The Best Tourist Areas in Eskişehir, Turkey

Eskişehir is a city located in northwestern Turkey and it is the capital of Eskişehir Province.

One of the finest regions of Eskişehir dates back to the Byzantine era, when it was known as Dorylaeum. The population of the city center is 717,135, while the total population reaches 826,135.

Among the landmarks of Eskişehir is the Kurşunlu Complex, where we experience the fascinating atmosphere of glass craftsmanship and visit the Meerschaum Museum. Then we head toward the beautiful parks of the city. We enjoy the greenery of Kent Park, which brings vibrant energy to the city.

After that, we spend a delightful and enjoyable time among the famous Bavarian-style castles and fairy tale heroes in Saz Park. We will also see the first “domestic” car, the “Revolution” (Devrim), which played an important role in advancing the national industry.

After gathering at the mentioned locations, we continue our journey to Eskişehir and Sazova Science Park. Here, we visit the Fairy Tale Castle, the Pirate Ship, and Noah’s Ark. Entrance to Sazova Park is free, while entry to the castle and the ships requires a ticket.

After our visit there, we begin exploring the famous Odunpazarı district, which includes historical houses from the Ottoman period and represents the first settlement of Eskişehir. Following our visit to Odunpazarı, we proceed to the Contemporary Glass Arts Museum. This museum is the first glass art museum in Turkey.

It was established by the Metropolitan Municipality in cooperation with Anadolu University and the Glass Friends Group. The museum displays the works of 42 glass artists.

Finally, before concluding the article, if you plan to travel to Eskişehir, do not forget to bring suitable clothing, lip balm, and a hat for your daytime trips, a small shopping bag, and most importantly a camera, an extra memory card, and charging equipment.

1. Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Fairy Tale Castle

The Fairy Tale Castle was opened on March 9, 2014. The purpose of its establishment is to develop children’s imagination by engaging with their conceptual worlds, enabling individuals to express themselves through interactive games, helping them understand life and people, improving problem-solving and creative thinking skills, and strengthening communication between adults and children through fairy tales.

The Fairy Tale Castle presents visitors with stories, jokes, and tales from Turkish culture, promoting cultural and social development and awareness while providing entertainment. The castle consists of 26 towers, including 8 main towers and 18 additional towers.

It is located on the Eskişehir–Kütahya road and was built on an area of approximately 400,000 square meters. With its design and structures, it stands out as one of the most unique parks in the country.

Inside the park, there is a wide range of buildings, activity areas, and spaces where visitors of all ages can spend an enjoyable day. Especially for those visiting the city for the first time, it should be included in the list of must-see places in Eskişehir.

Sazova Park offers a view far beyond an ordinary park, featuring unusual structures for walking and leisure. There is no entrance fee to the park itself, but a small fee is charged to enter the buildings.

The Fairy Tale Castle resembles a Disney-style design, and its towers and figures reflect elements inspired by some of the most important historical buildings in Turkey.

Galata Tower in Istanbul and the famous Yivli Minaret in Antalya are among the structures that inspired the architectural design of the Fairy Tale Castle.

2. Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Yılmaz Büyükerşen Wax Museum

This is Turkey’s first wax museum, created by Yılmaz Büyükerşen. It includes statues representing the heroes of the War of Independence, Ottoman sultans, Atatürk, and world leaders.

The museum contains 160 statues of famous personalities, ranging from artists to athletes.

Madame Tussauds wax museums are located in many countries around the world. However, the first and only example in Turkey is the Yılmaz Büyükerşen Wax Museum established by the Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality.

The opening ceremony was attended by Orhan Gencebay, Haldun Dormen, Göksel Arsoy, Nevra Serezli, Rutkay Aziz, Tarık Akan, and many artists, journalists, and writers.

The Wax Sculpture Museum was opened in the Odunpazarı district within the Metropolitan Municipality Museums Complex, with the participation of many distinguished guests whose statues are displayed in the museum.

There are 160 historical and global figures exhibited in the museum. In addition to statues representing different periods of Atatürk’s life, the museum includes figures reflecting Atatürk’s family. Statues of local and foreign statesmen, artists, media members, and athletes are displayed against various themed backdrops.

Regarding the museum, Eskişehir Metropolitan Mayor Yılmaz Büyükerşen said:“We are the product of our history and the people we cultivate. We have a history to be proud of. We have raised people we cherish. I love wax sculptures for this reason, and I hope the statues I create serve as a contribution to our history and our people, helping us make peace with ourselves.”

