City, Turkey
Bursa
First Ottoman capital with grand mosques, silk bazaars, thermal baths and iskender kebab, plus Uludağ ski slopes and an easy ferry route from Istanbul. Calm, hilly and conservative.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$936–1,530Comfortable, one person · ₺46,000–75,000Details
- Value for money73/100Better value than 72% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–May, Sep–OctWarmest: Aug, 33°CDetails
- Internet83 MbpsFixed broadband, Turkey medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilLocals mostly drink bottled or filtered water; treated mountain supply is good, but pipes vary.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$31–71Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBiTaksiWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards accepted almost everywhere; keep lira for bazaar stalls, tea gardens, dolmuş and tips.Details
Where to stay in Bursa
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Osmangazi (Tophane and Ulu Cami area) | Historic sights, bazaars and budget hotels on foot |
| Çekirge | Thermal baths, spa hotels and quiet leafy streets |
| Nilüfer | Modern cafés, universities, malls and a younger crowd |
| Cumalıkızık (nearby village) | Preserved Ottoman village for a day or short stay |
Apps that work in Bursa
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| BiTaksi | Hails metered yellow taxis; works in the main urban area |
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Yemeksepeti | Widest restaurant choice in the city |
| Trendyol Go | Restaurants and groceries in central districts |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- obilet: compare and book intercity buses
- Taxis: Metered taxis are standard; insist on the meter. BiTaksi removes language issues when it works in your area.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Turkey.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards accepted almost everywhere; keep lira for bazaar stalls, tea gardens, dolmuş and tips.
- Currency: Lira (TRY). US$1 ≈ ₺49.13 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Most bank ATMs charge foreign cards a fee shown on screen; compare banks and always decline the conversion offer.
- Tipping: About 10% in sit-down restaurants if service isn't included; round up taxis; tip hammam attendants and hotel porters a little.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay with foreign cards work on most contactless terminals; local wallets need Turkish bank accounts.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Many nationalities enter visa-free; others need an e-Visa. Use only evisa.gov.tr, as look-alike agent sites charge extra.
- Passport must be valid at least 60 days beyond your stay (150 days from arrival for a 90-day stay).
- Stays are capped at 90 days in any 180; overstays bring fines and possible entry bans.
Emergency numbers
Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Buy tourist packs at carrier stores with your passport; airport desks cost more. Foreign phones on Turkish SIMs are blocked after 120 days unless registered. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Turkey
Going to Bursa solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.