Marmara
Bursa Tours & Travel Guide
Bursa was the Ottoman Empire's first capital — home to the Green Mosque, silk bazaars, thermal baths and cable-car access to Mount Uludag.
Recommended stay
1–2 days
Best months
Year-round (ski Dec–Mar)
Tours available
2 private tours
Top Things to Do in Bursa
- Green Mosque & Tomb
- Silk Bazaar
- Uludag cable car
- Thermal hamam
Bursa — Ottoman birthplace
Bursa was the first major capital of the Ottoman Empire — the Green Mosque, Green Tomb and covered bazaar predate Istanbul's imperial skyline. Uludag mountain offers skiing in winter and cool escapes in summer. Silk-market heritage and Iskender kebab originate here.
Day trip or overnight from Istanbul
Ferry plus road or direct drive makes Bursa feasible as a long day trip, but overnight lets you enjoy Uludag cable car and evening bazaar lights. High-speed ferry to Yalova shortens travel time from Istanbul's Asian side.
Thermal hamams
Bursa's historic hamams are less touristy than Istanbul's — good for authentic scrub experiences. Ask us to schedule hamam time between mosque visits and mountain trips.
Fit in your itinerary
Bursa suits second-time Turkey visitors or travelers skipping Cappadocia who want Ottoman depth near Istanbul. Pair with Safranbolu or Iznik tile workshops on cultural routes.
Bursa Tours
Day trip from Istanbul to Bursa's Green Mosque, silk bazaar and Uludag mountain cable car with Ottoman lunch.
Relax in Bursa's historic thermal baths after exploring Ottoman sites — a rejuvenating add-on to any Bursa day tour.