Edirne is a historic city in western Turkey, near the borders of Greece and Bulgaria. Once a capital of the Ottoman Empire, it still holds magnificent architectural treasures and a peaceful charm. Thanks to its easy access from Istanbul, Edirne is perfect for a day trip or an overnight stay—even for solo travelers.
Map of Edirne Attractions
[google_map_easy id="1"]Highlights of Edirne
- Most attractions are close to the city center and can be reached on foot.
- A day trip is enough to explore, but staying overnight offers a more relaxed experience.
- Edirne is famous for oil wrestling and fried liver dishes.
How to Get to Edirne
- Buses from Istanbul take about 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Depart from Esenler Otogar or Alibeyköy Otogar.
- Book tickets via Obilet, at the station, or from bus company offices.
Getting Around in Edirne
- City buses: Routes 1 / 1A / 1T / 3 / 3A / 3B / 3C / 7B
- It takes about 10–15 minutes by city bus to reach the center
💡 You can pay for city buses with a credit card—cheaper than buying a paper ticket!
(April 2025: ticket = 32 TL, card = 30 TL)
🚏 Esenler (Bayrampaşa Otogar) is closer than Alibeyköy for reaching Edirne.
- Line 1: Gazimihal ↔ Otogar (every 5–15 min) 1 Line Route Map
- Line 1A: Sarayiçi Yerleşkesi ↔ Serakent (every 10–30 min) 1A Line Route Map
- Line 1T: Kapalı Cezaevi ↔ Otogar (every 2 hours) 1T Line Route Map
- Line 3A: Sarayiçi Yerleşkesi ↔ Otogar (every 5–15 min) 3A Line Route Map
For more details, check the official city bus guide.
Must-See Attractions in Edirne
Selimiye Mosque (Selimiye Camii) – UNESCO World Heritage
- Masterpiece by Mimar Sinan, the greatest Ottoman architect
- Impressive central dome and four tall minarets
- Open 8:00–18:00 (closed during prayer times)
- Free entry (donations welcome)
Üç Şerefeli Mosque（Üç Şerefeli Camii）
- Early Ottoman mosque from the 15th century
- Designed by Muslihiddin Ağa, mentor of Mimar Sinan
- Unique minarets and colorful stained glass windows
- Free entry (donations welcome)
Eski Mosque（Eski Camii）
- Built in 1414, the oldest mosque in Edirne
- “Eski” means “Old”—a historic and peaceful structure
Muradiye Mosque（Muradiye Camii）
- Small, quiet mosque known for its intricate tile work inside
Meriç Bridge (Meriç Köprüsü)
- A scenic Ottoman-era stone bridge with 12 arches
- 263 meters long, with a marble inscription in the middle
- About 20 minutes’ walk from the city center
- City bus 6A available (infrequent service)
Grand Synagogue of Edirne (Edirne Büyük Sinagogu)
- The largest synagogue in Europe and the third largest in the world
- Built in 1942 by Jewish refugees fleeing oppression in Europe
- Closed for many years, restored starting in 2010
- Visiting hours: from 10:00
Health Museum & Beyazıt II Complex (Sağlık Müzesi)
- Fascinating museum showcasing Ottoman-era medical tools and practices
- Includes wax figures, recreated operating rooms, and historical explanations
- Part of the Beyazıt II Külliyesi (mosque complex)
- Visiting hours: 9:00–17:00
- Entrance: 120 TL for foreigners (60 TL with residence permit)
行きは中心地からタクシーで100TL、帰りはちょうどバスが来たので市バスで一人30TL。お天気が良ければ帰り道は歩いても楽しめそう。
時間に余裕がない方はタクシー利用が効率的です。（2025.4時点）
Turkish & Islamic Art Museum (Türk ve İslam Eserleri Müzesi)
- Located inside Selimiye Mosque’s courtyard
- Displays weapons and oil wrestling artifacts
- Hours: 9:00–17:30 (winter), until 19:00 (summer)
- Entry: €3 (MüzeKart accepted)
Sweti George Bulgarian Church(Sweti George Bulgar Kilisesi)
- Built in 1880, still an active Bulgarian Orthodox church
- Features old religious paintings and a calm interior
- Open from around 10:00
Hacı Adil Bey Fountain (Hacı Adil Bey Çeşmesi)
