Take the Famous Teleferik up to Uludag
No matter what time of year you visit Bursa, Uludag offers one of the city’s best experiences. In winter, it becomes a snowy escape where many visitors go skiing. In summer, the mountain air is cool and refreshing, a welcome break from the heat.
Use the Teleferik (cable car) to go up the mountain and spend the day enjoying the scenery. In colder months, you can ski with friends; in warmer months, hiking and picnics are popular. By the end of the day, you can go further up to the famous Palabiyik Restaurant and grill your own meat next to your table.
Visit Cumalikizik Village
Cumalikizik Village is a small village just outside the city, famous for its cobblestone streets and absolutely delicious breakfast. Walking through the village feels relaxing, thanks to its peaceful atmosphere and clean air.
Try to go early so you can enjoy the most delicious breakfast, prepared with natural ingredients and fresh vegetables. If you enjoy historic neighborhoods in Istanbul too, you may also like wandering through Balat for its streets, houses, and local feel.
Spend Some Time at the Bazaar Area
At the heart of Bursa city is the central bazaar area, one of the liveliest parts of town. It is the perfect place to drink tea at one of the old small tea houses and watch people walking, shopping, and meeting each other.
While you are there, take some photos and eat the famous Iskender Kebab, the city’s best-known dish. And when you find Ulu Camii, go behind it to drink tea at the hidden Cukur Han. Travelers who love market culture in Istanbul often also enjoy the Grand Bazaar.
Visit the UNESCO Heritage Places
Bursa has one of Turkey’s important UNESCO World Heritage sites, consisting of eight locations spread inside and outside the city, dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. One very special area is integrated into the bazaar and includes the tombs of Osman and Orhan Gazi, along with an ancient religious and social complex.
The other locations are spread around the city, and each one has a different beautiful thing to offer. If you want background before visiting, you can check Bursa’s UNESCO listing on UNESCO.
Spas and Hamams
Because of its volcanic nature, Bursa has a lot of spring-fed hot therapeutic water. For many centuries, this water was used in public bathhouses where people came to relax, get massaged, and enjoy the healthy thermal waters.
That tradition continues today, and the city still offers excellent spas and hammams where you can enjoy a classic Turkish bath experience. If you want to compare the experience with Istanbul, see our guide to a Turkish Bath (Hammam).
Enjoy the Beautiful Nature
Bursa is famous for its beautiful nature and clean weather. You can spend time among trees and waterfalls, since natural spots are found all around the city and nearby countryside.
You can visit Saitabat Waterfall, Oylat Cave, which is one of the most breathtaking sites in Bursa, or Uluabat Lake. If you want a longer outdoor break, spend a couple of days camping in one of Bursa’s forests.
If camping is not for you, stay in one of the nearby villages such as Misi, Inkaya, or Tirilye. The weather is clean, the food is fresh, and the people are friendly. For broader travel inspiration about the region, you can also browse GoTürkiye.
Food
Bursa, like Istanbul, is full of food in many different forms, but the city’s most famous dish is Iskender Kebab. It is made with grilled meat slices over fresh bread, with yogurt on top. It may sound unusual if you have not tried it before, but it is really delicious and very famous in the city.
Nearly all restaurants offer this dish, so it is easy to find. But if you are more of a fish lover, go for fresh seafood at Arap Sukru Restaurant, one of the best-known places for seafood in Bursa.
Buy Some Souvenirs
You can find many kinds of handmade ceramic plates and vases in Bursa, and they are not very expensive. They make a nice reminder of the fun time you had in the city.
As with the bazaar, shopping in Bursa is not only about buying something. It is also about walking, browsing, and enjoying the slower rhythm of the city.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Bursa
From riding the Teleferik to Uludag to eating Iskender Kebab in the bazaar, the best things to do in Bursa combine nature, history, and local life. Whether you come for a day trip or stay longer, Bursa rewards visitors who want fresh air, good food, and a calmer pace than Istanbul.
