Best Bursa Tour: Discover Bursa's Rich History and Culture

2023-07-25

1,286

Table of Contents

Best Sightseeings and Attractions of Bursa City Tour
Top Things to Do in a Bursa Tour
Double your Pleasure by Booking Tours with Safaraq

Best Sightseeings and Attractions of Bursa City Tour

Bursa is a beautiful city in northwest Turkey, located at the foot of Uludag Mountain. It was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and is now known for its historic landmarks, beautiful mosques, hot springs, and beautiful parks. Here are some of the top sights and attractions to include on your Bursa city tour:

Green Mosque (Yesil Camii): The Green Mosque is a beautiful example of early Ottoman architecture. It was built in the 15th century and is famous for its intricate tilework and calligraphy.

Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii): The Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Turkey and was also built in the 15th century. It has a beautiful courtyard and impressive interior decorations.
Bursa Castle: Bursa Castle is an ancient castle built during the Byzantine era. It has been restored and is now a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the castle grounds and take in the panoramic views of the city.
Cumalikizik Village: Cumalikizik is a charming village located on the outskirts of Bursa. It is known for its traditional Ottoman houses and beautiful gardens. Visitors can wander through the narrow streets and sample local delicacies.
Tombs of Osman and Orhan: The tombs of Osman and Orhan, the founders of the Ottoman Empire, are located in Bursa. They are beautiful examples of Ottoman architecture and are considered to be important historical sites.
Thermal Baths: Bursa is known for its hot springs and thermal baths. Visitors can relax and rejuvenate in one of the many traditional Turkish baths located throughout the city.
Bursa City Museum: The Bursa City Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history and culture of Bursa. It has a wide range of exhibits, including artefacts from the Ottoman period, traditional clothing, and handicrafts.
Tombs of Sahabas: Bursa is home to the tombs of several Sahabas (companions of the Prophet Muhammad). These tombs are considered to be important religious sites and are visited by many pilgrims.
Tophane: Tophane is a historic neighbourhood located in the heart of Bursa. It is known for its beautiful Ottoman houses and narrow cobblestone streets.
Uludag National Park: Uludag National Park is located just outside of Bursa and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can hike, bike, and ski in the park and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery.

Get the best deal on Bursa tour from Safaraq.

Top Things to Do in a Bursa Tour

Bursa, Turkey, is a vibrant and culturally rich city, known for its historical landmarks, beautiful architecture, and hot springs. Here are some of the top things to do on a Bursa tour:

Ride the Bursa Teleferik

Riding the Bursa Teleferik (cable car) is a popular activity in Bursa and is considered one of the city's top attractions. The cable car takes you on a scenic ride from the city centre up to Uludag Mountain, offering stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
The Bursa Teleferik is one of the longest cable cars in the world, with a length of 9 kilometres. The ride takes around 22 minutes to complete and is a great way to see the natural beauty of the region. Along the way, you will pass over lush green forests, waterfalls, and the famous ski resorts of Uludag.
Once you reach the top, you can explore the natural beauty of Uludag Mountain, which is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. You can also participate in outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking, depending on the season.

Stroll the Alleys of Cumalikizik

Strolling through the alleys of Cumalikizik is a must-do activity when in Bursa. Cumalikizik is a charming Ottoman village located on the outskirts of Bursa, and it is known for its beautiful architecture, narrow streets, and lush greenery.

As you wander through the alleys, you will see traditional Ottoman houses made of wood and stone, with beautiful gardens and courtyards. You can also sample local delicacies, such as Turkish coffee, baklava, and other pastries.

One of the most popular things to do in Cumalikizik is to visit the village's museum. The museum houses many artefacts and historical items that showcase the village's culture and heritage.

In addition to strolling through the alleys, you can also take a guided tour of the village to learn more about its history and architecture. There are many guided tours available that will take you through the village's hidden corners and alleys, providing a unique and unforgettable experience.

Ski on Uludag

Skiing on Uludag Mountain is a popular activity in Bursa, especially during the winter season. Uludag is one of the most famous ski resorts in Turkey and offers a wide range of skiing and snowboarding opportunities for both beginners and advanced skiers.

The ski season in Uludag usually starts in December and lasts until April. During this time, the mountain is covered with a thick layer of snow, making it an ideal destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

There are several ski runs on the mountain, with varying degrees of difficulty, and the ski resort has all the necessary facilities such as ski lifts, equipment rentals, and ski schools. The most popular skiing areas are located near the Sarıalan and Kadıyayla ski centres, which can be accessed by the Bursa Teleferik cable car.

Apart from skiing, there are also other winter activities that you can enjoy on Uludağ Mountain, such as snowshoeing, sledging, and snowmobiling.

