Places to Visit in Eskişehir and City Guide
With its rich cultural texture, young population, and modern urban layout, Eskişehir stands out as one of the most livable cities in Turkey. Offering both the lively energy of a student city and the serene atmosphere of history, it provides visitors with a vibrant and diverse experience. When it comes to places to visit in Eskişehir, the city is known for its art events, museums, festivals, and dynamic social life.
Walks along the Porsuk River, coffee breaks in historical streets, and its colorful architecture offer both peace and liveliness at the same time.
While the city is admired for its modern structures, it also reflects a deep-rooted cultural heritage through its preserved historical districts. If you are looking for a detailed guide to Eskişehir’s top attractions, this article presents the most enjoyable stops and must-visit routes throughout the city.
Brief Information About Eskişehir
Located in the Central Anatolia Region, Eskişehir has a unique charm shaped around the Porsuk River. As one of the oldest settlements in Turkey, its history dates back to the Phrygian era. Today, it is one of the liveliest cities in the country in terms of culture, art, and education.
Thanks to its easy train connections, well-organized city planning, and modern architecture, Eskişehir is also ideal for day trips. Most of the main attractions are near the city center and can be explored on foot or with a short drive.
Eskişehir is also home to two major universities, giving the city a young and dynamic population. This contributes greatly to the city’s cultural diversity and active social life. Museums, art galleries, theaters, and concert halls are among the essential stops in any Eskişehir travel guide.
The city also stands out for its clean streets, extensive public transportation network, and environmentally conscious approach. Walkways, cafes, and parks along the Porsuk River offer pleasant spaces for both locals and visitors. Eskişehir is one of the rare cities where modern urban life and the tranquil atmosphere of history come together.
List of Places to Visit in Eskişehir
Although Eskişehir is not a very large city, it is home to many distinctive attractions. Here are the places that best reflect the spirit of the city:
1. Odunpazarı Houses
A symbol of Eskişehir, the Odunpazarı Houses feature elegant examples of traditional Ottoman architecture. The colorful wooden houses, narrow streets, and cobblestone roads offer a journey into the past. The area is filled with handicraft shops, boutique museums, and charming cafés—making it a must-visit on any Eskişehir itinerary.
2. Porsuk River and Adalar District
Flowing through the heart of the city, the Porsuk River is one of Eskişehir’s most iconic spots. Gondola tours and picturesque bridges give it a European ambiance. The surrounding restaurants and walking paths create a pleasant atmosphere, especially in the evenings.
3. Sazova Science, Art and Culture Park
Covering approximately 400,000 square meters, Sazova Park is the largest park in Eskişehir. Inside, you’ll find:
The Fairy Tale Castle
Pirate Ship
Science Museum
Large artificial pond
It is a favorite destination for both children and adults and is especially popular among families.
4. Kentpark
Located along the Porsuk River, Kentpark is home to Turkey’s first artificial beach. Its walking paths, cafés, swimming areas, and small ponds make it an attractive spot—particularly in the summer.
5. Wax Museum
Founded by Yılmaz Büyükerşen, the Wax Museum is one of the most interesting stops on the Eskişehir travel route. It is Turkey’s first wax museum and features life-size wax figures of numerous local and international artists, scientists, and leaders.
6. Japanese Garden and Kent Forest
If you want your Eskişehir places-to-visit list to include peaceful, nature-focused locations, the Japanese Garden and Kent Forest are ideal. Their serene atmosphere, ponds, and walking routes offer a refreshing escape from the city.
Places to Visit in Eskişehir City Center
In addition to its historical areas, Eskişehir’s modern districts are equally vibrant.
Hamamyolu Street is known as the cultural heart of the city, bustling throughout the day with shopping spots, street food vendors, and local markets.
Atatürk Street and Doktorlar Street are popular for both shopping and evening strolls.
Areas around Anadolu University and Eskişehir Technical University reflect the youthful energy of the city, with cafés, art studios, and small exhibitions waiting to be explored.
Suggested Eskişehir Travel Route
A one-day route in Eskişehir can be planned to experience the city to the fullest:
Morning:
Breakfast in Odunpazarı Houses
Visit to the Wax Museum
Noon:
Lunch at a restaurant along the Porsuk River
Afternoon:
Explore Sazova Park or Kentpark
Sunset:
Walk along the Porsuk River
Evening:
Enjoy the lively atmosphere at the Adalar district cafés and bars
A short drive can also take you to scenic spots like the Japanese Garden or Şelale Park to complete your route.
Eskişehir Travel Map
A quick look at an Eskişehir travel map shows that most major attractions are located close to each other—an advantage that saves visitors a great deal of time. Walking is ideal especially around the Porsuk and Odunpazarı districts.
If you want to extend your route and explore surrounding areas, renting a car is a convenient choice. Nearby attractions include:
Yazılıkaya (Midas Monument)
Phrygian Valley
Seyitgazi
These locations offer impressive natural and historical landmarks worth exploring.
What to Eat in Eskişehir?
Your Eskişehir itinerary should definitely include stops to try the local cuisine. The most famous dishes are:
Çibörek
Balaban Kebab
Met Helva
Poppy Seed Pastry
You can find these flavors in many local restaurants around Hamamyolu Street and Odunpazarı. The city’s growing third-wave coffee culture offers great cafés for a relaxing break. Small dessert shops and local ice-cream vendors add extra flavor to your journey.
Thanks to its student population, street food options—toast, kumpir, and budget-friendly snacks—are also widely available. Dining by the river at cafés and restaurants along Porsuk offers a delightful view. Warm boza or salep in the winter and refreshing lemonade or ice cream in the summer are part of Eskişehir’s seasonal traditions.
Overall, Eskişehir offers a rich gastronomic experience that blends traditional Anatolian flavors with modern cuisine.
Discover Eskişehir with Enterprise
Eskişehir offers both a modern city experience and a tranquil historical atmosphere. Although it is possible to explore many places in a short time, having the freedom to move around comfortably elevates your trip.
Enterprise provides convenient car rental solutions for exploring Eskişehir and its surroundings. All vehicles undergo regular maintenance and are delivered fully ready for a safe and comfortable drive. With Enterprise’s professional vehicle rental services, you can freely plan your Eskişehir itinerary and explore every corner of the city at your own pace.