Travel Guide to Eskişehir, Turkey

Eskişehir is one of the cities in Turkey, and despite its beauty, it is less known than other Turkish cities. This city, recognized as a student city, boasts a rich history and beautiful nature, making it well worth visiting. In this travel guide to Eskişehir, Turkey, we will tell you what activities you can do when visiting this peaceful yet dynamic city. In this article, we will introduce the tourist attractions of Eskişehir, Turkey, review its best restaurants and hotels, and provide you with all the essential details. Stay with us!

A Brief History of Eskişehir

The name Eskişehir in Turkish means "Old City"; it was given this name because it has been a settlement since ancient times. Eskişehir, Turkey, with evidence of human life dating back to the Bronze Age, is not only one of Turkey's oldest cities but also among the world's ancient habitats. Eskişehir and Istanbul are both significant cultural and architectural cities in Turkey, where traditional Ottoman architecture can be seen in the colorful houses of the Odunpazarı district. This architectural style is also present in Istanbul’s Ottoman palaces, particularly in Dolmabahçe Palace.

In ancient times, Eskişehir was known as Dorylaion. One of the prominent Byzantine historians, Ioannes Kinnamos, described Eskişehir as "one of the greatest and most entertaining cities of Anatolia in the past." Due to its strategic location, Eskişehir has always held great historical importance and was one of the major trade cities of the past.

Over different periods, Eskişehir was influenced by Macedonian, Roman, and Byzantine cultures. In 1074 AD, it came under the rule of the Seljuks, and on March 20, 1920, it was liberated from British occupation. Since then, Eskişehir has been recognized as a modern and developing city in Turkey.

How to Get to Eskişehir, Turkey?

There are several ways to travel to Eskişehir, Turkey. If you live in a neighboring city, you can reach this city by road in a short time. However, flying is a better option if you are traveling from distant cities or countries.

The nearest airport to Eskişehir, Turkey, is located in Ankara. You can book a ticket to Ankara and travel to Eskişehir. Alternatively, you can fly to Konya and then take the high-speed train, reaching Eskişehir in approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Both Ankara and Konya are good options for achieving this city.

Eskişehir is neighboring Kütahya, Ankara, Afyon, and Bilecik, and it can be reached by road. Additionally, a one-day trip from Istanbul to Eskişehir is possible, making it an excellent weekend getaway destination.

How Far is Eskişehir from Ankara?

The distance between Eskişehir, Turkey, and Ankara is approximately 230 kilometers. If you travel by car or rent a car in Istanbul, reaching the city will take about 2.5 to 3 hours. However, if you take the high-speed train (YHT), the journey will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Why is Eskişehir, Turkey, Called a Student City?

The province of Eskişehir, Turkey, is known as a "student city" because it is home to two prestigious universities: Anadolu University and Osmangazi University. A large portion of the city's population is young, and with its cafés, art galleries, theaters, and vibrant atmosphere, Eskişehir has become a dynamic and lively place.

Ultimately, one of the main reasons for this city's popularity among students is the cost of living in Eskişehir, Turkey. Compared to larger cities like Istanbul and Ankara, the living expenses in Eskişehir are lower, making it a more affordable and attractive place for young people.

Hotels in Eskişehir, Turkey

Eskişehir, Turkey, offers a variety of accommodation options, allowing you to choose based on your preferences and budget. Below are some of the available choices:

-   If you are looking for a luxurious and tranquil stay in nature, hotels with hot spring facilities are an ideal option.

-   One recommended hotel in Eskişehir, Turkey, is the five-star Tasigo Hotel Eskişehir in the Odunpazarı district. With its modern architecture, professional masseurs, and thermal pools, this hotel is an excellent choice for relaxation and comfort.

-   If you are interested in art and modern spaces, you can stay at the OMM Inn, which is situated next to the Odunpazarı Modern Art Museum.

-   If you prefer to stay in the city's heart, close to shopping centers, restaurants, and main attractions, you can choose Ibis Hotel, which is part of the world-famous hotel chain. This hotel also has a branch in Eskişehir, Turkey, offering a comfortable and reliable stay.

-   In addition to the mentioned options, there are various hotels in the city center and surrounding areas with different price ranges and amenities, allowing you to select one that suits your needs.

Are There Cheap Hotels in Eskişehir, Turkey?

