Bursa and Uludağ — the Cable Car, the Snow and the Ottoman City: How Far, What to Do, When to Go
Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman state, at the foot of Mount Uludağ south of the Marmara Sea, about two and a half hours from Istanbul. In summer it is the green city with its long cable car, thermal baths and cuisine; in winter Uludağ is the closest snow and ski resort for Gulf families. Seen Travels’ Green Bursa day trip leaves from Istanbul at a published price with pay on arrival.
Quick facts
Things to do in Bursa and Uludağ
The Bursa cable car
One of the longest cable-car lines in the world at about 9 km, climbing from Teferrüç over the forests to the hotel zone on Uludağ in about 20 minutes with a stop at Sarıalan. Meadows and picnics in summer, the gateway to the snow in winter.
Snow and skiing on Uludağ
From December to March there are slopes for beginners and experts, gear rental on site and sledding for children in front of the hotels. You do not have to ski to enjoy the snow and tea on the mountain.
The Ottoman city
The Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami) with its calligraphy, the Green Mosque and Green Tomb, and the Koza Han silk bazaar where tea is drunk in the courtyard under the trees. All within walking distance.
Cumalıkızık village
A 700-year-old Ottoman village on the mountainside, listed by UNESCO, with coloured houses and a village breakfast. The best morning in Bursa.
İskender kebab and sweets
Bursa is the home of İskender kebab, candied chestnuts and Turkish delight. Lunch in the old-city restaurants is part of the trip.
Extreme Park and gardens
An adventure and amusement park for families on the mountain road, added to Seen’s Green Bursa day trip when children are along.
Where to stay
Best time to visit
For snow: mid-December to March, busiest at New Year and during the Turkish mid-term school holiday in late January. For the city and the green cable car: April to November with mild weather. In summer the mountain is about 10 degrees cooler than the city, so bring a jacket for the cable car.
How to get there
From Istanbul either by ferry from Yenikapı to Yalova and then the road to Bursa (about two and a half hours in total), or by car via İzmit (about two and a half to three hours). Seen’s Green Bursa day trip leaves from your Istanbul hotel by car or van with driver, at a published price with payment on arrival.
Bursa and Uludağ FAQ
How far is Bursa from Istanbul?
About 150 km south of Istanbul across the Marmara Sea. By ferry to Yalova and then the road about two and a half hours; by car via İzmit about two and a half to three hours.
When is there snow on Uludağ?
Usually from mid-December to March, with the deepest snow in January and February. Snow depends on the weather and is not guaranteed on a given day, so check a day or two before the trip.
Is one day enough?
Yes: the cable car, the mountain, lunch and the Ottoman city or Cumalıkızık in one long day from Istanbul. Those who really want to ski prefer a night in a mountain hotel.
Is Bursa suitable for children?
One of the most suitable trips: the cable car, snow and sledding in winter, Extreme Park in summer and the sweets in the city. Children over three count as a person on the bus.
Bursa or Sapanca?
Sapanca is closer and calmer: a lake and a mountain village with a shorter day. Bursa is a little farther with the longer cable car, Mount Uludağ and the Ottoman city. Many visit both on different days.
How do I book the Bursa trip with Seen?
The Green Bursa day trip is on the site with its price, booked on WhatsApp and paid on arrival. Cable-car tickets and ski-gear rental are paid on site. Seen is a TÜRSAB-licensed agency, number 11824.
A day in Bursa and Uludağ from Istanbul: the cable car, snow or greenery, and the Ottoman city, and you pay on arrival.
Book the Bursa trip on WhatsApp