Things To Do
in Eskişehir
Eskişehir, located in central Anatolia, is a vibrant city known for its historical heritage and modern developments. The city is home to the renowned Eskişehir Osmangazi University, contributing to its youthful and dynamic atmosphere. Visitors can explore attractions such as the Ottoman-era Odunpazarı district and the iconic Porsuk River running through the city center.
Eskişehir is also famous for its annual International Eskişehir Film Festival, showcasing a variety of international and local films.
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Evet" - Yes
- "Hayır" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1.50 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the famous Porsuk River, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk along the waterfront. Don’t forget to check out the colorful floating houses along the river.
Head to the Eskişehir Archaeological Museum to learn about the region's rich history. After that, visit the Odunpazarı district, known for its charming historic houses and local arts and crafts.
Finish the day by dining at a local restaurant to savor traditional Turkish cuisine. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as you explore the bustling streets.
Visit the Sazova Park, a large green space perfect for picnics and family fun. Explore the fairy tale castle and enjoy the beautiful gardens.
Take a boat ride on the park's lake for a relaxing experience surrounded by nature. Afterward, participate in some outdoor activities like cycling or jogging.
Relax in the park as the sun sets, enjoying the scenic views. You can also choose to grab a light dinner in one of the nearby cafes.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with historical sites and museums.
- Vibrant university town atmosphere with a youthful population.
- Beautiful parks and green spaces providing a pleasant environment.
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger cities in Turkey.
- Good transportation connections, including high-speed trains.
- Varied culinary options with local specialties.
- Limited job opportunities in certain industries.
- Can be crowded due to the student population, especially during the school year.
- Harsh winters with cold temperatures and snow.
- Public transport may not be as extensive as in larger cities.
- Less international recognition compared to major cities like Istanbul.
- Some areas may lack modern amenities and infrastructure.
Best Activities in Eskişehir
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
A beautiful park with a pond, playgrounds, and walking paths, perfect for outdoor activities and picnics.
A large park with a lake, cycling paths, and sports facilities, ideal for outdoor sports and relaxation.
A serene forest area with hiking trails and picnic spots, great for nature walks and outdoor gatherings.
A natural canyon offering hiking and rock climbing opportunities amid stunning rock formations and scenic views.
An archaeological site with walking paths and historical ruins, allowing for outdoor exploration and learning.
Tours
Uncover the best of Eskişehir with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Eskişehir
Visit one of these nice places.
Traditional Ottoman-style houses with colorful facades, great for photography.
Scenic river with walking paths and bridges, offering picturesque views of the city.
Historic area with old watermills along the river, providing unique photo opportunities.
Food in Eskişehir
Eskişehir Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Eskişehir Ciğer is a traditional dish of grilled lamb liver seasoned with local spices. It's a must-try for meat lovers. You can savor this dish at 'Ciğerci İsmail' in the historic Odunpazarı district.
Must-Try!
Aş Eksili is a hearty soup made with lentils, bulgur, and yogurt, seasoned with dried mint. You can find authentic Aş Eksili at 'Çınaraltı Aşevi' in the heart of the city.
Manda Yoğurdu, or buffalo yogurt, is a local specialty known for its creamy texture and distinct flavor. You can taste this unique yogurt at 'Sakarya Manda Yoğurdu' dairy shop in the lively Atatürk Boulevard.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Eskişehir better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Hamamyolu Food Market is a bustling marketplace offering a wide array of fresh produce, spices, and local delicacies. Don't miss trying 'çibörek', a savory pastry filled with ground meat and onions, from the street food vendors in this market.
Located near the historic Çarşı Hamam, these street food stalls are perfect for sampling authentic Eskişehir street food. Indulge in 'tarhana çorbası', a fermented soup, and 'tavuk göğsü pilav', a delightful rice dish with chicken breast, at these vibrant stalls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
It is customary to show respect for elders in Eskişehir, Turkey. This includes greeting them with a handshake and using formal titles such as 'abi' (brother) or 'abla' (sister) when addressing them.
