Bursa  is  settled  on  the  Northwestern  slopes  of  Mount  Uludag  in  the  southern  Marmara Region . It  is  bordered  by  the  Sea  of  Marmara  and  Yalova  to  the  north ;  Kocaeli  and  Sakarya to t he  northeast ;  Bilecik to  the  east;  and  Kutahya  and  Balikesir  to  the  south.

The city is frequently cited as "Yesil Bursa" (meaning "Green Bursa") in a reference to the parks and gardens located across its urban tissue, as well as to the vast forests in rich variety that extend in its surrounding region. The city is synonymous with Mount Uludag which towers behind its core and which is also a famous ski resort. The mausoleums of early Ottoman sultans are located in Bursa and the numerous edifices built throughout the Ottoman period constitute the citys main landmarks. The surrounding fertile plain, its thermal baths, several interesting museums, notably a rich museum of archaeology, and a rather orderly urban growth are further principal elements that complete Bursas overall picture.