One-Week Turkey Road Trip from Istanbul traveling east to Bursa, Eskişehir, and Kocaeli

Your road trip adventure in Turkey begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Istanbul. You’ll stay in Istanbul for 2 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Istanbul has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Sultanahmet Square. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 30,938 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Istanbul, Hanzade Terrace Restaurant. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 5,898 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Istanbul is Mivan Restaurant & Cafe. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 3,913 customers.

Locals recommend Garden Mezze | Steakhouse Restaurant | Fine Dining | Top Turkish Restaurant | Seafood | Breakfast as one of the best restaurants in the city of Istanbul. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 1,884 customers.

Istanbul also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Istanbul is Arch Bistro. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 798 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Istanbul is Flekk. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 576 customers.

Locals also enjoy Harab'be Cafe. This bar has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 2,610 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 8-day vacation in Turkey!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 2 of your epic road trip in Turkey, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Istanbul. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Bursa. You’ll stay in Bursa for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Istanbul’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Istanbul, start your day with a visit to the amazing Grand Bazaar. This much-appreciated bazaar and attraction is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 145,525 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Spice Bazaar. This bazaar and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 164,946 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Gülhane Park to make the most of your road trip across Turkey. The spectacular Gülhane Park is a park that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 59,778 visitors.

The lovely Topkapı Palace is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 95,040 visitors have left this palace average ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars. This popular attraction gets around 1,932,726 visits every year.

If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular Hagia Sophia. This attraction is a minor basilica rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 127,439 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Istanbul has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Bursa. Bursa offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Uzan Et Mangal. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 8,360 reviews.

The remarkable Kebapçı Hüseyin Usta is another top restaurant in Bursa we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,308 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Fikret Balık Restoran & Balık Market is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,924 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Bursa, the fantastic Radyo Pub Özlüce; Bira Bahçesi. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 834 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Newcastle Pub. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,399 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Cemil. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 836 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Turkey!

You’ll stay in Eskişehir for 3 nights.

One of the best places to explore in the city of Bursa today is Heykel. This excellent attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,129 visitors.

We also recommend you visit the amazing Koza Han, an outstanding bazaar, in the city of Bursa. Around 29,902 travelers rated this attraction with 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Bursa is Grand Mosque of Bursa. This amazing attraction is a mosque and is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 38,739 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding İnkaya Historical Plane Tree. This must-see tourist destination and place of interest is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 24,525 visitors.

To experience the local culture, see more of Turkey, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. You’ll find many top-rated and popular tours in the city, offering unique experiences that will inspire you. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in Turkey. You also get to admire popular places of interest.

You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Eskişehir.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Eskişehir, Eskişehir Koza Kebap. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,144 customers.

Locals recommend Birsen Kebap Pide as one of the best restaurants in the city of Eskişehir. Birsen Kebap Pide is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,436 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Eskişehir is Yusufeli Coruh Doner. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,810 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Eskişehir, Varuna Gezgin Cafe - Eskişehir - Kantin. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,752 customers.

You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like Varuna Memphis. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,291 customers.

Dublin Cafe & Irish Pub is a popular bar that locals recommend in the city of Eskişehir. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,799 customers.

Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Turkey with a toast!

On day 4 of your road trip across Turkey, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Eskişehir. You’ll stay in Eskişehir for 2 nights, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.

We recommend you stay at the Merlot, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Eskişehir. This hotel has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 342 guests.

The best luxury hotel option in the city of Eskişehir is the 5-star Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Eskisehir. The hotel is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 447 guests.

One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Eskişehir is the 3-star Vendome Hotel. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 306 guests.

Our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best alternatives if these hotels are not available.

You'll have easy access to popular travel destinations in the city of Eskişehir, like the outstanding Odunpazarı Botanik Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,434 visitors.

Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Zoo is another popular attraction you could visit in the city of Eskişehir. This incredible attraction is a zoo and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,806 visitors.

One of the best attractions you could visit in the city of Eskişehir is the extraordinary Dede Korkut Park. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 5,900 reviews.

As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Aydın Arat Park. Around 1,026 visitors have given this park an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Today you'll also have the opportunity to spend some time at the fantastic Eskisehir Sehr-i Love Island. Eskisehir Sehr-i Love Island is a popular park, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,758 travelers.

