Overview
About Eskişehir
Eskişehir unfolds along the banks of the Porsuk River as a dynamic fusion of ancient heritage and modern creativity. Known as Turkey’s “student city,” it pulses with the energy of two major universities, fostering a thriving arts scene, cutting‑edge technology parks, and a café culture that spills onto lively pedestrian boulevards. The historic Odunpazarı district charms with its Ottoman‑era timber houses, now home to boutique galleries and craft workshops, while the striking Sazova Park showcases a fairy‑tale castle and a full‑scale replica of the Nautilus. Riverfront promenades, contemporary museums, and a legendary meat‑ball (çiğ köfte) tradition complete a city that feels both deeply rooted and forward‑looking.
What to see & do
Top attractions
01Söğüt (Ertuğrul Gazi Tomb)FreeKid-friendlyHistoricalCulturalArchitecturalSpiritualUnique
In the tranquil valley town of Söğüt, the modest marble tomb of Ertuğrul Gazi—father of Osman I, founder of the Ottoman dynasty—draws pilgrims and history lovers alike. The octagonal structure, rebuilt in the 19th century under Sultan Abdülaziz, sits within a leafy courtyard beside a centuries-old plane tree said to have been planted by Ertuğrul himself. The atmosphere is one of quiet reverence; the air scented with pine and incense. Nearby, the early Ottoman *Orhan Gazi Mosque* and the *Halime Hatun Tomb* complete a sacred cluster that marks the cradle of an empire that would span three continents.
Logistics
Practical info
Getting there & around
The city’s compact centre is easily explored on foot. An efficient tram network (EsTram) connects key districts, including the university campuses and the Otogar (bus terminal). Buses and dolmuşes (shared minibuses) cover the wider metropolitan area, while taxis and ride‑hailing apps are readily available. Cycling is popular along the Porsuk River’s dedicated paths.
Food & drink
Eskişehir’s culinary identity revolves around çiğ köfte — spiced raw bulgur “meatballs” served in lettuce wraps — and the rich, buttery pastry known as met helvası. Riverside restaurants grill fresh trout, while student‑friendly eateries dish out affordable döner, pide, and vegetarian mezzes. Don’t miss a glass of boza, a fermented millet drink, at a historic bozacısı in Odunpazarı.
Stay aware
Safety considerations
Eskişehir is generally safe, with low violent‑crime rates. Exercise standard urban caution: keep valuables secure in crowded areas, especially around the tram stops and the weekend bazaar. Tap water is potable, though many visitors prefer bottled water. Emergency services can be reached via 112.