Eskişehir is a vibrant university city in western Anatolia, known as Turkey's "student capital" and the birthplace of meerschaum carving. The Porsuk River winds through the city centre past Venetian-style canals, gondola rides, and colourful bridges. The historic Odunpazarı district preserves beautifully restored Ottoman timber houses and is on Turkey's tentative UNESCO World Heritage list. Eskişehir hosts two major universities — Anadolu University and Eskişehir Technical University — whose combined enrolment of over 100,000 students gives the city a youthful, progressive energy unusual for inner Anatolia.
Eskişehir is widely considered one of Turkey's safest cities. The large university student population creates a youthful, liberal, and tolerant atmosphere. Street crime is rare. The Odunpazarı district and Porsuk River area are well-lit and patrolled at night. Standard Turkish travel safety guidelines apply.
Current safety advisory
Very Safe
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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- Hospitals
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- Eskişehir Şehir Hastanesi (City Hospital) at Tıp Fakültesi Mah. is the main public hospital. Osmangazi University Hospital also provides emergency services. EU citizens with EHIC receive reduced-cost treatment. Non-EU visitors should carry travel health insurance.
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- Pharmacies
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- Pharmacies (eczane) are widespread; a nöbetçi eczane (night pharmacy) rota ensures 24-hour coverage. The duty pharmacy list is posted on all pharmacy doors.
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- Water
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- Tap water in Eskişehir is treated and technically safe, but most locals and visitors drink bottled water. Bottled water is cheap (~5–10 TRY / ~$0.15–0.30 USD per 1.5L).
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- Vaccinations
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- No vaccinations are mandatory for Turkey. Routine vaccines (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus, hepatitis A and B) are recommended. No malaria risk in Eskişehir.
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- COVID-19
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- No COVID-19 entry restrictions as of 2026. Follow any current Ministry of Health guidelines.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
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