About
Bursa sits in northwestern Turkey, at the foot of Uludağ mountain, and is the country's first Ottoman capital. Its past is visible throughout the city, which makes it a rewarding stop for anyone interested in history, crafts and food, with the mountains close at hand for a change of pace.
Historic sights
The city's landmarks reflect its early Ottoman period. The Grand Mosque and the Green Tomb are the two most visited, and both repay a slow visit. Nearby, the Koza Han silk bazaar keeps the city's long association with silk alive, and it is a good place to browse and to watch local craftsmanship at work.
Baths and food
Bursa is known for its historic thermal baths, where visitors can take the waters in buildings with a long tradition. Afterwards, the local table is a natural next step. Iskender kebab, a dish closely linked with the city, is the one to try, served with yoghurt and melted butter.
The mountain
A short journey takes you from the city to Uludağ. A cable car carries visitors up the mountain, where the scenery changes with the season. In summer there are paths for hiking, and in winter the slopes are used for skiing, giving the trip a very different character from the city below.
Bursa works well as a day or two in its own right, combining historic streets, traditional markets, thermal baths and the open air of the mountain. Plan your visit around the sights you most want to see, and leave time to linger in the bazaar and the baths.