Things To Do
in Edirne
Edirne is a historic city in northwestern Turkey that served as the Ottoman capital before Constantinople and still displays outstanding Ottoman architecture, most notably the Selimiye Mosque. It sits near the confluence of the Meriç (Maritsa) and Tunca rivers and is close to the Bulgarian and Greek borders, giving it a cross-border cultural feel. The city combines lively bazaars, elegant bridges and riverside parks with a slower pace of life than Turkey’s big metropolises.
Edirne is also famous for its food culture (especially fried liver), its annual Kırkpınar oil wrestling festival, and easy access to nearby wetlands and coastal nature areas.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the majestic Selimiye Mosque, an architectural masterpiece designed by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. Marvel at the intricate details of the mosque's interior while absorbing the serene atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage site. After your visit, stroll through the vibrant streets of the historic center, stopping for a traditional Turkish breakfast at a local café.
In the afternoon, visit the Edirne Palace, which offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Ottoman sultans. Explore the beautiful gardens and the ruins of this once-grand structure, taking in the panoramic views of the city. As you wander, don’t miss the opportunity to learn about Edirne's rich history at the adjacent museum.
As the sun sets, make your way to the Tunca River for a scenic walk along the waterfront. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant that specializes in Edirne's famous 'Kofte' and 'Tava Ciğeri' dishes, savoring the unique flavors of the region. Wrap up your day with a leisurely stroll through the illuminated streets, soaking in the enchanting ambiance of the city at night.
Begin your morning at the famous Ali Baba Bazaar, a bustling market where you can find local spices, textiles, and handcrafted goods. Interact with friendly vendors as you sample traditional Turkish delights and fresh produce. Don't forget to take in the vibrant colors and aromas that make this market a sensory delight.
Afterward, head to the Grand Synagogue of Edirne, a stunning architectural gem that showcases the city's diverse cultural heritage. Spend time learning about the Jewish community's history in Edirne and admire the synagogue's beautiful stained glass windows. For lunch, indulge in a meal at a nearby eatery, experiencing the local culinary scene.
In the evening, visit the historic Balkan War Museum, where you can explore artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the region's tumultuous past. Following your museum visit, enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner at a nearby restaurant, sampling regional dishes. Conclude your night with a walk through the illuminated streets, admiring the beautifully lit mosques and architecture.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $7-12 |
| ☕Coffee / Tea at café | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within city) | $2-6 |
| 🚌Public transport single fare | $0.50-1 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich Ottoman history and outstanding architecture (Selimiye Mosque).
- Compact, walkable historic center with authentic local food culture.
- Close to natural areas (rivers, wetlands, coasts) and border regions for day trips.
- Affordable compared with larger Turkish cities.
- Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure compared with Istanbul or Antalya.
- Hot summers and occasionally cold winters—seasonal extremes.
- English is less widely spoken outside main tourist spots; some services may be limited.
- Public transport for regional day trips may require planning or a car.
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
- "Tuvalet nerede?" - Where is the toilet?
- "İyi akşamlar" - Good evening
Places to Visit in Edirne
Visit one of these nice places.
Striking exterior and interior: perfect for architectural and detail photography, best light at golden hour and inside for tilework and dome compositions.
Historic stone bridges and riverside reflections provide excellent landscapes and sunset shots; bridges are illuminated at night.
Narrow lanes, historic facades, covered market interiors and lively stalls give atmospheric street photography opportunities.
Picturesque old railway station, tree-lined avenues and a small park with views across the countryside—great for quieter, pastoral photos.
Historic, long stone bridge with strong leading lines—ideal for wide-angle shots and history-themed compositions.
Food in Edirne
Edirne Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Pan-fried slices of veal or lamb liver, typically dusted in flour and served with onions, parsley and a squeeze of lemon; ubiquitous in local cigerci eateries near the river and bazaars.
Must-Try!
A traditional almond-based sweet (similar to marzipan), often sold in specialty sweet shops and markets around the city center.
