Top Attractions to Visit in Edirne offer a blend of rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. Discover 7 must-see places that make Edirne a unique destination.
Founded by Roman Emperor Hadrian and serving as the capital of the Ottoman Empire between 1431 and 1453, Edirne is Turkey’s gateway to Europe. Originally named Adrianopolis, the city flourished during its Ottoman capital years and boasts numerous historical landmarks from this era.
The Selimiye Mosque, a masterpiece by Mimar Sinan, is Edirne’s most iconic landmark and a symbol of the city’s rich heritage. Acting as a bridge between Europe and Asia, Edirne is known for its multicultural history, famous cuisine, historical sites, and the legendary Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival, making it one of Turkey’s underrated tourism destinations.
Edirne, strategically located on Turkey’s border with Europe, holds great historical significance as a former Ottoman capital. With the Selimiye Mosque, a UNESCO-listed architectural wonder, the city stands as Thrace’s top travel destination, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and nature.
Home to Ottoman-era architecture, bustling historical bazaars, the famous Edirne fried liver, and centuries-old oil wrestling traditions, Edirne is a city rich in cultural and natural heritage. Its diverse character extends to its hidden coastal gems along the Aegean shores.
Edirne Travel Guide
Edirne’s origins trace back to the Thracians, who migrated from Central Asia. Later incorporated into Alexander the Great’s Macedonian Empire, the city fell under Roman and Byzantine rule. Emperor Hadrian extensively rebuilt the city, renaming it Hadrianapolis, which later evolved into Edirne.
Before the conquest of Istanbul, Edirne served as the Ottoman capital and was one of the world’s largest cities in the 17th century. Sultan Murad I conquered Edirne in 1361, and the city remained the empire’s capital until 1453. During its Ottoman heyday, Edirne saw the construction of numerous mosques, külliyes (Islamic complexes), caravanserais, baths, and markets commissioned by sultans and grand viziers.
Due to its strategic location linking Anatolia and the Balkans to Europe, Edirne played a vital geopolitical role. The city’s crossroads position often made it a battleground for competing empires, yet also shaped its multicultural identity. After enduring Russian occupation in 1829 and subsequent Bulgarian and Greek invasions, Edirne was finally liberated in 1922.
Today, Edirne is Turkey’s 48th most populous city, with a population of 412,000 and a land area of 6,279 km². Its license plate code is 22, and the telephone area code is 284. The province consists of nine districts, including Enez, Havsa, İpsala, Keşan, Lalapaşa, Meriç, Süloğlu, and Uzunköprü.
Edirne also serves as a crucial migration hub, with many Afghan, Pakistani, and Syrian refugees attempting to cross the border into Europe. Over the years, the city has developed a cosmopolitan character as a result.
Another significant aspect of Edirne’s dynamic identity stems from historical population exchanges. Many families who were forced to relocate during past migrations still have relatives across the Bulgarian border, making the city a common meeting point for dual citizens and nostalgic visitors longing for their homeland.
A key highlight of Edirne’s cultural richness is the Kakava-Hıdırellez Festival, celebrating the arrival of spring. This vibrant event features blazing bonfires, hypnotic dances by Romani performers, and the famous fire-jumping ritual, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Attending this festival offers an unforgettable cultural experience in Edirne.
WHERE IS EDİRNE?
Edirne is located in the Ergene region of Turkey’s Marmara Region. To the north, it is bordered by the Istranca Mountains, while the Ergene Basin lies in the central part of the province. The Meriç Delta, along with hills and plateaus, shapes its southern landscape.
Edirne shares borders with Bulgaria to the north and northwest, Greece to the west, and the Aegean Sea to the south. To the east, it neighbors Kırklareli and Tekirdağ.
HOW TO GET TO EDİRNE?
The nearest airport to Edirne is Tekirdağ Çorlu Airport, located in the Çorlu district of Tekirdağ, about 190 km from Edirne. AnadoluJet operates direct flights from Ankara to this airport. From the airport, you can take a municipal bus to Çorlu Bus Terminal, where hourly buses connect to Edirne.
Getting to Edirne by Road
Edirne is a border city connecting Turkey to Europe. It is home to Kapıkule Border Gate, Turkey’s largest land border crossing. Other major road crossings include İpsala and Pazarkule, linking Turkey with Greece. Long-distance bus companies offer direct routes to Edirne from various cities across Turkey, with Istanbul being the most frequent departure point.