Visitors have the opportunity to take photographs with the wax figures. The museum’s revenue is used to support the education of girls and children with disabilities in accordance with donation requirements. In later periods, measurements and special photographs of famous artists who visited Eskişehir were taken, and new additions were made to the statues in the Yılmaz Büyükerşen Wax Museum.

3. Sazova Park (Science, Art and Culture Park – West)

Sazova Park, also known as the Science, Art and Culture Park, is one of the largest and most beautiful parks in Turkey, especially in Eskişehir. Families with children can spend a very enjoyable time in this beautiful park.

In this comprehensive article, which serves almost as a guide to Sazova Park, very detailed information about the park is shared along with images. After reading it, you can better plan your trip to Eskişehir.

The park was built on approximately 400,000 square meters and stands out as one of the most unique parks in Turkey thanks to its design and structures.

Within the park, there is a wide variety of buildings, activity areas, and spaces where visitors of all ages can spend the entire day. Especially for those visiting the city for the first time, it should be at the top of the must-see list in Eskişehir.

Sazova Park is located on the western side of the city, along the Eskişehir–Kütahya highway. The new Eskişehir Stadium is located directly next to the park.

If you are going by taxi or private car, you can use the parking lots located at both ends of the park. Outside the park, you can park your car in the parking area near the stadium.

You may also park your car when you see the sign “Parking for passengers arriving from Istanbul and Ankara (via Kütahya).” This area is also very convenient.

The parking fee is 5 Turkish Lira for the entire day. There are smaller parking areas within Sazova Park, but this one is the most convenient.

4. Waterfall Park

Waterfall Park is located in the Odunpazarı district and is home to the largest artificial waterfall in Eskişehir, impressing everyone who sees it. It is one of the parks that should be visited by anyone coming to Eskişehir, and the opportunity to see this beautiful artificial waterfall should not be missed. It definitely deserves a place on the list of must-visit attractions.

Waterfall Park is one of the most attractive and largest parks in Eskişehir. With an area of 38,000 square meters, it is among the largest and most beautiful parks in Turkey. Although the waterfall is artificial, it is stunning in its beauty, and its area of up to 1,400 square meters leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

Facilities such as the Waterfall Park restaurant and café allow visitors to enjoy breakfast and light meals while experiencing the beauty of Eskişehir. The park is also known for being close to the historic Odunpazarı houses, which can be reached within a 10-minute walk, offering visitors the chance to see the beauty of the historical buildings.

The cafés and restaurants in Waterfall Park can easily prepare rich Turkish breakfasts. While sipping tea in one of the most beautiful parks in Eskişehir, visitors can enjoy the natural scenery and peaceful atmosphere. Prices vary depending on the café or restaurant and the chosen menu, but guests can fully experience the traditional Turkish breakfast while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

Waterfall Park is located just outside the Odunpazarı district of Eskişehir, and transportation to Odunpazarı is sufficient to reach the park.

The Eskişehir Waterfall Park, which can be reached on foot, is open 24 hours a day. However, cafés and restaurants operate only during specific hours. The park itself is open both day and night, allowing visitors to come at any time.

5. Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Park

One of the major tourist attractions in Eskişehir, the Metropolitan Park was built on an area of 300,000 square meters and is located between the intercity bus terminal and the Gökmeden district. Kent Park includes two outdoor swimming pools, a semi-Olympic indoor swimming pool, playgrounds, a city house, restaurants, ponds, and refreshment areas.

Kent Park features a beach along the Porsuk River, and the park can also be reached by boats traveling on the Porsuk River.

Kent Park is one of the essential social living spaces in Eskişehir, with its rose gardens, entertainment areas, sculptures, and monuments.

This park covers an area of approximately 400,000 square meters and is located in the Sazova area on the road to Kütahya. Within the park area, there is a large pond surrounded by restaurants, an open-air amphitheater with a capacity of 2,000 people, a pirate ship replica, playgrounds with fairy-tale characters, water activity areas, playgrounds designed for children with disabilities, and a science and experiment center featuring a large planetarium.

Transportation within the park is possible via a narrow-gauge German railway line built in 1918. This railway was originally used to transport workers between the sugar factory and the supply and maintenance center. Today, it carries park visitors between four specially designed stations.

The pirate ship is a replica of a vessel that crossed the Atlantic Ocean in the 17th century. Both the exterior and interior of the ship were carefully designed and have attracted great interest from children.

Playgrounds featuring various cute and fairy-tale characters are located throughout the park. There are also special mechanisms where children can conduct experiments related to buoyancy and circular water movements.

