Things To Do
in Trabzon
Trabzon is a coastal city on Turkey’s lush Black Sea coast known for its dramatic green mountains, historic sites and lively seafront. The city blends Byzantine and Ottoman heritage—most famously visible at the Hagia Sophia of Trabzon and the nearby Sümela Monastery perched on a cliff. Local culture centers on tea houses, anchovy (hamsi) cuisine and warm hospitality from a population with deep regional traditions.
Trabzon is a gateway to scenic highland plateaus, waterfalls and lakes, making it a great base for nature-focused day trips and photography.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your adventure in Trabzon's historic center by visiting the stunning Hagia Sophia, where Byzantine architecture meets breathtaking views of the Black Sea. After soaking in the culture, stroll through the charming streets lined with local shops and cafés, enjoying a traditional Turkish breakfast of menemen and fresh bread. Don’t miss the vibrant local market where you can interact with friendly vendors and sample regional delicacies.
In the afternoon, head to the Trabzon Castle, an ancient fortification that offers panoramic views of the city and the sea below. Spend time wandering through the ruins and learning about the castle's storied past, then make your way to the Atatürk Mansion, a beautiful historic house with lush gardens. Relax with a cup of Turkish tea on the terrace, taking in the serene surroundings.
As evening sets in, enjoy a delightful dinner at a local seafood restaurant, savoring the catch of the day prepared with traditional spices. After your meal, take a leisurely walk along the waterfront promenade, where you can admire the sunset casting golden hues over the sea. End your day with a visit to a local café for dessert, trying the famous Akçaabat meatballs or local baklava.
Embark on a scenic drive to the Sumela Monastery, perched on a cliff within the dense forests of the Altindere National Park. Arrive early to avoid crowds and marvel at the breathtaking views as you hike up the winding paths leading to this ancient Greek Orthodox monastery. Explore the stunning frescoes and the peaceful surroundings, soaking in the spiritual atmosphere of this remarkable site.
After visiting the monastery, enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature, taking in the sounds of the forest and the fresh mountain air. Spend your afternoon hiking through the national park's trails, where you can discover hidden waterfalls and diverse flora and fauna. Capture the beauty of the landscape with your camera as you enjoy the tranquility of this natural paradise.
Return to Trabzon in the evening and unwind at a cozy restaurant known for its local dishes. Try the regional specialty, Kuymak, a delicious cornmeal and cheese dish, paired with a refreshing ayran drink. To wrap up the day, find a local tea house and engage in conversation with locals over a cup of tea or coffee.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1.50-3 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.50-1 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (short, intra-city) | $3-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $50-90 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural scenery—mountains, forests, lakes and waterfalls within short drives
- Rich regional cuisine centered on fresh seafood and unique local dishes
- Historic sites like Sümela Monastery and Hagia Sophia of Trabzon
- Friendly locals and strong cultural traditions
- Frequent rain and mist can disrupt outdoor plans
- Hilly terrain and narrow streets can be challenging for mobility-impaired visitors
- Less vibrant nightlife and fewer international dining options compared with major Turkish cities
- Language barrier in more rural areas—English is less widely spoken
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkürler / Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
- "Tuvalet nerede?" - Where is the toilet?
- "Yardım edin" - Help (please)
- "Afiyet olsun" - Enjoy your meal / Bon appétit
- "İyi günler" - Have a good day
Places to Visit in Trabzon
Visit one of these nice places.
Dramatic Byzantine monastery clinging to a cliff in Altındere Valley—best photographed from the valley floor or the monastery terrace, especially in morning light.
Iconic mountain lake surrounded by steep forested slopes and wooden hotels; misty mornings and autumn colors are particularly photogenic.
High hill above Trabzon offering panoramic sunset and cityscape views over the Black Sea; accessible by road or local minibuses.
15th-century church-turned-mosque with frescoes and distinctive architecture—great for architectural and interior shots when open.
Seaside scenes with fishing boats, markets and the city skyline—good for sunrise and candid street photography.
Historic wooden villa with well-kept gardens and views—nice for portrait and heritage photography.
Food in Trabzon
Trabzon Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Small local anchovies served fried, grilled, baked in pilav or as hamsili pilav; try at seaside balıkçı lokantası (fish restaurants) and seasonal markets.
Must-Try!