Overall, skiing on Uludag Mountain is a great way to enjoy the winter season in Bursa and is an experience that should not be missed if you are a winter sports enthusiast.

Watch a Whirling Dervish Ceremony

Watching a Whirling Dervish ceremony is a unique cultural experience that you can have in Bursa. The Whirling Dervishes are members of the Mevlevi Order, a Sufi Muslim order founded in the 13th century by the poet Rumi.

The Whirling Dervish ceremony is a form of meditation and spiritual practice that involves the spinning dance of the dervishes. The ceremony is usually held in a special hall or mosque called the sema, and it is accompanied by traditional music and chanting.

During the ceremony, the dervishes wear long white robes and a tall felt hat, which symbolize their detachment from worldly possessions. They begin by circling the room, with one hand raised towards the sky and the other hand pointing towards the ground, symbolizing their connection between heaven and earth. They then start spinning on their left foot, with their right foot crossed over it, and continue spinning for several minutes.

The Whirling Dervish ceremony is a mesmerizing and spiritual experience that can be enjoyed by people of all faiths and backgrounds. It is an important part of the cultural heritage of Bursa and Turkey, and it is a great way to learn about Sufi culture and traditions.

Have a Drink in Koza Han

Having a drink in Koza Han is a popular activity in Bursa and is considered one of the city's must-visit destinations. Koza Han is an Ottoman-era caravanserai, located in the heart of the city's historic district, and is home to many traditional cafes and restaurants.

The caravanserai dates back to the 15th century and was built to serve as a stopping point for travelling merchants and their caravans. Today, it has been transformed into a lively centre of commerce and culture, with many shops, cafes, and restaurants.

One of the most popular things to do in Koza Han is to have a drink at one of the many traditional cafes. The cafes are located in the inner courtyard of the caravanserai, which is decorated with beautiful Ottoman-style arches, columns, and tilework.

Here, you can relax and enjoy a cup of traditional Turkish coffee or tea while taking in the historic atmosphere of the place. You can also try some local specialities, such as Turkish delight, baklava, or other pastries.

Double your Pleasure by Booking Tours with Safaraq

Booking your tour with us make you enjoy the company of passionate guides who will dive with you into the rich history of the city. Our private tours are tailored just for your needs and want. Safety and quality are highly stressed to ensure a pleasant trip for you. These services are available at your fingertips at the best prices. Contact us today and start your journey to the ancient world!

Yes, Bursa is definitely worth visiting! It is a vibrant and historic city located in the northwestern part of Turkey, and it offers visitors a wealth of cultural, natural, and culinary experiences.

One of the main attractions of Bursa is its rich history and heritage. The city was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and has a rich collection of historical monuments and landmarks, including the Ulu Mosque, the Green Mosque, and the Tombs of Osman and Orhan. Visitors can also explore the city's historic neighborhoods, such as Cumalikizik and Tophane, which are home to many traditional Ottoman-style houses and narrow cobblestone streets.

Bursa is also known for its natural beauty, with the Uludag Mountain serving as a backdrop to the city. Visitors can take a cable car up to the mountain and enjoy panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area. The mountain is also a popular destination for winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding.

In addition to its cultural and natural attractions, Bursa is also famous for its cuisine, which features a variety of traditional Turkish dishes and local specialities, such as Iskender Kebab, Manti, and Turkish Delight.

Overall, Bursa is a city with something to offer to everyone, and it is definitely worth visiting for its unique blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and cuisine.

The amount of time you need to visit Bursa depends on your travel style and interests. However, I would recommend spending at least two to three days in Bursa to fully explore the city's main attractions and experience its unique culture and heritage.

During a two-day visit, you can explore the historic district of Bursa, including the Ulu Mosque, the Green Mosque, and the Tombs of Osman and Orhan. You can also stroll through the historic neighbourhoods of Cumalikizik and Tophane, where you can see traditional Ottoman-style houses and enjoy local cuisine at one of the many restaurants.

On the second day, you can take a cable car up to Uludag Mountain and enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding area. You can also spend some time skiing or snowboarding, depending on the season. In the evening, you can head to Koza Han, an Ottoman-era caravanserai, and enjoy a drink or a meal at one of the traditional cafes or restaurants.

If you have more time, you can also visit some of the city's other attractions, such as the Bursa City Museum, the Bursa Silk Market, or the Green Tomb. You can also explore the nearby villages of Inegol and Orhangazi, which offer a glimpse of rural life in Turkey.

Overall, two to three days is a good amount of time to spend in Bursa, but if you have more time, you can explore the city and its surroundings in more depth.