Eskişehir, one of the most modern and livable cities in the Central Anatolia Region, attracts thousands of visitors every year with its cultural richness, historical texture, and contemporary lifestyle. The city stands out with its historical heritage ranging from the Odunpazarı houses dating back to the Ottoman period to Turkey’s first domestically produced car. At the same time, it appeals to travelers of all ages with its art galleries, museums, parks, and vibrant social spaces. Iconic spots such as gondola tours along the Porsuk River, the fairy-tale atmosphere of Sazova Park, and the wax museum are among the main highlights that make Eskişehir unique.
One of Eskişehir’s most fascinating aspects is its success in blending historical and modern life. On one hand, you can take a nostalgic walk through the Odunpazarı streets, which carry traces of the past, while on the other, you can enjoy shopping and café culture in the modern parts of the city such as Doktorlar Street and the Adalar Area. With its wide green spaces, artistic events, highly educated population, and student city identity, Eskişehir is an ideal destination both for short vacations and cultural explorations.
1. Sazova Science, Culture and Art Park
Sazova Science, Culture and Art Park is a large-scale park located in the Tepebaşı district of Eskişehir, covering an area of approximately 400,000 square meters. Opened in 2008, it is the largest park in the city and offers various activities to visitors with its structures themed around science, culture, and art.
One of the most striking structures in the park is the Fairy Tale Castle. Inspired by historical buildings and towers from different regions of Turkey, this castle especially attracts the attention of children. Inside the castle, events and exhibitions about fairy tale characters are organized.
The Pirate Ship is another interesting part of the park. Built at life-size scale, this ship offers visitors maritime and pirate-themed experiences.
For science enthusiasts, the park houses the Science Experiment Center and the Sabancı Space House. These centers provide interactive experiments and space-related shows, allowing visitors to gain knowledge about science and astronomy.
For nature and animal lovers, the Eskişehir Zoo and the Eti Underwater World are important parts of the park. Various land animals are displayed in the zoo, while marine creatures are exhibited in the aquarium section.
The large pond located at the center of the park is used for water sports and boat rides. Additionally, there are children’s playgrounds, an amphitheater, restaurants, and cafés throughout the park offering areas for relaxation and entertainment.
By offering educational and entertaining activities for both children and adults, Sazova Park has become one of Eskişehir’s major tourist and social attractions.
2. Odunpazarı Houses
The Odunpazarı Houses are historical structures from the Ottoman period, located in the Odunpazarı district situated on the hills in the southern part of Eskişehir. These houses reflect the city’s cultural heritage by showcasing unique examples of traditional Anatolian Turkish architecture. The district, with its winding roads, dead-end alleys, and adjacent bay-windowed houses, carries the traces of the past into the present.
Odunpazarı Houses are generally built with two or three floors. The first type of houses has entrances from the street with gardens at the back, while the second type is designed with gardens in the front and the houses situated within the garden. The lower floors were usually used for kitchens and storage areas, while the upper floors served as living spaces.
In 1988, the area was registered as the “Odunpazarı Historical and Urban Site” and was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2012. As part of this designation, restoration was carried out on 300 houses, 3 mosques, 1 külliye (Islamic-Ottoman social complex), 2 caravanserais, 15 fountains, and 1 inn, across 30 streets where traditional Odunpazarı houses are concentrated.
Today, the Odunpazarı Houses are used as museums, cafés, restaurants, and boutique hotels. Visitors to the area can experience the historical atmosphere, explore handicraft workshops, and taste traditional delicacies.
3. Porsuk River and Adalar District
The Porsuk River is a 448-kilometer-long stream that originates in the Central Anatolia Region and is the longest tributary of the Sakarya River. It flows through the Kütahya Plain and passes through the center of Eskişehir, dividing the city into the Tepebaşı district in the north and the Odunpazarı district in the south.
The part of the Porsuk River that flows through the city center is known as the “Adalar District.” This area is located between Şair Fuzuli Street, Atatürk Street, and Doktorlar Street, and it is one of the liveliest and most dynamic spots in Eskişehir. With its surrounding cafés, restaurants, and entertainment venues, the Adalar District is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The bridges in the area resemble those found in European cities in terms of architecture and offer a captivating atmosphere, especially with their lighting in the evening.
Gondola and boat tours organized on the Porsuk River give visitors the opportunity to explore the city from the water and stand out as a unique experience specific to Eskişehir. The Adalar District is easily accessible; the İsmet İnönü and Çarşı tram stops are within walking distance of the area.