In general, hotels in Eskişehir are cheaper compared to many other cities in Turkey. Even four- and five-star hotels in Eskişehir are more affordable than those in Istanbul and Ankara. If you are looking for the cheapest accommodation option, you can choose hostels such as Bulvar Hostel.

Tourist Attractions in Eskişehir, Turkey

Eskişehir is an ancient region with many historical attractions that are well worth visiting. If you want to learn more about the must-see places in Eskişehir, Turkey, we will take you on a short journey through the diverse tourist attractions of this city.

1. Odunpazarı – A Historical Journey in Eskişehir

Are you interested in historical adventures, old places, and well-preserved buildings? If so, Odunpazarı is the first place you should visit. Odunpazarı is considered the most touristic part of Eskişehir, with streets filled with Ottoman-era houses.

The historical houses and Kurşunlu Complex are among the most essential attractions in this area. If you want a unique and special atmosphere, visit Odunpazarı at night. The soft lighting and old houses create a magical ambiance, making you feel like you have traveled back in time.

2. The Beautiful Parks and Gardens of Eskişehir

Eskişehir, Turkey, is home to numerous statues and parks. If you enjoy such spaces, spending time in Eskişehir will delight you. Below, we have prepared a list of the city's most notable parks and gardens:

·        Kent Park – A Combination of Beach and Nature

Kent Park features an artificial beach,  walking trails, and a blend of green and blue landscapes, making it one of the must-visit places in Eskişehir, Turkey.

This park is located next to the Eskişehir Bus Terminal and covers an area of 300,000 square meters. Its amenities include outdoor and indoor pools, Turkey's first artificial beach, restaurants, and a horse-riding track.

Even if you don't plan on using the pools, you can walk along the trails and enjoy a traditional Çibörek (a deep-fried pastry filled with meat) at a restaurant near the horse-riding area.

·        Kanlıkavak – A Painting-Like Landscape

Kanlıkavak, located in Kırmızıtoprak Mahallesi, offers a unique beauty in every season. This area, known for its breathtaking scenery all year round, creates a calm and relaxing atmosphere, resembling a painting-like landscape.

Here, you can rent a bicycle and cycle around, sit on a bench and enjoy a cup of coffee, or spread a mat on the grass and immerse yourself in nature's tranquility.

3. Historical Sites in Eskişehir

After exploring the center of Eskişehir and its stunning nature, you can visit historical sites. These ancient locations, dating back thousands of years, offer the opportunity to take incredible photos and hear fascinating stories about their past.

·        The Midas Monument – A Landmark of Eskişehir, Turkey

Midas was a famous king who lived during the Phrygian era. According to an interesting legend, he was known as "King Midas with donkey ears." The story goes that King Midas sided with Pan in a musical contest between the gods Apollo and Pan. Enraged by this poor judgment, Apollo turned Midas' ears into donkey ears.

Midas always wore a large hat to hide his ears, but his personal servant was aware of the secret. Unable to keep it to himself, the servant dug a hole and whispered into it, "King Midas has donkey ears," then covered the hole. After some time, reeds grew in that spot, and when the wind blew through them, they whispered the same sentence, revealing King Midas' secret.

The Midas Monument is a symbolic tomb and was once a site for worship and religious ceremonies.

How to Get There: To visit the Midas Monument, you can take a "Midas Anıtı" minibus from the Eskişehir bus terminal in Turkey. If you travel by private car, the distance from Eskişehir city center to Yazılıkaya village is approximately 80 kilometers.

·        Yazılıkaya Valley

One of the oldest historical sites in Turkey, Yazılıkaya Valley is located in Eskişehir, within the village of Yazılıkaya. This valley was a religious center for the Phrygians, and as its name suggests, it is filled with ancient rock inscriptions. Unfortunately, since the Phrygian language has not yet been fully deciphered, many of these inscriptions remain unreadable. The Phrygians, who lived in Eskişehir in ancient times, were highly skilled in stone carving and sculpture.

How to Get There: To visit Yazılıkaya Valley in Eskişehir, Turkey, you can take a minibus labeled "Yazılıkaya."

·        Seyyid Battal Gazi Historical Complex

Another significant historical site in Eskişehir, Turkey, is the Seyyid Battal Gazi Historical Complex, also known as "Seyitgazi." This complex was built in honor of Seyyid Battal Gazi, one of the great heroes of Muslim incursions against the Byzantine Empire. It consists of various sections, including the Dhikr Room, the Forty Saints' Room, the Caliph's Courtyard, a bakery, and a Sufi lodge (Sama House).

