Attractions Nearby Bursa, Day Trips and Excursions

(Bursa, Turkey)

All around Bursa are many day trip possibilities and longer excursions, with the attractions of Bandirma, Eskisehir and the famous city of Istanbul being especially close. Istanbul's endless attractions really should features on the top of an day trip itinerary and from Bursa, is reachable by both road and high-speed ferry (from Yalova).

Further away from Bursa, although very worthy of a mention, are the attractions of Ankara, Antalya, Bodrum, Canakkale and Izmir. Each of these Turkish towns and cities have their own set of sights, ranging from medieval castles and acclaimed museums, to beaches, important mausoleums and historical temples.

Ankara

Turkey's capital city and second-largest city after just Istanbul, Ankara is within reach of Bursa and lies to the east, next to Kirikkale, although is really too far for a day trip. The attractions of Ankara are extremely varied and range from Roman baths, temples, water parks, parks and a small zoo. Tourists will always find the Ataturk Mausoleum (Anitkabir) a rather imposing sight, together with the Temple of Augustus and Rome, and the Atakule Tower, which dominates the Ankara skyline and features stunning panoramas and its own revolving restaurant.

Antalya

Although the city of Antalya is not really a day trip destination from Bursa, as one of Turkey's largest and most popular cities, in really does warrant an excursion or weekend break. Now a leading international holiday destination and situated to the far south of Bursa, Antalya enjoys a scenic spot of the Mediterranean coastline and a set of beachfront attractions to match, such as the beaches of Bedibi, Olympos and Patara. Antalya is also very much steeped in history, with its oldest sites being grouped within the Old Town (Kaleici) and including Hadrian's Gate, the Fluted Minaret (Yivli Minare), the Truncated Minaret (Kesik Minare) and innumerable mosques.

Bandirma

The commercial city of Bandirma serves as a possible day trip and stands roughly 100 km / 62 miles to the west of Bursa, alongside the southerly shore of the Sea of Marmara. With a busy harbour and excellent road and road links to this part of Turkey, Bandirma is an important transport hub. The islands of Avsa and Marmara are amongst the main attractions here and connected by regular ferries. Also nearby is the resort town of Erdek, which is just 20 minutes away from Bandirma and features plenty of seaside interest, as well as the archaeological site of Kyzikos (Cyzicus).

Bodrum

Close to both Milas and Mugla, and to the far south-west of Bursa, Bodrum is actually the very site of Turkey's ancient city of Halikarnassus. The town is perhaps best known for its magnificent fortress, the Castle of St. Peter (Bodrum Castle), which dates from the beginning of the 15th century. Bodrum Castle is actually home to a number of quality attractions, with its Museum of Underwater Archaeology being highly regarded throughout Turkey. Tourists will also enjoy spending time at the surrounding beaches and marina, and visiting the town's Turkish bath (hamam).

Canakkale

Lying to the west of Bursa, close to Gelibolu and within Turkey's Marmara region, Canakkale is a city rich in culture and history, particularly since it stands within easy reach of Troy and the Canakkale Strait. The harbourfront is always a popular place to hang out, while the Archaeological Museum (Arkeoloji Müzesi) is another notable highlight and is to be found on the outskirts of the city, along the highway leading to Izmir.

Eskisehir

Located some 140 km / 87 miles the south-east of Bursa and in the north-western region of Central Anatolia, the city of Eskisehir contains around half a million residents, along with two very important Turkish universities. Eskisehir offers little in the way of historical attractions, although there are some rather attractive 19th-century buildings in the Odunpazari area, and many cheap eateries lining the banks of the Porsuk River. The Yazilikaya rock carvings lie around 90 km / 56 miles to the south of Eskisehir and were created by the ancient Phrygian civilisation.

Istanbul

Istanbul is sited directly to the north of Bursa and Turkey's biggest city really does have much to offer in the way of appealing attractions and sights to see. Those visiting Istanbul should really allow at least a few days and be sure to visit the Grand Bazaar, an enormous covered marketplace with literally thousands of shops and vendors. The ancient basilica known as the Hagia Sophia is another highlight in Istanbul, as is the Blue Mosque and also the Topkapi Palace.

Izmir

Izmir is a major tourist hotspot in western Turkey and is to the south-west of Bursa. After Istanbul, this city contains the country's most significant harbour and stands next to the Gulf of Izmir and the Aegean Sea. The city's past stretches back over 3,000 years and the Agora site offers the chance to explore some exceptional Roman attractions and remains. Konak Pier and Konak Square are two very lively parts of Izmir and filled with shops, Turkish restaurants and sightseeing opportunities. The hilltop Kadifekale castle is also worth looking out for.