A variety of kebabs and small plates (mezes) served in taverns and meyhanes; good options for sharing and sampling local flavors.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small covered market areas and open bazaars around the Selimiye district where you can sample simit, börek, gözleme and buy local sweets, spices and dried nuts.
Occasional food stalls near the Meriç and Tunca rivers selling tea, roasted corn, and quick snacks—ideal for a casual riverside bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly when visiting mosques—cover shoulders and legs, women should bring a headscarf; remove shoes before entering prayer areas.
Handshake and eye contact are common among men; be more reserved when greeting older or conservative women—wait to see if they offer a hand. Use polite phrases like 'Merhaba' and 'Teşekkür ederim.'
Show respect to elders and hosts; if invited to a local home accept small gestures and remove shoes if requested.
Safety
Tipping in Edirne
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always obligatory—round up small bills or leave 5–10% in restaurants if service is good. Tip hotel porters and housekeeping a small amount (a few TL). For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is common.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger shops; small vendors, bazaars and some lokantas prefer cash (Turkish lira). ATMs are available in town; notify your bank before travel for international card use.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild and pleasant with blooming parks and excellent birdwatching; a great time for walking and outdoor sightseeing but bring a light waterproof layer for occasional showers.
Hot and often dry in July and August, with temperatures that can rise substantially—plan outdoor activity for morning and evening, stay hydrated and seek shade at midday.
Cooler temperatures and colourful foliage along the rivers; comfortable for sightseeing and photography with fewer tourists.
Cold, occasionally snowy; some outdoor sites are quieter and cheaper but dress warmly—rain and frost are possible, so waterproof footwear helps.
Edirne at Night
Hiking in Edirne
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Unique floodplain (longoz) forests and wetlands a longer day trip from Edirne—excellent for hiking, birdwatching and exploring rare ecosystems; expect boardwalks and marked nature paths.
Informal walking and cycling routes along both rivers offering short hikes, birdwatching spots and peaceful riverside scenery close to the city.
Coastal hiking and beach walks near Enez—good for combining sea views, archaeological sites and wetland birdlife during a day trip.
Gentle countryside walks around the historic Uzunköprü bridge area with rural landscapes, old stone architecture and low-traffic paths.
Airports
How to reach Edirne by plane.
Turkey’s largest international airport (several hours by car or bus). Most international flights arrive here—regular intercity buses and car transfers connect to Edirne.
Closer regional airport serving some domestic and seasonal international flights; reachable by road in around 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic.
On the Asian side of Istanbul; another option for international flights but requires a longer road transfer to Edirne.
Airports in Bulgaria can be used for cross-border travelers—useful if combining Balkan itineraries; expect longer ground transfers and passport control at the border.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population, with strong local traditions and family-run businesses forming the social and cultural core.
Historic Roma communities and remnants of other regional populations contribute to the city’s cultural mosaic; family and communal ties remain important.
Due to proximity to Greece and Bulgaria, there are economic and cultural ties across borders and some migrant/transit populations in the region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Traditional Turkish oil wrestling held annually near Edirne (one of the world’s oldest sporting festivals) and a major cultural event drawing competitors and spectators.
Locally popular with amateur teams and community matches; regional enthusiasm mirrors nationwide interest in the sport.
Recreational fishing along the Meriç and Tunca rivers and small-scale boating in calm river stretches are popular with residents.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Edirne.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available (mezes, grilled vegetables, soups, börek, salads), especially in lokantas; however, many signature dishes are meat-based, so communicate preferences clearly and look for vegetable-based mezes.
Vegan choices are more limited but possible—ask for vegetable mezes, lentil soup, salads and gözleme without butter; bringing a phrase or app to explain restrictions helps in small family restaurants.
Gluten-free dining is possible but requires caution—many breads, köfte binders and fried items contain wheat; speak with staff and favor grilled dishes and plain rice or salads.