Things to Do in Eskisehir

This content was last updated on 26.02.2024 00:02

With its energetic, lively yet peaceful atmosphere and its young population, mostly university students and working people, Eskisehir offers much more than a classic Central Anatolian city. Today, known as the "student city", Eskisehir reinforces its richness from its deep-rooted history with its vision of becoming a city of science, art and culture. There are many reasons to stay in Eskisehir for at least one weekend with its modern art museums and galleries, lively entertainment life around Porsuk, historical and touristic places, rich cuisine and festivals that will open your horizons...

Where is Eskisehir

Eskisehir, one of the most modern cities in Turkey, is located in the Central Anatolia Region. It is a city close to many points because it is at the intersection of Aegean, Marmara and Central Anatolia. Being one of the central points of the railways has made transportation by train stand out.

There is Kütahya in the southwest of the city, Bilecik in the northwest, Ankara in the east. The E90 highway passes through it. It is one of Turkey's most visited cities, with a population of nearly 900 thousand and being home to many universities.

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How to Go to Eskisehir

If you want to go to Eskisehir by car;

• 280 kilometers from Istanbul and about 4 hours 26 minutes

• 153 kilometers from Bursa and about 2 hours 11 minutes
• From Ankara, it is 233 kilometers and takes about 2 hours and 35 minutes.

The easiest way to go to Eskisehir from many places is to use the train because most train routes include Eskisehir.

Ankara - Eskisehir High Speed ​​​​Train: There are 5 reciprocal flights per day and it takes approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes.

Ankara - Istanbul High Speed ​​​​Train: This train passes through Eskisehir and goes to Istanbul-Pendik. There are 6 reciprocal flights a day. From Istanbul Pendik to Eskisehir takes about 1 hour 45 minutes, from Ankara to Eskisehir about 1 hour 40 minutes.

İzmir Blue Train: It travels between İzmir-Alsancak and Eskisehir, once a day. It takes about 12 hours. It leaves Alsancak at 19.30 every day and arrives in Eskisehir at 07.40 the next morning. Likewise, he leaves Eskisehir every day at 22.45 and arrives in Alsancak at 10.30 the next morning.

In addition, it is possible to find buses to Eskisehir from almost every city. Many companies such as Buzlu, Anadolu and Metro have buses to Eskisehir.

It takes between 5-5.30 hours by bus from Istanbul to Eskisehir, between 2.30 and 3.30 hours by bus from Ankara to Eskisehir, and between 2-3 hours by bus from Bursa to Eskisehir.

You can reach the city from the bus station by tram, bus or taxi.

When to Go to Eskisehir

Eskisehir has the continental climate of Anatolia since it does not have a coast to the sea. Eskisehir, where the harsh winters of Central Anatolia are experienced, are also quite hot in summers. Temperatures that fall to -2 degrees in winter can reach up to 40 degrees in summer. The best time to go to Eskisehir is the autumn and spring months, which offer a pleasant coolness. In the spring, you can enjoy breakfast outdoors by Porsuk and the beautiful weather, where you can walk across the city.

How Much Time Should You Spend

It's actually a matter of how much time you have. If you see the things you say you "must see" in Eskisehir and say you don't have time for more, 1 day is enough.

If you say "I have time and I came to have fun", you will spend 2 days in Eskisehir without getting bored, while you are talking about parks, Eskisehir places, balaban kebab, met halva from one place to another.

Places to Visit in Eskisehir

Eskisehir has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey in recent years. Let's take a look at the places you can visit in Eskisehir that we have compiled for you.

Sazova Park

You can spare a day here in Eskisehir. The park, which is built on a huge area, has entertainment points such as an underwater world and a zoo. It is also ideal for cycling tours and nature walks.

In the space house, experiment center, fairy tale castle and miniature area, it is not clear how time passes. Eskisehir's largest theme park, Sazova, is a place where those who want to spend their day with a lush landscape and fresh air meet.

Şelale Park

Şelale Park (Waterfall Park) is a green park where Eskisehir's biggest waterfall is located, where you can watch Eskisehir in a panoramic way and have a pleasant time. (It is about 10 minutes away from Sazova park by car)

There are an artificial waterfall, a wooden windmill, walking paths, sculptures and a small amphitheater in the Şelale Park in Odunpazarı district.

Although transportation to this park, which is visited by many visitors during the summer months, is a bit tiring (because it is on a high hill), it is recommended that you stop by and see the wonderful view of Eskisehir.

There is also a restaurant where you can enjoy an open buffet breakfast with the view of Eskisehir. While you're here, you definitely need to eat "çiğ börek".

You can reach Şelale Park, which you can reach with the city bus number 1, with your private vehicle, and there is no parking problem.

Odunpazarı

Odunpazarı is the first place that should be seen especially by those who go to Eskisehir for a day. Historical houses and "Kurşunlu Complex" must be seen in Odunpazarı.

Eskisehir's most touristic place, Odunpazarı, is adorned with streets where houses have been preserved since Ottoman times. In the evening, it is impossible not to feel like you have traveled in time while strolling in the dim lights of old houses in Odunpazarı, which is something else.

Yılmaz Büyükerşen Wax Sculptures Museum

The first example in Turkey similar to Madame Tussauds is Yılmaz Büyükerşen Wax Sculptures Museum in Eskisehir.

In the museum, where there are statues of historical figures and 200 local and foreign famous people, statues of Atatürk reflecting various periods, statues of Atatürk's family, as well as local and foreign statesmen, artists, members of the media and sportsmen, are exhibited in front of various decorations. The museum also includes sections from the history of Eskisehir and Turkey.