6. Eskişehir Dede Korkut Park

Eskişehir Dede Korkut Park consists of sports equipment areas, making it an ideal park in the city center. It also features a large children’s playground and a café, which is usually crowded on weekends. In the mornings and evenings, the walking path is peaceful and not overly busy. There are clean public restrooms at the entrance, and the terrace is well maintained.

Sitting on the lush green grass and enjoying the evening brings a sense of relaxation. The green landscape, the shade of numerous trees, and the gradual sound of flowing water help relieve the fatigue of the day. The sound of frogs, smiling people around you, cyclists passing by on the path, children’s laughter, and voices coming from the playground create a lively atmosphere. A little further away, families enjoy large picnics, chatting over tea.

One visitor described their experience in the park, saying that behind them were two young men playing backgammon while waiting for a friend. What impressed them most was that everyone carried a bag and no one littered the environment. People respected one another and enjoyed the beautiful weather without interfering with anyone else. As evening arrived, the sun slowly set behind the solar power plant tower. This quiet and beautiful promenade and park are located in a city in the heart of Anatolia. Although the city is far from the sea, people can still enjoy a waterfront atmosphere thanks to the river flowing through the city.

7. Eskişehir Zoo

Eskişehir Zoo is one of the most important attractions within the Sazova Science, Art, and Culture Park and is considered one of the most significant tourist destinations in Eskişehir. The zoo was opened in May 2017 after two years of preparation and offers a pleasant environment where families with children can spend quality time.

Eskişehir Zoo consists of various sections such as the Underwater World, the Japanese Garden, the Tropical Center, and the Parrot House. It hosts a total of 243 different animal species. Of these, 120 species are located in the main zoo area, while 123 species are found in the Underwater World section.

Visiting the zoo, including the Underwater World, may take approximately one to two hours, and visitors can plan their trip accordingly.

There is no restaurant inside the zoo where visitors can eat meals. However, the Underwater World includes a cafeteria where guests can sit and enjoy drinks. Additionally, water is sold at various points throughout the zoo.

The total animal habitat area is 58,000 square meters. The Japanese Garden, one of the most beautiful sections of the zoo, covers 27,000 square meters. With these sections combined, the total exhibition area of Eskişehir Zoo reaches 85,000 square meters. Planned openings of new areas within the next two years aim to expand the total area to 145,000 square meters.

Animals at Eskişehir Zoo, including mammals, fish, arthropods, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, are placed in different sections specifically designed for their needs.

Although zoos generally have a negative image, visitors tend to feel differently at Eskişehir Zoo. The animal enclosures and fences are not visually disturbing, and the fences equipped with low electrical voltage allow animals to remain within their designated areas safely.

8. Eskişehir Aviation Museum

The museum, known in Turkish as the Eskişehir Aviation Museum, displays Turkish aircraft from different decades and presents aircraft of the Turkish Air Force to visitors.

After being redesigned with a better layout to provide more information and activities, the museum showcasing the history of Turkish aviation was recently reopened in the Eskişehir province of Central Anatolia.

Professor Meral Nalaskan, Director of Anadolu University Aviation Park, who reopened the museum after renovation works, stated:“We have added some new features to the park and organized informative panels about the aircraft. We will also open a workshop for children once it is completed. We have simulations for children here. We want to present the history of Turkish aviation here.”

The park was opened as an actual museum 15 years ago but was transferred from the local Tepebaşı Municipality to Anadolu University in Eskişehir in September 2011 before reopening on October 6.

It was stated that there were safety concerns at the museum when the university first took control, which led the authorities to close the facility for infrastructure repairs.

The director noted that although the museum has reopened, renovation work is still ongoing, adding that Turkey’s first fuel tanker aircraft and two training aircraft were recently moved to the site.

The director explained that their goal is to transform the park into a contemporary museum.

In addition to this park, there are aviation museums in Istanbul and Ankara. Although the infrastructure of the project has been completely redesigned and renewed, work continues.

Nalaskan stated that most of the park’s collection consists of aircraft that have completed their service with the air force and that instead of displaying all aircraft, they prefer to exhibit only those worthy of continued display.

She also mentioned that they plan to organize aviation events at the park and that they are working on a museum city project to reflect the identity of both the city and the university.

9. Historical Odunpazarı Mansions

Archaeological excavations in the Odunpazarı area of Eskişehir, believed to be the city’s first settlement, prove that Eskişehir has a history dating back to 3000 BC or even earlier. This origin becomes more evident when considering findings from other surrounding mounds.

