Istanbul & Bursa - North Western Turkey 2024
Welcome to North West Turkey!
North west Turkey is a place that has plenty of beautiful and historical cities that are ideal travel destinations for international visitors.
Without doubt, Istanbul is the most popular tourist destination in the country, with so many famous attractions and iconic landmarks, as well as the amazing natural beauty of the Bosphorus that separates Europe and Asia.
Bursa, is less well-known, but is also another important historical city, that was the capital of the Ottoman Empire for centuries. It also has a lot to offer visitor who are looking for a fascinating destination that is surrounded by natural beauty. In the wintertime, the city is also a popular tourist centre for skiing and other winter sports.
North East Turkey Map
Cultural Events in Istanbul & North Western Turkey
Istanbul
- Istanbul International Film Festival (April)
- Cinema
- Showcases over 200 films from Turkish and international cinema.
- Istanbul Jazz Festival (June-July)
- Music
- Features world-renowned jazz musicians and up-and-coming talent.
- Istanbul Biennial (September-November, every two years)
- Visual arts
- Major contemporary art event bringing together artists from diverse cultures.
- Istanbul Theater Festival (November, every two years)
- Performing arts
- Presents local and international theater performances, dance, and music events.
- Istanbul Music Festival (June)
- Type: Classical music
- Features symphony orchestras, chamber music, and recitals.
- Tulip Festival (April)
- Nature and culture
- Celebrates spring with billions of tulips and cultural activities.
- Istanbul Comics and Art Festival (Autumn)
- Visual arts
- Showcases comics, cartoons, illustration, street art, and animation.
- 212 Photography Istanbul (October)
- Visual arts
- Festival dedicated to photography.
- Istanbul International Puppet Festival (November)
- Performing arts
- Celebrates the art of puppetry.
- International Istanbul Poetry and Literature Festival (February)
- Literature
- Brings together poets and writers from around the world.
Edirne
- Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival (June-July)
- Traditional sports
- One of the oldest wrestling competitions in the world.
Çanakkale
- International Troia Festival (August)
- Culture and arts
- Celebrates the ancient city of Troy with various cultural events.
Tekirdağ
- Tekirdağ Cherry Festival (June)
- Agriculture and culture
- Celebrates the cherry harvest with music, dance, and food.
Balıkesir
- Bandırma Kuşcenneti Culture and Tourism Festival (May-June)
Nature and culture - Celebrates the bird paradise of Bandırma with cultural events.
Bursa
- Bursa International Silk Road Film Festival (October)
- Cinema
- Showcases films from countries along the historic Silk Road.
- Bursa Festival (June-July)
- Culture and arts
- Multi-disciplinary festival featuring music, dance, and theater performances.
Istanbul FAQs
What are the best things to do in Istanbul?
- Hagia Sophia is perhaps the most iconic building in the city. It has a rich history, originally built as a church, then a mosque, a museum and recently it has been converted back to a mosque. You can still visit the gallery area of the mosque, but it will set you back 25 euros.
- Blue Mosque is famous for its stunning blue tiles and is still a functioning mosque, so you need to dress modestly. It´s free to enter.
- Grand Bazaar: One of the oldest and biggest covered markets in the world,. It is probably the most famous bazaar and is perfect for shopping and people-watching.
- Try a cruise on the Bosphorus: Take a boat tour to see the city from the water, with views of both Europe and Asia.
- Topkapi Palace was once the home of Ottoman sultans and sultanas, with a fascinating hareem. it’s filled with beautiful architecture.
- Walk along the lively Istiklal Avenue which is located just off Taksim Square.
- The Basilica Cistern is an underground treasure with a mysterious atmosphere and Medusa-head pillars.
- Dolmabahçe Palace: A magnificent example of Ottoman architecture right next to the Bosphorus.
- Galata Tower, a historic tower with wonderful views, is located just at the end of Istiklal Avenue.
- Enjoy Turkish cuisine: Don’t miss trying dishes like kebabs, mezes, and desserts such as baklava.
How long should you spend in Istanbul?
To really experience Istanbul, plan for at least 4–5 days. This gives you just about enough time to see most of the main attractions. In the summer months, try to take a day trip to a nearby destination, such as the Princes’ Islands.
How much money do you need to visit Istanbul?
Here’s a rough budget:
- Accommodation: 20–100 euros per night (depending on the type of lodging—20 euros being a hostel and 100 euros being a normal 4-star hotel). For something in between, 50 euros is an average price.
