The Best Things to See and Do in Bursa, Turkey

Very different from the previous architecture that had its roots in the Seljuk aesthetic, the Yeşil Cami was built between 1412 and 1419 for Mehmet I. Named after the green hues of its interior tiles, the beautiful structure is bedecked in intricate carved marble and calligraphy.

Yeşil Cami, Yeşil Mh., 16360 Yıldırım/Bursa, Turkey

Due to the Muradiye complex’s park and historic cemetery, it’s one of the city’s most serene places to wander about. The Sultan Murat II Mosque, built in 1426, is also part of the complex and impresses with its decorations that are similar to the Yeşil Cami.

Muradiye Complex, Emek Adnan Menderes, 2. Murat Sk. No:33, 16150 Osmangazi/Bursa, Turkey

Certainly one of Bursa’s most important historic structures, the Ulu Cami is as large as it is valuable. The mosque, constructed in 1399 with a Seljuk style, has 20 small domes and two huge minarets. The structure’s intricate wood carvings and calligraphy are also quite impressive, as are the square pillars and portals.

Uli Cami, Nalbantoğlu Mah Atatürk Cad., 16010 Osmangazi/Bursa, Turkey, +90 224 221 04 67

Bayezid II commissioned this historic caravanserai, built in the 15th century. It was known for its sale of silk cocoons, from which it got its name, since “koza” translates to cocoon. Back in the day, the downstairs rooms were used as a depot for goods, while upstairs is where the merchants could spend the night before they made their way back to work.

Koza Han, Osmangazi Mahallesi, Uzunçarsı Cd., 16010 Osmangazi/Bursa, Turkey

A village located around 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from Bursa’s city center, Cumalıkızık goes back to the Ottoman Empire with a well-protected historical texture. Visitors can walk around on historic cobblestone streets to see 270 Ottoman-era houses all around, which still have the original wrought iron door handles and knockers, as well as a historic mosque.

Cumalıkızık, 16370 Yıldırım/Bursa, Turkey

Only a few defensive walls remain of the historic Bursa Citadel, which demarcates the city’s oldest neighborhood, Tophane. Make sure to see the 60-story high Tophane clock tower as well as the tombs of Sultans Osman and Orhan, the founders of the Ottoman Empire.

Bursa Hisarı, Kavaklı Mahallesi, Ortapazar Cd. No:1, 16040 Osmangazi/Bursa, Turkey

No mention of Bursa would be complete without talking about Uludağ, one of Turkey’s most famous mountains and ski resorts. In the winter, people from all over Turkey come here to do their skiing.

Uludağ, Soğukpınar Mahallesi, 16370 Osmangazi/Bursa, Turkey

The Irgandı Bridge, built in 1442 during the reign of Murat II, is a stunning and rare sight because it’s a single arch bridge that has a bazaar on top. Renovated with a lovely yellow color that really soaks up the sun’s complementary hues, the bridge is a must-see while in Bursa.

Irgandı Köprüsü, Kurtoğlu Mahallesi, Gökdere Blv. No:14, 16360 Yıldırım/Bursa, Turkey

The mausoleum of Ottoman Sultan Mehmed I is a truly stunning construction covered in dark turquoise tiles. Inside, the Iznik tiles with their signature patterns continue to impress, as well as the carved wooden doors and ornately decorated scriptures.

Yeşil Türbe, Yeşil Mahallesi, 1. Yeşil Cd. 66-1, 16360 Yıldırım/Bursa, Turkey