The first civilization to leave significant traces in Eskişehir was the Phrygians, who lived in the region during the 9th century BC. Their most important remains can be found in Yazılıkaya, the religious center of the Phrygians, where numerous monuments and tombs can be seen.

Eskişehir also holds great importance in Ottoman history, as Karacahisar Castle represents the first conquest of the Ottomans. Nearly all districts of Eskişehir are rich settlements in terms of history and culture. Mihalıççık, where Yunus Emre, the pioneer of Turkish poetry, was born, is one such place, and today it hosts the Yunus Emre complex.

Sivrihisar, an important settlement during the Roman and Byzantine periods, is famous for its artworks dating back to the Seljuk and Ottoman eras. It is also believed to be the birthplace of Nasreddin Hodja, the world-renowned philosopher. The district of Seyitgazi is known for the tomb of Seyyid Battal Gazi, a revered religious figure and warrior. Odunpazarı is located in the center of Eskişehir and is believed to be the area where the city was first established.

The district contains centuries-old wooden houses, many of which have been restored in recent years, turning the area into a popular tourist destination. Some buildings are now used as boutique hotels, shops, restaurants, and museums. These houses represent some of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture and are a must-see for anyone wishing to experience Odunpazarı.

10. Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Underwater World

Eskişehir is an ideal destination for families who want to enjoy time away from home, thanks to its museums and historical sites where visitors can learn new things while having fun.

Eskişehir Province, considered one of Turkey’s important destinations by tourism professionals, offers significant alternatives for children and families during school holidays, with its playgrounds, entertainment areas, museums, and parks.

Eskişehir is ideally located close to other cities. It is one and a half hours from Ankara, two and a half hours from Istanbul by high-speed train, one hour and forty minutes from Konya, one and a half hours from Bursa, 45 minutes from Kütahya and Bilecik, and one and a half hours from Afyonkarahisar. Due to its accessibility, it is preferred by domestic tourists.

The zoo, opened in 2016 on an area of 58,000 square meters, houses 1,656 animals from 120 species. The zoo, which includes many living creatures such as penguins, seals, red deer, and exotic animals, offers visitors the opportunity to spend an enjoyable time. The Underwater World, located at the entrance of the zoo, is home to a total of 2,500 underwater creatures from 124 species originating from the North Aegean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, the Red Sea, South American lakes, and the Amazon River.

Children and parents can spend enjoyable time in the 3,200-square-meter Underwater World, which includes soil sections, a touch pool, tropical aquariums, the Amazon River section, the Mersin aquarium, and an underwater tunnel.

11. Eskişehir Balmumu Museum

In the museum, wax figures reflecting different periods of Atatürk’s life, Atatürk’s family, as well as local and foreign statesmen, media figures, and athletes are displayed against various themed backgrounds, giving visitors a lifelike experience. Sections from the history of Eskişehir and Turkey are also included in the museum.

Wax sculptures created by taking measurements and special photographs of famous individuals who visit Eskişehir over time will replace existing figures in the museum.

Visitors to the museum can take photographs with the wax sculptures using the services of the professional photography team.

The museum’s revenue will be used to support the education of girls and children with disabilities in accordance with donation requirements.

Wax is a very suitable material for creating lifelike sculptures. The first wax sculpture museum was Madame Tussauds, opened in London in 1835.

Madame Tussauds quickly became widespread after demonstrating how successful wax figures were in helping visitors connect with historical and popular figures. Today, wax sculpture museums have been established in many parts of the world.

The first example of a wax museum of this kind in Turkey is the Yılmaz Büyükerşen Wax Museum, which opened in 2013 with sculptures personally created by Yılmaz Büyükerşen over the years.

Before the wax sculptures displayed in this museum, Yılmaz Büyükerşen had also created wax sculptures of Atatürk for Anıtkabir, Samsun, İnebolu, İzmir, military academies, and the naval academy.

12. Alaeddin Mosque, Eskişehir

Alaeddin Mosque, also known as Alaeddin Mosque (Turkish: Alaeddin Camii), is a historical mosque located in the Odunpazarı district of Eskişehir, Turkey.

Alaeddin Mosque is one of the finest examples of Anatolian Seljuk architecture. Although it has lost some of its originality, the mosque has survived to the present day. Built during the reign of Sultan Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev III, it was restored in later years. After these restorations, the mosque lost much of its Seljuk architectural character. There is also a park named after the mosque.

Visitors can tour Alaeddin Mosque with friends as part of a cultural trip and then relax with a cup of tea in Alaeddin Park. Eskişehir has many historical and cultural sites worth visiting. During your stay, do not leave without enjoying sunbathing and swimming at the artificial beach.

