begüm When you think of Eskişehir, the first things that come to mind are culture and a lively city life. With a deep history dating back to the Phrygians, the city hosts many historical and tourist attractions. Combined with the energy of its young population, this cultural fabric makes Eskişehir one of the most dynamic destinations in Turkey. The Porsuk River, running through the city center, captivates visitors with views that almost resemble Venice.
Although spending 2 days is enough to get to know the city, its atmosphere always invites you to come back. If you’re wondering, “What to do in Eskişehir, where to visit, what to eat?”, this guide will help you explore Eskişehir’s attractions, Odunpazarı houses, the Eskişehir Bazaar, and local flavors.
How to Get to Eskişehir
You can reach Eskişehir in many ways, and it’s often on the route during holiday returns. On the way, you might stop for met helva or Balaban kebab, and the journey becomes part of the experience.
High-Speed Train from Istanbul
You can take the high-speed train (TCDD) from Pendik to Eskişehir. The journey takes about 2.5–3 hours. This is my first choice for a comfortable and fast trip.
By Bus
If you can’t find a train ticket, buses are also available. The journey takes around 4.5–5 hours, though sometimes it can take longer.
By Car
From Istanbul, you can drive 350 km via the Osmangazi Bridge and through Bursa. You could also spend a day in Bursa before continuing to Eskişehir. On our return trip, we took this route and found it quite comfortable.
From Ankara
From Ankara to Eskişehir, it takes about 2.5 hours. On our last trip, after visiting Anıtkabir, we decided to stop in Eskişehir for ciğer (liver) again. As I said before, you can reach Eskişehir in many ways!
Is it necessary to rent a car in Eskişehir?
If you’re wondering if you need to rent a car, I think renting a car in Eskişehir is more comfortable and affordable. Click here to rent a car. CLICK HERE.
Accommodation in Eskişehir
Eskişehir Affordable Accommodation Options
To explore affordable hotel and hostel options for those looking to stay in the Old City, CLICK HERE.
Eskisehir Places to Visit Map
- 1Porsuk Stream
- 2Sazova Park
- 3Odunpazarı Houses
- 4Odunpazarı Modern Museum
- 5Wax Museum
- 6Contemporary Glass Arts Museum
- 7Republic History Museum
- 8Atlıhan Handicrafts Bazaar
- 9Tayfun Talipoğlu Typewriter Gallery
- 10Anadolu University Educational Cartoons Museum
- 11ETİ City and Migration Museum
- 12Meerschaum Gallery
Click to download the Eskişehir Places to Visit map!
Where to Visit in Eskişehir
Porsuk River
The Porsuk River is the longest branch of the Sakarya River, stretching 488 km! In the spring and summer, gondola tours are available, and people relax and chat on the grass areas on the right side of the river. When you look from the bridges, you can see perfect views. I visited three times but never took a gondola tour 🙁 because I didn’t go in the season. Still, this place is beautiful in every season, even in winter when it freezes from the cold 🙂
By the way, the Porsuk River is not far from the city center. You can take the tram from the Otagar station, transfer to the SSK line, and get off at the İsmet İnönü stop.
Sazova Park
Welcome to the Eskişehir branch of Disneyland! Let’s start with the Fairy Tale Castle. This castle is built by combining Turkey’s eight most famous towers: Burgulu Tower, Maiden’s Tower, Galata Tower, Bell Tower, Cinderella Tower, Ulu Tower, Justice Tower, and Fluted Tower.
Inside the park, there is an artificial pond. Other attractions include the Sabancı Space House, Zoo, Pirate Ship, and Water World. These areas are especially popular with families with children.
Odunpazarı Houses
Odunpazarı reflects the Seljuk, Ottoman, and Turkish Republic periods all at once, and you will feel this atmosphere when you visit. Since 2012, it has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List, and I would say it truly deserves it!
We shouldn’t think of this place as just historic houses; there are also many museums to explore. As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, this area is full of culture and art. Let’s summarise the museums below and see what’s on offer.
Where Does the Name Odunpazarı Come From?
If you are wondering where the name Odunpazarı comes from, here is a brief explanation! Odunpazarı, one of the oldest settlement areas, got its name from the firewood trade during the Ottoman period.
Wood was cut from the surrounding forests and brought to the city centre to be sold. Over time, this area, which became the centre of the trade, was called Odunpazarı.
Odunpazarı Modern Museum
The Odunpazarı Modern Museum exhibits modern art from Turkey and around the world.
It has been located in Odunpazarı since 2019.
Opening hours are 10:00–18:00, closing at 20:00 on Wednesdays, and opening at 11:00 on Sundays. The museum is closed on Mondays. It is situated right among the historic houses of Odunpazarı.
Eskişehir Wax Museum
After touring Odunpazarı, the Eskişehir Wax Museum is a great next stop. It is also known as the Yılmaz Büyükerşen Wax Museum.
Opened in 2003, the museum is particularly fascinating because Yılmaz Büyükerşen, the Mayor of the Metropolitan Municipality, personally sculpted many of the figures.
The museum displays a total of 160 wax figures, including local and international artists, statesmen, historical figures, and celebrities.
Opening hours are 10:00–17:00 on weekdays and 09:00–18:00 at weekends. The museum is closed on Mondays. Don’t forget to take some funny photos while exploring inside!
Contemporary Glass Arts Museum
The Contemporary Glass Arts Museum was opened in 2007 in the historic houses of Odunpazarı, showcasing works by glass artists.
