Top 10 Places to Visit in Eskişehir – Full Tourist Guide & Tips

Eskişehir is one of those cities people don’t expect to love—and then end up recommending to everyone. A lively student population, walkable streets, river views, and genuinely good public spaces make it feel more European than most Anatolian cities. Add deep Ottoman roots and well-run cultural attractions, and you’ve got a destination that rewards slow travel.

Odunpazarı

Odunpazarı is the heart of old Eskişehir. Restored Ottoman houses line narrow streets, many now operating as cafés, craft workshops, and small museums. It’s compact but dense—easy to wander, hard to finish quickly. Locals often spend half a day here without realizing how much time has passed.

Insider tip: Visit before noon for photos. By mid‑afternoon, tour groups arrive and cafés fill up fast.

Visitor Information: Easily reached by tram or taxi. No general entrance fee.

Kentpark

Kentpark is proof that Eskişehir takes public spaces seriously. The main park is free and open year‑round, popular for walks, cycling, and picnics. What surprises most visitors is the artificial beach and Olympic‑size pool—a rare sight in an inland Turkish city.

2026 pricing: Park access is free. The artificial beach costs 350 TRY per adult; beach + Olympic pool entry is 500 TRY. Facilities operate roughly 10:00–18:00.

Visitor Information: Central location, tram access available.

Sazova Science, Art and Culture Park

Sazova is Eskişehir’s biggest family magnet. Entry to the park grounds is free, but most attractions inside require separate tickets. The Science Center, Planetarium, Fairytale Castle, train ride, and zoo are all well maintained and surprisingly affordable compared to similar attractions in larger cities.

2026 prices: Individual attractions generally range from 15 TRY to 150 TRY, depending on the exhibit.

Insider tip: If you’re visiting with kids, plan a full day. Doing Sazova in a rush isn’t worth it.

Regulator Picnic Area

Set along the Porsuk River, the Regulator Picnic Area is where locals go to slow down. Shaded seating, walking paths, and river views make it ideal for an easy afternoon outdoors.

Visitor Information: Accessible by car or bus. Weekends can get busy after lunch.

Porsuk Stream, Islands, and Gondola Tour

The Porsuk River defines modern Eskişehir. Cafés, bridges, and pedestrian paths line the water, especially around Adalar (the Islands district). Gondola rides are touristy—but still fun.

2026 gondola prices: Short tour 600 TRY, long tour 1,200 TRY (up to four passengers).

Insider tip: Lines are shortest on weekday mornings. Evenings look great but sell out fast.

Atlıhan Bazaar

Atlıhan is the best place to buy meerschaum pipes and locally made souvenirs. The two‑story historic bazaar has a relaxed courtyard café that’s perfect for a break.

Tip: Most shops close around 18:00.

Kurşunlu Mosque and Complex

This 16th‑century complex sits right inside Odunpazarı. Beyond the mosque, you’ll find small museums, craft workshops, and a glass art studio that sometimes runs live demonstrations.

Visitor Information: Open daily; dress modestly during prayer times.

Japanese Garden

Located inside the Sazova complex, the Japanese Garden is calm, compact, and well kept. Access is included with the zoo ticket.

Midas Monument

Located outside the city, the Midas Monument is carved into rock and tied to ancient Phrygian history. There’s no ticket booth—just bring water and decent shoes.

Eskişehir Zoo

The zoo inside Sazova Park is modern and clean, with an underwater world section that’s especially popular.

2026 prices: Adult 270 TRY, discounted (child/student) 130 TRY, night safari 400 TRY.

Tip: Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds.

Plan Your Eskişehir Adventure Today!

Eskişehir rewards travelers who like walkable cities, good coffee, and culture without chaos. Whether you’re here for a weekend or longer, it’s easy to settle in—and harder to leave.