Bursa is Turkey's fourth-largest city and the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, nestled at the foot of Uludağ mountain on the southern shore of the Sea of Marmara. Known as 'Yeşil Bursa' (Green Bursa) for its abundant parks and forests, the city blends extraordinary Ottoman heritage with modern industry, thermal spas, alpine skiing, and the birthplace of İskender kebap.
Bursa is a conservative, family-oriented city with a low rate of violent crime against tourists. Standard urban precautions apply: watch for petty theft in crowded bazaar areas, use the BiTaksi app to book taxis with upfront fare estimates, and dress modestly near mosques and religious sites. The city has active tourist police and a reliable emergency response system.
Current safety advisory
Low Risk — Bursa Is One Of Turkey's Safest Major Cities For International Visitors
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance) in separate locations.
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
Use registered taxis or rideshare apps. Avoid unmarked vehicles offering rides.
Trust your instincts — if a situation feels wrong, remove yourself from it.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
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- Water
- Detail
- Tap water in Bursa is treated and technically safe but not recommended for drinking due to taste. Bottled water is available everywhere for ₺8–15 (~$0.23–$0.43).
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- Vaccinations
- Detail
- No specific vaccinations are required for Turkey. Routine immunizations (Hepatitis A, Typhoid) are advisable. Check with your doctor 4–6 weeks before departure.
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- Pharmacies
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- Pharmacies (eczane — marked with a green cross) are plentiful throughout Bursa. Most standard medications are available without prescription. Night-duty pharmacies (nöbetçi eczane) operate 24 hours — the list is posted on all pharmacy doors.
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- Heat
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- Summer temperatures reach 33–37°C. Use high-SPF sunscreen, stay hydrated, and avoid outdoor exertion between 12:00–15:00 in July and August.
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- Mountain Altitude (Uludağ)
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- Uludağ summit is at 2,543m. Some visitors experience mild altitude symptoms (headache, shortness of breath). Descend if symptoms worsen. Avoid strenuous activity on your first day at altitude.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
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