Come to Eskişehir prepared by adding some tours and tickets to your vacation package. Book a popular and budget-friendly activity you can do on this day in Eskişehir.

After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Eskişehir.

We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like Mezze House Kızılcıklı, after your day of exploring the city of Eskişehir. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,116 customers.

Elma Cafe&Bistro - Eskişehir Serpme Kahvaltı Mekanı is another of the best restaurants in the city of Eskişehir. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,243 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Eskişehir is Nazar Kebap. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,206 customers.

Locals recommend Museum Pub, one of the best bars in the city of Eskişehir, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,023 customers.

Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Eskişehir, Public Tube Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 515 customers.

Drunken Duck Pub is also one of the best bars in the city of Eskişehir. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 326 customers.

It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Turkey.

Day 5 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Odunpazarı has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Odunpazarı by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Odunpazarı. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the town of Odunpazarı, like the extraordinary Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Kentpark. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 10,614 visitors.

This is a popular destination among visitors in Odunpazarı.

Your discovery of Odunpazarı does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Odunpazarı on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Turkey, be sure to eat at Tatlıdil Köftecisi, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Eskişehir. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,097 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Eskişehir is the popular Müze de Cafe Kitchen. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,046 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Eskişehir is Yörük Çadırı Eskişehir. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 883 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, Dudes Eskişehir is one of the best bars in the city of Eskişehir for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 191 customers.

La Liberta Performance is another of the most popular bars in the city of Eskişehir. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 803 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Eskişehir is No46 Eskişehir. No46 Eskişehir has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 656 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Eskişehir!

Day 6 of your road trip through Turkey gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Tepebaşı and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Kocaeli. You will stay in Kocaeli for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Tepebaşı is the amazing Vecihi Hürkuş Havacılık Parkı. This attraction is a park that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,741 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Tepebaşı by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Turkey. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Kocaeli, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Mini Köşk Köfte, one of the best restaurants in the city of Kocaeli. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 10,530 customers.

Locals also recommend Kebapçı Mehmet Usta as one of the best restaurants in the city of Kocaeli. Kebapçı Mehmet Usta is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,709 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Kocaeli is Bilgiçler Et - Köfte - Ereğli. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,795 customers.

After dinner, visit Lezzet Kebap Diyarı İzmit, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Kocaeli. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 577 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Baron Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 194 customers.

Alternatively, DURAK TANTUNI KOKOREÇ is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Kocaeli. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 362 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Turkey!

Rise and shine on day 7 of your road trip in Turkey. Today, you'll wake up in Kocaeli Province and embark on a scenic drive to Istanbul, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Kocaeli Province and Üsküdar before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Kocaeli Province. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Miniatürk. This attraction is a miniature park that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 32,760 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Galata Tower. This attraction, a beloved tower, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 169,479 visitors.

Wave goodbye to Beyoğlu and continue your journey by car. If you want to break up today’s drive into two, take the opportunity to stop and discover what the city of Üsküdar has to offer.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Grand Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque). This attraction is a mosque that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 32,994 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Yıldız Park. This park and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 33,205 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Dolmabahçe Palace. This palace and travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 75,692 visitors.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Üsküdar, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Istanbul. When you arrive in Istanbul you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Saltanat Fish & Kebab House. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,112 customers.

Locals also recommend Divella Bistro Restaurant, another of the best restaurants in Istanbul. Divella Bistro Restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,711 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Turkish Cuisine. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,399 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Vamos Estambul Restaurant & Cafe to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Istanbul, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,447 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Joker No.19. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Joker No.19 has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,483 customers.

Corner Irish Pub is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,406 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Turkey, and look forward to more great days to come!

Day 8 of your road trip in Turkey is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Istanbul before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Beyazıt Square is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Istanbul. This square and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 24,941 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Istanbul and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Turkey.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Istanbul at İstanbul kebab cafe & restaurant before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,220 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Byzantion Bistro Restaurant for your last chance at a meal in the city of Istanbul. The Byzantion Bistro Restaurant restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,165 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Gulhane Sark Sofrasi. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,078 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Istanbul. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Turkey!