Eskisehir, a city in the Central Anatolia Region that always remains young, is one of the most outstanding places in the country with its European atmosphere. It has a lively, dynamic atmosphere day and night. Although it may seem like a small city when you look at it from the map, you do not realize how time flies as you stroll around the streets of this city full of history, art, culture, entertainment and happiness.
What to do and where to go on a short Eskisehir trip? Here are 7 suggestions to make the most of your time.
Take a Gondola Ride in Porsuk River
The first thing that comes to mind in Eskisehir is, of course, the Porsuk River that flows through the middle of the city. A branch of the Sakarya River, Porsuk adds a very different atmosphere to the city. It’s always clean and well-maintained. With the trees that adorn its surroundings, it always keeps the Islands Region alive. You can take a walk along the Porsuk River, or take a boat tour and gondola ride in fine weather. It’s a joy to watch the surrounding beauties on the clean waters of the river. If you come in autumn, you will be amazed by the city in sepia colours.
Rent a Bike
Being one of the bicycle-friendly cities, Eskisehir gives the opportunity to cycle around the city with this feature. With the smart bicycle system provided by the municipality, you can take bicycles from the designated stations. There are also points where you can rent a bike in different parts of the city. Besides the flat structure of the city, there are many places where you can travel for short distances. You can meet new people here by checking out the tours organized by cycling associations and groups.
Visit Odunpazari Modern Museum
OMM, standing for Odunpazari Modern Museum, was opened in 2019. Being one of the newest faces of Eskisehir, the museum is an area where contemporary artworks from Turkey and the world are exhibited. Located amidst the historical Odunpazari houses, the museum building has become a very popular spot in a short time together with the other museums around it. It has a meaningful mission, such as making culture and art easier to meet with the public and contributing to the development of society by these values.
There are also Eskisehir hotels located near the modern museum, which is frequently visited by the guests from neighbouring cities at weekends. You can choose a hotel and complete your reservation easily.
Wander Around Sazova Park
Fairytale Castle, which is frequently seen in the promotion of Eskisehir, is one of the landmarks of the city. People of all ages have lots of fun in the park, which naturally attracts the attention of children. Located in Eskisehir Science Park, the towers of the castle consist of representations of the 8 most famous towers of the country. Although the park is mostly associated with the Fairytale Castle, there are many interesting places. The artificial pond and the Pirate Ship, the underwater world and the Sabanci Space House are among the must-see spots.
Discover the Odunpazari Streets
Odunpazari Urban Archaeological Site is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In the Odunpazarı district, which is the first settlement of the city, there are houses remained from the Ottoman Period. Renovated preserving the Ottoman examples, the colourful houses create a very beautiful scenery on a small hill and sloping roads. Odunpazarı, which is one of the most touristic spots in the city, reflects the most beautiful examples of traditional Anatolian architecture with its narrow streets, winding roads, wooden houses with bay windows. You can visit various museums around the new generation Odunpazari houses. Eskisehir Meerschaum Museum is among them. The most beautiful examples of the famous meerschaum, one of the symbols of Eskisehir, can be seen in the Meerschaum Museum in Kursunlu Complex.
Contemporary Glass Arts Museum, Wax Museum consisting of 200 sculptures made by Yılmaz Buyukersen, Eskisehir Aviation Museum, Tulomsas Museum with Devrim Automobile (first automobile designed and produced in Turkey) and Museum of the Republican History are special places you should definitely see in Eskisehir.
Try Scuba Diving
Yes, you read it right. You can scuba dive at the outlet of the Sakarya River in the Cifteler district of Eskisehir. The turquoise water has an enormous underwater diversity. In the region where there are 5 different resources, the most beautiful shades of blue are in the Baskurt resource. In the natural pool area, the biodiversity is a little more. The diving experience, where you can closely observe the underwater life, also provides very nice shots for those who are interested in underwater photography. Scuba diving will be one of the most outstanding experiences you can have in Eskisehir!
Taste Local Flavours
Eskisehir may not be a city famous for its cuisine, but there are various flavours unique to this city. The first answer to the “What to eat in Eskisehir?” is, of course, çibörek (chebureki). It’s one of the most beautiful flavours that the Crimean Tatars brought to the region. The stuffing, which is prepared with minced meat and finely chopped onions, is put into the dough and thrown into the oil during the cooking phase. Thanks to its non-oily dough, we achieve a crispy flavour. The best thing that accompanies it is an ice-cold ayran.
Balaban Kebab is another delicious flavour. The flat breads, which are cut into squares and dipped in bone broth, are placed on a plate and special sauce, yoghurt and finally butter are added on top. When you add grilled meatballs on it, it’s ready to be served.
Other mouth-watering flavours of Eskisehir are kuzu sorpa (boiled lamb), kiygasa (boortsog), gobete (Tatar patty), yufkali buryan (phyllo meat pie). When leaving the city, do not forget to buy the famous ‘’met’’ halva of this place.
