Istanbul & Bursa: Double Ottoman Capitals

Spend two days in Istanbul, then cross the Sea of Marmara to the first Ottoman capital of Bursa and its UNESCO-listed historic village.

A lightweight itinerary perfect for short holidays: first explore the heart of Istanbul's Old City, then take a ferry to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Stay overnight to visit the Green Mosque and the historic silk bazaar, and spend the next day visiting the ancient village of Cumalıkızık and riding the Mount Uludağ cable car. This is much more relaxed than a rushed day trip, though it does mean skipping the Bosphorus cruise. Ideal for layovers or weekend getaways.

Ferry schedules vary by season. Be sure to check the time of the last return ferry in advance.

Day by day

Day 1 · Arrival & First Look at the Old City

Istanbul（Hagia Sophia、Blue Mosque）

Take the airport shuttle bus or metro with a transfer to the tram to the Old City (approx. 1.5 hours). Spend the afternoon exploring on foot.

Stay: Sultanahmet

Day 2 · Palaces, Cisterns & the Grand Bazaar

Istanbul（Topkapi Palace、Basilica Cistern、Süleymaniye Mosque、Grand Bazaar、Galata Bridge & Eminönü）

Spend the day walking around the Old City. In the evening, you can take the tram across the Galata Bridge for dinner.

Stay: Sultanahmet

Day 3 · Cross the Sea to the Ottoman Capital

Bursa（Mudanya、Grand Mosque of Bursa (Ulu Cami)、Koza Han、Green Mosque (Yeşil Camii)、Green Tomb (Yeşil Türbe)）

Take a ferry from Yenikapı to Mudanya (approx. 1.5–2 hours), then transfer to the city center (approx. 30 minutes).

Ferry tickets sell out quickly on weekends and during peak season; book online in advance.

Stay: Heykel City Centre

Day 4 · UNESCO Village & Mount Uludağ

Bursa（Cumalıkızık、Bursa Uludağ Gondola (Teleferik)）

Take a taxi to the historic village (approx. 30 minutes). Return to the city to ride the cable car up the mountain, then take the evening ferry from Mudanya back to Istanbul.

The village is famous for its traditional breakfasts. Note that the cable car may stop operating in high winds.