Eskisehir; One of the most enjoyable cities in Anatolia to visit and spend time in; It has made a name for itself as a student city, and with the help of Yılmaz Büyükerşen, it has updated its reputation as the city of art and museums. It is a city that is easy to visit and has plenty of places to visit. If you are thinking of exploring the unique city of Eskişehir, here is where you can find all the information you will need for an unforgettable Eskişehir travel experience. Eskisehir travel guide. Places to visit in Eskişehir, what to eat in Eskişehir, where to eat, accommodation options in Eskişehir You will find and much more in this article, enjoy reading!
Places to Visit in the Unique City of Eskişehir
Eskişehir is one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Turkey, especially its museums and social life on the banks of the Porsuk Stream. You can have different experiences in Eskişehir, whether on a day trip, a weekend or by spending more time.
Map of Places to Visit in Eskişehir
Below is the Eskişehir tourist map prepared by Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality. You can see places to visit and important points in Eskişehir on this map.
I have prepared a "map of places to visit in Eskişehir" for you using the Google Maps application. You can access the details of the map by clicking on the image below.
I tried to explain the places on the map above in detail below, continue reading.
odunpazarı homes
We can say that Odunpazarı region is the touristic center of Eskişehir. As you wander among Odunpazarı Houses and walk among the old mansions, almost all of which have been restored, you will feel like you are on a journey through history. It is at the top of the list of places to visit in Eskişehir with its historical and cultural riches, interesting and beautiful museums, accommodation, shopping and food and beverage options. Odunpazarı Houses are on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list.
Eskişehir Yılmaz Büyükerşen Wax Sculptures Museum
This place, Turkey's first wax sculptures museum, is one of the interesting tourist spots of Eskişehir. You can visit this museum to see wax statues of famous personalities and take photos with them. I didn't go there, but it's one of the rare museums in Eskişehir that has a queue in front of it, so be prepared for the crowd.
OMM – Odunpazarı Modern Museum
Odunpazarı Modern Museum (OMM) is a must-visit place for modern art lovers with its striking exterior architecture in the Odunpazarı Region. As I said, the museum attracts attention with its design. It was designed by Kengo Kuma and Associates (KKAA), a world-famous Japanese architectural office. The design was implemented by architect and collector Erol Tabanca and this impressive museum building emerged. OMM, which was accepted as one of the 25 best museum buildings of the last century by ARTnews, one of the world-famous art publications, what more can we say!
There are fixed and periodic exhibitions inside the museum, so it's a good idea to check what events/exhibitions are going on before you go.
Museum entrance is paid and Museum Card is not valid.
Visiting days and hours of the museum are below;
- Monday: CLOSED
- Tuesday: 10:00–18:00
- Wednesday: 10:00–20:00
- Thursday: 10:00–18:00
- Friday: 10:00–18:00
- Saturday: 10:00–18:00
- Sunday: 11:00–18:00
Atlıhan Handicrafts Bazaar
Atlıhan is an inn built in the 1850s for market vendors, travelers and villagers coming from outside the city to accommodate themselves and their animals. Thanks to the tea house in the inn, not only foreigners but also lumberjacks, residents of Odunpazarı, came here. It was known by different names such as Tavafçı Inn, Odunpazarı Inn, but it fell out of use over time and fell into ruin. In 2005-2006, the inn was restored and started to be used for the promotion of meerschaum. Today, Atlıhan Handicrafts Bazaar is a place where you can find local handcrafted products, meerschaum souvenirs and shop. Be sure to stop by here while wandering the streets of Odunpazarı.
Needlework Museum
Demirler Mansion, one of the largest mansions in Odun Pazarı, was restored by the Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality while it was abandoned and opened as the İmren Erşen Oya Museum. In the museum where İmren Erşen's lace collection consisting of 8500 pieces is exhibited, it is possible to see the connection of lace with traditions such as weddings and circumcision.
Oya Museum entrance fee for 2024 is 50 TL for adults, 30 TL for students. Museum card is not valid.
Turkish Bath Museum
One of the museums in the Odunpazarı region is the Bath Museum. You can find a lot of information about the baths through animations and digital screens in the museum where Eskişehir bath culture is explained. The smell of soap from the moment you enter the museum doubles the effect of the museum.