4. Yılmaz Büyükerşen Wax Museum
The Yılmaz Büyükerşen Wax Museum, located in Eskişehir’s Odunpazarı district, is Turkey’s first wax sculpture museum. Opened on May 19, 2013, the museum showcases 229 wax figures crafted and donated by Prof. Dr. Yılmaz Büyükerşen, the former mayor of Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality.
The museum features sculptures of notable figures, including Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his family, Ottoman sultans, commanders of the Turkish War of Independence, as well as local and foreign statesmen, artists, journalists, writers, and athletes. These figures are displayed in thematic sections such as Atatürk and his family, the Turkish War of Independence, Ottoman sultans, aviation, railways, press, industry, science, sports, foreign leaders, Turkish actors, and other artists.
The museum is open to visitors every day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Mondays. For information on entrance fees and other details, please visit the museum’s official website.
5. Contemporary Glass Arts Museum
Eskişehir’s Contemporary Glass Arts Museum, as Turkey’s first glass arts museum, was opened on December 1, 2007. The museum was established in collaboration with the Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality, Anadolu University, and the Glass Lovers Group, and was created by restoring three historic houses in the Odunpazarı district.
The museum exhibits a total of 125 works by 58 local and 10 foreign artists. These works, produced using various techniques ranging from hot glass blowing to cold forming, present distinguished examples of national and international glass art to visitors.
The museum is open to visitors on all days except Monday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is charged. For transportation, you can get off at the “Atatürk Lisesi” tram stop and reach the museum with a short walk.
6. Kurşunlu Mosque and Complex
Kurşunlu Mosque and Complex is located in the Odunpazarı district of Eskişehir, next to the historical Odunpazarı Houses, and is considered one of the elegant examples of 16th-century Ottoman architecture. Commissioned by Çoban Mustafa Pasha, one of the viziers of the Ottoman Empire, the complex was built between 1517 and 1525 and is known to be the work of architect Acem Ali.
The complex consists of several structures serving different functions:
- Mosque: The mosque has a square plan and a single dome, and takes its name from its lead-covered dome. The five-section portico is supported by marble columns with muqarnas capitals.
- Fountain: Located to the north of the mosque, the fountain is covered with a dome supported by eight marble columns and was added in the 1960s.
- Zawiya (Madrasah): Also known as dervish cells, this section currently serves as the Meerschaum Museum.
- Primary School (Sıbyan Mektebi): Originally used for educational purposes, this building now functions as a library.
- Imaret: This section, which served social functions with its dining hall and kitchen, now hosts various events.
- Caravanserais: There are two caravanserais, one large and one small. The large caravanserai is currently used as a Hot Glass Blowing Workshop and Glass Arts Center.
Today, the Kurşunlu Complex hosts cultural and artistic events, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the architectural and social life of the Ottoman era.
7. Kentpark
Kentpark is one of Eskişehir’s major recreational areas, located between Gökmeydan Neighborhood and the Bus Terminal, covering an area of approximately 300,000 square meters. The park stands out for hosting the first artificial beach created in a landlocked city in Turkey. Equipped with real sea sand, this beach is an ideal spot for those who want to enjoy a seaside experience during the summer months.
Kentpark features various social and sports facilities such as outdoor and indoor swimming pools, restaurants, horse riding areas, and children’s playgrounds. Additionally, the park borders the Porsuk River, offering visitors a relaxing and entertaining environment in touch with nature.
With its well-maintained landscaping, walking paths, pond, and sculptures, the park attracts both locals and tourists. Kentpark stands out as a significant example reflecting Eskişehir’s identity as a modern and livable city.
8. Eskişehir Aviation Museum (Vecihi Hürkuş Aviation Park)
Vecihi Hürkuş Aviation Park, formerly known as Eskişehir Aviation Museum, is located in the Tepebaşı district of Eskişehir, across from Anadolu University’s Yunusemre Campus. It was established in 1988 by restoring and exhibiting aircraft from the inventory of the 1st Air Supply and Maintenance Command.
The park covers an area of approximately 39,000 square meters and functions as an open-air museum. While various types and models of civilian and military aircraft are exhibited in the open area, aviation-related items such as pilot uniforms, badges, model planes, and aircraft engines are displayed indoors.
The management of the museum was transferred to Anadolu University on September 22, 2011, and in 2020, following a public survey, the park’s name was changed to Vecihi Hürkuş Aviation Park.
For up-to-date information on visiting hours and entrance fees, it is recommended to check the park’s official website or follow announcements by relevant institutions.
