A short journey to Edirne...

Edirne is memorable not only for its tourist attractions but also for its atmosphere that touches the soul. Walking through its streets, it is not uncommon to come across traces of the past, because here history does not remain silent but makes its presence felt right before your eyes. When you stand before the grandeur of the Selimiye Mosque, you realize that you are not just looking at a building, but at the legacy of great craftsmanship. As you wander through the Bedesten and Arasta Markets, the coolness emanating from the stone walls and the scent of wood from the old shops make you feel as though time flows differently in this city. Walking along the riverbank and resting in the shade of historic bridges gives you the peace of being far away from the hustle and bustle of a big metropolis. When you get hungry, Edirne's cuisine welcomes you with all its generosity. Liver stew may be the first thing that comes to mind, but there are many other flavors to discover. The fragrant almond paste, fresh cheeses, and regional delicacies carefully prepared for breakfast complete the spirit of this city. Those who come to Edirne don't just visit a place; they return with a fuller heart and a slower pace.

Places to Visit in Edirne

When visiting Edirne, you will inevitably feel as if you are walking through a history book. Every corner has a story to tell, and every building has traces of centuries past. One place outside the city that you should definitely visit is Enez Castle. When you touch the stones of this castle, which overlooks the sea from the top of a hill, you are not only admiring the view but also witnessing the past. Similarly, when you visit Hıdırlık Tabyası, you can sense the traces of the Balkan War and the story of Şükrü Paşa, who defended Edirne.

In the city center, Rüstem Paşa Caravanserai welcomes you. Designed by Mimar Sinan, it shelters centuries of silence in the shadow of stone. Now serving as a hotel, even taking a moment to rest in its courtyard feels like stepping through a door to another time. Also in the city, quietly standing in the Kıyık district, is the Sweti George Bulgarian Church. It is open in the mornings, and if you visit, you can feel the breath of a different time between its stone walls.

The Meric Bridge is one of those classic photo spots in Edirne. As you cross the river, your feet on the stone, your eyes on the water, your mind focused solely on the moment. At the end of the bridge, you come across the Hacı Adil Bey Fountain. It is a quiet structure with a powerful story.

Meriç Bridge

A little further on are the Beyazıd and Yalnızgöz bridges. These two structures, which give the impression of having passed through the waters, show how stone can be beautified with patience. You experience the same feeling at the Edirne Great Synagogue. When you enter, even your voice echoes. Restored and reopened, this structure still bears the traces of a large congregation and an era.

Mosques are an indispensable part of this city. The Selimiye Mosque is not only a symbol of Edirne, but also a summary of an architect's entire life. Stone upon stone, every detail inspires admiration. As you walk in its courtyard, you lose yourself not only in the architecture but also in a deep silence. The Old Mosque may not be as magnificent as Selimiye, but its age, the carvings on its walls, and its simplicity give it a unique weight.

The Three-Minaret Mosque attracts attention not only with its minarets but also with its transitional architecture. At first glance, it seems simple, but once you step inside, the colorful glass in the domes and the intricate carvings can keep you there for a long time. If you go a bit further up, you’ll find the Muradiye Mosque. It’s smaller and more intimate, but its tiles are dazzling. Once you step inside, you’ll want to spend a long time admiring the details on the walls.

How to Get to Edirne?

One of the easiest ways to get to Edirne is by road. When you leave Istanbul, you can reach the city in a short time of 2-2.5 hours by private vehicle or bus. Bus companies operate regular services to Edirne not only from Istanbul but also from major cities such as Ankara, Izmir, and Bursa. If you are traveling by car, you can reach the city via the O-3 highway for a comfortable and enjoyable journey. There are also rest stops along the way.

There is also an option for those who prefer to travel by train. TCDD trains departing from Halkalı go all the way to Edirne. This line extends to Sofia, making it part of an international transportation network. 

Since there is no airport in Edirne, it is not possible to fly there directly, but it is easy to reach by renting a car or taking a bus from Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen Airport. After landing, you can reach Edirne in 2-2.5 hours.

Although it is not a coastal city, another option is to take a sea bus from Istanbul to Tekirdağ and then continue by road. The journey from Tekirdağ to Edirne takes approximately 1.5 hours by car.

It is also important not to forget Edirne's neighbors. This city, which borders Bulgaria and Greece, is the first stop for those crossing the Kapıkule and Pazarkule border gates. Many expatriates and tourists from Europe reach Edirne by entering through these gates. After crossing the border, it is possible to reach the city with a short car ride.