2024 Turkish Bath Museum entrance fee is 50 TL, Museum Card is not valid.
Kurşunlu Mosque and Social Complex
One of the landmarks of Odunpazarı is the Kurşunlu Mosque, which is an architecturally impressive structure. There is a caravanserai, a fountain, a hinakah and a primary school within the mosque complex. This large complex includes the Meerschaum Museum, the Handicrafts Bazaar, where you can find products made from meerschaum, examples of marbling art and glass blowing art and much more, Osman Yaşar Tanaçan Photography Museum and Hot Glass Blowing Workshop.
Eskişehir is also known for its world-famous meerschaum. Meerschaum is a mineral specific to the city and is processed here into jewelry and ornaments. By visiting Eskişehir Meerschaum Museum, you can see the history and processing process of this unique stone closely.
Map of Places to Visit in Odunpazarı
Odunpazarı region is a museum paradise, there are many museums that I cannot list here. Glass Museum, Fashion Museum, that museum, this museum... It is not possible to visit all of them in one day, so do not go before you go. Travel guide of Odunpazarı Municipality I recommend you to review the page and choose the museums that interest you and make your Eskişehir travel plan accordingly.
Porsuk Stream & Islands
Porsuk Stream, one of the symbols of Eskişehir, passes through the middle of the city and there are many activities around it. You can take a walk by the stream, sit on the grass and have a picnic in the summer months, or sit in cafes and enjoy the view. You can also participate in activities such as gondola tours and boat tours on the Porsuk Stream.
The excursion gondolas on the Porsuk Stream even earned Eskişehir the title of "Turkey's Venice". There is a gondola stop of the municipality right at the beginning of the Islands Region. Prices for 2023 were as follows; The gondola price for 10 people for a 4-minute gondola trip is 200 TL. The gondola price is fixed whether you take 4 people or single person.
Haller Youth Center
Haller Youth Center, an old inn in the center of Eskişehir, has become a meeting place for young people today with its many cafes and restaurants. Since its historical texture is preserved, its view is especially beautiful from the inside. In addition to cafes, there are also souvenir shops. You might consider stopping for a drink, it gets more lively in the evening hours.
Doctors Street
We can say that Doktorlar Street is Eskişehir's Istiklal Street. I think there is no one who goes to Eskişehir and does not pass through this street. A tram passes through the middle, it is a perfect street where you can find shops, cafes, whatever you are looking for, and be transported to the Princes' Islands in just a few steps. What a beautiful street you are, with a shopping mall at one end and Porsuk on the other.
Hamam Yolu Street
Hamam Yolu is named after the famous baths of Eskişehir. Even though there are baths on the road today, this is where trade takes place. Even if you don't shop in the shops where you can find everything you can think of, I recommend you take a walk and witness the daily life of Eskişehir.
Tülomsaş Museum & Revolution Cars
The most important work of the Tülomsaş Museum is undoubtedly the display of one of the four revolution cars produced in Eskişehir in 1961 days in 129. Unfortunately, due to an unfortunate presentation error, the production of these vehicles, which were made with great dedication and the best equipment of the time, was discontinued.
I visited the museum again with tears in my eyes. The museum has many exhibition areas not only about Revolutionary Cars but also about the development of railways in Anatolia. Thanks to this museum, I got to know Behiç Erkin Bey, the founder and first general manager of the railways, who made a great contribution to knitting Anatolia with iron networks and caused these lines to be included in the 10th anniversary anthem. I am sharing the text in the museum verbatim so that you can recognize it:
Entrance to the garden of Tülomsaş Museum, where the Revolutionary Car is located, is free. You can visit the entire garden for free. The entrance fee to enter the building part of the museum is 2024 TL for 15, 10 TL for students.
We have a very impressive Turkish film with the same name, which tells the story of the construction of Revolutionary Cars. If you haven't watched it, I highly recommend you watch it.
TCDD Museum
There is a cute TCDD Museum right next to Eskişehir train station. Eskişehir, a city that produces locomotives, is a place where you can find many train-related materials, from old black trains to wagons. It's been years since I left and entry was free then, I hope it still is.
Note: We did not take the photo with an iron, this is what photos were taken with a phone back then :)
Eti Archaeological Museum
Eskişehir's only archaeological museum, Eti Archeology Museum, is located in a street within walking distance of Odunpazarı area. in the museum Phrygian ValleysFinds from many mounds in Eskişehir and its surroundings are exhibited. Although it is a fairly large museum, one cannot help but say "I wish more was exhibited" while visiting it. There is a nice cafeteria at the exit of the museum, prices are affordable and the atmosphere is pleasant. A nice place to take a break after visiting the museum.