9. Şelale Park
Şelale Park is located in the Çankaya Neighborhood of Eskişehir’s Odunpazarı district, covering an area of approximately 38,000 square meters, and offers visitors an impressive view of the city.
The most striking feature of the park is its 1,400-square-meter artificial waterfall, from which it takes its name. In addition, the park includes statues of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, a wooden windmill, children’s playgrounds, a mini amphitheater, walking paths, and a viewing terrace. The restaurant and café within the park provide visitors with the opportunity to relax and dine while enjoying the city view.
Şelale Park is an ideal spot for those who want to enjoy Eskişehir’s panoramic view and spend time in nature, both during the day and in the evening.
10. Meerschaum Museum
The Meerschaum Museum was established in 2008 by the Odunpazarı Municipality within the historical Kurşunlu Complex in the Odunpazarı district of Eskişehir. This museum, the only one of its kind in the world, aims to promote and preserve the traditional art of handcrafting with meerschaum, a mineral unique to Eskişehir.
The museum’s collection was formed through the purchase of artworks exhibited at the International Meerschaum Festivals and handicraft competitions held since 1998, by the Provincial Special Administration. It features approximately 400 works by a total of 60 artists.
Meerschaum, known as the “Eskişehir Stone,” is a mineral that has become a symbol of the city due to being found only in this region worldwide. This white-colored stone is notable for its softness and workability and is especially favored in the production of pipes.
Following renovation works completed on October 26, 2024, the museum has become a cultural meeting point featuring unique pieces related to the art of meerschaum carving.
For up-to-date information on visiting hours and entrance fees, it is recommended to check the museum’s official website or follow announcements by relevant institutions.
11. Eti Archaeology Museum
Eskişehir Eti Archaeology Museum holds the distinction of being the first museum in Turkey established with the support of the private sector. The museum houses approximately 22,500 artifacts from a wide time span, ranging from the Neolithic Age to the Ottoman Period.
The collection includes marble statues and figurines, architectural pieces, steles, terracotta everyday vessels, idols, glass containers and beads, metal vessels and weapons, jewelry, and coins.
Visiting Hours:
- Summer Period: 09:00 – 19:00
- Winter Period: 08:00 – 17:00
Entrance Fee: Admission to the museum is charged, and the Museum Pass (MüzeKart) is valid.
Address: Akarbaşı Neighborhood, Atatürk Boulevard No:64, Eskişehir
Contact:
- Phone: (+90.222) 230 13 71
- E-mail: muze2603@kultur.gov.tr
The museum is open to visitors every day of the week.
12. Eskişehir Odunpazarı Modern Museum (OMM)
Odunpazarı Modern Museum (OMM) is a meeting point where modern and contemporary art pieces from Turkey and around the world are exhibited. It is located in Eskişehir’s historical Odunpazarı district, among wooden houses that reflect traditional Ottoman architecture. The museum was initiated by architect and collector Erol Tabanca, and the building was designed by the world-renowned Japanese architecture firm Kengo Kuma and Associates (KKAA).
The OMM building features a design that reflects the historical texture of the region while blending it with modern architecture. Constructed using a wooden stacking technique, the structure stands out with its box-like sections placed atop one another. This design evokes the traditional wooden market of Odunpazarı, creating a bridge between the past and the present.
The museum covers an area of approximately 4,500 square meters and includes exhibition halls as well as event spaces, workshops, a café, and a museum shop. Aiming to make art accessible not only in metropolises but also in different cities, OMM makes a significant cultural contribution to Eskişehir.
For up-to-date information on visiting hours and entrance fees, it is recommended to visit the museum’s official website.
13. City Memory Museum
Eskişehir City Memory Museum is an important institution that documents the history, cultural heritage, and social development of Eskişehir. The museum was opened in 2012 by the Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality in a restored historical building located in the Odunpazarı district.
Rather than displaying artistic or historical objects, the museum is designed with a modern approach in which elements unique to Eskişehir and its development from past to present are digitally archived.
Visiting Hours:
- Weekdays: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Weekends: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee: Admission is charged.
Contact Information:
- Address: Şarkiye Neighborhood, Türkmen Hoca Street No:28, Odunpazarı, Eskişehir
Phone: +90 222 220 81 85 - E-mail: muzeler@eskisehir.bel.tr
The museum serves as a significant source of information and archives for anyone interested in the history of Eskişehir.
14. Doktorlar Street
Doktorlar Street, officially known as İsmet İnönü-1 Boulevard, is one of the most popular and vibrant streets in Eskişehir. Stretching approximately 1.5 kilometers, the street extends from Kızılcıklı Mahmut Pehlivan Street on one end to Köprübaşı on the other.
