One-Day Edirne Tour: Culture, History and Taste

Edirne, once the capital of the Ottoman Empire and now one of the most impressive cities in modern Türkiye. The city is one of the key discoveries of Türkiye with its historical texture, created by its deep-rooted past and the intersection of the modern city. How about exploring this unique city with a short one-day tour?

Here is a one-day route consisting of Edirne's remarkable historical locations and unique special flavours:

10 Points

10 km

1 h

Route points

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Start your Edirne tour by visiting the city centre and the square. In this area of the city, you can visit both the historical landmarks and the significant religious sites. The Selimiye Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the masterpieces of Ottoman architecture and was designed by the renowned architect Mimar Sinan. You should visit this architectural wonder to see the details of a centuries-old building.

Then, be sure to visit the Old Mosque (Eski Camii), built in 1403, which is located very nearby. Right next to the mosque is the famous Selimiye Arasta Bazaar, locally known as the Bedesten. Built in 1590, this historic market is still active today, selling clothing, sewing goods, and famous delights.

You can buy Edirne’s famous Kavala cookies and almond paste from the shops here as a gift for your loved ones. Gastronomy lovers should also try Hardaliye, a traditional non-alcoholic grape drink from Thrace made with mustard seeds and cherry leaves. A visit to the Bedesten offers a chance to step back in time and feel as though you're living in the Ottoman era.

A walk along Saraçlar Street and through the Kaleiçi neighbourhood lets you feel the city’s historical atmosphere. With its cobblestone streets and old houses, it’s like a journey through time.

If you’d like to try Edirne’s famous ‘yaprak ciğer’ (thinly sliced fried liver), you can find many of the most popular spots in this area. Savour the unique taste of the liver along with the distinctive Karaağaç dried pepper, an intensely hot variety that spice lovers won’t want to miss.

After your meal, you can visit the Edirne Grand Synagogue, the largest synagogue in Türkiye, which was recently restored. After that, you can make your way towards Karaağaç and the Meriç River.

Karaağaç, with its old houses, charming cafés, and warm atmosphere, is a place that can soothe your soul. The lavender fields along the way will captivate you, leading to a delightful walking route with a cosy ambience. This area, with the historic Karaağaç Train Station and its local cafés, is a lovely place to enjoy some peace and take in the local charm.

Just nearby, the impressive Lausanne Monument and its museum are waiting for you to learn more about the country’s history. This monument, built in 1998, symbolises Türkiye’s diplomatic victory in the Treaty of Lausanne and commemorates the return of Karaağaç to Turkish sovereignty.

After a peaceful stroll in Karaağaç and a visit to the museum, you can end your Edirne tour with a delicious dinner by the Meriç River, savouring a Turkish coffee afterwards. The lavender gardens, the monument, the authentic atmosphere of Karaağaç, and the unique view of the Meriç Bridge together create a perfect setting for photography enthusiasts. Be sure to take photos to capture the scenery and preserve your memories of this remarkable city.