I participated in the excavations Küllüoba MoundSome finds unearthed are also exhibited on the second floor of the museum.
Museum entrance is paid, Museum Card is valid.
Sazova Science Culture and Art Park
Sazova Park, known as the Disneyland of Eskişehir, is the reason to come to Eskişehir, especially for families with children. Although the most popular spot in a huge park area is the Fairytale Castle, which resembles the Disneyland castle, Sazova Science Culture and Art Park includes the Galleon Ship, Science Experiment Center, Sabancı Space House, Zoo, Eti Underwater World, and Miniature Works areas. There are many fun options not only for children but also for adults. I recommend that you plan your Eskişehir plan to spare at least a few hours for Sazova Park.
City Park
What if I told you there is a beach in Eskişehir? Yes, you read it right, Kent Park, which is spread over an area of 300 thousand square meters in the center of Eskişehir, has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, an artificial beach, which is a first in Turkey, restaurants and horse riding areas. The 350-meter-long artificial beach creates a wonderful experience by bringing the pleasure of the sea to a landlocked city like Eskişehir.
* Photo taken from Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality website.
Phrygian Valley
The most visible and tangible evidence of Eskişehir's ancient history is the Phrygian works centered around the Yazılıkaya Midas Monument, known as Mountainous Phrygia, and located around the religious center of Phrygia. Phrygia; It covers a wide geography including the provinces of Ankara, Eskişehir, Afyonkarahisar and Kütahya. The part of Phrygia within the borders of Eskişehir centers around Yazılıkaya, the religious center of the Phrygians, and there are magnificent Phrygian ruins around it. I would just like to remind you that you need to spare at least two days to properly explore Rough Phrygia. As someone who has visited different parts of Phrygia several times, I can say that Yazılıkaya Midas Monument is one of the most impressive monuments in Anatolia.
Eskişehir Phrygian Route: Yazılıkaya Valley Be sure to check out my post.
Places to visit on the Eskişehir Phrygia route are listed on the map below.
Seyitgazi Tomb
The tomb of Battal Gazi, whom we know from Turkish movies, is located in the Seyitgazi district of Eskişehir. The tomb is located in a complex and, in addition to Seyitgazi's Tomb, there are Çoban Baba, Ümmühan Hatun and Ayni Ana Tombs. While I was in Seyitgazi Places to visit in Seyitgazi I suggest you also take a look at the list.
Küllüoba Mound
Küllüoba Mound, located 15 km northeast of Seyitgazi District and 1.3 km south of Yenikent Village. The first urbanization of Western Anatolia not, The oldest traces of painkillers identified in the worldIt is a place where important findings for world history were discovered, such as the discovery of Anatolia and the trade of Anatolia with Northern Syria and Mesopotamia. For this reason, it is a mound of critical importance and value for the entire history of Anatolia.
To get detailed information about Küllüoba Mound Küllüoba Mound Be sure to check out my post.
Diving in Sakaryabaşı
Surprises never end in Eskişehir. If there is a beach in a city without a sea, why not dive! This dive is not like the sea dives you know, it is river diving. Sakaryabaşı, the birthplace of the Sakarya River, is located in the Çifteler district of Eskişehir. Scuba diving is possible in Sakaryabaşı. Although it is not a well-known place, I am sure that it is a very different experience as someone who has dived in fresh water a few times before. I have not dived in Sakaryabaşı yet, but it is on my to-do list! Diving spots in Sakaryabaşı; Gökgöz, Karaburgu, Kırkkız and Başkurt. After diving here, I will definitely write a blog post specific to that experience, stay tuned!
Best Time to Go to Eskişehir
Eskişehir is a city where the continental climate is experienced to the fullest, that is, summers are hot and dry, winters are cold and rainy. Therefore, the best time to go to Eskişehir is definitely spring. It doesn't matter spring or autumn, whichever suits you best. Even if you go in spring, it would be a good idea to keep in mind that the temperature differences between day and night are high and take clothes accordingly.
I went to Eskişehir in every season, I got cold in the winter and burned in the summer, but that didn't stop me from loving every aspect of it. So go whenever you are available, don't limit yourself too much.
How Many Days Are Required to Visit Eskişehir?
If you only visit the city center when you come to Eskişehir and choose the museums you will visit in advance, two days will be enough for a quick trip. However, if you decide to go to Phrygia, see Seyitgazi, or dive in Sakaryabaşı, be prepared to extend the time up to a week. Of course, you do not need to do it all at once; it is also an option to see all the places to visit in Eskişehir in three trips with more than one two-day Eskişehir trip.