The street is popularly known as “Doktorlar Caddesi” (Doctors Street) due to the numerous private medical clinics that used to be located there in the past. Today, it has become one of the city’s social and commercial hubs, filled with a variety of shops, restaurants, cafés, and entertainment venues.
Doktorlar Street is closed to vehicle traffic, offering pedestrians a safe and enjoyable shopping and strolling experience. A tram line runs along the street, making it easily accessible. During holidays and special occasions, decorative lighting and ornaments add vibrancy to the area, enhancing Eskişehir’s social life.
The street is a popular meeting point, especially among university students and young people. In its vicinity are major shopping centers such as Espark and Kanatlı, as well as entertainment venues like 222 Park.
Doktorlar Street reflects the dynamic and modern face of Eskişehir and is a key spot where both locals and visitors enjoy spending time.
15. Haller Youth Center
Haller Youth Center is located in the Eskibağlar Neighborhood of Eskişehir, on University Street, and holds an important place in the city’s cultural and social life. The center was established through the restoration of the historic Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Market Building, offering visitors a nostalgic atmosphere that blends traces of the past with modern life.
The two-story center hosts a variety of venues:
- Cafés and Restaurants: Numerous cafés and restaurants offering different flavors provide visitors with a pleasant place to relax and meet.
- Souvenir Shops: These shops sell products unique to Eskişehir, giving visitors the opportunity to buy meaningful gifts for their loved ones.
- Tepebaşı Stage: Operated by Eskişehir City Theaters, this stage hosts various theatrical performances and cultural events.
- Exhibition Hall and Bookstore: The exhibition space for art lovers and a bookstore with a wide selection of works for book enthusiasts serve as a cultural hub.
Haller Youth Center is a popular meeting point, especially among university students and young people. Thanks to its central location, it is easily accessible by public transportation. Visitors can reach the center with a short walk from the İsmet İnönü or Bağlar tram stops.
Reflecting the cultural texture of Eskişehir, the center is a place where both locals and tourists can enjoy spending their time.
16. TÜLOMSAŞ Museum (Devrim Car)
TÜRASAŞ Devrim Cars Museum, formerly known as TÜLOMSAŞ Museum, is located in the Tepebaşı district of Eskişehir, within the premises of the Turkish Rail System Vehicles Industry Corporation (TÜRASAŞ). The museum was opened to visitors on March 3, 2018, and showcases important artifacts that shed light on Turkey’s industrial and transportation history.
The museum’s most notable exhibit is “Devrim,” Turkey’s first domestically produced automobile, built in 1961 by Turkish engineers and workers. This car was manufactured in just 129 days upon the instruction of then-President Cemal Gürsel. Devrim is regarded as a significant symbol of Turkey’s potential in the automotive industry.
The museum’s collection also includes Karakurt, the first domestically produced steam locomotive in Turkey, manufactured in 1961, as well as a K2200-type locomotive designed for narrow gauge railways. These vehicles represent major milestones in the history of Turkish railways.
Visitor Information:
- Address: Hoşnudiye Neighborhood, Ahmet Kanatlı Street, TÜRASAŞ General Directorate Campus, Tepebaşı, Eskişehir
Visiting Hours:
- Closed on Mondays
- Tuesday–Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday–Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee: Free of charge
To reach the museum, visitors can walk approximately 10 minutes from Eskişehir Train Station to the TÜRASAŞ facilities. Those using public transportation can take buses number 19 or 23 from the city center and get off in front of the TÜRASAŞ Factory.
TÜRASAŞ Devrim Cars Museum is an important destination for anyone interested in Turkey’s industrial and engineering history.
17. Anadolu University Yunusemre Campus
Anadolu University Yunus Emre Campus is located in the center of Eskişehir and serves as the main campus of the university. The campus houses many faculties, vocational schools, institutes, social and sports facilities, and administrative units.
Address: Anadolu University Yunus Emre Campus, 26470 Tepebaşı/Eskişehir
Contact Information:
Phone: +90 222 335 05 80
Fax: +90 222 335 34 86
E-mail: gensek@anadolu.edu.tr
Social Media Accounts:
- Facebook: facebook.com/anadoluuniversitesi
- Twitter: twitter.com/Anadolu_Univ
- Instagram: instagram.com/anadoluuniv
- YouTube: youtube.com/user/anadoluuniv
Campus Facilities: Yunus Emre Campus offers a wide range of social, cultural, and sports facilities for students and staff. Within the campus, there are various social and cultural venues, sports facilities, museums, and art centers.
