Tours and Attractions in Trabzon
Trabzon is the capital of Turkey’s (officially Türkiye’s) Trabzon Province (Trabzon ili) and has a population of nearly 800,000. Rich in history and diverse culture, the city will amaze visitors with its unique landmarks, Black Sea views, parks, boulevards, and other recreational spaces.
Located in northeastern Turkey, this city offers a variety of historically and architecturally significant sights spanning various eras.
Trabzon is the largest city in Eastern Karadeniz and the second-largest city in the Black Sea region. Whether it is for its sights, comfortable all-year-round temperatures, 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 such as Trabzon's Hagia Sophia, formerly a church (Ayasofya Camii), the city offers much to see. Originally founded by the Greeks, this city features multi-ethnicity, Greek Orthodox and Muslim prayer grounds, ancient architecture, interesting cuisine, and nice weather.
Trabzon tours capture visitors’ hearts with its gorgeous scenery and cultural background. The combination of the sea and the mountains makes it even more appealing, attracting tourists from around the world.
Best Time to Visit Trabzon
One of the biggest advantages of this place is that travellers can visit 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 will not be many things to do in the winter, prepare to be surprised.
Still, the best time to visit Trabzon is in late spring and summer – May, June, July, and August. The temperatures average 18-24 °C, and the precipitation is at its lowest. It will be hard to 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 long held significant importance in the region. The city served as a military and economic hub for the eastern Black Sea region, particularly under Roman 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 goods.
After the Romans, Trabzon came under Byzantine rule, which governed the region until it eventually became an independent state. In 1204, following the fall of the Byzantine Empire, the Trabzon Empire emerged. Trabzon served as a client state of the Kingdom of Georgia for a period. From 1243 to 1336, it became a vassal of the Mongol Empire. Ultimately, it was conquered by the Ottomans and later became part of modern-day Turkey. 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 various empires and dominions throughout its history, the Mongols and Seljuks left Trabzon largely untouched. One of the main reasons might have been that the province was difficult to access.
What to Do in Trabzon
A Trabzon travel guide can give a comprehensive list of places to visit in the city.
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 are interested in mosques, visit the Trabzon Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya Camii). Originally built as a Greek Orthodox church in the 13th century, it became a mosque two centuries later. In 1964, it was turned into a museum, before returning to use as a mosque in 2013.
The 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, the 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 Trabzon, was recently restored, and is open to the public 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 to visit. The most beautiful time to spend there is at sunset. Visitors can admire a nice view of the city and the Black Sea while walking around the deck.
Some may enjoy 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 visit a local bathhouse, such as the Historical Central Hamam (Meydan Hamamı).
Trabzon Museums
The city's eventful history has produced many stories to tell and just as many artefacts to show. It is no wonder that Trabzon's rich history and culture are represented in its museums.
The Trabzon City Museum (Trabzon Şehir Müzesi) is the city's ethnographic museum, located in the centre. Traditional clothing, music, and dances, as well as region-specific plants, are showcased here.
You can view more local historical exhibits at the Trabzon History Museum (Trabzon Tarih Müzesi). The halls are filled with pictures and pieces of art that depict noteworthy local events and items.
Those who wonder whether there are more niche activities in Trabzon will not be disappointed. Sports lovers, especially those 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 are 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 interested in recent history will find Atatürk’s Pavilion (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. Inhabitants from diverse cultural backgrounds and geographical neighbours have influenced it. Both art forms are unique compared to those in the rest of the country. Family and religion hold significant importance in Trabzon, and views in rural regions are much more conservative than in European countries. In addition, people are extremely hospitable and kind.
Moreover, the city is famous for the annual Trabzon International Black Sea Theatre Festival, so it is not hard to guess that people value performance art here. For those who understand Turkish or just want to experience local plays and performances, the Trabzon State Theatre (Trabzon Devlet Tiyatrosu) is a great place to start.
Entertainment, Parks, and Shopping in Trabzon
Parks of Trabzon
There are numerous lakes and parks in Trabzon to visit with 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 many cafes and shops nearby that are always busy with locals and tourists alike. You can also find viewpoints for taking memorable photos of the Atatürk sculpture.
For a scenic view of the Trabzon Castle (Trabzon Kalesi), travellers can visit the Zagnos Valley Park (Zağnos Vadisi Parkı). It is a nice recreational area in the city suitable for children.
Shopping in Trabzon
If you are 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 prefer 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 and wine to metal items, visitors will find a wide array of souvenirs to remember their trip. 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 accessYorumları).
Food in Trabzon
Turkish Cuisine
One of the most important cultural experiences when travelling is tasting local food. Since Trabzon is a coastal province, many of its dishes are 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 do not be surprised to see them everywhere.
One thing to keep in mind regarding Trabzon tourist activities is that alcohol is a sensitive topic here. Indeed, Trabzon is known as one of the friendliest and most conservative cities. Foreigners should not expect every restaurant or cafe to have it on the menu. However, there are a handful of bars and modern restaurants in the city centre that sell and serve alcohol. So, it is okay to consume alcoholic drinks, but just not everywhere.
Vegetarian Restaurants
Trabzon does not have dedicated vegetarian or vegan restaurants. However, many places accommodate clients’ dietary restrictions. Most cafes and restaurants offer soups, salads, and side dishes that are safe for visitors following a mostly plant-based diet. Additionally, some dishes on the menu can be modified to meet dietary needs. There is even a gluten-free cafe near the city centre, called X Akademi Gluten Free Cafe, which is growing in popularity.
Coffee Houses, Bakeries, and Patisseries
Coffee has long been part of 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 are 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 well developed for car and bus travel. Additionally, municipal 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 are 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. Fares are higher than those for public transportation in Trabzon, but mobile apps 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 to choose from. Some work 24/7 and offer clients services in multiple languages, including Turkish, German, English, Russian, French, and Arabic. 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 may differ, so it is best to check their FAQ pages or consult their representatives. But, as a rule of thumb, one should have a passport/ID and a driver’s licence with them when they show up at the office.
Other Modes of Transport
There are many ways to arrange transportation in Trabzon. Bicycles are a good, eco-conscious, and accessible option. Moreover, many tourist attractions are close to one another and can be easily 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 by age. It is open every day and offers its visitors an unforgettable experience.
How to Get to Trabzon
If you are considering travelling to Trabzon by air, you will be pleased to know that convenient options are available. Trabzon has an international airport (Trabzon Airport). Domestic flights are inexpensive; for example, if you are in Istanbul and plan to visit Trabzon, a one-way budget option will cost around 40-50 USD and takes less than 2 hours.
The city offers direct flights on more than 10 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.
Although flying is the preferred method of travel to Trabzon, many travellers opt for bus, car, or 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 further west you go in the province of Trabzon, the closer the spoken language sounds to standard Turkish. The reason is that, historically, Trabzon was more isolated than the rest of the country. Therefore, the original settlers of the area and the surrounding peoples have affected the local language. Trabzon Turkish has strong ties to Turkish and Pontic Greek, as well as to Laz and Armenian.
In addition to Turkish, languages spoken in Trabzon include Greek and Armenian. Additionally, the younger generation tends to speak some English. However, it is not a widely spoken language, so if you are only proficient in English, learning a few words of Turkish could come in handy. Most private tour guides have good English proficiency and may also speak other 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, but it is a good idea to keep some cash on you. It may be harder to find ATMs in the province's more rural areas.
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 reported feeling 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 exercise common sense and follow standard safety rules. Make sure taxi drivers use the taximeter correctly.