Two-Day Travel Route Suggestion for Eskişehir
Those who come to Eskişehir by train, especially from cities such as Istanbul and Ankara, usually take a two-day weekend route, so I wanted to prepare a route for those weekend travelers, I hope it will be useful.
Eskişehir Trip – Day 1: Start the day with breakfast in the Princes' Islands and continue the day with a gondola tour on the Porsuk Stream. After seeing the Tülomsaş Museum and Revolution Cars and visiting the TCDD Museum, see the Atatürk Statue in Ulus Square (I love this statue very much), walk and shop in Doktorlar Street and Hamamyolu, and end the day at Haller Youth Center or Barlar Street. For lunch, you can eat Çi Börek at Papağan or Balaban Kebab at Abdülselam Balaban Kebap.
Eskişehir Trip – Day 2: Start the day with breakfast at Ayten Usta Aynalı Kahve in Odunpazarı. See the museums you want to visit in Odunpazarı and enjoy the streets of Odunpazarı. For lunch, eat çi pastry at the Crimean Tatar Culture Çi Börek House and reach the Eti Archeology Museum with a short walk. Just take a bus to spend the rest of the day in Sazova Park. If you are staying for the evening, you can finish the day at one of Porsuk Guest House or Varuna Gezgin's venues.
I liked the Eskişehir travel route very much, I wanted to go and visit Eskişehir this way again, because every time I went, I always visited different parts of it.
Eskisehir Travel Guide
Now that we have finished the places to visit in Eskişehir, we can move on to other details; All the information you will need about your Eskişehir trip, such as what to eat in Eskişehir, where to eat, where to stay, how to get there, urban transportation, etc. are in the Eskişehir travel guide section, keep reading!
What to Eat and Where to Eat in Eskişehir?
Eskişehir cuisine is rich and delicious. If you come to Eskişehir, you should not return without tasting the local delicacies. In addition to tastes such as the famous Eskişehir çi pastry, Balaban kebab and met halva, you can also consider giving Eskişehir's local chains and restaurants a chance.
Ci Pastry
“What to eat in Eskişehir?” The first food that comes to mind is chi börek, which is a Tatar dish and which we often incorrectly call "raw börek". Çi börek, which is a deep-fried minced meat pastry, is not my favorite food, if I don't mind. I tried it in different places in Eskişehir, but it seems too oily to me. Be sure to try it while you're in Eskişehir. If you are wondering where to taste it; Papağan, close to the Princes' Islands, and Crimean Tatar Culture Çi Börek Evi, in Odunpazarı, will not leave you disappointed.
Balaban Kebab
I don't remember how many times I went to Eskişehir, but I managed to return without trying Balaban Kebab. A kebab that looks like iskender with meatballs, made with pita bread, meatballs, butter, sauce and yoghurt. Where to eat Balaban Kebab?; Abdülselam Balaban Kebap or Fahrettin Usta Balaban Kebap are recommended places.
Met Halva
Met Helva is another delicacy specific to Eskişehir, it looks and tastes like compressed pistachio. If you like this type of sweet halvah, be sure to try it. If you ask where to find it; There are many dessert shops such as the well-known Helvacı and Kurtuluş Kuruyemiş, you can try it in one of them.
Talkan Cookie
It's one of the flavors I've never seen outside of Eskişehir. de Talkan Cookies. This cookie made with roasted chickpea powder is very light and delicious. I bought it from Kurtuluş Kuruyemiş, you can find it in many places.
Lentil Twist
Lentil bendeme is a flavor that I first ate in Afyonkarahisar and loved it, and that I try everywhere I find it. You can think of it as a lentil pastry, with a lentil filling inside a large rolled dough. You can find it in most of the bakeries in Eskişehir. When you find it, don't miss it, don't forgive me, make my ears ring when I eat it and like it.
Varuna Traveler
It is impossible to talk about Eskişehir and not mention Varuna Gezgin, Turkey's first traveler cafe. Varuna Gezgin, which opened its first branch in Eskişehir, today has branches in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and more than one location in Eskişehir. Its founder, Murat Fıçıcı, opened the first cafe and prepared the menu with drinks and dishes from different parts of the world, and decorated it with items he collected from around the world. The best part was that he sent his employees, most of whom were university students, on trips to completely different geographies of the world. The concept caught on, similar ones emerged, but it has a special place in our hearts.