Campus Map: A detailed map showing the locations of buildings and facilities on the campus can be accessed here.
Transportation: Yunus Emre Campus is centrally located in Eskişehir and is easily accessible by public transportation. City buses and tram lines pass close to the campus.
For more information, you can visit the official website of Anadolu University.
18. Midas Monument (Yazılıkaya)
The Midas Monument, also known as Yazılıkaya, is one of the most magnificent rock monuments from the Phrygian period, located in Yazılıkaya Neighborhood of Han district in Eskişehir. Dating back to the 8th century BCE, the monument stands approximately 17 meters high and 16.5 meters wide. Inscriptions on its surface contain the name “Midas” in the Phrygian language, which is why it is called the “Midas Monument.”
At the center of the monument is a niche dedicated to the Mother Goddess Cybele. This niche is believed to have been a sacred space where a statue of Cybele was placed during religious ceremonies. The surface of the monument is adorned with geometric patterns, reflecting the typical characteristics of Phrygian art.
The Midas Monument is located in the region known as the Phrygian Valley, which also features other Phrygian rock monuments and settlement traces. The Yazılıkaya plateau, where the monument is situated, is composed of tuff rocks and rises approximately 60–70 meters above the valley floor.
The monument was discovered in 1800 by British officer William Martin Leake and has attracted the interest of many researchers since then. Today, it is open to visitors as the Eskişehir Midas Yazılıkaya Archaeological Site and is an important destination for history enthusiasts.
19. Seyir Hill (Kocakır Recreation Area)
Kocakır Recreation Area is a picnic and relaxation spot located in the Odunpazarı district of Eskişehir, ideal for those who want to spend time in nature. The area offers the opportunity to picnic under the shade of pine trees and provides visitors with an active day through walking paths, cycling tracks, tennis courts, and a basketball court. There are also social facilities such as a country café, adventure park, and paintball area.
The picnic area is equipped with tables, benches, children’s playgrounds, a kiosk, barbecue pits, water, and restrooms. Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality’s bus line number 61 provides transportation to Kocakır Recreation Area.
Visitors are advised to pay attention to restrictions imposed during certain periods to prevent forest fires. For example, between July 1 and September 15, 2024, lighting barbecues, samovars, and fires is prohibited from 8:00 PM to 9:00 AM.
Kocakır Recreation Area is one of the top choices in Eskişehir for those who want to enjoy nature and engage in various outdoor activities.
20. Lake Balaban and Sakarıılıca Thermal Springs
Lake Balaban is a natural pond located near Balaban Village in the Arnavutköy district of Istanbul and is an extension of Lake Terkos (Durusu). It is a popular destination for nature lovers and campers, offering a peaceful atmosphere with its surrounding forested areas and lake view. Lake Balaban is especially preferred for camping, nature walks, and picnic activities. As there are no facilities around the lake, visitors are advised to bring their necessities in advance. Additionally, it is noted that access to the area is easier by private vehicle.
Sakarıılıca Thermal Springs are located in a forested valley in the Mihalgazi district of Eskişehir, approximately 32 km from the city center. Famous for its natural thermal waters, the springs have temperatures between 43–48°C and are known to be beneficial for various health issues such as stomach ailments, rheumatism, gynecological disorders, and joint problems. The facility offers different accommodation options, with rooms featuring thermal baths, television, refrigerators, and kitchens. There are also areas designated for tent camping. The thermal springs are ideal for visitors who wish to relax in nature and benefit from healing waters.
As the shining star of Central Anatolia, Eskişehir offers visitors a multifaceted experience with its historical heritage, cultural richness, and modern living spaces. Structures such as the Odunpazarı Houses, Kurşunlu Complex, and Meerschaum Museum in the heart of the city create a historical atmosphere that carries the traces of the past, while venues like Sazova Science, Culture and Art Park, OMM, Contemporary Glass Arts Museum, and Kentpark reflect Eskişehir’s contemporary face. Gondola tours along the Porsuk River and the lively nature of the Adalar District give the city a romantic and dynamic identity.
Standing out with its natural beauty, Eskişehir is also an ideal route for those who want to spend time in nature, with locations like Kocakır Recreation Area, Şelale Park, Lake Balaban, and Sakarıılıca Thermal Springs. The TÜRASAŞ Museum, where the Devrim Car is exhibited, the vast campus of Anadolu University, and Haller Youth Center, a popular gathering place for young people, complete the city’s social and academic fabric. In short, Eskişehir is one of the must-see special cities for both short and long explorations with its history, art, nature, and vibrant energy.