Things To Do
in Ulus
Ulus is a small coastal town in Bartın Province on the Black Sea, perched above the water with sweeping views from its hillside streets. Its historic center features narrow lanes, traditional wooden houses, and the remains of a hilltop fortress that overlook the harbor. The surrounding pine forests and rugged shoreline invite relaxed coastal strolls and nature walks.
Visitors come for fresh seafood, a slow-paced atmosphere, and easy access to the scenic Black Sea landscape.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at the Ankara Esenboğa Airport and transfer to your hotel in Ulus. After checking in, take a stroll around the historic streets of Ulus to get a feel for the local atmosphere. Enjoy some Turkish tea at a nearby café while soaking in the sights.
Visit the iconic Ankara Citadel, which offers panoramic views of the city and a glimpse into its rich history. Wander around the ancient walls and explore the narrow alleyways filled with charming boutiques and local art. Stop for lunch at a traditional Turkish restaurant where you can savor local dishes like döner kebab or gözleme.
As the sun sets, head to a local meyhane for an authentic Turkish dining experience. Enjoy a selection of appetizers (meze) accompanied by raki, the national anise-flavored drink. Finish the evening with a leisurely walk through the picturesque streets, admiring the evening lights of Ulus.
Start your day with a visit to the Roman Temple of Augustus, one of the oldest structures in the city. Learn about its significance and the history of ancient Rome in Anatolia. Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast at a nearby café featuring fresh bread, olives, and menemen.
Head to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, where you can dive deeper into the incredible history of the region through fascinating exhibits. Spend hours exploring artifacts from various ancient civilizations, including the Hittites and Phrygians. Grab lunch at the museum café, which offers light bites with a view of the surrounding gardens.
Experience the local culture at a nearby performance of folk music and dance. This lively event showcases traditional Turkish art and is a great way to connect with locals. Afterward, enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant to enjoy stunning views of the city skyline.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee | $1-3 |
| 🚌Public transport (one ride) | $0.25-0.75 |
| 🏨One-night hotel | $25-60 |
| 🛍️Groceries (milk, bread, eggs) | $4-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning Black Sea coastal scenery and hilltop views
- Calm, less crowded than major tourist hubs
- Affordable food and accommodation options
- Walkable town center with easy access to nature
- Limited nightlife and high-end dining options
- Public transport may be less frequent outside peak season
- Some services and facilities can be seasonal or distance-dependent
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
- "Nerede bu otel?" - Where is this hotel?
- "Beni anlar mısınız?" - Do you understand me?
Places to Visit in Ulus
Visit one of these nice places.
Ruins on a hill offering sweeping panoramic views of the coastline and harbor below.
Narrow, winding lanes with traditional wooden houses and stone walls—ideal for atmospheric street photography.
Rocky shoreline with sea light and fishing boats; dramatic colors at golden hour.
Active fishing boats, nets, and dockside life—great for candid and documentary shots.
Forested slopes giving a misty backdrop to the town and sea in the distance.
Food in Ulus
Ulus Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshly caught hamsi is a regional staple; try fried hamsi, grilled fillets, or hamsili pilav (rice with anchovies) at seaside eateries.
Must-Try!
A melted cheese and cornmeal fondue served hot with bread—a comforting Black Sea classic.
Traditional corn bread baked fresh to accompany fish and stews; look for it in bakeries near the harbor.
Thin flatbreads and pastries made with local grains, ideal for a quick bite while exploring the town.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Daily catches and seasonal seafood; stroll and sample fresh fried fish, calamari, and pickled vegetables.
Simit, gözleme, and boiled corn along the promenade; great for a quick bite by the sea.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A cordial handshake is common; addressing older people with polite terms like 'Bey' or 'Hanım' is appreciated.
Dress modestly and remove shoes where required; avoid loud behavior near mosques.
Turkish hospitality is generous—expect offers of tea or small treats; it’s polite to accept or graciously decline.
Ask for permission when taking photos of people or private spaces; respect local customs.
Safety
Tipping in Ulus
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of about 5-10% is common if no service charge is included; small tips to taxi drivers or hotel staff are appreciated.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted in town venues; carry some cash for markets and smaller shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with refreshing sea breezes; humidity can be high. Expect lively seaside evenings and longer daylight for outdoor dining and walking.
Mild days with cooler evenings; occasional rain. Beautiful colors in the surrounding hills and quieter streets.
Cold and windy with possible rain; some services at reduced hours. Coastal views can be dramatic in clear, crisp weather.
Mild temperatures and blooming flora; good for hikes and scenic drives with comfortable conditions.
Ulus at Night
Hiking in Ulus
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of forest trails just outside town with viewpoints over the coast and town roofs.
Accessible paths along the Black Sea cliffs offering dramatic sea panoramas.
Airports
How to reach Ulus by plane.
Regional airport serving domestic flights; the closest air link to Ulus. Ground transfer by road takes a couple of hours depending on traffic and route.
Coastal airport with seasonal flights; longer drive to Ulus but useful for certain routes and connections.
Major international gateway; requires a longer overland transfer to Ulus but provides extensive domestic and international connections.
Frequent international connections; many travelers fly into Istanbul then transfer by road or domestic flight to Ulus via Bartın or Zonguldak.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Longstanding families and fishing communities who maintain the town's traditional culture.
Tourists and weekend travelers who visit for the coast, nature trails, and seafood.
People who commute to nearby towns for education or employment.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular pastime across the region, with local amateurs and youth leagues in nearby towns.
Along the Black Sea coastline and harbors, fishing is a traditional and active activity for locals and visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ulus.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for dishes featuring cornmeal muhlama, grilled vegetables, and cheese-filled pastries; many restaurants can prepare meat-free options on request.
Ask for rice, corn-based breads, and grilled fish without breading; avoid wheat-heavy baked goods unless clearly labeled.