Regularly crowned Turkey's most liveable city, Eskisehir is known for its riverfront beaches, bustling thoroughfares and liberal attitude. You can explore the atmospheric Old Quarter, visit top-notch museums and devour a smorgasbord of Turkish cuisine.

Things to do

The Odunpazari historic district is brimming with charisma, with a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone lanes and pastel-coloured houses. Today many of the buildings house museums, craft stores, cafes and tea houses. You can also peer into a handful of Ottoman mosques.

The City Museum offers a glimpse at Eskisehir's ancient history. In addition to historic artefacts, it features the Museum of Contemporary Glass Art, where you can admire avant-garde glass chandeliers and jewellery. The dazzling collection was donated by a mix of Turkish and foreign artists.

Kids will love the Eskisehir Science & Experiment Centre, as the colourful complex is brimming with interactive exhibits and hands-on displays. Little ones will squeal with delight as they teeter over the infinity bridge, activate fountains on the giant xylophone and pull as hard as they can on the counterweighted car.

Is wining and dining on your agenda? Eskisehir boasts some of Turkey's top restaurants, including the coveted Avlu. It's housed in a beautifully renovated Ottoman mansion and serves a mouth-watering menu of classic Turkish cuisine.

Getting around

The easiest way to get around Eskisehir is on foot, while the city is also serviced by a network of trams and shuttles. You can also hail taxis or use local buses to reach nearby cities. If you want to explore the surrounding Phrygian Valley, it's best to hire a car.