Edirne, Turkey - Travel

Imagine driving up to a faraway city via a highway that cuts through the vast agricultural fields like a lightning bolt splits the sky. Located in the northwestern part of Turkey (alternatively Türkiye), the capital of the Edirne Province has quite a history under its belt. With roughly 143,200 residents in 2024, it is the second-largest city by population in Thrace, only after Istanbul.

Edirne has always been a door between Anatolia and Europe, and ancient trade routes like the Silk Road brought innovation here. Nestled at the confluence of three rivers – Tunca and Arda, both tributaries of the Meriç river (also known as Maritsa, Maritza, or Evros)– the city is enveloped by lush, fertile plains that add to its serene charm. The natural beauty of the region, with its gentle hills, expansive greenery, and riverside views, makes Edirne a peaceful retreat that has long inspired artists, poets, and visitors alike.

So, if you’re wondering whether you should visit Edirne, read the rest of this travel guide and see for yourself how you will enjoy every single moment spent in the westernmost city of Turkish Thrace.

Edirne Tours

Seeing all the main landmarks of Edirne is possible in one day, but we recommend staying for a little bit longer to truly savour every corner of this cosy town. Edirne doesn’t have a huge seasonal influx of tourists, so you will be able to enjoy your time without the fear of overly crowded public spaces.

The city is only about a three-hour drive outside of Istanbul, near the borders of Greece and Bulgaria. Thus, if you’re looking for a little getaway from the busy city, rent a car or buy a bus ticket and get ready for a magical day surrounded by history and culture. The number of things this small town can offer is quite impressive and will leave you wanting to stay longer.

Admire local architecture and crafts, walk around the narrow alleyways and plentiful recreational zones around the small city, or just enjoy some locally produced wine in one of the wineries outside of Edirne – spend your holiday enjoying every second of it!

Best Time to Visit Edirne

Seasons in Edirne are rather intense – there are four distinctive quarters that are weather-appropriate to their typical dictionary descriptions.

Spring here is mild, and it is never particularly cloudy during this time. Rain is common – though not permanent.

Summers in Edirne are hot and moderately dry, with an average temperature reaching the high of 29 degrees Celsius and the low of 15 degrees Celsius. The sky is usually cloud-free, and precipitation is also quite low, especially in July and August.

As for Autumn and Winter, temperatures start dramatically declining in November in preparation for Winter. September and October are relatively mild, with a similar warmth as in the Spring. On the other hand, Winter is relatively cold – the sky is cloudy half of the time, and precipitation is at its highest level.

Visiting the city during each season has its advantages, but the best time to visit Edirne would be anywhere from April to October.

History of Edirne

The first known settlers here were the Central Asians who migrated to the Thrace region in ancient times. Just like the rest of Thrace and Anatolia, the city, formerly known as Orestias, was first taken over by the Romans and later by the Byzantine (also known as Eastern Roman) Empire.

Thracian Orestias slowly started flourishing as the Roman Hadrianopolis (Adrianople); the latter name was given to this place in 124 AD, in honour of the Roman emperor Hadrian, who founded the city. Both Romans and Byzantines recognised the important role Edirne played in the region, so they facilitated the transformation of it into a crucial military and administrative centre.

From the 9th century, the Byzantine Empire lost control over the city to the Bulgarians but quickly regained their rule over it and remained there until the 14th century, when in 1369, the Ottoman Sultan Murad I made it the capital of the Ottoman Empire. This marks the beginning of a golden era for the city. Slowly but surely, Edirne gained more architectural wonders, as well as cultural and commercial developments. At its prime, this place was known as the university city of the Empire. However, the 18th century marks the Ottoman decline, which was reflected in the fate of Edirne as well.

Back-to-back fires in 1745 and 1751 completely destroyed the once-powerful settlement. Then came the Russian, Bulgarian, and Greek occupations, consecutively. The city was a subject of conflict for a few years but was finally made a part of the newly formed Republic of Turkey by the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923.

Notably, Turkey red (Türk kırmızısı), is closely linked to Edirne. The rubia plant (madder) that thrived in countless fertile gardens here, produced a true red colour used in textiles even now, reflecting a rich cultural heritage.