Driving to Edirne
- Tekirdağ to Edirne: 142 km (1 hour 45 minutes
- İstanbul to Edirne: 240 km (2.5 hours)
- Ankara to Edirne: 690 km (6 hours 40 minutes)
- Bursa to Edirne: 470 km (5 hours)
- Izmir to Edirne: 800 km (9 hours)
From Istanbul, the European Motorway (O-3) is the fastest route to Edirne. Travelers from Izmir typically reach Edirne via Çanakkale and Gelibolu.
Getting to Edirne by Train
Edirne serves as a railway gateway between Turkey and Europe. Train connections are available from Uzunköprü to Greece and Kapıkule to Bulgaria. Additionally, regular train services operate between Istanbul and Edirne.
PLACES TO VISIT IN EDİRNE
Edirne is a walkable city, making it easy for visitors to explore its many attractions. One of its most famous traditions is the Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival, a centuries-old event that attracts wrestlers from all over Turkey and even international spectators.
Located on the Bulgarian and Greek borders, Edirne is a popular destination for day-trippers from neighboring countries, creating a lively and dynamic atmosphere. It’s common to see Bulgarian and Greek visitors shopping in the city’s bustling markets.
For Istanbul residents, Edirne is a convenient getaway, whether for a day trip or an overnight stay. The Meriç River area offers a scenic riverside experience, with cafés and restaurants perfect for relaxing. Edirne is also a must-visit for food lovers, famous for its fried liver (ciğer), meatballs (köfte), and almond paste (badem ezmesi).
1. Selimiye Mosque
Selimiye Mosque is the symbol of Edirne. Built by the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan between 1568 and 1575 for Sultan Selim II, this masterpiece stands on what was once known as Kavak Square. Considered one of the most significant structures in architectural history, the mosque represents the pinnacle of Ottoman architecture. Designed to rival Hagia Sophia, Selimiye Mosque is famous for its massive dome, spacious and bright interior, and grandiose design.
The mosque complex (külliye) is situated within a large rectangular courtyard, featuring the mosque in the center, two madrasahs in the southeast and southwest, an arasta (bazaar), and a primary school in the west. Due to Edirne’s flat landscape, the mosque’s minarets can be seen from 10–15 km away.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Selimiye Mosque is accompanied by the Kavaflar Arasta Bazaar in its front, one of Edirne’s busiest traditional markets. According to traveler Evliya Çelebi, the bazaar was built to generate income for the mosque. The covered bazaar houses 124 shops, selling everything from souvenirs and textiles to food, beverages, and jewelry.
2. Eski Camii (Old Mosque)
Eski Camii is one of the oldest Ottoman architectural structures still standing today. After the construction of the Üç Şerefeli Mosque, it began to be referred to as the Old Mosque. Initially built as the Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii), its construction started in 1403 and took 11 years to complete. Built by Konyalı Hacı Alaeddin and his apprentice Ömer, the mosque features nine domes and two minarets, with the two-balcony minaret being added later.
It is said that Hacı Bayram Veli, a famous Anatolian scholar, preached here during Sultan Murad II’s reign. In his honor, the mosque’s minbar (pulpit) is not used by the imams. One of the most intriguing features of the mosque is a sacred stone, believed to have been brought from the Kaaba. It is said that prayers made after prayers here will never go unanswered.
The mosque has witnessed significant historical events, including the sword-girding ceremonies of Ottoman sultans Ahmed II and Mustafa II. Damaged by a fire in 1748 and an earthquake in 1754, it was restored under Sultan Mahmud I’s orders. It underwent additional restorations in 1924 and 1934.
3. Üç Şerefeli Mosque
Commissioned by Sultan Murad II between 1443 and 1447, the Üç Şerefeli Mosque represents a transition from early to classical Ottoman architecture. The mosque is uniquely designed in a rectangular layout, an architectural innovation of its time. It features a large 24-meter central dome accompanied by smaller domes and covered square sections.
The mosque was the first in Ottoman history to include a colonnaded courtyard, setting a precedent for later mosques. Its most distinctive feature is the 67.62-meter-high, three-balcony (üç şerefeli) minaret, from which each balcony can be accessed by a separate staircase—an intriguing architectural detail.
