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.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Carved meerschaum pipe
Price: 200–5000+ TRY (~$6–152+ USD)
Meerschaum sculpture
Price: 100–2000 TRY (~$3–61 USD)
Hand-woven textiles and kilim
Price: 300–3000 TRY (~$9–91 USD)
Handmade pottery and ceramics
Price: 80–500 TRY (~$2.40–15 USD)
Turkish tea glass set (çay bardağı)
Price: 100–400 TRY (~$3–12 USD)
Lokum (Turkish delight)
Price: 100–300 TRY (~$3–9 USD) per 500g box
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Saturday Market (Cumartesi Pazarı)
Fresh produce, olives, cheese, spices
Where: Odunpazarı
Tuesday Market
Vegetables, eggs, household goods
Where: Sakarya district