What to Do in Edirne

As you enter the city, you will be greeted by the statue of a woman picking grapes off a grapevine. This is a symbol of the city, as the production of wine grape varieties and wine increases. Renowned for its exceptional wines crafted with Öküzgözü, Boğazkere, and Kalecik Karası, indigenous grape varieties, Edirne offers wine connoisseurs the opportunity to explore a diverse palette of flavors and aromas.

From Ottoman mosques and European churches to museums that display the local wonders, even if it seems small, Edirne is a city blessed with a plethora of interesting places to visit at all times. Most of the landmarks are concentrated in or very close to the town centre, easily accessible by foot; it won’t take long for you to fall in love with this place.

Landmarks and Places to Visit in Edirne

The Meriç and Tunca Bridges (Meriç Köprüsü ve Tunca Köprüsü) are historically significant and connect the old district of Karaağaç to downtown Edirne. Visitors describe the area in their vicinity as one of the cosiest getaways, where they enjoy a nice afternoon after sightseeing. Additionally, the historical Karaagaç neighbourhood is home to the old train station, the Martyr’s Monument, and the Lausanne Memorial.

Another significant spot is the impressive and majestic imperial Ottoman Selimiye Mosque (Selimiye Camii), which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2011. It was commissioned by Sultan Selim II and designed by the most acclaimed architect of the Ottoman Era, Mimar Koca Sinan ibn Abd al-Mannan, in the 16th century. He is also the mastermind behind the restoration and expansion of the Topkapı Palace (Topkapı Sarayı) in Istanbul. The characteristic features of the Selimiye Mosque are its grand dome, which is one of the largest in the world, and its elegant minarets, the lunettes above the windows of the courtyard decorated with Iznik tiles – the Turkish interpretation of the china (Çinî), heavily used by Mimar Sinan in his imperial buildings.

The Old Mosque (Eski Camii) is the oldest 15th-century surviving structure in Edirne and attracts travellers for its extensive history, characteristic exterior design, and interior calligraphic scriptures on its walls.

The ruins of the Edirne Palace (Edirne Sarayı) is another must-see place in the city. At its prime, the total area took up around 30-35 ha (74-86 acres). It is worth noting that the layout is similar to the famous Topkapı Palace.

For a little bit of European influence, guests can also visit the Bulgarian Orthodox Church of Saint George (Aya Yorgi Kilisesi) built in the second half of the 19th century and the Great Synagogue of Edirne (Edirne Büyük Sinagogu) built in a Neo-Moorish style in the 20th century.

Edirne Museums

One can learn a lot about the culture of a place you’re visiting through local archaeological finds and ethnographic sightings. Edirne Archaeology and Ethnography Museum (Edirne Arkeoloji ve Etnoğrafya Müzesi) is a perfect blend of the two! Its outside artefacts include sarcophagi, dolmens, and menhirs from the Roman Era and tombstones from the Ottoman Era. While all of this is fascinating all on its own, various examples of local clothing, textiles, kitchen utensils, coins, jewellery, and other artefacts can be found lining the exhibition halls inside.

Located at the southeastern part of the Selimiye Mosque, the Museum of Turkish-Islamic Arts (Edirne Türk-İslam Eserleri Müzesi) is the first museum in the city. Guests can view manuscripts, weapons, clothes, textiles, and everyday items that contain characteristic art styles of the Islamic Turkey.

Madrasahs, or medical schools, were very popular in Ottoman Turkey, and they brought incredible advancements to the field, some of which are still effective. The Sultan Bayezid II complex (Sultan II Bayezid Külliyesi) in Edirne was a hub for medical students and scientists that practiced innovative methods and utilised locally made medicine. In its halls, you can see mannequin simulations of the treatments that were used by medical personnel here, as well as a plethora of mediaeval medical tools.

Other noteworthy museums that tourists should visit in Edirne include the Edirne Balkan History Museum (Edirne Balkan Tarihi Müzesi), Selimiye Foundation Museum (Selimiye Vakıf Müzesi), Edirne Necmi Iğe House Ethnography Museum (Edirne Necmi İğe Evi Etnografya Müzesi), and Hasan Ali Yücel Children’s Museum-Park (Hasan Ali Yücel Çocuk Müzesi). They all have their own niche and charm guests with unforgettable stories.

