Bursa, where the silk was born in Turkey
Turkey is a beautiful country to explore and discover. Each zone has its own characteristics, food, and culture that make it very different from the others and worth exploring.
On the nearby areas around Istanbul, there are several cities that are unique and worth a trip for one or more days.
Bursa is located 237km from Istanbul and is the fourth largest city in Turkey.
With around three million inhabitants is one of the most culturally and industrially developed cities. It was the first city of the Ottoman Empire and was the center of trade in silk and species.
Bursa is a city worth visiting for more than a day, as there are a variety of attractions to see. With intricate cobbled streets in the old town makes it worth a visit and walk through them and sit and watch the people go by (one of my favorite hobbies).
It is called the green city, as it is surrounded by parks and hills.
At the top of one of them, there is a ski resort which can be accessed on the same bus you can take at the arrival place of the ferry from Istanbul.
What to do in Bursa
In the city center, you will find most of the touristic attractions of Bursa.
The “Grand Mosque” or Ulu Cami Osmangazi that comes from the time of the Ottoman Empire. Located within walking distance of historic Bazaar and Silk Market “Koza Han“.
Visiting Bursa and the Silk Market
One of the must see on your visit to Bursa is the Covered Market.
Including the Antique Market ( Bedesten ) and the Silk Market ( Koza Han) in the same area, if you like scarves and accessories prepare yourself to bargain and buy some very beautiful pieces for great prices!
Nearby the Silk Market is the old part of the city, which is one of the most beautiful areas in Bursa.
You will find the Green Mosque and the Green Tomb in this area.
The gastronomic scene doesn’t include too many options, but in Bursa, I found one of my favorites Turkish dishes: Iskender Kebab. It’s a delicious dish, especially for meat lovers.
Combining thin slices of lamb, together with yogurt, barbecued chilies, tomatoes, and onion. Very simple, but unique and delicious flavor!
The best restaurant it’s right inside the Silk Market, called Iskender.
If you love Turkish Food Check Here about my Favorites!
Directions to get to Bursa from Istanbul
Take the ferry from Kabatas, it cost 22LT
A good idea is to departure at 8:30 to take advantage of the day.
* Keep in mind that Ferry’s don’t leave late!
If you go from Taksim you can take the funicular up to Mudanya Kabatas Iskelesi
The trip is beautiful, going along the bay with beautiful views. It takes 1:30 to get to Bursa from Istanbul.
When arriving Bursa, there is a bus right outside the ferry station. The ticket is 7LT and you can buy it at the office that is just outside the ferry.
I recommend you to buy your round-trip ticket because then you could no longer find where to buy it in the city.
There is also a card for public transport in Bursa if you’re going more than once you should buy it.
Bursa city center is close to the Metro station Ulucami
This same bus arrives at its final stop at the cable car station, from where you can see the whole area from the viewpoint that is at the top.
To take the ferry back to Istanbul, if you go from the city center of Bursa, take the Metro to Mudanya station.
Get out at exit M1 and wait for the bus that will take you to the ferry stop.
We took the subway to get to the bus at 18:20 and we took the bus at 19:00.
The last ferry leaves at 20:30 back to Istanbul.
If you want to explore more Markets in Istanbul, here you’ll find all my favorites.
Bursa looks like a laid back city devoid from the throngs of tourists that congregate in Istanbul – definitely up my alley!
Very special topic and useful information, Thank you very much!
Bursa is a very impressive city and it’s the second most important city after Istanbul. The city has more wonderful trips, where you can enjoy the cable car and Mount Uludag, so you can see the city from the top of the mountain, which is very fun!
You’ll also see the historic tree called Genjark, a very old tree on your way up the mountain of Uludag.
During the trip to Bursa, you can also visit the Great Mosque, the largest in the city which has 20 domes!
Really, Bursa is one of the most beautiful cities not only in Turkey but also in the whole world.