Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, is one of the best day trips you can make from Istanbul. Just 2–2.5 hours away by ferry and bus, this city at the foot of Mount Uludağ offers early Ottoman history, a legendary food tradition and natural hot springs.
What to see in Bursa in a day
1. The Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii)
Start with the Grand Mosque of Bursa, built in 1399. With its 20 domes and an ablution fountain inside the prayer hall, it is one of the most unusual mosques in Türkiye, and the Islamic calligraphy on its walls is spectacular. It is a working mosque, so dress modestly and avoid prayer times.
2. The Silk Bazaar (Koza Han)
Right next to the mosque, Koza Han is a 15th-century caravanserai where silk brought along the Silk Road was traded. Today its shops sell pure silk scarves, fabrics and handicrafts at much better prices than you will find in Istanbul.
3. The tombs of Osman and Orhan Gazi
The mausoleums of the first two Ottoman sultans stand in a park with panoramic views over the city. This is where the empire that went on to rule across three continents for 600 years was born.
4. İskender kebab: the original
You can't leave Bursa without trying İskender kebab in the city where it was invented: thin slices of döner laid over pide bread, drenched in hot melted butter and tomato sauce and served with yoghurt. The historic restaurants Kebapçı İskender and Kebapçı Uludağ are the two classics, and each claims the original recipe.
5. The Çekirge hot springs
If time allows, unwind in the historic thermal baths of the Çekirge district. A bath at Eski Kaplıca (14th century) combines the Turkish hammam experience with naturally hot spring water. If you have never been to a hammam, my guide to the Turkish bath explains what to expect.
How to get to Bursa from Istanbul
The most comfortable option is the IDO fast ferry from Yenikapı to Mudanya (1 h 45 min), followed by a bus to central Bursa (30 min). Alternatively, take the ferry to Yalova (1 h) and continue by bus (1 h).
Ferries run several times a day. Buy your ticket online on the IDO website to be sure of a seat, especially at weekends.
If you would rather not deal with timetables, I can build Bursa into a tailor-made trip, either as a day out from Istanbul or as a stop on the way to the Aegean coast, with private transfers and an English-speaking guide.
Tips for your day trip
- Set off early: at the time of writing (2026), the first ferry from Yenikapı usually leaves at around 07:30. Check the current timetable before you go.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Bursa is hilly and the historic centre is best explored on foot.
- If you want to ride the cable car up Mount Uludağ, allow at least 2 extra hours.
- Consider staying the night if you also want to visit Cumalıkızık, the UNESCO-listed Ottoman village just outside the city.