Pino Hamburger
Pino, Eskişehir's local hamburger chain, is one of my favorite places in Eskişehir because I think it keeps this local spirit alive. Their Pino Burger with Russian salad is my favorite. Its prices are affordable and it has branches in many parts of Eskişehir.
Porsuk Guest House
I also included Porsuk Guest House, which is a property of Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality, in the where to stay section, and I am including it here as well because the restaurant on the ground floor has a real Pera Palace atmosphere, the food is very delicious and the prices are very affordable. It's like paying the bill for a tradesman restaurant in a luxury hotel... Advance reservation is required.
Breakfast on the Islands
If you come to Eskişehir, you should definitely have breakfast at Adalar. There are many places that serve mixed breakfast, and I think the ingredients and taste are more or less similar in all of them. Travelers Cafe, Kahv6, Acıktım Kafedeyiz are just a few of the places that serve this format. If you are looking for a more artisanal place, you can give Doyuran Breakfast Hall a try.
If you want to have breakfast in Odunpazarı instead of Adalar; Ayten Usta Mirrored Coffee is a good alternative.
Cigerci Ahmet
Eskişehir's liver is not famous, but if you want to eat a nice liver, it is a very preferred place with its authentic decoration, rich starter menu that comes before the liver, and delicious liver, I ate there too when I went there.
Where to Stay in Eskişehir? Eskisehir Accommodation Options
Eskisehir is a very rich city in terms of accommodation options; In addition to chain hotels such as Dedeman and Hilton, there are also options such as boutique hotels and teacher training centers. During my last visit to Eskişehir, when I asked for accommodation advice in Eskişehir on social media, I am sharing the answers I received as a list below;
- Ibis Hotel
- Dedeman Smart
- Teacher's House
- Hilton
- Madame Tadia Hotel
- Arus Hotel
- Modernity Hotel
- Grande Arte Hotel
- Atiskan Hotel
- Application Hotel
- Leto Hotel
- Merlot Hotel
- Abacı Mansions
- Questa Thermal Hotel
- Dedepark Hotel
- OMM Inn
Eskisehir Metropolitan Municipality Porsuk Guest House
Porsuk Guest House, a business owned by Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality, is a very nice accommodation option with its location on the island on the Porsuk River and its wonderful building. Every time I cross the bridge across from the Guest House, this beautiful building catches my eye and I can't help but look. Since the Guest House is a municipality business, primarily the municipality's guests stay here. It may be difficult to find a place, it would be better to make a reservation long before you go.
There is also a restaurant on the ground floor, open to the outside. The prices are very affordable and the food is delicious, but this place also requires advance reservations.
Ibis Hotel
We stayed at Ibis Hotel several times in Eskişehir. Very central, prices are quite affordable. Walking distance to everywhere in the centre. In ibis simplicity and quality. If you are looking for a central and convenient option, it is very sufficient. At the same time, the building where the hotel is located is an old grain warehouse. The exterior architectural structure of the building has been preserved, and the interior has been completely renovated. It also has a parking lot.
Where is Eskişehir, How to Get to Eskişehir?
Eskişehir is at a central point close to the heart of our country. To go to many places, it is necessary to stop by Eskişehir somehow. It has been like this throughout history, this ancient city was one of the stops of the Silk Road. Anyway, let's get back to today. It is very easy to reach Eskişehir, you can reach Eskişehir from many points of Turkey by train, bus, private vehicle, the only thing missing is the airport.
Urban Transportation in Eskişehir
The best option for urban transportation in Eskişehir is the tram lines that connect the tourist spots. Moreover, when you come to the city as a tourist, you do not need to buy a ticket; you can pay your boarding fee with your credit card.
When you go to Eskişehir, do not leave without doing it!
Whether you go to Eskişehir for a day or for a long time, do not return without doing the following!
- Without wandering around the streets in Odunpazarı,
- Before visiting a few of Odunpazarı's many museums that interest you,
- Without having breakfast in the Islands,
- Before taking the gondola on Porsuk Stream,
- Without eating Çi Börek,
- Without seeing the Revolutionary Car,
- Without walking on the stony roads of history in the Phrygian Valleys,
- Don't leave without chatting with the sweet people of Eskişehir!
Eskişehir is a city full of treasures waiting to be discovered. It will offer you an unforgettable experience with its historical texture, natural beauties and delicious cuisine. Pack your suitcases and set out to explore this unique city!
I hope my Eskişehir travel guide article will help you while exploring Eskişehir and enable you to make unforgettable memories!