4. Cumhuriyet Square
Cumhuriyet Square is considered the heart of Edirne. Three significant Ottoman-era structures surround the square: the Old Mosque, the Bedesten (marketplace built by Sultan Mehmed I to generate revenue for the mosque), and the 15th-century Üç Şerefeli Mosque.
The square is the venue for major city events and is a popular starting point for those exploring Edirne.
5. Macedonian Tower (Saat Kulesi – Clock Tower)
Located near Cumhuriyet Square, opposite the Üç Şerefeli Mosque, the Macedonian Tower is also known as the Edirne Clock Tower. It was originally part of the defensive walls built by Roman Emperor Hadrian to protect Hadrianopolis (ancient Edirne).
During the tenure of Edirne Governor Hacı İzzet Pasha in 1866–1867, additional wooden floors and a clock were added to the tower, transforming it into a clock tower. Unfortunately, the tower is now in poor condition, overshadowed by surrounding buildings. If restored, it could become an important historical attraction.
6. Sultan Bayezid II Health Museum
Located on the banks of the Tunca River, the Sultan Bayezid II Complex includes a mosque, imaret (soup kitchen), aşevi (public kitchen), bimarhane (mental hospital), medical school, and a small domed hospital. Today, the most important section is the Health Museum, housed within the medical school and hospital buildings.
The museum displays Ottoman-era medical treatments, including the use of music and water sounds for mental health therapy. It is open on weekdays from 09:00 to 17:30 and on weekends from 09:00 to 19:00. Admission is 5 TL, but the Müze Kart is not valid here.
7. Saraçlar Street
Saraçlar Street is a vibrant pedestrianized shopping and social hub in Edirne, comparable to Istiklal Street in Istanbul or Kıbrıs Şehitleri Street in Izmir. It is lined with numerous shops, cafes, restaurants, banks, and public institutions.
Famous for Edirne’s specialty dish, fried liver (tava ciğeri), the street and its surrounding alleys house many restaurants serving this delicacy. Near Saraçlar Street is Ali Pasha Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı), designed by Mimar Sinan in 1569, which unfortunately lacks visually appealing storefronts despite its historic significance.
8. Meriç Bridge
Connecting Edirne to Karaağaç, the Meriç Bridge (also known as Mecidiye Bridge) was commissioned by Sultan Abdülmecid. It stretches 263 meters across the Meriç River, featuring 12 arches.
The bridge showcases Ottoman craftsmanship with octagonal star motifs, a 12-animal Turkish calendar, and two dragon figures on its arches. It is one of Edirne’s most picturesque locations, especially at sunrise and sunset. Surrounded by restaurants and cafes, it is an excellent spot for a scenic dinner or breakfast.
9. Edirne Grand Synagogue
The Edirne Grand Synagogue is Europe’s largest and the world’s third-largest synagogue. Built in 1909 by the Jewish community that sought refuge in the Ottoman Empire, it can accommodate 1,202 worshippers.
Although it ceased operations in 1983 due to the declining Jewish population, the synagogue was restored and reopened in 2010. It hosts annual special prayers and is open for visitors six days a week (closed on Mondays) from 09:00 to 17:00. Entry is free.
10. Kırkpınar Wrestling Arena
Kırkpınar Wrestling Arena is where the annual Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival takes place every July. The festival, dating back over 600 years, is the world’s oldest continuously held sports event.
For three days, wrestlers (pehlivans) compete in different categories, with the grand prize being the title of “Başpehlivan” (chief wrestler). The venue remains open to visitors year-round, featuring statues of legendary wrestlers at the entrance. However, it could benefit from better maintenance and an accompanying wrestling museum.
11. Karaağaç Train Station
Built during Sultan Abdulhamid II’s reign, Karaağaç Train Station is west of the Meriç River, designed by architect Kemalettin Bey. It functioned as a train station until 1974, later serving as the rectorate of Trakya University (1998–2011), and today houses the university’s Faculty of Fine Arts and a Painting and Sculpture Museum.
Modeled after Istanbul’s Sirkeci Train Station, the station features a nostalgic courtyard with a historical train car on display. The nearby Lausanne Monument and Museum mark the Treaty of Lausanne. The area, surrounded by cafes frequented by university students, is one of Edirne’s most photogenic spots.
