Overview
Plate code 26 refers to Eskişehir Province in northwestern Anatolia, Turkey. The province is anchored by Eskişehir city — a university town with a young, cosmopolitan energy that contrasts pleasantly with its deep historical roots. The Porsuk River runs through the city centre, giving it a canal-town character unusual in inland Turkey.
Beyond the city, the province opens onto the high Anatolian steppe, dotted with Phrygian rock monuments, thermal spa villages, and agricultural plains. Eskişehir is home to two major universities (Anadolu University and Eskişehir Osmangazi University), which give the city a lively arts and café culture.
The province also holds significance in Turkish industrial and railway history — the city was an important locomotive manufacturing hub throughout the 20th century, and several heritage sites reflect that legacy.
Before You Go
Visas
Turkey's entry requirements vary by nationality and are subject to change. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for current requirements before booking.
Health
No specific vaccinations are mandated for entry, but routine immunisations should be up to date. Tap water quality varies; bottled water is widely available and inexpensive. Travel health insurance is strongly recommended.
Climate
Eskişehir Province has a semi-continental climate. Summers (June–August) are hot and dry, often exceeding 30 °C. Winters can be cold with snowfall. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for sightseeing and hiking.
What to Pack
- Layers for variable temperatures, especially if visiting in spring or autumn
- Comfortable walking shoes for cobbled historic districts and Phrygian rock sites
- Sunscreen and a hat for summer visits
- A light jacket even in summer evenings, as the steppe cools quickly after dark
Getting There
By Air
Eskişehir does not have a commercial passenger airport currently in regular scheduled service. The most practical air gateway is Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB), roughly 200 km to the east, or Istanbul airports to the northwest. Verify current air connections locally or via airline websites.
By High-Speed Rail
This is the most convenient and popular option for most visitors. Eskişehir sits on Turkey's first high-speed rail line, connecting it to Ankara (approximately 1.5 hours) and Istanbul (Pendik) (approximately 1.5–2 hours). Trains are comfortable and frequent. Book through TCDD (Turkish State Railways) — check their official site for current schedules and fares.
By Road
Eskişehir is well connected by motorway to Istanbul, Ankara, Bursa, and Afyonkarahisar. Intercity buses operate from the main bus terminal (otogar); several major Turkish bus companies serve this route. Verify timetables and fares directly with operators.
Getting Around
Within Eskişehir City
The city has an extensive tram (tramway) network that is the backbone of urban transport and connects most visitor sites, the university campuses, and central neighbourhoods. Trams are affordable and easy to use; a rechargeable Eskart card is used for payment and can be loaded at stations.
The city is also notably bicycle-friendly with dedicated lanes along the Porsuk River and rental options available. Walking is feasible across much of the old centre and the Odunpazarı historic district.
Around the Province
For sites outside the city — such as Seyitgazi, the Phrygian Valley rock monuments, or the thermal resort of Mihalıççık area — a rental car or organised day tour is the most practical option, as public transport to rural sites is infrequent. Taxis and ride-hailing apps (verify availability locally) can supplement transport within the city.
Things to See & Do
Odunpazarı Historic District
Eskişehir's most photographed neighbourhood features beautifully restored Ottoman-era timber houses, now home to boutique shops, cafés, and galleries. The Odunpazarı Modern Museum (OMM), designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, is a landmark of contemporary art in Turkey and regularly hosts major international exhibitions. Verify opening hours and admission fees on the museum's official site.
Porsuk River and Canal Area
The riverfront is lined with cafés, small gondola-style boat rides, and promenades. It is a social hub particularly in evenings and weekends, reflecting the city's youthful culture.
Phrygian Valley (Frig Vadisi)
Located partly within Eskişehir Province and partly in adjacent Afyonkarahisar Province, this archaeological landscape contains Phrygian rock-cut monuments, tombs, and the impressive Midas Monument at Yazılıkaya (not to be confused with the Hittite Yazılıkaya near Boğazkale). A day trip by car is recommended; roads can be rough in places.
Seyitgazi
A small district town approximately 45 km south of Eskişehir, known for the Seyyid Battal Gazi Complex — a large Ottoman-era külliye built around the tomb of a legendary 8th-century Arab-Byzantine warrior-saint. It is an active pilgrimage site and historically significant.
Thermal Springs
The Sakarıilıca thermal area offers hot-spring bathing. Facilities vary; verify current operations and prices locally before making the trip.
Meerschaum (Lületaşı) Workshops
Eskişehir is one of the world's primary sources of meerschaum, the soft white mineral used to carve decorative pipes and objects. Several workshops offer demonstrations, and the local museum covers the craft's history.
Food & Drink
Local Specialties
Eskişehir has its own distinct culinary identity within Turkish cuisine:
- Çibörek — a deep-fried half-moon pastry filled with minced meat, considered a local staple with Tatar origins. Look for dedicated çibörek shops in the city centre.
- Balaban — a type of thin, layered savoury pastry.
- Locally produced dairy products, including various cheeses, are common in provincial towns.
Dining Scene
The university population drives a diverse café and restaurant scene ranging from traditional lokantas (simple Turkish eateries) to international cuisine and craft coffee shops, particularly around the Anadolu University area and the river corridor. Menus in tourist-facing restaurants often include English.
Alcohol
Alcohol is legally available in licensed restaurants and bars in Eskişehir city, which has a relatively liberal social atmosphere for an Anatolian city. Availability drops significantly in rural district towns. Be respectful of local customs, particularly around the Seyitgazi pilgrimage site.
Practical Information
Money
ATMs (bankamatik) are widely available throughout Eskişehir city. Card payment is accepted at most hotels, larger restaurants, and shops. Carry cash for markets, small eateries, and rural areas.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage (4G/LTE) is reliable in the city and on main roads. Rural highland areas may have weaker signals. SIM cards from Turkish operators are available at the airport and authorised dealers; bring your passport.
Emergency Numbers
- Police: 155
- Ambulance: 112
- Fire: 110
- General Emergency: 112
Useful Contacts
- Verify local tourism office contact details through the official Eskişehir Provincial directorate or the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism website.
Electricity
Turkey uses 220V / 50Hz with Type F (Schuko) sockets. Adaptors may be needed for UK or US plugs.
Safety
Eskişehir Province is generally considered one of the safer and more relaxed destinations in Turkey for travellers. The city has a large student population that contributes to a busy, open public atmosphere.
Standard urban precautions apply: be aware of your belongings in crowded areas, keep copies of important documents separate from originals, and use reputable transport. Road conditions on rural roads leading to Phrygian Valley sites can be unpredictable; a four-wheel-drive or high-clearance vehicle may be advisable for some tracks.
Always check your government's current travel advisory for Turkey before departure, as national-level advisories can affect all provinces.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Eskişehir has a notably cosmopolitan and progressive social atmosphere compared to many Anatolian cities, largely due to its large student population. That said, the province encompasses deeply conservative and religiously observant rural communities, particularly in and around Seyitgazi.
Etiquette Tips
- Remove shoes before entering mosques and some private homes.
- Dress modestly when visiting mosques or the Seyitgazi pilgrimage complex — shoulders and knees should be covered. Scarves for women are expected inside mosques.
- Greetings are important in Turkish culture; a polite merhaba (hello) goes a long way.
- Bargaining is expected in bazaars and markets but is not appropriate in fixed-price shops.
- Friday is a regular working day in Turkey, though mosques will be busiest at Friday noon prayer time.