To make your journey even more enjoyable and easy, you could consider purchasing the Turkey Museum Pass, which will provide you access to many museums across the country, not just in Edirne.

Edirne Theatres

Edirne doesn’t have that many theatre spaces, but Edirne State Theatre (Edirne Devlet Tiyatrosu) leads the way for the local performing arts. Located in the Ekmekçizade Ahmet Paşa Caravanserai, the building is very low-profile, but what awaits you inside is truly special. Shows are played monthly, and you can book the tickets in advance. The small theatre hall ensures a cosy and pleasant experience for the audience.

Entertainment, Parks, and Shopping in Edirne

Entertainment

The annual Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival, taking place between June 30 and July 6 or 7 in general, is the biggest event for Edirne locals, hosted at the Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling area. It happens to be a Guinness World Record holder for “The world's oldest continuously sanctioned sporting competition” title and is on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Festival usually entails a wide array of entertainment besides the actual wrestling matches to its spectators.

Moreover, Edirne is the home of Edirnespor – a football club founded in 1966. If you’re an avid football fan, you might be interested in attending one of their matches.

Parks of Edirne

The city is rather green in general. Every neighbourhood has at least a little playground where kids can play. Recreational spaces are especially prevalent near the riverbanks, since that’s where Edirne Forest is located.

Lavender Festival (Edirne Lavanta Festivali) is another festival Edirne guests can anticipate in June in nature. For this occasion, the Lavender fields, or Edirne Lavanta Tarlaları, get busy with vendors selling a variety of different lavender bioproducts. The purple bushes of this aromatic plant create a wonderful backdrop for memorable photos, and the overall celebration has a very pleasant aura. The city has many wedding halls, so if you decide to renew your vows or even plan a wedding in Turkey, this is a wonderful spot for an unforgettable day with your loved ones.

Bariş Park Artificial Pond is especially good for walking and entertaining your young ones. It’s a quiet little park that is famous for its fountains. The walking paths are perfect for taking a stroll in the evening, and the playground infrastructure is modern and safe.

Besides the public spaces, there are some private gardens for tourists, like the Mustafa ve Eymen in Bahçesi. Additionally, those who like adventures and team games can visit the local paintball club – Big Hunter Paintball.

Shopping in Edirne

Edirne has some unique souvenirs and merchandise guests can purchase as keepsakes. Fruit-shaped soaps and ornamental brooms are some unusual items you can buy to remember your trip here.

A few specific places we recommend visiting:

• Margi Outlet – popular among the locals and tourists. Visitors from Greece and Bulgaria often come here to shop since it is so close to their countries.
• Erasta Edirne AVM – another typical shopping centre you can go to where you’ll see an abundance of local and international brands.
• Edirne Selimiye Arasta Bazaar – located near the Selimiye Mosque and an old hammam. It is a bazaar where you’ll get to relax and shop from local vendors.
• Bazaar Bedesten is the oldest bazaar of Edirne and is close to the Selimiye Bazaar. You will find everything here – from local produce to yarn and textiles.
• Alipasha Bazaar – historical bazaar that was built by none other than Mimar Sinan.

Food in Edirne

Turkish Cuisine

Experience a perfect blend of unforgettable flavours from Edirne, where Turkish, Middle Eastern and Balkan influences create a unique fusion of intense tastes. Savour the rich combination of couscous, beans, almonds, tender lamb, and savoury liver, expertly blended with local spices that define the region’s culinary heritage.

From a hearty Kapama, pilaf with succulent lamb or chicken meat, to delicately made dishes like the Liver Wrap, or the Pan Liver, the mixture of mouth watering aromas in the streets of Edirne waft enticingly. Local businesses like Hasbahce 22.5 Kahvaltı Cafe, Vargo Restaurant & Bar, and AYDIN TAVA CIGER greet their guests with outstanding service, with a promise of an unforgettable time.

Moreover, don’t miss out on the juicy delicacy from the Keşan district of Edirne – Keşan Satyr Meat, which has been registered by the Keşan Chamber of Commerce and Industry as an authentic local dish.