When dining in Eskişehir, it's important to wait for the oldest or most senior person to start eating before beginning your meal. It's also polite to leave a small amount of food on your plate to show that you are full.
Hospitality is highly valued in Eskişehir, and it is common for hosts to offer guests tea or coffee upon arrival. It's polite to accept these offerings and engage in conversation as a sign of respect for your host.
Safety
Tipping in Eskişehir
Ensure a smooth experience
In Eskişehir, it is customary to leave a 10% tip at restaurants if a service charge isn't included in the bill. Additionally, rounding up the fare for taxi rides or small services is appreciated as a tip.
Cash is widely accepted in Eskişehir, especially in smaller establishments. However, credit and debit cards are also commonly used, especially in larger shops and restaurants. Contactless payment methods are becoming increasingly popular.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a wonderful time to visit Eskişehir, with mild temperatures and beautiful blooming flowers. The city comes alive with cultural events and outdoor activities, and you can explore the historic sites and charming neighborhoods without the crowds of summer.
Summer in Eskişehir brings warm weather and plenty of sunshine, making it perfect for enjoying outdoor festivals, picnics by the Porsuk River, and the vibrant nightlife. However, it can get quite crowded with tourists during this time, so be prepared for higher prices and busy attractions.
Fall offers pleasant weather with cooler temperatures, and the city is adorned with the beautiful colors of autumn. This is a great time to explore the local cuisine, visit the numerous parks and gardens, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before winter sets in.
Winter in Eskişehir brings cold temperatures and occasional snowfall, creating a picturesque winter wonderland. The city is less crowded during this time, making it perfect for exploring the historical sites, indulging in hot Turkish tea, and experiencing traditional Turkish baths.
Eskişehir at Night
Hiking in Eskişehir
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A picturesque hiking spot with stunning views of the Sakarya River, ideal for a day of trekking and enjoying nature.
A beautiful natural spot located near Eskişehir, offering hiking trails along the paths that lead to the waterfall.
Known for its scenic landscapes, Kırka Village has various hiking routes through the countryside, rich with flora and fauna.
This cultural and natural site features ancient rock formations and a range of hiking trails that provide a chance to explore history.
A peaceful hiking area with a stunning lake, perfect for nature walks and enjoying a serene environment.
Aiports
How to reach Eskişehir by plane.
The nearest airport to Eskişehir, offering domestic flights.
Located approximately 230 km from Eskişehir, this is the main international airport serving the capital city of Ankara.
About 300 km from Eskişehir, this is one of the largest and busiest international airports in the world.
Located around 400 km from Eskişehir, this airport serves the Asian side of Istanbul and offers various international flights.
Approximately 200 km from Eskişehir, this airport supports both domestic and limited international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Eskişehir, making up the majority of the population.
A significant minority in Eskişehir, contributing to the cultural and social fabric of the city.
A smaller demographic group that has a unique cultural identity and presence in urban areas.
A historically established community in Eskişehir, contributing to the city's cultural diversity.
Includes various smaller groups and expatriates from different backgrounds living in Eskişehir.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Eskişehir, with local teams like Eskişehirspor having a strong following.
Basketball has gained popularity in Eskişehir, with competitive teams and a dedicated fanbase supporting local leagues.
Volleyball is also widely played, with local clubs and schools actively participating in competitions and recreational play.
Athletics, including running, jumping, and throwing events, is popular among youth and is promoted by local sports clubs.
Swimming is a key sport in Eskişehir, with various facilities available for both competitive and recreational swimming.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Eskişehir.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many eateries in Eskişehir offer delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes such as stuffed grape leaves, grilled vegetable kebabs, and lentil soups. 'Zen Sufi' and 'Dibek Restaurant' are known for their diverse vegetarian and vegan menus.
Travelers with gluten intolerance can enjoy gluten-free dishes like 'pide' made with gluten-free flour and rice-based 'pilav' at 'Namli Gurme' and 'Nezir Cay Evi'. It's advisable to communicate dietary needs clearly to ensure a pleasant dining experience.