Visitors to the museum can have their photographs taken with the wax sculptures by the photography team in the museum. It is open between 10.00-12.00 and 14.00-17.00 every day except Monday.

Contemporary Glass Art Museum

The Contemporary Glass Arts Museum, located within the borders of the Odunpazarı district of Eskisehir, was established in 2007 with the cooperation of the Metropolitan Municipality, Anadolu University and the Glass Friends Group.

Works of 58 local and 10 foreign artists are exhibited in Turkey's first glass museum. If you are wondering what can come out as a result of combining glass transparency with art, you should definitely visit the eye-catching collections.

Independence Museum

Mestanoğlu Halil Mansion, whose restoration was completed by the Metropolitan Municipality (October 2016), serves the public as the Independence Museum. The fact that İsmet Pasha, who was the Commander of the Western Front during the İnönü Wars, stayed in this building was instrumental in the design of the building as the "Eskisehir Liberation Museum".

In the Kurtuluş Museum, which blends modern technology with information and documents, information is given about the founding date of the Republic of Turkey. Memories of the War of Independence in the museum give visitors emotional moments.

Atlihan Handicrafts Bazaar

Atlıhan Handicrafts Bazaar was opened in 2005 by the municipality of Odunpazarı to promote and market Meerschaum, one of the greatest values of Turkey and Eskisehir, to the whole world. Another purpose of the opening of this bazaar is to take the masters who work meerschaum under the auspices of the municipality and to encourage the development of new masters.

In Atlıhan, which consists of two floors, the ground and the first floor, other traditional handicraft products can be seen in the Bazaar, where our handicrafts are produced, displayed and sold with 25 workshops. For this reason, it has become a frequent destination for all travelers who want to see Meerschaum products and closely examine this stone in our country.

Porsuk Stream and Islands

The Porsuk Stream and the Islands region is the symbol of Eskisehir and is one of the must-see places.

Porsuk Stream, one of the branches of Sakarya River, flows right in the middle of Eskisehir. Boats serve for transportation on the 400-kilometer-long river. There are also gondola tours that give you the opportunity to make touristic trips.

There are many parks, entertainment areas and important centers around the stream that runs throughout the city. You can eat at the restaurants next to the tea and have a drink at the cafes.

The Islands region is also one of the points of interest here. It is possible to reach Şehr-i Aşk Island by using the bridge that connects the city and the island.

Kent Park

Kent Park is one of the most beautiful places in Eskisehir with its artificial beach, pool and breakfast activities. Kentpark, which brings pleasant moments, wandering, and having fun with it, a beach for those who cannot leave the city in summer, a walking area for evening strolls, relaxing water… Kent Park is a new beauty for Eskisehir, an alternative to take a walk and take a walk for everyone, big and small.

The park, which was opened to visitors in 2009, hosts the first artificial beach of our country. This beach, which is the most important proof that Eskisehir has become a modern city, has a length of 350 meters. It also has a special section for families. There is a semi-olympic swimming pool right next to the artificial beach.

If you feel hungry during your visit to the park, you can head to the restaurant on the shore of the pond, where ornamental fish and swans add color.

After you regain your energy, you can change your route to the indoor riding area. Alternatively, to enjoy the open air, you can take a walk on the track that runs along the park.

What to Eat in Eskisehir

This city, which has received heavy immigration from Eskisehir, the Balkans and the Crimea, and the people who migrated, contributed greatly to the culture of the city. The city has a rich cuisine, especially thanks to the Tatars who migrated to the city.

The most famous local delicacies you can find in Eskisehir are;

Çibörek

Çibörek is one of the most famous flavors of Eskisehir. Çibörek, a Crimean Tatar dish, is an addictive pastry dish. Çibörek, made with low-fat ground beef and finely chopped onions, can also be made with cheese upon request. Contrary to popular belief, the fritters fried in plenty of oil do not absorb much oil and therefore retain their crispiness. Located 10 minutes' walk from Adalar Porsuk Stream, “Has Kırmızı Çibörekcisi” is one of the best places in this regard. Click for location

Balaban Meatballs

Another flavor unique to Eskisehir is Balaban Meatballs.

Don't wait late to try Balaban Meatballs, one of the recipes brought with them by the Tatars who migrated to Eskisehir from Crimea, because the restaurants offer a certain portion daily and the demand is high, so they can run out early.

While preparing this delicacy, which is consumed as “Meatballs with Pita” in Bursa, the pitas are cut squarely, dipped in bone broth and placed on the plate. Then sauce, yoghurt and butter, grilled meatballs are added and they are ready to be served.

“Fahrettin Usta Balaban Kebab Hall”, which is 10 minutes walking distance from Adalar Porsuk Stream, is one of the best places in this regard. Click for location

Walnut Poppy Bread

The name “Poppy Bread with Walnut” is another flavor identified with Eskisehir.

Dough containing fresh yeast, yogurt, milk and olive oil are used in the production of Walnut Poppy Bread, which is offered for sale fresh every day, especially in the bakeries in the Odunpazarı region. The dough, which is cut into small pieces and rolled out with a rolling pin, is thinned and then sprinkled with poppy and walnuts. In the final stage, the dough is shaped and baked in the oven.

You can find and try this flavor hot and fresh every day at the “Historical Odunpazarı Stone Bakery”, 1 minute away from the Historical Odunpazarı Houses. Click for location