
April to June and September to October for the city, and December to March for snow and skiing in Uludağ.
Is there snow in Bursa?
Yes, on Uludağ from December to March usually, while the city itself may not get snow all winter.
How do I get up Uludağ?
By cable car from the city in about 40 minutes via several stops, or by car in about 45 minutes on a mountain road.
What is Gomali Kizik Village?
An Ottoman village preserved on Bursa's edge with its colorful houses and stone streets, listed as World Heritage.