Trabzon, Turkey – Travel

Trabzon is the capital of Turkey (officially Türkiye)’s Trabzon Province (Trabzon ili) and has a population of almost 800,000 people. Rich with history and mixed culture, the city will amaze visitors with its unique landmarks, view of the Black Sea, parks, boulevards, and other recreational spaces.

The possibilities of the things to do in Trabzon are endless. Located in the northeastern part of Turkey, this city will offer a variety of historically and architecturally significant sights from various eras. A picturesque view of the Black Sea will take your breath away, and the hospitality of local people will leave you wanting to come back here again.

Trabzon is the biggest city in Eastern Karadeniz and the second largest city in the Black Sea region. Whether it’s for its sights, comfortable all-year-round temperature, or shopping—whatever the reason may be, it is a wonderful travel destination for everyone.

Trabzon Tours

From the Black Sea scenery to unique landmarks like Trabzon Hagia Sophia, formerly a church (Ayasofya Camii), the city has a lot to offer. Originally founded by the Greeks, this city offers multi-ethnicity, Greek Orthodox and Muslim praying grounds, ancient architecture, interesting cuisine, and nice weather.

Trabzon tours capture visitors’ hearts with its gorgeous scenery and cultural background. A combination of the sea and the mountains makes that much more appealing, attracting many tourists from all over the world.

One of the biggest advantages of this place is that you can visit all year-round and still feel comfortable! The temperature is very mild all year—not too hot in the summer and not too cold in the winter. Trabzon weather is commonly cloudy, especially in the fall. Expect rain if you visit this season.

Surprisingly, despite the humid climate, winters are less white than one would expect. Snow rarely falls in Trabzon. Winters are warm, and temperatures are so high sometimes that it feels like a fresh summer day. So, if you think that there won’t be many things to do in Trabzon in the winter, prepare to be pleasantly surprised.

Still, the best time to visit Trabzon is the late spring and summer months—May, June, July, and August. The temperatures average 18-24 °C, and the precipitation is at its lowest. You can’t escape the humidity anyway, but compared to fall, the second half of spring and the summer are far less rainy than any other season.

History of Trabzon

Trabzon (Trebizond) is the capital of the Trabzon Province, located in the northeastern part of Turkey, on the southeastern shore of the Black Sea. The history of this place is very rich and eventful. It was founded around 756 BC by Greek colonists. The name itself comes from the Greek word ‘Trapezous’, meaning a table.

Trabzon has always had huge significance in the region. The city served as a military-economic hub for the eastern Black Sea region, especially during the Roman Empire's rule. So much so that from 64 AD the city officially became one of the stations of the Roman Fleet in the Black Sea region. The region fell right on the route of the Silk Road, and Trabzon’s Black Sea shore was quite useful for locals in exporting the goods.

After the Romans came the Byzantine Empire, which Trabzon was ruled by until it emerged as an independent state. In 1204, as a successor of the Byzantine Empire, the Trabzon Empire emerged. Trabzon acted as the client state of the Kingdom of Georgia for a while. From 1243 to 1336, it became a vassal of the Mongol Empire. Ultimately, it was conquered by the Ottomans and later became part of Turkey as we know it now. It is worth noting that one of the most famous Ottomans, Suleiman the Magnificent (Sultan Süleyman), was born in Trebizond.

Despite being under the rule of different empires and dominators, throughout its history, Mongols and Seljuks left Trabzon mostly untouched. One of the biggest reasons for this might have been the fact that the province was always hard to access.

What to Do in Trabzon?

A Trabzon travel guide can give a comprehensive list of places you need to visit in the city.

Landmarks and Attractions in Trabzon

Trabzon has a unique blend of different cultures and their influences. You can see some ancient sights here, like the Walls of Trabzon, sometimes referred to as the Trabzon Castle (Trabzon Kalesi). It consists of a series of defensive walls that surround the old part of the city.

If you’re interested in mosques, visit the Trabzon Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya Camii). It is a Greek Orthodox church built in the 13th century that was turned into a mosque two centuries later. More recently, in 1964, it was turned into a museum but converted back to a mosque in 2013.

Gulbahar Hatun Mosque (Gülbahar Hâtûn Camii) is a more traditional-looking mosque. It was built in the 16th century for Yavuz Sultan Selim’s mother. Additionally, Çarşı Mosque (Çarşı Camii) is another classic example of an Ottoman Mosque.

Saint Anne Church (Küçük Ayvasıl Kilisesi) is believed to be the oldest church in the city of Trabzon, was recently restored, and is free to visit during the day. Additionally, the Panagia Theoskepastos Monastery, known in Turkish as Girls Monastery (Kızlar Monastery), is another popular tourist destination.

Boztepe Observation Deck (Boztepe Seyir Terası) is a less adventurous place you can visit. The most beautiful moment to go there is at sunset. Visitors can enjoy a nice view of the city and the Black Sea while walking around the deck. If you’re looking for more fun things to do in the city, you will particularly enjoy going to the Trabzon Aquarium (Trabzon Akvaryum). Tours can be booked every day, and the entrance fee is very affordable.

