Verdict: first-time visitors to Turkey should start in Istanbul (stay in Sultanahmet); Bursa works best as a 2-day add-on for Ottoman heritage and thermal baths. • Budget: mid-range stays run $40–80/night in Istanbul vs $25–55 in Bursa — about 35–40% cheaper; a Bursa thermal spa hotel in Çekirge costs around $90–100 where Istanbul charges about $150. • Duration: allow 4–5 days for Istanbul (covering both continents) and 2 days for Bursa; a 5-day Istanbul + 2-day Bursa week is a solid structure. • Transport: Istanbul relies on metro, tram and ferries — the Eminönü ferry to Kadıköy on the Asian side takes about 25 minutes for roughly ₺30; Bursa has no airport, so take the intercity bus (about 2.5 hours from Istanbul) or ferry to Yalova plus bus. • Best time: April–June and September–October; book 6–8 weeks ahead.