Edirne
Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asia · Turkey
Did you know?
- Fried liver with hot pepper and ayran is the local specialty.
- The annual Kırkpınar oil-wrestling competition is a distinctive cultural event.
- Selimiye Mosque anchors a cluster of imperial mosques, including the Old Mosque and Üç Şerefeli Mosque.
See also
Overview
Edirne is a former Ottoman capital near the Greek and Bulgarian borders, known for magnificent mosques. Its compact historic core gives a short stay a strong architectural and cultural focus.
Languages: Turkish
Why go?
Edirne is the chief city of Eastern Thrace, near borders with Greece and Bulgaria. It was the capital of the Ottoman Empire and later an imperial retreat, adorned with magnificent mosques. It's definitely among the top sights of Turkey.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
The centre is compact, fairly flat and walkable. Buses run regularly from the centre to outlying districts; fare is 36 TL with a Kent Kart. Use the moovit app for bus connections.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Edirne is home to stunning imperial mosques, especially the Selimiye Mosque (UNESCO). Other highlights include the Old Mosque, Üç Şerefeli Mosque, and the Bayezid II Health Museum. The annual oil-wrestling competition at Kırkpınar is a unique cultural event.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Local specialty is fried liver (ciğer), served with hot pepper and ayran. Popular liver restaurants include Ciğerci Kemal and Alipaşa Köfte ve Ciğer. For dessert, try almond paste (badem ezmesi). Cafes are plentiful along Saraçlar Cd and near the bridges.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Accommodation is mostly around the Old Quarter and east of centre. Budget options include Tuna Hotel (double from 150 TL) and Trakya City Hotel (from 250 TL). Mid-range options like Palace Hotel (300 TL) and Efe Hotel (700 TL) are also available.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Stay safe
Floods are a hazard after heavy rain especially in winter. Districts such as Karaağaç may be cut off. Never try to cross a flooded bridge.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connect
Edirne has good 4G coverage from all Turkish carriers, extending to main highways near the borders. Free WiFi is available in public squares and cafes.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Nearby destinations include Uzunköprü with its 15th-century stone bridge, Keşan (gateway to Saros beaches), the Gallipoli battlefields near Eceabat, and Istanbul to the southeast. Border crossings to Bulgaria (Kapıkule) and Greece (Pazarkule) are just a few km away.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Budget
Budget travelers can find double rooms from 150 TL at Tuna Hotel. Local buses cost 36 TL per ride. Most mosques are free, and museum entry is 10 TL. Edirne is generally affordable for backpackers.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Efe Hotel
Clean central place, rooms have a/c, satellite TV, hot water, and free wifi.
Recorded price: B&B double 700 TL
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Balta
Big block of a place, rooms have air-con, satellite TV, cleaning erratic.
Recorded price: B&B double 700 TL
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Palace Hotel
Clean modern place in the grubby town centre. Some street noise, secure parking.
Recorded price: B&B double 300 TL
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Trakya City Hotel
Clean modern hotel a short way east of centre.
Recorded price: B&B double 250 TL
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Tuna Hotel
Basic, usually clean, small rooms en suite with air-con, satellite TV, and Wi-Fi.
Recorded price: B&B double 150 TL
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Alipaşa Köfte ve Ciğer
Smart efficient place for meatballs and liver.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Ciğerci Kemal
Popular fried liver restaurant, clean and friendly.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Serhad Köftecisi
Good central place serving meatballs and liver.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Budget double rooms from 150 TL.
Connectivity
Free WiFi in public squares and cafes.
Food
Specialty is fried liver (ciğer) with hot pepper.
Money
Local currency is Turkish Lira (TRY). Bus fare is 36 TL.
Safety
Flood risk in winter; avoid flooded bridges.