- Food: 15–30 euros per day for meals (more if you dine at high-end restaurants). For less than 15 euros, eat street food.
- Attractions: 5–35 euros per entry (most museums and palaces have entrance fees). There are some free attractions that are wonderful, such as the Blue Mosque.
- Transport: 1-3 euros per ride on public transportation. Before using public transportation, you will need to obtain an Istanbulkart.
- For a comfortable trip, budget around 50–100 euros per day.
Is Istanbul safe for tourists?
Yes, Istanbul is generally safe for tourists. But, like any big city, it’s good to take some precautions:
- Be aware of what is happening around you, especially in crowded places. Pickpockets, as in all tourist destinations around the world, tend to like markets and busy tourist attractions.
- Avoid showing off valuables. Keep your money and important documents secure.
- To prevent overcharging, use official taxis or ride-sharing apps.
- In the evening, avoid some of the city’s poorer areas.
What should I pack for a trip to Istanbul?
- Comfortable shoes: You’ll do a lot of walking.
- Wear modest clothing: especially if you plan to visit mosques. Women might need a scarf to cover their heads. Men should try to avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless t-shirts.
- Wearing layered clothing is a good idea because the weather can change.
- Travel adapter: Turkey uses European-style plugs (Type C or F).
- Use sunscreen and wear a hat on sunny days.
- Reusable water bottles
How can I experience the local culture in Istanbul?
- Try local food. Visit small, family-run restaurants and street food stalls.
- Join a cooking class: to learn how to make Turkish dishes. (around 85 euros)
- Go to a Turkish bath (hammam) to experience a traditional bathhouse.
- Visit local neighbourhoods: Areas like Kadıköy on the Asian side have a more local feel.
- Try to speak with locals, Turks are known for their hospitality, so don’t be shy to chat!
- Go on a free walking tour of the city. There are many to choose from. But don´t forget to tip at the end!
- Go to a Whirling Dervish performance, which is a unique spiritual dance.
Bursa FAQs
What are the top attractions and things to do in Bursa?
Bursa is called “Green Bursa” because of its beautiful parks and gardens. Some top places to visit are Uludağ Mountain, which is great for skiing; Ulu Cami, a big mosque from the 14th century; the Tophane neighbourhood with old Ottoman houses; Koza Han, an old silk market from the 15th century; and the Bursa Teleferik, a cable car with amazing views of the city.
How can I get to Bursa from Istanbul?
There are a few ways to get from Istanbul to Bursa:
- By bus: Buses leave often from Istanbul’s main bus stations, and the trip takes about 2–3 hours.
- By ferry: You can take a ferry from Istanbul’s Yenikapı port to Bursa’s Mudanya port, which takes about 1.5 hours.
- By car: Driving from Istanbul to Bursa takes about 2–2.5 hours, and you can stop and explore places on the way.
Are there any unique local foods or dishes I should try in Bursa?
Yes, Bursa has some very tasty local foods you should try:
- İskender kebab: thinly sliced lamb or beef on pita bread with tomato sauce and melted butter.
- Pideli köfte: grilled meatballs served on flatbread.
- Candied chestnuts (kestane şekeri): a sweet local treat.
- Silk cocoon desserts: unique sweets made from silk cocoons.
What are some of the best day trips or side trips from Bursa?
For a day trip, there are several great places to visit near Bursa:
- Uludağ Mountain is a wonderful location to spend a day. You can go skiing, hiking, or enjoy the mountain views.
- Cumalıkızık is a historic Ottoman village with old buildings just outside Bursa.
- Iznik is an ancient city known for its beautiful ceramic tiles and old mosques.
- Mudanya is a coastal town with a lovely harbour and beaches, which you can reach by ferry from Bursa.
Are there any interesting festivals or events in Bursa?
Yes, Bursa hosts some fun festivals. One of the most famous is the International Bursa Festival, which takes place in June and July, and features music, dance, and theatre performances. Another unique event is the Karagöz Shadow Play Festival in December, celebrating the traditional Turkish shadow puppet theatre that originated in Bursa.
What are some of the lesser-known places to visit in Bursa?
One hidden gem in Bursa is the Irgandı Bridge, a historic marketplace bridge built in 1442. It’s one of the world’s few remaining bridges with shops. Another lesser-known spot is the Muradiye Complex, a peaceful area with the tombs of Ottoman sultans and their families, surrounded by lovely gardens.