A melted cornmeal, butter and local cheese dish—gooey, savory and perfect for breakfast or as a shared starter in mountain restaurants.
A regional style of grilled meatball from nearby Akçaabat; lean, smoky and often served with pide and roasted peppers.
Braised or stuffed cabbage preparations made with local kale-like greens, often served with bulgur or rice.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Daily market for fresh produce, tea, local honey, cheeses and seasonal fish—excellent for sampling snacks and buying provisions.
Small fish stalls near the harbor where fishermen sell fresh hamsi and other catches; good for buying fresh fish or tasting simple fried plates nearby.
Tourist-focused vendors selling gözleme, pastries and regional snacks—good for quick bites between walks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use 'Merhaba' for hello and a light handshake for introductions; close friends may exchange kisses on the cheek. Respect elders and use polite phrases like 'lütfen' (please) and 'teşekkürler' (thank you).
Remove shoes and dress modestly when entering mosques; women may be asked to cover heads—carry a scarf to be prepared.
Meals are often communal—wait to be invited to start, accept offers of tea, and it's polite to try a little of everything. Use right hand for handing items if in a traditional setting.
Casual dress is normal in the city, but modest clothing is appreciated in religious sites and rural areas—avoid overly revealing attire.
Safety
Tipping in Trabzon
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory: round up small bills or leave 5–10% in casual restaurants and 10% in finer dining. Leave a small tip for hotel porters and housekeeping; taxi drivers are not usually tipped but rounding up is common.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger shops; carry some cash (Turkish lira) for markets, small cafés and rural areas. ATMs are common in the city; notify your bank before travel to avoid card blocks.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm but rarely very hot; temperatures are pleasant (20–28°C/68–82°F) with lush green landscapes. Summer is peak time for highland plateaus and festivals—expect more tourists at Uzungöl and Sümela.
Crisp air and stunning fall foliage in late October–November; frequent rain increases mud on trails but creates rich colors—pack waterproof layers.
Coastal areas are cool and wet with occasional snow; higher elevations and plateaus see heavy snow—good for snowy landscapes but some mountain roads can be closed.
Wildflowers, tea gardens reopening and thawing streams; variable weather with rain and sunshine—ideal for hiking before summer crowds arrive.
Trabzon at Night
Hiking in Trabzon
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Trails around the Altındere National Park offering walks to viewpoints, the Sümela Monastery and forested valley routes—moderate difficulty with some steep sections.
Gentle lakeside walks and short upland trails; great for photography, birdwatching and easy day hikes.
Higher-elevation routes with panoramic vistas and longer trekking options—snow in winter and alpine meadows in summer.
Popular summer yayla with pastoral trails, wildflowers and traditional villages—good for moderate hikes and cultural visits.
Airports
How to reach Trabzon by plane.
The main airport serving the city with domestic flights to Istanbul, Ankara and seasonal international services; about 6–10 km from the city center and accessible by taxi and buses.
Newer airport to the east serving Rize and Artvin provinces (approx. 1–2 hours by car depending on route); alternative entry point for eastern Black Sea destinations with shuttle or car transfer options.
Further west along the coast (2–3 hours by car); sometimes used as an alternative for combined itineraries along the Black Sea coast.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of the population with urban and rural communities, engaged in commerce, fishing and services.
Indigenous Black Sea groups with distinct language variants, music and cultural traditions, especially present in smaller towns and highland villages.
Karadeniz Technical University brings a sizable student population, contributing to local culture, cafés and seasonal activity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the dominant sport—Trabzonspor is the city’s passionate Süper Lig club with a strong local following and electric match-day atmosphere.
Both a pastime and an economic activity—anchovy (hamsi) fishing is culturally important and seasonal boat trips are common.
Regional festivals sometimes feature traditional sports, folk dancing and local athletic contests in the highlands.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Trabzon.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are more limited; order gözleme (stuffed flatbread), fried cheese plates, vegetable stews, cornmeal dishes and salads—communicate 'et yemiyorum' (I don't eat meat) to clarify.
Most restaurants serve halal meat by default in Turkey; seafood and vegetarian dishes are widely available; ask if you need specific certification but in practice local eateries follow standard halal practices.
Not always obvious—many breads and gözleme contain gluten. Seek grilled fish, plain rice, vegetable dishes and salads, and explain 'glutensiz' to staff; cross-contamination can occur.