The Best Things To See And Do In Bursa Turkey

The former capital of the Ottoman Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bursa has a ton to explore when it comes to historic structures. From stunning imperial mosques to the city’s old town with some of the best preserved Ottoman-era houses, check out our list of Bursa’s best sights.

Yeşil Cami

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

Ulu Cami

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

Koza Han

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

Cumalıkızık

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

Bursa Hisarı

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

Uludağ

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

Irgandı Köprüsü

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

Yeşil Türbe

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

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.