Bursa is considered safe, with a relaxed atmosphere and a welcoming local population. Petty theft can occur in busy bazaars and crowded areas, so keep an eye on your belongings. Traffic can be hectic, particularly during rush hours, so cross streets carefully. The city is a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers, and tourism areas are well managed and patrolled.
Tipping, called bahsis, is customary in Turkey. At restaurants, leaving 5 to 10 percent for good service is standard, even when a service charge is included. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is appreciated. In thermal baths and hotels, small tips for attendants and porters are common. Tour guides and drivers usually receive a more generous tip at the end of a service.
Must-see sites include the stunning Green Mosque and Green Tomb, the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami) with its 20 domes, and the historic Koza Han silk market. Take the cable car up Mount Uludag for panoramic views, visit the Ottoman village of Cumalikizik with its colorful timber houses, and relax in one of the city's traditional thermal bathhouses fed by natural hot springs.
Turkey uses the Turkish lira (TRY). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Bursa at hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. ATMs are easy to find around the city center. For shopping in bazaars, taxis, and small eateries, cash is preferred and often gets you better deals. Currency exchange offices, called doviz, generally offer better rates than airports.
Turkish is the official language. In Bursa, English is spoken in major hotels, restaurants near tourism areas, and at popular sights. Outside these spots, English is less common than in Istanbul, so a phrasebook or translation app helps. A few Turkish words go a long way in earning friendly smiles from locals.
Republic Day on October 29 is celebrated with patriotic parades and fireworks across Bursa. Religious holidays such as Ramazan Bayrami and Kurban Bayrami bring family gatherings, special meals, and a festive mood. The annual Bursa Festival in summer features music, dance, and traditional Karagoz shadow puppet theater, an art form said to have originated in the city centuries ago.
Bursa is the birthplace of Iskender kebab, thinly sliced lamb served over flatbread with tomato sauce, melted butter, and yogurt. Try kestane sekeri (candied chestnuts), a regional specialty, and pideli kofte (meatballs on bread). The city is also famous for its peaches and silk-wrapped sweets. Wash it all down with strong Turkish tea or a glass of fresh ayran yogurt drink.
April through June and September through October are the most pleasant months, with mild temperatures and blooming countryside. Summer can be warm in the city but cool on Mount Uludag. Winter, from December through March, transforms Bursa into a ski destination, with crowds heading up to Uludag Ski Resort. Spring is especially scenic when cherry blossoms and tulips fill the parks.