Visitors can also try bouldering at Yomra Climbing Wall (Yomra Tırmanış Duvarı) and watch a football match at Papara Park (Şenol Güneş Spor Complex). To relax after these activities, they can even visit a local bathhouse, like the Historical Central Hamam (Meydan Hamamı).

Trabzon Museums

The eventful history of the city resulted in a lot of stories to tell and just as many artefacts to show people. So, it is no wonder that rich history and culture are represented through the Trabzon museums. If you’re looking for interesting places to visit and things to do in Trabzon, you are in for a treat.

Another place worth visiting is the Trabzon City Museum (Trabzon Şehir Müzesi). This ethnographic museum in the centre of the city will leave its visitors fascinated by how rich the local culture is. Traditional clothes, music, dances, as well as some of the plants that are specific to the region are showcased here.

You can view more local historical exhibits at the Trabzon History Museum (Trabzon Tarih Muzesi). The halls are filled with pictures and pieces of art that depict noteworthy local events and items that have a lot of value and history attached to them.

Those who wonder if there are more niche things to do in Trabzon won’t be disappointed. Sports lovers, especially the ones who love football, will particularly appreciate the Trabzonspor Museum (Trabzonspor Şamil Ekinci Müzesi). It is filled with all the cups Trabzonspor Sports Club has won over the years, among which is the famous ‘Half Cup’ they shared with Ankara Havagücü Sports Club in 1958.

However, if you’re not a huge sports fan and enjoy written media or taking photos, touring Trabzon’s Press History Museum (Trabzon Basın Tarihi Müzesi) will be an interesting experience for you.

People who are interested in more recent history will find Atatürk’s Pavillion (Atatürk köşkü) a wonderful sight. It serves as a museum and holds belongings and photographs of Atatürk, the founding father of the republic of Turkey.

Trabzon Theatres

Music and dance hold special significance for Trabzon locals. It has been influenced by inhabitants of different cultural backgrounds and geographical neighbours; however, it stayed consistent throughout the centuries. Both art forms are quite unique compared to the rest of the country. Family and religion hold high significance in Trabzon, and the views in rural regions are a lot more conservative than in European countries. In addition, people are extremely hospitable and kind.

Moreover, the city is famous for the annual Trabzon International Blacksea Theatre Festival, so it’s not hard to guess that people value performance art here. If you can understand Turkish or just want to experience local plays and performances, Trabzon State Theatre (Trabzon Devlet Tiyatrosu) is a great place to start.

Entertainment, Parks, and Shopping in Trabzon

Parks of Trabzon

If you want more scenic views, there are a plethora of lakes and parks you can spend time at with your family and friends. Trabzon Botanical Park (Trabzon Botanik Parkı), Sera Lake (Sera Gölü), Boztepe Tea Garden (Boztepe Çay Bahçesi), and Beshirli Coastal Eco Park (Beşirli Eco Park) are some of the more popular tourist locations.

Trabzon Square Park (Trabzon Meydan Parkı) is a great place to walk around in the city in the evening. It has a lot of cafes and shops nearby, which are always busy with locals and tourists alike. You can even find some viewpoints for taking memorable photos and the sculpture of Atatürk. For a scenic view of Trabzon Castle (Trabzon Kalesi), you can visit the Zagnos Valley Park (Zağnos Vadisi Parkı) with your family and friends. It is a nice recreational zone in the city where your little ones can play around.

Shopping in Trabzon

If you’re into shopping and are looking for a huge centre where you can buy everything - from jewellery to shoes - then Forum Trabzon is the place to go! You will find a big selection of domestic and international brands here and perhaps even discover a new favourite Turkish retailer.

If you’re more into finding unique accessories and items, try walking around local markets and shopping streets. You will find a lot of unique pieces here. Handicrafts are very popular among tourists. As locals make everything from clothing to wine and metal items, visitors will find a wide array of souvenirs to remember their trip for. For instance, Trabzon jewellery is quite popular among tourists. For a more specific experience, you can also visit the Russian Bazaar (also known as Avrupali Pazari or Rus Pazarı Yorumları).

Food in Trabzon

Turkish Cuisine

One of the most important cultural experiences when travelling is tasting local food. Since Trabzon is a seaside province, a lot of its dishes are mainly based on seafood. Steamed anchovies and tomatoes (Hamsi buğulama), fried cornbreaded anchovies (Hamsi Tava), Akçabaat meatballs (Akçaabat köfte), stuffed bread (Karadeniz pidesi), anchovy bread (Hamsi ekmek), kuymak, and cabbage soup (lahana çorbası) are some of the local staples you have to try. Anchovies are quite popular here, so don’t be surprised to see them everywhere.

