Odunpazarı Historic District
Beautifully restored Ottoman timber houses, meerschaum workshops, galleries, and boutique cafés
On this page
About Eskişehir
Eskişehir blends ancient Phrygian roots with a thoroughly modern university-city character. Odunpazarı's colourful Ottoman townhouses now shelter craft workshops, meerschaum ateliers, art galleries, and boutique cafés. The Porsuk River Canalboats (Bostancı to Köprübaşı) are the city's signature leisure experience. Sazova Park offers science museums, a fairy-tale castle, and a small Japanese garden. The city's thermal belt — including Sarıcakaya and Mihalıçcık — provides hot spring escapes within 60 km. High-speed rail links Eskişehir to Istanbul (1 hr 40 min) and Ankara (1 hr 10 min), making it a comfortable base. The local çibörek (crispy Tatar pastry) and thin-crusted börek are must-eats.
- Capital
- Eskişehir
- Largest city
- Eskişehir
- Population
- ~900,000 (metropolitan area)
- Languages
- Turkish
- Currency
- Turkish Lira
- Time zone
- TRT (UTC+3)
Explore Eskişehir by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Eskişehir
The 5 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Porsuk River Canal Boats
Gondola and pedal-boat rides along the illuminated Porsuk River through the city centre
Meerschaum Museum (Lületaşı Müzesi)
World-class collection of intricately carved meerschaum pipes and sculptures
Sazova Science, Art and Culture Park
Vast park with fairy-tale castle, Japanese garden, planetarium, and science museum
Eskişehir Museum of Modern Glass Art
Turkey's only museum dedicated to contemporary glass art, located in Odunpazarı
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Eskişehir Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Eskişehir, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Eskişehir
- Days 1-2Eskişehir city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Eskişehir
- Days 1-3Eskişehir comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Eskişehir, departure
Where to stay in Eskişehir
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget 750–1330 TRY/day (~$23–40 USD)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range 1950–3400 TRY/day (~$59–103 USD)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury 4600–8400 TRY/day (~$139–255 USD)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Esila Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Oylum
Check rates on Booking.comUygur Butik Otel
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Eskişehir
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Leziz Börekçi
Çibörekçi Mehmet Usta
Kazan Restaurant
Getting around Eskişehir
Eskişehir has a modern tram (EGO) network covering the city centre, supplemented by municipal buses. High-speed rail (YHT) links the city to Istanbul (1h40m) and Ankara (1h10m). The city is very walkable in the central Odunpazarı and Porsuk River areas.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in TRY (Turkish Lira) — exchange rate approx. 33 TRY = $1 USD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 500–700 TRY/night (~$15–21 USD) — hostels and budget hotels | 1200–2000 TRY/night (~$36–61 USD) — boutique hotels | 3000–5000 TRY/night (~$91–152 USD) — top boutique hotels |
| Food (per day) | 200–400 TRY/day (~$6–12 USD) — çibörek, lokanta lunches, student cafés | 500–900 TRY/day (~$15–27 USD) — restaurant lunches and dinners | 1000–2000 TRY/day (~$30–61 USD) — fine dining and upscale cafés |
| Transportation | 50–80 TRY/day (~$1.50–2.40 USD) — tram/bus day pass | 100–200 TRY/day (~$3–6 USD) — tram plus occasional taxi | 300–600 TRY/day (~$9–18 USD) — private transfers and taxis |
| Activities | 0–150 TRY/day (~$0–4.50 USD) — many attractions free | 150–300 TRY/day (~$4.50–9 USD) | 300–800 TRY/day (~$9–24 USD) — tours and hammam |
| Daily total | 750–1330 TRY/day (~$23–40 USD) | 1950–3400 TRY/day (~$59–103 USD) | 4600–8400 TRY/day (~$139–255 USD) |
Best time to visit Eskişehir
Eskişehir has a semi-continental climate. Spring (April–May) brings mild temperatures and the city is at its most colourful. Autumn (September–October) is comfortable with warm days and cool evenings. Summers are hot but university campus life keeps the city buzzing. Winters are cold with occasional snow but the city's café culture and museums make it comfortable year-round.
Essential travel tips
- Buy a rechargeable EGO card (Kentkart) at the train station or kiosks for tram and bus travel
- High-speed trains sell out on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons — book at least a day ahead on tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr
- Odunpazarı is best explored on foot; wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets
- Meerschaum is sold everywhere in Odunpazarı — buy from certified artisan workshops for authenticity
- Most restaurants in Eskişehir are licensed for alcohol; the city has a relaxed attitude compared to more conservative Turkish cities
Safety information
Eskişehir is very safe for solo and female travellers
Odunpazarı and the Porsuk River area are well-lit and patrolled at night
Use official EGO trams or licensed taxis; avoid unmarked vehicles
Carry small denomination TRY cash as many small cafés and börek shops are cash-only
Emergency number in Turkey: 112 (ambulance), 155 (police), 110 (fire)
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Eskişehir?
The best time to visit Eskişehir is April–May and September–October. Eskişehir experiences a semi-continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters. The city sits at approximately 790 metres above sea level, tempering summer heat compared to coastal Turkey. Sp
Do I need a visa to visit Eskişehir?
Citizens of the USA, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia require an e-Visa obtained at evisa.gov.tr before arrival. Cost is approximately $50 USD. Some nationalities receive visa-free entry for up to 90 days. Verify current requirements at the nearest Turkish consulate or evisa.gov.tr before travel. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What currency is used in Eskişehir?
The currency in Eskişehir is the Turkish Lira (TRY). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Eskişehir?
The main language(s) spoken in Eskişehir: Turkish. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
What are the top attractions in Eskişehir?
The top attractions in Eskişehir include Odunpazarı Historic District, Porsuk River Canal Boats, Meerschaum Museum (Lületaşı Müzesi), Sazova Science, Art and Culture Park, and Eskişehir Museum of Modern Glass Art. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.