- Built in 1904 in Baroque style by a governor for his son
- Located just past the Meriç Bridge
- Free to visit and great for photos
Beyazıt II Bridge(2.Beyazıd Köprüsü）
- 78-meter stone bridge from 1488
- Leads to the Yalnızgöz Bridge and riverside walkways
- Great area for a peaceful stroll in nature
🛍 Ali Pasha Bazaar (Ali Paşa Çarşısı)
- Traditional covered bazaar designed by Mimar Sinan in 1561
- Around 300 meters long with 100+ souvenir shops
- Open 9:30–18:00
Bedesten Bazaar
- Historic local market near Eski Mosque
- Focuses on daily goods and local life
- Open around 9:00–18:00 (varies by shop)
Karaağaç Train Station（Karaağaç Tren Garı）
- Old station building from Sultan Abdulhamid II’s reign
- Now part of a university; historic locomotive on display
- Reachable by bus 6A (from center) or 3C (from bus terminal)
- Walking path from Meriç Bridge passes cafes, parks, and green spaces
Rüstem Pasha Caravanserai（Rüstem Paşa Kervansarayı）
- 16th-century building designed by Mimar Sinan
- Now operates as a hotel
- Awarded the Aga Khan Architecture Prize in 1980
- Worth visiting for its historical feel and architecture
Edirne is famous for its traditional oil wrestling (Yağlı Güreş), where two men wrestle while covered in olive oil. The annual Kırkpınar tournament takes place every July and draws crowds from across Turkey.
Local Specialty: Fried Liver (Ciğer Tava)
Edirne’s signature dish is crispy fried liver, usually served with raw onions.
While it might sound heavy, the flavor is clean and delicious!
🧊 Instead of beer (alcohol is not served), try it with ayran (a salty yogurt drink).
Recommended Liver Restaurants
Aydın Tava Ciğer
- Founded in 1998, the most popular spot
- Fried liver + 3 side dishes for 300–400 TL
- Also serves chicken, köfte, pilaf, lahmacun, and more
- Very tourist-friendly—pointing works fine!
- Aydın Tava Ciğer Orijinal Web Site
Kazım & İlhan Usta – Meşhur Edirne Ciğercisi
Tip: There are many liver places around town—try exploring on your own!
What to Buy in Edirne
Fruit-shaped Soaps
These colorful soaps look like real fruit and make fun souvenirs!
- Turkaz (inside Ali Pasha Bazaar)
- Star Mis Sabunculuk (Arasta Market)
- Renk Mis Sabun (near Selimiye Mosque)
🍬 Almond Sweets
- Bademli Kurabiye (like Kavala cookies): Crispy almond cookies
- Badem Ezmesi: Soft almond paste treats
Where to buy:
- Osmanlı Şehzade: Multiple locations, great for Turkish delight too
- Keçecizade: Famous for handmade almond paste
- Arslanzade: Near Eski Mosque, elegant packaging
Enjoy Local Wine in Edirne
The Edirne region is actually known for its active wine production, and there are several wineries located near the city. Among them, we will introduce the only one that not only has a dedicated wine shop in the city center but also allows visitors to reach the winery itself by car.
Arda Winery & Vineyards
- Reachable by taxi from the city (approx. 500 TL one way in April 2025)
- Wine tastings available by reservation
- Restaurant on the 2nd floor serves local cuisine at fair prices
- Staff can call a taxi for your return
Arda Wine Boutique (Arda Şarap Butiği)
- Located in the city center
- Official shop of Arda Winery—great for tastings or souvenirs
Look for Wine in Local Shops
Some neighborhood markets (bakkals) have great selections of local wines at affordable prices—sometimes as low as 350 TL per bottle for high-quality wines!
Edirne Travel Summary
- Easy day trip from Istanbul
- Walkable city with compact sightseeing spots
- Great food, local culture, and unique souvenirs
If you have extra time, take a taxi to visit some spots outside the center. You’ll enjoy scenic nature, beautiful bridges, and rich Ottoman heritage in this underrated gem of a city.