On this page
About Trabzon
Trabzon sits on a narrow coastal plain where the Pontic Mountains descend steeply to the Black Sea. The city centre clusters around the İskele (port) and the commercial Meydan district, while the residential neighbourhoods fan up the hillsides. The region's high rainfall produces brilliantly green landscapes and sustains Turkey's largest tea and hazelnut industries. Key sights include the converted Byzantine Hagia Sophia mosque, the cliff-top Sumela Monastery 47 km inland, and the stunning Uzungöl alpine lake. Trabzon is significantly less touristy than Istanbul or Antalya—prices are lower, locals are welcoming, and authentic Black Sea cuisine (corn bread, kuymak, anchovy dishes) is everywhere. The city serves as the natural base for exploring Kaçkar Mountains day trips, the Ayder thermal plateau, and the Georgian border region.
- Capital
- Trabzon
- Largest city
- Trabzon
- Population
- ~850,000 (metropolitan area)
- Languages
- Turkish
- Currency
- Turkish Lira
- Time zone
- TRT (UTC+3)
Explore Trabzon by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Trabzon
The 5 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Hagia Sophia of Trabzon
Uzungöl
Atatürk Mansion (Atatürk Köşkü)
Boztepe
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Trabzon Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Trabzon, 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 Trabzon
- Days 1-2Trabzon city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Trabzon
- Days 1-3Trabzon comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Trabzon, departure
Where to stay in Trabzon
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget ~$33–57 USD/day
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range ~$80–154 USD/day
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury ~$156–321 USD/day
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Zorlu Grand Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comUsta Park Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Nur
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Trabzon
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Cemil Usta Balık Evi
Akçaabat Köftecisi
Trabzon Mutfağı
Getting around Trabzon
Trabzon is served by Trabzon Airport (TZX) 8 km east of the city. The city bus network covers major districts; dolmuş (shared minibuses) serve surrounding towns. Intercity coaches run to Rize, Artvin, Erzurum, and Istanbul. The D010 coastal highway connects Trabzon east and west along the Black Sea.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in TRY, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 660–990 TRY/night (~$20–30 USD) | 1,650–3,300 TRY/night (~$50–100 USD) | 3,000–6,000 TRY/night (~$90–180 USD) |
| Food (per day) | 250–400 TRY/day (~$7.50–12 USD) | 500–800 TRY/day (~$15–24 USD) | 1,000–2,000 TRY/day (~$30–60 USD) |
| Transportation | 100–200 TRY/day (~$3–6 USD) | 200–400 TRY/day (~$6–12 USD) | 600–1,200 TRY/day (~$18–36 USD) |
| Activities | 100–300 TRY/day (~$3–9 USD) | 300–600 TRY/day (~$9–18 USD) | 600–1,500 TRY/day (~$18–45 USD) |
| Daily total | ~$33–57 USD/day | ~$80–154 USD/day | ~$156–321 USD/day |
Best time to visit Trabzon
Trabzon receives significant rainfall year-round; May–June offers lush green landscapes with manageable crowds. July–August sees the most domestic tourists. September and October bring clear skies and cooler temperatures ideal for hiking.
Essential travel tips
- Download the Trabzon Ulaşım app for city bus routes and real-time schedules
- Rent a car for day trips — Sumela, Uzungöl, and Ayder are difficult without one
- Trabzon Bordo-Mavi (Trabzonspor) football matches draw big crowds on weekends — book accommodation early
- The covered bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı) closes early on Sundays; plan shopping for weekdays
- Most restaurants serve alcohol but conservative dress is appreciated near mosques
Safety information
Keep valuables secure; petty theft can occur in crowded market areas
Use licensed taxis or ride apps; agree on fares before longer journeys
Carry photocopies of your passport; leave the original securely stored
Mountain areas near Kaçkar can be cold even in summer — carry layers
Carry some Turkish Lira cash; many smaller establishments do not accept cards
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Trabzon?
The best time to visit Trabzon is May–June and September–October.
Do I need a visa to visit Trabzon?
Citizens of many countries including the USA, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia 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 Trabzon?
The currency in Trabzon 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 Trabzon?
The main language(s) spoken in Trabzon: 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 Trabzon?
The top attractions in Trabzon include Sumela Monastery, Hagia Sophia of Trabzon, Uzungöl, Atatürk Mansion (Atatürk Köşkü), and Boztepe. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.