It is open 10:00–17:30, closed on Mondays.
The museum is located right in Odunpazarı, very close to the Wax Museum and the Modern Museums.
Kurtuluş Museum
Since 29 October 2016, the Kurtuluş Museum has been located in the historic houses of Odunpazarı, dedicated to the Turkish War of Independence. This particular mansion was chosen because İsmet İnönü once stayed here.
The museum draws visitors in with its collection of documentaries, newspapers and paintings, all reflecting the wartime period.
If you wish to visit, it is within walking distance of the Odunpazarı historic houses. Opening hours are 10:00–17:00 on weekdays and 09:00–18:00 at weekends. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Republic History Museum
Since 1994, the Republic History Museum has been operating in Odunpazarı under Anadolu University. The building, originally constructed in 1916 as the Numune School, was later restored and converted into a museum.
The museum showcases the history and artefacts of the Turkish Republic. It also features exhibitions about the life of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and the epic story of the War of Independence.
Entry to the museum is free. It is open Tuesday to Saturday between 10:00 and 18:00. On Sundays, visits are only possible by appointment. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Atlıhan Handicrafts Bazaar
The Atlıhan Handicrafts Bazaar was opened in 2005 by Odunpazarı Municipality with the main purpose of promoting, showcasing, and selling meerschaum (lüle taşı) products. In the past, this place was used as an inn where merchants and their pack animals would stay. Today, it has been transformed into a lively bazaar with workshops where you can learn about different handicrafts, watch artisans at work, and of course, buy unique souvenirs.
In the small courtyard of Atlıhan, you can wander around and pick up some gifts to take home. At the back entrance, you’ll also find a glass workshop, which is definitely worth a visit.
Other Must-See Museums in Odunpazarı
Meerschaum (Lületaşı) Gallery
Tayfun Talipoğlu Typewriter Gallery
Anadolu University Cartoon Art Museum
ETİ City and Migration Museum
Frequently Asked Questions About Eskisehir
Which Month to Visit Eskişehir?
In my opinion, the best time to visit is spring and summer. The weather in the city is quite pleasant between April and October, making it a particularly pleasant time for walking along the Porsuk River or spending time in the parks.
How many kilometers between Ankara and Eskişehir?
The distance between Ankara and Eskişehir is approximately 230 km. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours by high-speed train and approximately 3 hours by bus.
How many kilometers between Eskisehir and Bursa?
The distance between Eskişehir and Bursa is approximately 150 km. The journey by private vehicle takes approximately two hours.
Can Eskisehir be visited in one day?
Yes, it’s possible to visit Eskişehir in one day. You can see the city’s highlights, such as Odunpazarı Houses, Porsuk River, Kentpark, and Sazova Science, Art, and Culture Park, all in one day. However, to fully experience Eskişehir’s delicious cuisine, visit its museums, and fully experience its vibrant atmosphere, it’s recommended that you allocate at least two days.
What is Eskişehir Odunpazarı famous for?
Odunpazarı is famous for its historic Ottoman houses. Strolling among the colorful wooden mansions offers a journey into Eskişehir’s past. The area is also renowned for its meerschaum carving, handicraft workshops, and the Odunpazarı Modern Museum (OMM). Among the local delicacies, çiğ börek and balaban köfte are must-trys.
What to Eat in Eskişehir?
We’ve come to the best part of the article – the food! In Eskişehir, everything is delicious, but there are some dishes that you simply must try. Honestly, people even travel here just for a day to eat, and believe me, it’s worth it!
Çibörek
When you think of Eskişehir, you immediately think of Çibörek. Many people love it. Personally, it wasn’t my favourite, but tastes differ, and it’s definitely worth trying! One of the most famous places is Papağan Çibörek.
📍 Address: Arifiye, Köprübaşı Cad. Yalbı Sk. No:5, 26010 Odunpazarı
☎️ Tel: (0222) 231 43 62
Balaban Kebabı
This is absolutely my dish! Just writing about it makes me crave it. At first glance it looks a bit like İskender kebab, but it’s different – and in my opinion, even better. A recommended place is Fahrettin Usta Balaban Kebap.
📍 Address: Kurtuluş Mh. Ziyapaşa Cd. Yolveren Sk. No:46/B
☎️ Tel: (0222) 220 27 99
Ciğerci Ahmet
You may wonder why liver is on the list, but I honestly went there three times just for this dish. For liver lovers, Ciğerci Ahmet is a must-visit, with its authentic eastern-style atmosphere. It’s within walking distance of the Porsuk River. From the outside it looks like a small shop tucked away in a side street, but once inside, it’s lively and even has entertainment – truly a great spot!
Met Helvası
This traditional sweet is similar to pişmaniye (Turkish floss halva), with a fibrous texture. It’s the perfect treat to take home – we bought several packs on our way back and enjoyed every bite! Stop by Tanınmış Helvacı to try it.
📍 Address: Deliklitaş, Değirmen Sk., 26090 Odunpazarı
Ayten Usta
I can’t finish without mentioning Ayten Usta, famous for its amazing breakfast! If you arrive in the morning, just head straight there without thinking twice. It was even awarded the “Best Breakfast in Turkey” by En İyi Best.
We’ve reached the end of this article. See you in the next one.
Anıtkabir Travel Guide for Nearby Places to Visit – Click Here for Anıtkabir Places to Visit!
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