One thing to keep in mind when it comes to things to do in Trabzon is that alcohol is a delicate subject here. Indeed, Trabzon is known to be one of the most friendly-conservative cities. Don’t expect every restaurant or cafe to have it on the menu. However, there are a handful of bars in the city centre that sell and serve alcohol. So, it’s okay to consume alcoholic drinks, but just not everywhere.

Vegetarian Restaurants

Trabzon doesn’t have dedicated vegetarian or vegan restaurants. However, a lot of places are accommodating to their clients’ dietary restrictions. Most cafes and restaurants offer soups, salads, and side dishes that are safe for consumption for visitors who eat a mostly plant-based diet. Additionally, some dishes on the menu can be modified to meet the dietary needs of the person. There’s even a gluten-free cafe near the city centre that’s growing in popularity, called X Akademi Gluten Free Cafe.

Coffee Houses, Bakeries, and Patisseries

Coffee has always been a part of the Turkish culture. With a growing number of tourists, Trabzon has had a surge of coffee shops and bakeries in recent years. Not only are they a good place for a Western-style breakfast, but they serve as convenient spots on the go—when you’re in the middle of a city tour and want a little pick-me-up until lunchtime/dinnertime. Additionally, there are a few speciality shops dedicated to chocolate lovers.

City Transport in Trabzon

Trabzon’s road infrastructure is quite developed for those who travel by car or bus. Additionally, municipality transportation is affordable and convenient.

Public Transport

Public buses run pretty much everywhere in the city, and the fare can be paid for via a prepaid card that you can buy at a designated area. Minibuses, locally known as Dolmuş, are even more convenient than buses. They’re smaller and can easily be manoeuvred on smaller alleys and roads.

Taxis

If you prefer a more private mode of transport, you have the option to order a taxi. The prices are higher compared to public transportation in Trabzon, but mobile applications are available in several languages. Additionally, taxis usually run 24/7, so you can order one whenever you need it. 

Car Rental 

Trabzon has several car rental companies that one can choose from. Some work 24/7 and offer their clients services in different languages, including Turkish, German, English, Russian, French, Arabic, etc. For convenience, you can pick up a car right at the Trabzon airport and even drop it off at a different location. The companies’ policies might differ, so it is best to check their FAQ page or consult with their representatives. But, as a rule of thumb, one should have a passport/ID and driver’s licence with them when they show up at the office.

Other Modes of Transport

There are many ways you can arrange transportation for things to do in Trabzon. Bicycles are a good eco-conscious and accessible option. Moreover, many touristy places are close to each other and can easily be walked to.

If you want to enjoy a nice view over the city, try the Beşikdüzü cable car. It gets particularly crowded with tourists in the summer, but the view makes up for it. The ticket price per person varies depending on their age. It is open every day and offers its visitors an unforgettable experience.

How to Get to Trabzon?

If you’re wondering about how to get to Trabzon by plane, we have some good news for you! Trabzon has an international airport (Trabzon Airport). Domestic flights are inexpensive, so if, for instance, you’re in Istanbul, and thinking about visiting Trabzon, a one-way ticket will only cost around 32 USD, and it takes less than 2 hours to arrive at the destination!

The city has incoming direct flights from more than 10 different international airlines. Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, flydubai, Air Arabia, AZAL Azerbaijan Airlines, and Pegasus Airlines are just a few of them. For visitors from Germany, Qatar, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, and many more countries, flying is the most convenient way of getting to Trabzon.

Despite the fact that flying is the most preferred method of travel to get to Trabzon, many travellers opt for going there by bus, car, or even taxi. These options are time-consuming and more expensive, but scenic landscapes contribute to a more enriching experience.

Languages Spoken in Trabzon

The local Trabzon dialect is different from the rest of the country. The more west you go in the province of Trabzon, the closer the spoken language sounds to standard Turkish. The reason behind this is that historically, Trabzon was isolated compared to the rest of the country. Therefore, the local language has been affected by the original settlers of the area and surrounding peoples. Trabzon Turkish has rich ties with Turkish and Pontic Greek, as well as Laz and Armenian languages.

Apart from Turkish, some of the languages spoken in Trabzon include Greek and Armenian. Additionally, the younger generation tends to speak a little bit of English as well. However, it is not a widely spoken language, so if you’re only proficient in English, learning a few Turkish could come in handy. Most private tour guides have good English proficiency, and they might even speak other foreign languages.

Currency in Trabzon

Keep in mind that Turkey uses Turkish lira (TRY) as its official currency, so be sure to exchange some money before you need to start spending it. Most shops have up-to-date payment equipment installed, but it would be a good idea to keep some cash on you. It might be harder to find ATMs in the more rural areas of the province.

Security in Trabzon

Trabzon is one of the most secure provinces of Turkey, and many tourists agree that the city of Trabzon is safe. Visitors have mentioned that they feel safe around the clock—even at night. A lot of female solo travellers are quite happy with their experience here. There is a low rate of petty crimes. Additionally, public transportation is safe too. Locals are usually very nice. Despite this, visitors should use common sense and respect the usual safety rules. Make sure taxi drivers use correctly the taximeter.