One of the most livable cities in Turkey, Eskisehir stands out with its historical texture, modern city life and cultural richness. There are many places to explore and many activities to do in this city, which is a favourite of both young people with its student-friendly structure and families with its calm atmosphere. In this article, we have compiled 7 must-see places in Eskisehir and the most popular activities that will allow you to have a pleasant time in the city. An ideal guide for those planning a trip to Eskisehir! So, what to do in Eskisehir? What to see in Eskisehir? What are the best attractions in Eskisehir? Let's explore together.👇
Eskisehir Travel Guide: Top 7 Places to Visit and Things to Do
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1. Odunpazari
Odunpazarı, the oldest settlement and historical heart of Eskişehir, is a cultural centre on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. It is famous for its narrow cobbled streets and colourful, bay windowed wooden mansions, which are beautiful examples of traditional Ottoman architecture. Many of these houses today serve as museums, boutique hotels or cafes. The area is home to landmarks such as the Kurşunlu Complex, museums and handicraft workshops and is ideal for photography enthusiasts. (Note: Comfortable shoes are recommended for the hilly streets; parking may be limited).
Places to see
Historic Odunpazari Houses: Restored wooden mansions that form the identity of the region.
Odunpazari Modern Museum (OMM): Award-winning modern and contemporary art museum with wooden facades (closed on Mondays, entrance fee).
Kurşunlu Mosque and Complex: A collection of 16th-century Ottoman buildings.
Atlıhan Handicraft Bazaar: Shops selling local handicrafts, especially meerschaum, in the historical inn (Check the closing time and day).
Meerschaum Museum: The world's first meerschaum museum in the Kurşunlu Complex (free entrance).
Activities to do
Getting Lost in the Streets: Wander the narrow streets and feel the historical atmosphere.
Taking Photos: Immortalise the colourful houses and authentic streets.
Visiting Museums: Visit various museums such as OMM, Meerschaum Museum, and Wax Museum.
Shopping for Handicrafts: Buy meerschaum and other local products from Atlıhan.
Taking a break in cafes: Taking a break in cosy cafes in historic mansions.
2. Sazova Science, Culture and Art Park
Sazova Park, built on a huge area of 400,000 square meters in the Tepebaşı district, is one of the symbols of Eskişehir and one of the largest parks in Turkey. Bringing together entertainment, science, culture and nature, this thematic park appeals to visitors of all ages. It usually takes a full day to fully explore the park (Note: The park is closed on Mondays, other days it is usually open from 10:00-17:00).
Places to see:
Fairytale Castle: An Iconic structure of the park, an impressive castle with 26 towers (entrance fee).
Pirate Ship: A life-size model of a large pirate ship.
Eti Underwater World: Aquarium with various fish species on display.
Sabanci Space House: A planetarium within the Science Centre offering space-themed presentations.
Zoo: Home to various animal species, exotic birds and the Tropical Centre (closed on Mondays).
Activities to do
Exploring Thematic Areas: Visit the Fairytale Castle, Pirate Ship, Science Centre, Zoo, Aquarium, and Japanese Garden.
Experiencing the Science Centre: Visiting interactive exhibitions, attending shows in the Space House.
Having a Picnic: Relaxing in the large green areas.
Attending Events: Follow events at the concert venue or other venues.
Visiting the Park: Explore the wider area on foot or by in-park transportation (if available).
3. Porsuk Stream and Islands Region
The Porsuk River, which runs through the center of Eskişehir and divides the city in two, is the symbol and lifeblood of the city. It is compared to Venice because of the gondola and boat tours on it. The “Adalar” area around the central section of the river is the heart of the city's social life with its cafes, restaurants, bars and walking paths. Successful urban regeneration has transformed the area into the attractive neighbourhood it is today.
Places to see
Bridges: Various bridges over the stream and the views they offer.
Adalar District Walkways: Paths along the river offering pleasant walking and observation.
Gondola and Boat Piers: Starting points for river tours.
Kanlıkavak Park (Nearby): A pleasant recreation and walking park by the Porsuk.
Riverside Cafes/Restaurants: Scenic and lively places.
Activities to do
Gondola or Boat Tour: A Popular activity for viewing the city from the water.
Walking/Biking by the River: Strolling along scenic roads.
Sitting in a Café: Relaxing and looking around in a lively atmosphere.
Taking an Evening Stroll: Experience the evening atmosphere with illuminated bridges and places.
Resting on the Grass: Sitting and relaxing in the green areas by the river.
