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About Samsun
Samsun sits at the mouth of the Mert River on Turkey's north-central Black Sea coast, roughly equidistant between Istanbul and Trabzon. The city's waterfront Kıyı Park is the social heart — a 7-km promenade of gardens, cafés, and playgrounds where locals stroll from dawn to midnight. History-focused visitors come for the Atatürk House Museum, Bandırma Vapuru Museum, and the outstanding Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, which holds artefacts spanning Greek, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods. The surrounding province offers easy day trips: the ancient rock-cut tombs of Amasya (90 km south), the Kızılırmak Delta bird sanctuary, hazelnut orchards around Bafra, and Ladik Lake. Samsun cuisine highlights Black Sea hamsi (anchovy), fresh corn bread, and rich dairy — dishes best sampled in the market meyhanes near the old bazaar. The city's tram system, affordable accommodation, and Black Sea fish restaurants make Samsun an excellent and under-touristed base for exploring Turkey's north.
- Capital
- Samsun
- Largest city
- Samsun
- Population
- ~1.36 million (provincial)
- Languages
- Turkish
- Currency
- Turkish Lira
- Time zone
- TRT (UTC+3)
Explore Samsun by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Samsun
The 6 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Kıyı Park Seafront Promenade
Samsun Archaeology and Ethnography Museum
Atatürk House Museum
Atakum Beach
19 Mayıs Park
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Samsun Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Samsun, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Samsun
- Days 1-2Samsun city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Samsun
- Days 1-3Samsun comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Samsun, departure
Where to stay in Samsun
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget $22–40 USD total
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range $55–115 USD total
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury $160–335 USD total
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Wyndham Grand Samsun
Check rates on Booking.comBüyük Samsun Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comSamsun Hotel (Historic Centre)
Check rates on Booking.comLiman Hotel Samsun
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Samsun
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Şaman Restaurant
Köfteci Ramiz
Cumhuriyet Meyhane
Çarşamba Balık Evi
Pide Evi Samsun
Bafra Lokantası
Getting around Samsun
Samsun is well-connected domestically via Samsun-Çarşamba Airport (SZF), intercity bus (otogar), and the Black Sea coastal highway. Within the city, a modern tram (T1 and T2 lines) runs from the otogar through the city centre to Atakum, making it easy to reach most attractions without a taxi.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in TRY (Turkish Lira), broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 500–800 TRY/night ($15–24 USD) | 1,200–2,500 TRY/night ($36–76 USD) | 3,500–7,000 TRY/night ($106–212 USD) |
| Food (per day) | 150–300 TRY/day ($4.50–9 USD) | 400–800 TRY/day ($12–24 USD) | 1,000–2,000 TRY/day ($30–60 USD) |
| Transportation | 30–80 TRY/day ($0.90–2.40 USD) | 100–200 TRY/day ($3–6 USD) | 300–600 TRY/day ($9–18 USD) |
| Activities | 0–100 TRY/day ($0–3 USD) | 100–300 TRY/day ($3–9 USD) | 500–1,500 TRY/day ($15–45 USD) |
| Daily total | $22–40 USD total | $55–115 USD total | $160–335 USD total |
Best time to visit Samsun
Samsun has a humid temperate Black Sea climate with mild, rainy winters and warm, moderately humid summers. Spring (May–June) and autumn (September–October) offer the most comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. July and August are popular with domestic tourists at the beaches but can be humid. The May 19 national holiday sees patriotic celebrations throughout the city.
Essential travel tips
- The Samsun tram (T1 and T2 lines) is cheap at 18 TRY (~$0.55 USD) per ride and runs from Otogar to Atakum — use it to reach most sights without taxis
- May 19 is a major national holiday; arrive a day early to secure a good viewing spot for Bandırma Vapuru events
- Black Sea fish is seasonal — hamsi (anchovy) is best November–February; lüfer (bluefish) is best in autumn
- Purchase the Müze Kart (Museum Card) for unlimited entry to the Archaeology Museum and Atatürk House Museum
- The old bazaar area (Çarşı) near the clock tower has the most authentic lokanta lunch options at 80–120 TRY ($2.40–3.60 USD)
- Samsun has a large university population — the Kıyı Park area has affordable student cafés and is safe day and night
Safety information
Keep valuables secure in the otogar (bus station) and central market area
Use official taxis or the BiTaksi app rather than unmarked vehicles
Emergency numbers: Police 155, Ambulance 112, Fire 110
Kıyı Park seafront is safe until late; stick to the promenade after midnight
Swim only at designated beach areas — Black Sea currents can be strong
Frequently asked questions
Is Samsun safe to visit in 2026?
Samsun has a safety level of Low Risk for tourists.
What is the best time to visit Samsun?
The best time to visit Samsun is May–June and September–October. Samsun has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa) moderated by the Black Sea. Winters are cool and rainy (average 7°C in January) with frequent storms but rarely freezing. Summers are warm and moder
Do I need a visa to visit Samsun?
Citizens of the USA, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and many other countries require an e-Visa obtained at evisa.gov.tr before arrival. Cost is approximately $50 USD. Some nationalities receive visa-free entry for up to 90 days. Verify current requirements at evisa.gov.tr or the nearest Turkish consulate before travel. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What currency is used in Samsun?
The currency in Samsun is the Turkish Lira (TRY). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Samsun?
The main language(s) spoken in Samsun: Turkish. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
What are the top attractions in Samsun?
The top attractions in Samsun include Bandırma Vapuru Museum, Kıyı Park Seafront Promenade, Samsun Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, Atatürk House Museum, and Atakum Beach. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.