Things To Do
in Eskişehir
Eskişehir is a lively university city in northwestern Turkey known for its youthful energy, modern tram system, and creative café culture. Built along the Porsuk River, it balances waterside promenades, historic Ottoman houses in Odunpazarı, and contemporary arts and industry. The city has a strong arts scene, with museums, cultural festivals, and public sculptures scattered throughout.
Visitors enjoy a relaxed pace, affordable prices, and easy day-trip access to natural hot springs and Anatolian sites.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
You arrive in Eskişehir and settle into your charming hotel in the heart of the city. A gentle walk along the Porsuk River reveals colorful gondolas gliding on the water. You pause at a riverside café to savor a cup of traditional Turkish tea while watching locals go about their day.
After checking in, you explore nearby shops in the Odunpazarı district and admire Ottoman-era wooden houses. Street art murals add a modern twist to the historic ambiance. You sample local pastries at a family-run bakery that has been serving kumru for generations.
As dusk falls, the riverbanks light up with twinkling lanterns and the soft hum of conversation. You board a small boat for a twilight cruise, enjoying the cool breeze and the reflection of city lights on the water. The evening ends with a traditional Anatolian dinner at a cozy restaurant overlooking the river.
You wander the cobblestone streets of Odunpazarı, admiring pastel-painted wooden houses and hidden courtyards. Historical plaques tell stories of Ottoman families who once lived here. The morning light casts a golden glow over local artisan workshops selling hand-painted tiles and ceramics.
You head to the Odunpazarı Modern Museum, where interactive installations and contemporary art engage your senses. A nearby café offers light salads and local fruit pastries for a quick break. You chat with a friendly barista about the evolving creative scene in Eskişehir.
You stroll along And Street, stopping at small galleries showcasing modern Turkish artists. Lanterns strung between trees create a fairytale atmosphere as you browse. Dinner at a riverside bistro features meze plates and freshly grilled fish under the starlit sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a café | $1.50-4 |
| 🚇Public transport day pass / tram ticket | $0.50-2 per ride |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-80 |
| 🍺Drink at a bar | $2-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant, youthful atmosphere driven by universities
- Affordable prices and good value food and accommodation
- Rich mix of historic and modern attractions along the Porsuk River
- Easy base for day trips to Phrygian Valley and thermal springs
- Hot summers and cold winters can be extreme for some travelers
- Limited direct international flight options — often requires a connection
- Smaller city amenities compared to Istanbul or Ankara for late-night services
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
- "Tuvalet nerede?" - Where is the restroom?
- "Etsiz lütfen" - Without meat, please
Places to Visit in Eskişehir
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful, timber Ottoman houses on steep streets provide classic shots of restored architecture, wooden facades, and narrow alleyways.
Picturesque river scenes with photos of gondola-style boats, riverside cafés, arched bridges, and reflections at golden hour.
A whimsical castle, science center, and landscaped gardens offer varied compositions for families and architectural photography.
Illuminated city streets, trendy cafés, and modern sculptures along main thoroughfares are lively subjects after dark.
Rock-cut monuments and ancient landscapes a short drive away provide dramatic, ancient Anatolian scenery at sunrise or sunset.
Food in Eskişehir
Eskişehir Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A deep-fried turnover filled with raw minced meat and onions — a regional specialty best found at small family-run bakeries and çibörek shops in the city center.
Must-Try!
A local sesame-and-honey based halva variant, often available at traditional sweet shops and ideal as a souvenir.
Home-style bulgur pilaf and seasonal meat stews served in lokantas (casual eateries) that offer filling, affordable lunches.
Classic Turkish street pastries — sesame-ringed simit and various börek (cheese, spinach, meat) are widely available from bakeries and street vendors.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly and daily markets around the city center sell fresh produce, pastries, and regional cheeses — great places to sample seasonal fruits and street snacks.
Vendors near the river offer simit, roasted corn, midye dolma (stuffed mussels when available), and quick coffee — perfect for a riverside snack.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite handshake and eye contact are common; address older people with respectful titles (Bey/Hanım). Remove shoes when entering private homes if invited and accept offered tea to show appreciation.
Casual clothing is fine in the city, but dress more modestly when visiting mosques or conservative neighborhoods — cover shoulders and legs, and women may need a headscarf for mosque entry.
Public displays of affection are less common in conservative areas; be mindful of speaking loudly in historic or religious sites and ask permission before photographing people.
Safety
Tipping in Eskişehir
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory: round bills up in cafes and leave 5–10% at restaurants if service was good; small tips for taxi drivers and hotel porters are customary. Many places accept cash (TRY) and credit cards; smaller vendors and markets may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming parks make spring (April–June) one of the best times to visit; expect occasional rain and pleasant daytime weather ideal for walking.
Hot and dry summers (July–August) with daytime highs often in the high 20s to low 30s°C (80s–90s°F); evenings cool off and outdoor dining is popular — bring sun protection.
Crisp, comfortable weather (September–November) with colorful parks and fewer tourists; early autumn retains warmth, while late season can be rainy and cooler.
Cold winters (December–February) with occasional snow and freezing nights; some attractions remain open but dress warmly and expect shorter daylight hours.
Eskişehir at Night
Hiking in Eskişehir
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Ancient landscape with rock-cut monuments, valleys and walking routes featuring dramatic geological formations and historic ruins; best accessed by car or guided tour.
Local rolling hills offer shorter hikes and panoramic views of the Anatolian plain — suitable for half-day treks and nature walks.
Well-maintained paths within the park provide easy walking routes through landscaped areas, ideal for families and casual hikers.
Airports
How to reach Eskişehir by plane.
A small regional airport with limited domestic flights; located close to the city and reachable by taxi or shuttle services.
Major intercity bus hub offering frequent connections to Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir and other Turkish cities; buses are comfortable and an alternative to flying.
Major international airport about 2–2.5 hours by road from Eskişehir; offers frequent domestic and international flights and shuttle or bus connections.
Istanbul's airports provide the most international connections — roughly 3.5–4.5 hours by road or a short domestic flight to Ankara/Eskişehir areas followed by ground transport.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population consists of university students, creating a youthful, cosmopolitan vibe and active cultural scene.
Long-term residents with deep local traditions contribute to the city's cultural continuity and family-oriented neighborhoods.
A visible community of café owners, craftsmen, and artists involved in restoration and creative industries, especially in Odunpazarı.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport; local clubs and enthusiastic supporters follow matches closely at regional stadiums.
Basketball has a strong following, supported by university teams and local leagues.
Student sports — including volleyball, athletics, and recreation — are prominent due to the city's large university population.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Eskişehir.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian choices are common: gözleme (filled flatbreads), menemen (egg-and-tomato scramble), and vegetable stews are widely available. Many restaurants will adapt dishes on request; look for 'etsiz' (without meat) or ask staff for recommendations.
Vegan options are more limited but possible — try lentil soup (mercimek çorbası), bean dishes, salads, and vegetable-based mezes. Carry a translation card for 'no dairy/no egg' to avoid misunderstandings.
Gluten-free eating requires caution due to widespread use of wheat in breads, pastries, and bulgur. Rice-based dishes and grilled meats are safer; communicate needs clearly in Turkish if possible.