4. Kentpark
Kentpark, one of the large parks reflecting the modern face of Eskişehir, is spread over an area of approximately 300,000 square meters. Located between the bus station and Gökmeydan neighbourhood, the most striking feature of the park is that it has Turkey's first artificial beach built using real sea sand. This feature makes the park a different cooling and relaxation point in the city, especially during the summer months.
Places to see
Artificial Beach: The main attraction of the park, beach area with real sea sand (Usually active in summer).
Pond: A Large artificial pond that adds beauty to the park.
Olympic Indoor Swimming Pool: Facility offering year-round swimming.
Outdoor Swimming Pools: Pools used during the summer months.
Restaurants and Buffets: Eating and drinking places within the park.
Activities to do
Relaxing/Sunbathing on the Beach: Experiencing the seaside atmosphere on the artificial beach (seasonal).
Swimming: Using the indoor or outdoor pools.
Walking/Running in the Park: Playing sports in green areas and on paths.
Having a Picnic: Enjoying a picnic in suitable areas.
Relaxing by the Pond: Sitting around the pond and enjoying the view.
5. Kurşunlu Mosque and Complex
Located in the centre of the historical Odunpazarı region, Kurşunlu Mosque and Complex is an important Ottoman monument built by Çoban Mustafa Pasha in the 16th century. It takes its name from its lead-covered dome. The complex includes structures such as a mosque, fountain, madrasah rooms and also hosts cultural venues such as the Meerschaum Museum and handicraft workshops.
Places to see
Kurşunlu Mosque: The historic mosque, the main structure of the complex.
Fountain: Traditional ablution fountain in the mosque courtyard.
Meerschaum Museum: A museum in the complex dedicated to meerschaum, the symbol of Eskisehir.
Handicraft Workshops/Bazaar: Areas where traditional handicrafts (ebru, calligraphy, glass, etc.) are practised and sold.
Madrasa Rooms: Historical rooms used in the past.
Activities to do
Visiting the mosque: Examine the interior and architecture of the mosque (paying attention to the prayer hours).
Exploring the Complex: Walk around the courtyard and feel the historical atmosphere.
Visiting the Meerschaum Museum: Seeing meerschaum workmanship and artefacts.
Watching Handicraft Workshops/Shopping: Watching artisans and buying handmade products.
Learning about Ottoman Architecture: Observing 16th-century külliye architecture.
6. Eti Archaeology Museum
Eti Archeology Museum, which serves in its modern building close to the city center, is an important stop to understand the rich history of Eskişehir. It has a large collection ranging from the Neolithic period to the Ottoman period. Especially the artifacts of the Phrygian civilization are remarkable and shed light on the thousands of years of history of the region.
Places to see (by collection)
Neolithic and Chalcolithic artefacts: The oldest finds of the region.
Hittite and Phrygian Collections: Artefacts from Anatolian civilisations (especially Phrygian).
Roman and Byzantine Artefacts: Sculptures, mosaics, and everyday objects.
Seljuk and Ottoman Period Artefacts: Ceramics, metalwork, etc.
Miscellaneous Finds: Terracotta pots, glass artefacts, coins, jewellery.
Activities to be do
Following the Chronological Exhibition: To learn about the history of the region by examining the artefacts in historical order.
Learning the Ancient History of the Region: Learn about the Hittite and Phrygian civilisations in particular.
Taking a Guided Tour: If possible, get more detailed information with a guide.
Focusing on Important Civilisations: Spend time on Phrygian artefacts important to the region.
Visiting the Museum Store: Examine publications or replicas.
7. Yılmaz Büyükerşen Wax Sculptures Museum
Located in Odunpazarı, this museum is one of the first wax sculpture museums in Turkey. It is named after Prof. Dr. Yılmaz Büyükerşen, who created and donated the sculptures. The museum exhibits realistic wax statues of more than 160 local and foreign celebrities from the world of history, art, politics and sports, especially Atatürk. It is a popular place for visitors to have their photos taken with celebrities.
Places to see (Thematic sections within the museum)
Atatürk and Historical Personalities Hall: Sculptures of historical figures.
Artists and Celebrities Section: Famous names from the world of cinema and music.
Politicians and Leaders: Local and foreign political figures.
Sports World: Successful athletes.
General Collection: All statues.
Activities to do
Taking Photos with the Statues: Taking souvenir photos with celebrities (most popular activity).
Looking for Familiar Faces: Find familiar faces among the sculptures on display.
Examining the Realism of the Sculptures: Seeing the details and craftsmanship up close.
Learning About the People on Display: Reading short information about the people whose statues are on display.
Visiting the Souvenir Shop: To examine the museum-themed souvenirs.
Source: TripAdvisor