Edirne Food & Drink

• When you think of Edirne’s food, the first thing that comes to mind is definitely yaprak ciğeri ultra-thin slices of liver lightly coated in flour and fried to a crisp. You’ll see this dish listed as tava ciğeri in other cities, but in Edirne, it’s on a whole different level. As you walk through the streets, the smell of fried liver might suddenly catch your attention if that happens, you’re probably in the right spot. Served as a plate or wrapped in flatbread, it’s best enjoyed with a side of deep-fried green chili peppers. Places like Niyazi Usta, İlhan Kazım, and Aydın Tava are some of the best at what they do.
• While Edirne is famous for its liver, the story doesn’t end there. There’s also ciğer sarması a more intricate dish where spiced minced liver is wrapped in lamb caul fat and baked. It looks like a sarma (stuffed roll), but the taste is completely unique. You’ll find this traditional local dish at spots like İlhan Kazım Usta or Akgünler Ciğercisi.Edirne doesn’t just satisfy meat lovers. Its soups can warm you up from the inside out, especially in the winter. Bulgur soup is made with butter, tomato paste, garlic, and lots of bulgur hearty, healthy, and comforting like something from a grandmother’s kitchen. You can find it at local joints like Kartopu or Balkan Piliç.
• Another home-style dish is onion chicken stew, loaded with pearl onions in a garlicky, tomato-based sauce. Served with rice, this stew is melt-in-your-mouth good. Try it at Edirne Saray Lokantası or Ayçiçeği Restoran.
• For something different, Edirne’s own version of dumplings kandilli mantı is worth a try. Instead of ground meat, it’s made with chicken drumsticks, rice, and bay leaf. Served with or without garlicky yogurt, it’s a flavorful alternative to the usual mantı. Look for it at Çökermet Cafe or Melek Anne Restoran.
• Kadınbudu köfte, a meatball with rice inside, is another dish with Balkan influences. Fried or baked, it’s crispy on the outside, soft inside comfort food at its finest. Balkan Piliç or Ege Mutfağı are good bets for this one.
• When it comes to mezze, mamzana is a must-try. Roasted eggplants mixed with tomato, yogurt, and herbs usually brought to your table without even asking when you order kebab. Check it out at Asmaaltı Ocakbaşı or Mezze’s.
• Don’t sleep on Edirne köfte either. Made from minced lamb, it’s often served in a sandwich but also as a full plate. Not as famous as the liver, but has its own following. Köfteci Osman and Hüseyin’in Yeri serve it right.
• Elbasan tava is another dish that reflects Balkan heritage slow-cooked lamb shank topped with a rich yogurt-based sauce and baked until golden. It’s usually reserved for special occasions. Ustam Yemek Salonu or Aydın Tava do it justice.
• Piyaziye might sound like a version of bean salad, but it’s not. It’s a baked onion dish stuffed with a savory filling, often topped with a tangy sumac or vinegar-based sauce. A forgotten gem of Ottoman cuisine. Try Asmaaltı or Köfteci Osman.
• And now to one of Edirne’s most unique and regal dishes mutancana. A stew combining meat with dried fruits like figs, apricots, and prunes. Sweet and savory in perfect harmony. A dish straight from Ottoman palace kitchens, still served at places like Ayçiçeği Restoran or Ponsetya.
• Similar but slightly different in ingredients, zirva is another sweet-and-savory Ottoman dish made with lamb and dried fruits. Traditionally eaten during Ramadan, you’ll find it at Salih Serkan Ciğercisi or Ponsetya.
• Now for dessert badem ezmesi, or almond paste, is one of Edirne’s signature sweets. Once served to sultans, it’s made with finely ground almonds and sugar. Keçecizade and Edirne Sultanzade are experts in this field.
• Another treat is gaziler helvası a dense, creamy helva made with flour, almonds, butter, and milk. It has a long history and is often associated with send-off meals for soldiers. Helvacı Ali or Esatlar Helva are great spots for this.
• Walnut dessert (cevizli oturtma) is a syrup-soaked pastry, usually made during holidays. A true local sweet you might come across it at Lavanta Pastanesi or Füruzan.
• Then there’s zerde, a bright yellow rice pudding flavored with saffron or turmeric, rosewater, and sometimes ginger. A light yet aromatic dessert with roots in Ottoman times. Try Arslanzade or Asmaaltı Ocakbaşı.
• Finally, Kavala cookies. These crumbly almond cookies are a favorite across Thrace. Crunchy yet delicate, they’re perfect with tea or coffee. Head to Osmanlı Şehzade or Sultanzade to get some to take home.

Accommodation Recommendations in Edirne

Rüstempaşa Kervansaray Hotel: Located 22 km from the Ardas River in Edirne, Rüstempaşa Kervansaray Hotel offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a restaurant, and a bar. This 5-star hotel features room service, a 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi access.

Özen Hotel Edirne: Located 27 km from the Ardas River in Edirne, ÖZEN HOTEL offers accommodation with a terrace, free private parking, a restaurant, and a bar. This 3-star hotel features free WiFi access, room service, and a 24-hour front desk.

Özen Hotel Edirne

For more accommodation options, please visit our Edirne Hotels page.