I decided to inlcude Bursa in my itinerary when I returned to Turkey before going home to the Philippines. It is one of the largest cities in the country. It has a rich history and a number of attractions that will attract tourists who plan to stay in Turkey for a few more days after visiting popular destinations such as Izmir, Goreme, and Istanbul.
This guide can help you plan your trip to this part of the country.
Travel Guide Budget and Itinerary for Bursa
Bursa is one of the most populated cities in Turkiye. It is also an industrial center where a substantial number of cars are manufactured in the country. It has a centuries long history that makes it an interesting stop for both locals and tourists. Bursa is one of the major cities of the Ottoman Empire sometime during the 14th century. The city is known as the birthplace of the Ottoman Empire. You can find the mausoleums of some of the country's sultans in Bursa. The city has a handful of UNESCO-listed sites for those who want to cross out attractions on their list. Bursa is also a possible starting point for a trip to Uludag.
Getting a Visa
A tourist visa for Turkiye (Turkey) is easy and straightforward to get. As long as you have all the requirements, your chance of approval is high. I got a visa through the embassy in the Philippines.
You can read more about the process here: how to get a Turkey tourist visa for Filipinos
Things to Do and Places to See
Bursa is a nice city with some attractions to fill your itinerary. The city has historic and cultural value as one of the main cities of the Ottoman Empire. These are some of the things you can do and places to see when you plan your budget and itinerary for Bursa.
Bursa Grand MosqueUlu Cami is one of the main landmarks and historic attractions of Bursa. It has a history that spans centuries. Its design is heavily influenced by the aesthetics of the Seljuk era. Its 20 domes is one of its most prominent features.
Within walking distance from the Grand Mosque is the Central Bazaar complex. This bazaar was an important part of the Silk Road during ancient times. Fast forward to today, you can find many shops that sell various products. You can pick up a souvenir here during your visit. The Central Bazaar area and the nearby Orhan Gazi Kulliye are part of Bursa's UNESCO-listed sites.
Explore the Citadel Neighborhood
In this part of Bursa, you'll find parts of the citadel's old walls. You'll see restored traditional houses and buildings. You can also walk up to a viewpoint get an overlooking view of the city.
In the park you'll find other UNESCO-listed sites such as the tombs of Osman and Orhan Gazi. You can also see a 19th century clock tower during your visit. The park also provides visitors with bird's eye views of the city.
Visit CumalikizikJust outside the hustle and bustle of the city is a UNESCO-listed village. Cumalikizik is a great place to catch a glimpse of the past. The traditional houses are now stores, shops or inns. I enjoyed weaving in and out of the narrow alleys of this village. I also found out that this destination is often used as a location for period films and shows in Turkiye.
How to go: You can take a taxi from the city for 70 Lira or hop on a bus from Kent Meydani for 5 Lira. The same bus returns to the city. You can't miss it because buses stop right in front of the village's main entrance.
You can't leave Bursa until you've eaten Iskender Kebab!
Other things you can do and see while in Bursa include:
- Bursa Teleferik
- Mt. Uludag
- Muradiye Tombs
- Watch a Whirling Dervish Ceremony
- Green Mosque and Tomb
Getting around Bursa
Bursa is a city that's easy to explore on foot. Most of the main attractions are within walking distance from each other. I walked most of the time during my stay. You also have the option to take the metro or the bus to get around the city.
And of course, there are numerous taxis around the city. In my experience, the taxi drivers here in Bursa are more likely to use the meter compared to the ones in Istanbul. I took a taxi on my way to the bus station, the driver was friendly. He asked where I was from and when I told him I was from the Philippines he started playing Filipino music during the trip (plus points!).
Where to Stay in Bursa
This destination is a big city with plenty of affordable accommodation that meets your budget and itinerary for Bursa. I stayed in Artic Hotel which was near the Grand Mosque and bazaar. From my accommodation, I didn't have to use public transportation because of its central location. There were restaurants and a mall near it. There are also several bus stops nearby which make it convenient to see the other attractions of the city.
You can look for places to stay through www.booking.com.
How to Get to Bursa
Bursa is accessible from different parts of Turkiye. I went to this city from Istanbul by bus. You have the option to book a ticket directly from the station. There are many companies that have regular scheduled buses.
You can book a bus ticket through: www.flixbus.com
Budget for Bursa
Turiye in general is an affordable travel destination. I found myself spending more on food and private rooms compared to everywhere else I've been to. Bursa may not have many dorm-type hostel rooms available for budget travelers, but there are good value private hotel rooms that include breakfast.
Here's a list of expenses I incurred during my trip. Everything's in Turkish Lira.
335 - 1 night in Artic Hotel
160 - Food and drinks
67 - One way taxi to Cumalikzik
5 - Bus from Cumalikzik to city center
65 - Taxi to bus station
25 - Miscellaneous
140 - Bus to Istanbul797 - Total for 2 days and 1 night in Bursa
Bursa isn't as big as Istanbul, but it has its own charms. I liked my stay here. The attractions were close to the city center or were a short ride away from it. The city is also a popular jump-off point for trips to Mt. Uludag.
You might want to read my other posts about Turkiye:
Itinerary for Bursa
It's possible to see the attractions in Bursa in two full days or as a day trip, if you plan to just visit the attractions within the city center.
Here's a sample itinerary for Bursa:
Day 1Bursa Grand Mosque
Central Bazaar
Citadel Neighborhood
Tophane Park
Muradiye Tombs
Green Mosque and Tomb
Day 2Day trip to Cumalikizik or Uludag
You can add or remove places in your budget and itinerary for Bursa. The itinerary above is just a sample.