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.
Daytrip is a private car service platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.
Daytrip offers private door-to-door transfers with optional sightseeing stops, hourly driver hire, and curated day trips — all with local English-speaking drivers and operating across 130+ countries.
For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure.
Yes! Book a private, door-to-door airport transfer with a local English-speaking driver. Enjoy fixed and transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and the option to pay in advance without the hassle of exchanging cash at a foreign airport.
You will receive the vehicle that best fits the number of travelers in your group, ranging from a sedan to a van for groups of up to 7. Depending where you travel, you can book anything from a sedan comparable to a Toyota Corolla to a Mercedes V-Class to a Classic Cuban Car. While the exact model may vary, we always ensure that the vehicle provided meets your needs in terms of safety, reliability, and comfort. You may be upgraded to a larger vehicle class free of charge depending on availability. Since our largest vehicle seats 7, for groups larger a combination of vehicles will be used. We will send you the exact vehicle details a few days before your trip.
Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.
So, so happy I stumbled upon this website to book two private transports while visiting Lima, Peru. They were both one-way trips approximately 3 hours in length. Great communication as soon as everything was booked via email and I then downloaded their app. I had a few issues with the app and the customer service was awesome trying to assist me in getting it corrected. Honestly impressive customer service which gave you a positive feeling that you made the right choice. Both drivers were right on time - No issues whatsoever! Can't say enough about the service and ease of everything when travelling so far away. Great job to the daytrip team! Would strongly recommend.