In addition to its numerous Islamic historical artifacts, the complex boasts magnificent architecture that captivates visitors with its beauty and grandeur.

How to Get There: To reach this historical site, take a "Seyitgazi" minibus from the Eskişehir city center. The bus will take you to the complex in a short time.

4. Lületaşı Museum – Eskişehir, Turkey

Eskişehir, Turkey, is a fantastic destination for art lovers, as the city is home to museums with diverse themes. Here is a list of museums in Eskişehir that you can visit:

-       Yılmaz Büyükerşen Wax Museum

-       Museum of Contemporary Glass Art

-       Eti Archaeology Museum

-       Eskişehir Aviation Museum

-       Wooden Artifacts Museum

Where to Eat in Eskişehir, Turkey?

In Eskişehir, you can find almost every type of food. The city has plenty of affordable restaurants if you're looking for fast food, such as hamburgers, pizza, döner, or lahmacun.

However, if you want to try authentic Turkish cuisine, we recommend visiting traditional restaurants in Eskişehir. Like many Anatolian cities, Eskişehir's local dishes are primarily based on bread and meat. Some of the city's famous local foods include:

-       Balaban Köfte

-       Biryani with Yufka

-       Çibörek

-       Kıygaça

-       Poppy Seed Flatbread (Fetir Bread)

-       Met Halva

·        Breakfast in Eskişehir, Turkey

Having breakfast by the Porsuk River is one of the most enjoyable experiences in Eskişehir. The cafés and restaurants in this area, especially on weekends, offer excellent breakfast options.

If you're looking for an affordable yet high-quality breakfast spot in Eskişehir, we highly recommend visiting "Doyuran Kahvaltı Evi."

·        Lunch in Eskişehir

While exploring Eskişehir, the delightful aroma of food wafting through the streets invites passersby into the city's cafés and restaurants.

If you are in the Tepebaşı district, visit Varuna Gezgin Cafe for lunch or dinner. You can also try another branch of the same brand, Casaba Modern Cafe Del Mundo. With décor inspired by different cultures worldwide, Varuna Cafe offers a unique and inviting atmosphere and stays open until 2 AM.

If you're in the mood for a delicious burger in Eskişehir, we recommend the popular chain restaurant Pino, which serves some of the best burgers in town.

·        Dinner in Eskişehir, Turkey

In Eskişehir's restaurants, you can try some of the city's best dishes.

-       Balaban Köfte is one of Eskişehir's most famous dishes. You can visit the historic "Fahrettin Usta Tarihi Balaban Kebap" restaurant to try it.

-       The best döner kebab in Eskişehir can be found at "Yusufeli Çoruh Döner." This restaurant serves only one dish—döner—and is a highly specialized eatery known for its expertise in this particular meal.

-       If you are a fan of liver dishes, the best choice is "Ciğerci Ahmet." This restaurant serves the most delicious liver in Eskişehir, with a traditional ambiance, an oriental atmosphere, and fresh, flavorful liver dishes.

-       If you're looking for a luxurious restaurant in Eskişehir, "Sempre Ristorante Italiano" is the best choice, offering European-style décor and professional management.

What Are the Souvenirs of Eskişehir, Turkey?

If you want to buy a classic and valuable souvenir from Eskişehir, you can purchase items made from Lületaşı (Meerschaum stone). If you're looking for something more unique, you can visit Sorkun Village (Sorkun Köyü) to buy Sorkun pottery (Sorkun Çömleği).

In Eskişehir, Lületaşı stone and Sorkun pottery are considered the city's signature souvenirs. However, if you're searching for something different, there are plenty of shops to explore in Eskişehir, and the perfect souvenir ultimately depends on your taste!

When to Travel to Eskişehir?

Eskişehir has a continental climate, which experiences frigid winters and hot summers. The best time to visit Eskişehir, Turkey, is mid-spring to early autumn (May to October). The city is beautiful and has the most pleasant weather in May and June.

Winters in Eskişehir can be frigid, with dry and harsh weather in January and February, making it less ideal for sightseeing. However, the weather is mild and pleasant in May and June, and nature appears lush and vibrant. Nights in May might be slightly cool, so if you plan to visit during this time, it's best to bring a jacket or warm clothing.

During the summer, Eskişehir is less crowded than in spring, as many university students leave the city for their hometowns. If you prefer a quieter and less busy Eskişehir, summer can be a good option for your trip.