Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)
“Canada's official risk level for Türkiye: exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories).”
Updated 2026-07-10T11:05:48.7545226-04:00
Full advisory →Is Bursa safe? 🇹🇷
Türkiye · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Bursa scores 71/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Bursa is safe for visitors with moderate caution needed for petty crime and occasional scams. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams.
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Bursa 🇹🇷
Republic of Türkiye · Assessed 29 July 2026
71
/ 100
Yes — generally safe
Safer than ~74% of countries
What drives this score
Crime68/100FairCrime index 29.4 / 100 · city-level
Sentiment84/100GoodMostly positive
Advisories72Good
Stability57Fair
Health83Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Fair
Homicide rate
3.2 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6Turkiye3.2World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
77
Robbery / mugging
LowMugging and armed robbery against visitors are rare; incidents are isolated to poorly lit peripheral zones and are not a primary concern.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag‑snatching occur frequently in crowded markets, transport stations, and tourist attractions, particularly during peak hours.
▸ 4 more indicators▾ Hide extra indicators
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Fair
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Stable
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
84/100
Reported feel78Mostly positive
Robbery risk92Low risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Recent traveler reports indicate visitors generally feel safe during daylight, though some express concern over petty theft in busy areas.
Yes — Bursa is safe for visitors with moderate caution needed for petty crime and occasional scams.
Bursa’s composite safety index of 68 places it above the global average, with low violent crime and strong health infrastructure, but governance scores are weaker; recent data shows it is generally safe for tourists but requires vigilance in crowded areas.
Recent developments
- Jun 2026Police arrested dozens in an operation targeting a fake document gang operating in Bursa’s city centre— Haberler.com
- May 2024Bursa governor cancelled all public events ahead of concerts featuring Aynur Doğan and Mem Ararat due to security concerns— Bursa governor announcement (Bianet)
Common scams
- fake taxi meters overcharging tourists
- unlicensed tour guides demanding inflated fees
- counterfeit merchandise scams in markets
Full briefing
Bursa is a generally safe destination for travelers, with violent crime against visitors being rare and the city’s overall safety index of 68 reflecting a moderate‑risk environment dominated by petty offenses rather than serious violence. The recent incident in June 2026 where police detained members of a fake‑document gang in the city centre shows that authorities are actively addressing localized fraud, but it does not signal a broader threat to tourists. Pickpocketing remains the most common risk, especially in bustling bazaars, transport hubs, and popular sightseeing spots, so keeping valuables concealed and using licensed taxis with confirmed meters is essential. While the overall sentiment among visitors is positive — most feel safe during daylight — isolated scams such as overcharging taxi drivers and counterfeit‑goods schemes do occur, making vigilance in crowded areas advisable. By following straightforward precautions — using reputable transport, staying alert in markets, and avoiding poorly lit peripheral neighborhoods after dark — travelers can enjoy Bursa’s rich Ottoman heritage, thermal baths, and vibrant markets with confidence.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 5 Bursa districts for visitors: 2 safer, 2 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Bursa safety map.
KüçükçekmeceavoidIndustrial fringe with limited lighting and sparse police presence; best avoided, especially at night.
KaraalicautionBusy commercial hub; daytime is fine but pickpocketing spikes after dark near the bazaar.
YıldırımcautionUniversity district with vibrant nightlife; stay alert after midnight due to occasional bar‑related scuffles.
OsmanlılıksaferResidential area with low petty‑theft rates and active street lighting, ideal for daytime exploration.
KestelsaferCoastal district popular with tourists; police patrols and well‑lit promenades keep incidents minimal.
07 · After Dark
Is Bursa safe at night?
59% of people in Türkiye say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2024).
Mugging and armed robbery against visitors are rare; incidents are isolated to poorly lit peripheral zones and are not a primary concern.
After dark, be most careful around Küçükçekmece, Karaali, Yıldırım. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Score by traveller type
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Bursa's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
Solo female travellerCrime +35% weight70
Solo travellerCrime +23% weight70
Family with kidsCrime +19% weight · Health & Air +12% weight72
Nightlife-focused tripCrime +28% weight70
Travellers 65+Crime +13% weight · Health & Air +16% weight · Stability +4% weight72
Business tripCrime +14% weight · Stability +6% weight70
09 · Questions
Bursa safety FAQ
Is Bursa safe for tourists right now?
Yes — Bursa is safe for visitors with moderate caution needed for petty crime and occasional scams. Bursa’s composite safety index of 68 places it above the global average, with low violent crime and strong health infrastructure, but governance scores are weaker; recent data shows it is generally safe for tourists but requires vigilance in crowded areas. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Which areas of Bursa should tourists avoid?
Field research flags Küçükçekmece as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Bursa?
- fake taxi meters overcharging tourists
- unlicensed tour guides demanding inflated fees
- counterfeit merchandise scams in markets
How does Bursa compare with other places in Türkiye?
Bursa ranks #1 of 9 Türkiye destinations we've assessed, scoring 71/100. See the Türkiye safety overview for the full list.
How is this Bursa safety score calculated?
The score blends 13+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
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4 reportsBrowse the Türkiye safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: bursa.json (CC BY 4.0).