Things to See in Eskişehir: Sazova, the Porsuk and Odunpazarı in 2 Days

The most practical way to see Eskişehir in two days is to give one day to the city's modern face and one to its historic face: on the first day, Sazova Park, the Porsuk River and Kentpark; on the second, the colourful houses, museums and meerschaum workshops of Odunpazarı. Our Eskişehir tour is planned this way as 1 night, 2 days, and a boat trip on the Porsuk is part of the programme.

The two faces of Eskişehir

Eskişehir is a lively city with a young population, universities and well-kept parks. The Porsuk River runs through the middle of the city, its banks lined with walkways. On one side is this modern, green city; on the other is Odunpazarı with its centuries-old wooden houses. Two days are enough to get to know both faces.

From Istanbul to Eskişehir

On our tour you travel to Eskişehir by road, via Adapazarı and Pamukova. The catalogue states that the journey takes about 3.5 hours. We depart at 07:00 in the morning, so the day in Eskişehir starts early. This short journey makes Eskişehir an ideal destination for weekend trips.

Day 1: Sazova, a museum and the Porsuk

Sazova Science, Art and Culture Park

Sazova is one of Eskişehir's largest and best-known parks. The park, the first stop on the programme, has two landmark structures:

• Fairy Tale Castle: A turreted castle that looks as if it has stepped out of a storybook. Inside are sections about fairy-tale characters, and it is a favourite stop for children and young people.
• Noah's Ark: A building designed in the shape of a large wooden ship. It is one of the most photographed spots in the park.

With its wide walking paths, ponds and rest areas, the park is also a lovely place to spend a morning.

Museum of Republican History

After Sazova, you visit the Museum of Republican History. Through documents, photographs and objects from the founding years of the Republic, the museum conveys the spirit of the era.

Lunch: çiğ börek

Lunch features Eskişehir's famous çiğ börek. Thin pastry is filled with a minced meat mixture and fried in hot oil. This dish is known to have come to the city with the Crimean Tatars. It is eaten piping hot and is the first thing everyone who visits Eskişehir tries.

Boat trip on the Porsuk River

In the afternoon there is a boat trip on the Porsuk River. Watching the bridges, parks and bustling city life on the banks from the boat lets you see Eskişehir from a different angle. The riverside is especially lively in the early evening.

Free time in Kentpark

The day ends with free time in Kentpark. Known for its wide lawns, ponds and artificial beach, Kentpark offers places to walk and sit as well as play areas for children. Dinner and accommodation are at the hotel.

Day 2: Odunpazarı and museums

On the second day, after breakfast, you move on to the city's historic centre, Odunpazarı:

• Odunpazarı houses: Ottoman houses with bay windows and colourful façades, and narrow streets.
• Kurşunlu Complex: An Ottoman-era complex with a mosque, a madrasa and other sections.
• Ottoman House: A stop that shows the interior and way of life of a traditional house.
• Atlıhan Bazaar: Workshops where meerschaum, unique to Eskişehir, is carved, followed by free time.
• Museum of Contemporary Glass Art and Wax Sculpture Museum.

Next comes lunch at Şelale Park and, as the final stop, the Devrim Car. The programme ends with the return to Istanbul.

To get to know Odunpazarı in detail, see our Odunpazarı guide.

What to eat in Eskişehir

Eskişehir's cuisine reflects the city's multicultural past:

• Çiğ börek: The city's signature dish; it is on the programme as lunch during the tour.
• Balaban kebab: A kebab of meatballs served on pide with butter and yoghurt.
• Met helva: A light, white type of helva unique to Eskişehir; it is also bought as a gift.

When to go

Eskişehir lies in Central Anatolia; summers are hot and winters cold, with occasional snow. Spring and autumn offer the best weather for exploring the parks and streets. In summer, the Porsuk riverside and Kentpark are very lively in the evenings. In winter, Odunpazarı's snow-covered houses have a special beauty, but you need to keep an eye on the weather for the boat trip.

Who is it for?

The programme has been designed with school groups, families and young people in mind. The Fairy Tale Castle and Noah's Ark appeal to children, the Porsuk and Kentpark to young people, and Odunpazarı and the museums to culture lovers of all ages. For school groups, our Eskişehir school trip guide may also be useful.

Exploring Eskişehir on foot

Central Eskişehir is flat and easy to walk. The walkways, bridges and parks along the Porsuk are all connected; walking along the riverside in your free time is an easy way to see the city's daily rhythm. The tram is also widely used in the city. In the early evening the cafés and tea gardens fill up, and this is when you feel the university-town atmosphere most.

Practical notes

• Odunpazarı's streets are cobbled and steep in places; wear comfortable shoes.
• There may be a cool breeze on the boat trip; bring a light top.
• Meerschaum items are fragile; have them packed securely.

Frequently asked questions

What can you see in Eskişehir in 2 days?

On our tour, the first day covers Sazova Park, the Museum of Republican History, a boat trip on the Porsuk River and Kentpark; the second day covers Odunpazarı, the Kurşunlu Complex, Atlıhan Bazaar, museums and the Devrim Car.

How long is the journey from Istanbul to Eskişehir?

The catalogue states that the journey takes about 3.5 hours via Adapazarı–Pamukova.

Is the boat trip on the Porsuk included in the tour?

Yes. The Porsuk River boat trip is part of the programme.

What is Eskişehir's famous dish?

Çiğ börek. On our tour it is on the programme as lunch on the first day.