The student population gives Eskişehir a cafe-and-bar scene that is bigger and more relaxed than most Anatolian cities allow themselves. The strip along the Porsuk in the centre is the obvious place to start: dozens of cafes spill onto the riverside with low tables and cushions, and several have terraces that catch the breeze. Hamamyolu street, recently pedestrianised, runs through the cafe district and is essentially one long evening promenade in summer.
For nightlife with live music, Adalar — the small island park in the middle of the river — and a couple of streets running back from it have a long succession of bars catering to the students. Alcohol is more openly served here than in much of Anatolia, but expect things to wind down well before midnight on weeknights.