Couldn't decide where to go for the holiday, so I just went with Bursa. Day trip, one car, zero regrets.

We took the Osmangazi Bridge and drove a 2023 Chery Omoda 5. Averaged about 7 liters per 100km for the whole trip, which is pretty decent.

Honestly surprised by how empty the road was for a holiday. We basically had the bridge to ourselves.

For breakfast we stopped at Yıldıztepe Cafe in Mudanya on the way, the view was honestly incredible. Starting your morning like this just hits different:

We got a spinach and cheese gözleme, a breakfast platter, and menemen. Ngl the food didn't really do it for me.

Here's the spread:

My overall review:

  • Amazing view
  • Cat-friendly spot, you might run into some stray kittens
  • Friendly staff
  • The breakfast plate wasn't really worth the price, felt a bit empty for what they charged

My overall rating: 10/7.8

Koza Han: Bursa's historic square

Stopped here right after Mudanya, it's pretty close to Ulu Mosque. Good spot to sit down, grab a drink, and just chill.

Only downside is parking is a nightmare. Just leave your car in one of the lots before you get to the entrance, trust me.

This place was built in Bursa in the late 15th century by Sultan Bayezid II, who commissioned the architect Abdül Ula bin Pulat Shah to construct it as an endowment for his works in Istanbul.

Grabbed some chestnut candy, had a drink, and bounced:

"Mavi Dükkan" Famous Bursa Iskender

Been around since 1867 and honestly you can taste the legacy. Every time I come here the iskender just hits right. The meat-to-sauce-to-yogurt ratio is actually perfect, no idea how they've kept it consistent for this long.

Place is also super clean and the staff greet you at the door, which is a nice touch.

My overall review:

  • The flavor is lowkey unmatched, historic for a reason
  • If you're a meat lover, this is non-negotiable
  • Prices are a bit steep but worth it

My overall rating: 9.0/10

Genuinely one of the most peaceful places I've been to. You walk through the street and the older locals just wave at you, it's wholesome. Hit the square, grab a tea, stare at the sea.

The Weeping Plane Tree below has been standing for about 725 years, it's a must-see:

Here's the view from the square:

After Gölyazı we headed back to Istanbul, about 2 hours on the road. Total trip was around 4 hours of driving.

Honestly one of the better road trips I've done just because the roads were so clean and empty.

The song we listened to the most on this trip:

And that's a wrap on the Bursa trip. We had a genuinely good time and came back happy, which is all you can really ask for.

My overall rating for the Bursa trip: 8.5 out of 10