Vegetarian Restaurants

As much as meat is popular in local cuisine, restaurants are very flexible to fit their clientele. Still, Ziyafet Çiğköfte offers its guests a small but entirely vegetarian menu. Some of the dishes are vegan as well. Friends22 is another place you can visit as a vegetarian and vegan. Their selection of dishes is not entirely plant-based, but they have options for people with dietary restrictions.

Coffee Houses, Bakeries, and Patisseries

Turkish desserts are sought out all over the world, and for a good reason too! Apart from the Turkish Delight and Baklava, you can give other sweet treats a taste. Among many, we recommend Deva-i Misk Halva, Trilliçe, Gaziler Halva, Almond Paste, and Edirne Cookies.

Coffee and tea are everywhere you go in Turkey, with Edirne being no exception to that rule. You have to taste coffee made on sand with a Cezve; it is absolutely divine! Turkish people have a habit of drinking water after enjoying this caffeinated drink, so be sure to try that too if you don’t already do it.

Immerse yourself in this local hot beverage at Kahve Dünyası while shopping at Erasta Edirne AVM or visit Konak Patisserie for mouthwatering cheesecakes, tarts and other sweet treats for your enjoyment.

City Transport in Edirne

Due to its significance as a border city of Turkey, the road infrastructure of Edirne is up to par. Two of the country’s important highways lead to the city and make travelling by land a comfortable experience for everyone.

Buses and Shuttles

Dolmuş, a type of Turkish minibus, is readily available around the city and continues to be the most affordable means of transportation.

Taxis

The yellow taxi cabs (Taksi) and their stations are not hard to spot in Edirne. You can either hail them in the street or book them in advance via a phone call or a mobile application.

Car Rental

Renting a car in Edirne is just as simple as anywhere else. Rental companies that work 24/7, like Ulusoy Rent a Car & Emlak, are available for tourists any time of the day. Additionally, highly rated businesses like Budget Edirne and Garenta Edirne Erasta AVM Araç Kiralama offer you a luxurious service. Types of cars depend on the package you choose and the criteria you qualify for, so rent an optimal vehicle for you and embark on a beautiful journey.

Other Modes of Transport

The city has quite a flat terrain and isn’t too big either, so you can easily walk to all the historical landmarks if you wish to. However, if that’s not your cup of tea, renting a bicycle is also an option.

How to Get to Edirne?

Due to the city’s proximity to one of the world’s busiest airports – Istanbul Airport (IST) – you can get to Edirne from any place in the world. It serves more than 350 domestic and international destinations in 110 countries. And it only takes 2 hours to get to the city of Edirne from the airport.

Highways ensure connectivity with the rest of Turkey and its bordering states. Moreover, there’s a daily bus service that leaves from Kapıkule, stops at Edirne, and then goes to Istanbul. You can also take the Istanbul-Sofia Express train that stops at Edirne station, or the Optima Express train, which is a motorail train option departing from Villach in Austria that runs through the Balkans. It operates seasonally, from April to November, two to three times a week, and reaches its destination within 32 to 37 hours.

Languages Spoken in Edirne

The predominant language spoken in Edirne is Turkish, just like the rest of the country. However, the growth in tourism and the city’s proximity to the border resulted in increased cases of foreign communities finding their way here. Among others, more prominently, you will hear Bulgarian in the streets of Edirne. English is popular here too, since tourists use it to communicate with locals.

Currency in Edirne

Monetary transactions in Edirne are modern, with ATMs and contactless payment options presented at almost every restaurant and shop. However, we still advise you to keep some Turkish lira (TRY) banknotes on hand, because some smaller retailers at the bazaar might only take cash.

Did you know?

The ₺ symbol for the Turkish lira was designed in 2012 and represents both Turkey's heritage and modernity. It was chosen through a public competition, with elements reflecting the country's historical architecture, including a reference to the column used in the Turkish Republic's emblem.

Security in Edirne

Edirne is rather safe for its visitors. Nevertheless, as a precaution, we advise you to read up on road safety rules, customs, and laws relevant to travel and travellers. Edirne has a track record of huge floods after heavy rainfall, mostly in winter. So, please check the weather before booking a trip there and make sure to stay away from the river during the rainy season.