With its deep green mountains on one side and the Black Sea stretching endlessly on the other, Trabzon is one of Türkiye’s most unique and unforgettable cities. Unlike major tourist hubs, Trabzon offers a more authentic experience—blending rich culture, breathtaking nature, and heartfelt hospitality in a setting untouched by mass tourism.

Top Things to Do in Trabzon

Whether you’re visiting for a quiet escape or cultural immersion, Trabzon offers plenty to discover:

• Visit Sümela Monastery: Set dramatically against a rocky cliff in Altındere National Park, this 1,600-year-old monastery is as mystical as it is magnificent.
• Explore Uzungöl: A lake straight out of a fairytale, surrounded by forests and wooden chalets. Rent a bike, go for a walk, or just sip tea by the water.
• Wander the Old City: Trabzon’s compact city center is full of surprises—mosques, markets, historic houses, and the warm buzz of daily life.
• Watch the sunset from Boztepe: The best view of the city and sea, especially while enjoying a glass of Turkish tea.

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Time your trip wisely: The Black Sea has a unique climate—lush in spring, misty in fall. Summer offers the best visibility and outdoor conditions.
• Expect rain: Even in July, don’t forget your umbrella. The clouds here have a personality of their own.
• Bring cash for villages: While cards work in the city, many small guesthouses or rural cafés prefer cash.

Local Food You Must Try

Trabzon’s cuisine is hearty, flavorful, and deeply connected to the region:

• Kuymak (or mıhlama): A creamy cornmeal and cheese dish that stretches as far as your fork can go.
• Hamsili Pilav: Anchovy-stuffed rice, a true Black Sea classic.
• Akçaabat Köfte: A spiced grilled meatball that has become a local legend.
• Laz Böreği: Don’t be fooled by the name—it’s a sweet dessert with custard and flaky pastry.

Pair your meals with freshly baked Vakfıkebir bread and you’ll understand why food is a central part of life here.

Outdoor Adventures

Nature is the soul of Trabzon. You don’t need to search for beauty—it finds you.

• Hike through the Haldizen or Zigana Mountains.
• Take a guided tour to Ayder Plateau.
• Visit Çal Cave, one of the longest in the world, with an underground stream running through it.

Whether you’re walking beside a misty lake or sipping coffee with a mountain breeze, this region invites you to slow down.