Once the capital of the Ottoman Empire, Edirne is brimming with grand Ottoman architecture and a distinct European flair from its proximity to the Greek and Bulgarian borders. Bubbling fountains, tree-lined avenues and flower-strewn courtyards meet Heritage-listed mosques, fascinating history museums and traditional restaurants.
Things to do in Edirne
The World Heritage-listed Selimiye Mosque was designed by legendary Ottoman architect Mimar Koca Sinan and has been towering over the city since the 1500s. It's topped by a pair of soaring minarets that rise over 70 metres tall. Wander around the cavernous prayer hall and admire the marble fountain in the sunny courtyard.
Time your visit to Edirne for the city’s annual Tarihi Kirkpınar Yagli Gures Festivali, which takes place in summer. The iconic sporting event sees competitors lather themselves in olive oil and wrestle each other to the ground.
The Edirne Turkish & Islamic Art Museum offers a glimpse at the city's ancient roots. It's housed in an elegant building and is filled with Ottoman-era artefacts, including glass jewellery, calligraphy and weaponry.
Edirne is known for its rich culinary heritage, best experienced by dining at its smorgasbord of restaurants. Specialties include deep-fried "tava ciger" calf's liver, spicy "kofte" meatballs and syrupy Turkish delight. In the evening, head down to the banks of the Tunca River to find breezy open-air bars.
Getting around Edirne
Flat topography and pedestrian-friendly streets make Edirne easy to get around on foot. The city is also well-serviced by a network of local buses known as “dolmuses”. Long-distance buses arrive at the "otogar" station, around 10 kilometres from the city centre.