Edirne in Turkey is a city famous for cheap shopping and for the chef-d’oeuvre of Mimar Sinan – Selimiye Camii. However, I am ready to buster that myth and give you a nice list of top activities not to miss out in Edirne outside of shopping. Here are my recommendations on how to spend a great weekend in Edirne, Turkey, and the top activities not to miss out.
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Top one activity to not miss out in Edirne: visit Selimiye Camii and enjoy a Turkish Bath
I heard so much about the beauty of Selimiye Camii, so it was definitely on my Bucket List. The mosque is considered being the chef-d’oeuvre of the architect Mimar Sinan. The frescoes inside are mind-blowing although we visited it during the restoration period. I would highly recommend you to put this beautiful mosque on your radar with activities not to miss out on while you are in Edirne, Turkey.
One of the top things to do in Edirne is a visit to a Turkish Bath. I was looking for information about a Turkish Bath to visit there but did not find anything….And while we were visiting Selimiye Camii, I saw the entrance of the Saray Hamami that was behind the mosque….So I decided to not miss out on the opportunity to have a Turkish Bath…Well, the experience is really worth the effort of traveling to Turkey…I am also planning to go to the Hurrem Sultan Hamami in Istanbul…So follow me for more news to come….
Next on my list of activities not to miss out in Edirne comes a walk in the city centre – the Old Mosque and the beautiful sculptures that you can admire
I would prefer not to write anything, but just show you some pictures. When you are traveling, give yourself the time to walk around and admire the streets and everything you see on your way. I was in awe of the Old Mosque of Edirne and these giant tulips that I saw on the street.
Top tree activity on my Edirne list is a visit to the Museum of Health
Nevertheless, I had no expectations with regards to this place, I have to say that the Complex of Sultan Bayezid II Health Museum has impressed me. This is a must-visit place while you are in Edirne as you will learn so much about the history of medicine and you will see how humanity has progressed in the field. Do not miss out to take pictures in the beautiful gardens of the museum – you will not regret it!
Must-do try while in Edirne – Tava Giger, a traditional dish from this region
Tava Giger is a traditional dish from Edirne and it represents fried beef liver. It’s a heavy dish and it is served with onions and tomatoes. You can try this speciality in every restaurant in Edirne.
Treat yourself a Turkish coffee with Turkish delights
Treating yourself with Turkish coffee and Turkish delights is an absolute must-do while in this part of the world. So make sure you try kunefe, kadayif, sutlash and baklava of course.
What to bring back home as a souvenir from Turkey?
Well, I know that I am writing about top activities to do in Edirne, Turkey for one weekend, but I cannot miss out on shopping. Following some recommendations from a friend of mine, I bought myself a beautiful necklace and Findik Kremasi (peanut sweet butter). As I am a big fan of tea, I also bought different kinds of tea – with melon aroma, pomegranate, mulberry, and dried fruits. Thus, I would highly recommend you buy some tea if you like it from Turkey.
Last, but not least, I would suggest you do not miss out to bring home some traditional colorful soaps in the form of different fruits from Edirne. They do smell heavenly and are lovely accessories to my bathroom!
To conclude, I have to say that I was amazed by Edirne and will definitely go back in spring or in the summer! Turkey is an amazing place in terms of food and places to visit and deserves to be on your radar.
Thanks for reading!