4-Day Turkey Road Trip from Bursa to Istanbul

Welcome to Bursa, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Turkey! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Bursa's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Bursa is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out İnkaya Historical Plane Tree or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Bursa. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Turkey. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Bursa. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Don’t miss out on dining at Kitap Evi Otel, a top-rated dining destination in Bursa. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Tabipler Lokali, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Dobruca Derebahçe Sosyal Tesisleri. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bursa this evening.

Round off your dining experience by visiting My Pub, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Radyo Pub Özlüce; Bira Bahçesi, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Cemil likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Raise a toast to the start of your 4-day road trip in Turkey!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in Turkey. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Bursa. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Istanbul, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Heykel, a remarkable sightseeing destination where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,191 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Bursa City Museum. This museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,057 travelers.

Bursa Grand Mosque is another must-visit attraction. This renowned mosque offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by 40,156 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Koza Han. This well-loved bazaar boasts a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 30,790 reviews.

When there’s still energy left for exploring, Han Brass awaits. If you’ve been interested in experiencing a sightseeing destination, this is a top pick rated 4.2 out of 5 stars by 5,719 previous visitors.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Istanbul. Istanbul offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

As you explore more of Istanbul, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Istanbul by reserving a table at Calipso Fish. Renowned as a Bib Gourmand restaurant, it offers an exceptional seafood menu. For a different taste experience, head to Sankai by Nagaya, recognized for its delicious japanese contemporary dishes. This 1-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit Arkestra, a local favorite known for its delightful fusion cuisine in Istanbul. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant with 1 Michelin star is an ideal choice for discerning fusion foodies seeking culinary excellence.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Rock Pub. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Brusq Bar & Hookah Lounge offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Rounder's Irish Pub, another top-rated bar in the area.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Turkey and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 3 of your road trip in Turkey, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Istanbul. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bursa, where you will stay for 1 night.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Grand Bazaar. This bazaar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 150,014 reviews.

Continue your journey at Spice Bazaar. This bazaar is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 168,628 travelers from near and far.

Istanbul is also the home of Gülhane Park. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 61,194 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Hagia Sophia. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 129,265 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

Lastly, don't miss out on Topkapı Palace. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 97,459 reviews, it’s hard to refuse the opportunity to see this palace. Approximately 1,932,726 people visit this attraction every year.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Bursa, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Bursa. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Abidin Usta, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Yesil Izgara Pideli Kofte? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at TANDIR'AZ BURSA as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Bursa.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Varuna Memphis Pub Bursa, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Kule Pub offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Bursa.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Turkey!

Day 4 of your road trip in Turkey is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Bursa before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

On your last day in Turkey, take time to indulge in shopping at Bursa’s popular marketplace. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Abdal Bridge. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 203 visitors.

Before you conclude your road trip in Turkey, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Bursa.

If you're in the mood for something new, try Labelle Bar, another premier location with a delectable menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Bursa. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Turkey!