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Guide
Essentials
🏙️ City | Bursa is a vibrant city in northwestern Turkey known for its historical significance and natural beauty, located near the Marmara Sea. |
👥 Population | Approx. 3 million |
💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed of 35 Mbps, with options for fiber internet in many areas. |
💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 28.5 TRY, 1 USD ≈ 26.5 TRY. ATMs widely available; many accept foreign cards. |
🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets common. |
📶 SIM Card | Available from Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom; prepaid options widely used. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Most cards accepted in urban areas; Revolut and Wise are popular among expats. |
🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb and local rentals are common; 1-bedroom apartments range from 2,500 to 5,000 TRY per month. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely, especially in urban areas. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Sahibinden.com (local marketplace) provides many short-term rental options. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Bursa offers budget stays starting from 150 TRY per night. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | City Center (Offset neighborhoods like Osmangazi) are recommended for easy access to attractions. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Odunluk and Altıntaş neighborhoods are popular among nomads for their coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | Sosyal Bülten Coworking, known for good amenities and community events. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Mendel's Cafe, great coffee and free Wi-Fi, located in the city center. |
💼 Networking Events | Frequent meetups organized through Bursa Startups and local Facebook groups. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Various cultural events organized at the Bursa International Fair Center. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bitaksi & Uber are popular for ridesharing. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bursa offers bike rentals through various local shops and an emerging electric scooter service. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Mudanya Beach, accessible in about 30 minutes by car. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Pegasus Airlines operates flights to nearby regions. |
✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines has flights connecting to major international airports. |
🛣️ Highway Access | E90 and D200 highways provide good connectivity to Istanbul and other cities. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bursa Otogar (Bus Terminal) serves as the primary transit point for local and long-distance travel. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | BursaKart provides access to buses and trams. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses connect Bursa to major cities like Istanbul and Ankara regularly. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Acibadem Bursa Hospital, known for comprehensive medical services. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Bursa Yoga Studio offers various classes and workshops. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First Bursa, equipped with modern workout facilities. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Many laundromats are available, including Wash & Go. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Yemeksepeti is the most popular food delivery service. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Iskender Kebab, a local specialty made with döner meat. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Zeytinree is recommended for vegetarian dishes and organic foods. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Koza Han, famous for its traditional Turkish delights. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Bursa Market offers fresh produce and local goods at budget prices. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Trendyol and Hepsiburada are popular for various online shopping needs. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Getir provides quick grocery delivery services. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Pidecioglu and Korupark are lively areas for nightlife. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Tombak Brewery offers local craft beers. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Vino Vino is known for an excellent selection of local wines. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Setbaşı is famous for its varied street food offerings. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Kithcen 1923 serves Italian cuisine, favored by many expats. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii) and Bursa Castle are must-visit historical sites. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Bursa City Museum showcases the city's rich history. |
🏰 Historical Sites | The Green Tomb (Yeşil Türbe) is an iconic historical site. |
🕍 Religious Sites | The Ottoman Empire's Blue Mosque (Yeşil Camii) is a significant landmark. |
🎉 Annual Events | Bursa International Festival, celebrating arts and culture, held annually in July. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | The historical district of Cumalıkızık is well-preserved and culturally rich. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Osmangazi Theater hosts various cultural performances. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Bursa's Covered Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) is full of shops for local crafts. |
🎼 Music Scene | Various local venues feature live music weekly, especially jazz and traditional Turkish music. |
🎨 Street Art | Street art can be found around the city, particularly in the old town area. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Many local cooking schools offer classes on traditional Turkish cuisine. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Bursa Art Gallery showcases local artists and exhibitions. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Great Mosque and the Silk Market (Koza Han) are significant architectural sites. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Bursa is often referred to as the birthplace of the Ottoman Empire, rich in cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mount Uludağ National Park offers hiking and skiing options. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Uludağ National Park is the most significant park in the region. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Bursa's parks have numerous trails, especially in Botanik Park. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Kozahan offers spectacular city views. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lake Iznik is known for its bird-watch viewing spots. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Uludağ National Park has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | PTT provides reliable parcel delivery services. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Servisifik provides quality electronic repair services. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Various parks have table tennis tables; one popular spot is Merinos Park. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Bursa Language School offers Turkish language classes for foreigners. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Bursa City Library is a quiet place for studying and accessing resources. |
🏘️ Community Centers | The Cultural Center in Osmangazi hosts various community activities. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game On offers a space for console gaming and community events. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Casino of Bursa is a popular destination for gaming enthusiasts. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 35,000 TRY per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 1,400,000 TRY) |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 22,000 TRY per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 880,000 TRY) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 30,000 TRY per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 1,800,000 TRY) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 20,000 TRY per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 1,200,000 TRY) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 28,000 TRY per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 2,240,000 TRY) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 18,000 TRY per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 1,440,000 TRY) |
💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax rates based on income, with rates ranging from 15% to 40%. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40% |
🧾 VAT | 18% |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply to foreign-owned companies. |
🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax based on assessed value of the property. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 4% on property sales. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Special tax incentives for income earned outside Turkey; ex-pats should consult a local advisor. |