The mosque is located in Alaeddin Park in Odunpazarı, Eskişehir. According to an inscription on the base of its minaret, it was built in 1267 during the reign of the Seljuk Sultan Rükneddin Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev III (1265–1284) and was donated by Sacaoglu Cebrail, a follower of Mevlana. It is one of the oldest buildings in Eskişehir.

The mosque has a nearly rectangular plan and was constructed using rubble stone masonry. A dome with an octagonal drum measuring 6.50 meters in diameter is located at the center of the flat wooden ceiling. The entrance of the mosque is on the north side, and a wooden staircase leads to the women’s section on the upper floor. Quranic verses decorate the borders of the dome.

The mihrab is located on the southern wall of the mosque and features late Ottoman architectural style. Large rectangular windows illuminate the interior. A two-level window arrangement is applied on the northern and side façades, including the women’s section and the narthex.

The building lost its original construction characteristics entirely after several restorations, with a major change occurring in 1945.

13. Wood Carving Museum

This is the first time woodcarving masters have come together to share a common working space, allowing them to exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and learn from each other’s techniques in order to collectively improve their art.

The first museum of Eskişehir was established as a storage facility in 1945 in Alaeddin Mosque. It was later moved to the boys’ school and schools in the Kurşunlu Mosque area. Since the residential buildings were not suitable for displaying museum artifacts, a new building was constructed in the Akarbaşı district of Eskişehir and opened to the public in 1974.

Eskişehir Archaeological Museum:

In the first section of the exhibition, archaeological artifacts are displayed. The collection includes works ranging from the Hittite period to the late Byzantine era. This section contains plates of various shapes, statues, figurines, metal and glass objects. The walls are decorated with mosaics from the early Roman period discovered during excavations in Sarhöyük (Dorylaeum).

There is also a coin collection from Islamic and pre-Islamic periods. In the museum courtyard, inscriptions, wooden panels, sarcophagi, column capitals, and building stones from Roman and Byzantine periods are displayed. The Eskişehir Archaeological Museum is designed as an educational museum showcasing the archaeological wealth of the region. The building includes administrative offices, laboratories, workshops, and storage areas.

Eskişehir Ethnography Museum (Ottoman House):

Yeşil Efendi House, located in the Dede neighborhood of Eskişehir and built in the mid-19th century, was purchased and restored by the state. The ceilings and cupboards display fine examples of wood carving. Ethnographic works from the Eskişehir region are exhibited in the house.

Meerschaum is a special stone unique to Eskişehir. You can purchase ready-made products such as pipes in local shops for around 50 Turkish lira. It is a wonderful place to see many artists and their creations made from this fascinating stone.

14. Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Contemporary Glass Art Museum

The Contemporary Glass Art Museum is an impressive glass museum located in the historic Odunpazarı houses of Eskişehir. It was opened in 2007 and is housed in a building consisting of three historical houses.

As Turkey’s first glass museum, the Contemporary Glass Art Museum was established through the cooperation of Anadolu University, Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality, and the Glass Friends Group. The museum exhibits works by 58 local artists and 10 foreign artists. It is located close to many important attractions that visitors should see in Eskişehir.

The Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Contemporary Glass Art Museum is situated next to the Kurşunlu Mosque and Complex, Atlıhan Handicrafts Bazaar, the Museum of Republican History, and Alaeddin Mosque, all within walking distance.

15. Eskişehir Uğur Mumcu Park

Located between Sazova Park and the city center, this park is a place where visitors should stop for about ten minutes to show respect to one of Turkey’s most brilliant minds, who was killed by unknown forces in a brutal act.

The park is located on Porsuk Street in the Büyükdere neighborhood. Uğur Mumcu Park covers an area of 8,000 square meters and features newspaper clippings prepared in marble from 16 different cities, as well as a monument commemorating the bomb attack on Mumcu.

The park also includes outdoor libraries with children’s and youth books, along with books by Uğur Mumcu, to promote reading habits among citizens.

Facilities such as a skateboard area, climbing wall, water wall, walking paths, and a cafeteria equipped with modern urban furniture allow citizens to walk and relax in a comfortable environment.

There is also a drawing wall, various children’s playgrounds, an amphitheater area, and a model airport for aviation enthusiasts.

The park was opened by the Odunpazarı Municipality of Eskişehir in memory of journalist and writer Uğur Mumcu, who lost his life in a car bomb attack in front of his home in Ankara on January 24, 1993. Mumcu’s car is displayed in the park bearing his name.