Rize is a travel destination worth visiting. Although the town is sparsely populated, it’s famous for having lush green plateaus, pristine rivers, and numerous tea farms. A tour of the region would be incomplete without visiting top tourist destinations such as Rize Castle, Ziraat Botanik Tea Garden, and Rize Museum. Aside from that, you can tour the local traditional villages. The villages are great places to learn about the local culture and interact with the natives. Since Rize is a culinary paradise, indulge your taste buds by sampling delicious foods such as piyaz, dolma, and bulgur. As tea is a popular drink in the area, you are treated to sights of numerous tea plantations. Most residents prefer tea over coffee or beer. That said, you’ll have plenty of activities to create fun and unforgettable memories. Read on for details about the top things to do in Rize, Turkey.
1. Take a stroll inside Rize Museum
Rize Museum is located in the heart of Rize and only a stone’s throw away from the city square. Its layout, cleanliness, and signage make it easier for you to move around it with ease. Other than that, you’re served by helpful and welcoming staff who go out of their way to ensure a pleasant tour. Some artifacts displayed in this historic place include clothes, furniture, and sculptures.
Rize Museum
Address: Piriçelebi, Antika Sok. No:4, 53020 Rize Merkez/Rize, Turkey
Website: Rize Museum
Opening hours: 8am - 4:30pm (daily)
2. Snap a photo outside Muradiye Heleke Camii
Pictures are a great way to capture moments in our lives, whether good or bad. While visiting Rize, take a picture at Muradiye Heleke Camii. The large mosque serves as both a landmark and a place of worship. As the mosque is set up on a hill, you’re treated to stunning views of Rize and its surroundings. The lush greenery around the mosque makes it an ideal travel destination.
Muradiye Heleke Camii
Address: 53950 Muradiye/Rize Merkez/Rize, Turkey
Website: Muradiye Heleke Camii
3. Indulge your taste buds at Dagmaran Restaurant
This modern restaurant is a ten-minute drive from the city center. The establishment takes pride in serving a variety of tastefully cooked meals at pocket-friendly prices. Visit the restaurant for delicious foods such as pide, borek, durum, and kunefe. Aside from that, the facility is set on an elevated point, giving you great views of Rize town. On one side of this establishment, you can also see the majestic Qibla Mountain.
Dagmaran Restaurant
Address: Balsu Cad.Dağbaşı Mevkii Tepeüstü No:103, 53000 Merkez/Rize, Turkey
Website: Dagmaran Restaurant
Opening hours: 8am - 12am (daily)
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4. Sample local tea at Ziraat Botanik Tea Garden
Are you looking for a nice place to sit and drink tea in Rize? If yes, then visit Ziraat Botanik Tea Garden. The establishment is nestled up on a hill so you enjoy stunning views of surrounding mountains and villages. Sit under a tree in the facility and enjoy a cup of tea or two in the company of friends or family. Besides that, the garden itself is attractive and comes with nice-smelling flowers. Interestingly enough, most locals prefer tea over coffee and that’s why such a facility came into being.
Ziraat Botanik Tea Garden
Address: Merkez, Atmeydanı, Narenciye Sk. No:16, 53020 Rize Merkez/Rize, Turkey
Website: Ziraat Botanik Tea Garden
Opening hours: 9am - 11pm (daily)
5. Dance the night away at Own kafe bar
For a combination of good music, a variety of drinks, and tasty food in Rize, consider hanging out in this joint. This entertainment spot is a place where you can enjoy a cold beer while interacting with friends and other merrymakers. The bar’s serene ambiance and live music also add to its attractiveness. Whenever you feel hungry, you can order their tasty food that’s prepared with customers in mind.
Own kafe bar
Address: Ekrem Orhon, Kültür Park No:83, 53020 Rize Merkez/Rize, Turkey
Website: Own kafe bar
Opening hours: Mon - Tue, Fri: 12:30pm - 1am; Wed - Thu, Sat - Sun: 10am - 1am
6. Eat out at Oz The Fisherman
A good way of sampling a travel destination’s food is by eating out. Oz The Fisherman is one restaurant in Rize serving delicious meals such as shish kebab, fish, and fried rice. Inside, the establishment is neat, airy, and nicely decorated, thus, offering a welcoming ambiance. There’s also a nice seating area on the outside where you can sit and enjoy the weather over food or a glass of juice. Additionally, food is sold at a fair price and in generous amounts.
Oz The Fisherman
Address: Ekrem Orhon, Kültür Park No:83, 53020 Rize Merkez/Rize, Turkey
Website: Oz The Fisherman
Opening hours: 10am - 1am (daily)
7. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from Rize Castle
Nestled atop a hill, this partly ruined castle dates back to the 13th century. It’ll take you seven minutes by car from the city center to reach this magnificent site. Being on an elevated level, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Rize and the surrounding scenery. If you’re looking for a perfect spot to take pictures of the extensive town, this is definitely the one. Don’t forget to stop at the facility’s cafe that serves food and drinks such as hot chocolate, sahlep, and winter tea.
Rize Castle
Address: Merkez, Kale Sk., 53100 Rize Merkez/Rize, Turkey
Opening hours: 8am - 12am (daily)
8. Spend time at Haura Coffee & Lounge
Not a lot of lounges are like Haura Coffee & Lounge in Rize. This modern restaurant is known to serve mouthwatering dishes such as pancakes, chicken, and meatballs. In addition to having a wide selection of menu options, food and drinks are reasonably priced. Customer service is also top-notch, with staff who go out of their way to make sure your time in the establishment is worthwhile. This joint is perfect for family or friends to meet up over delicious food and drinks.
Haura Coffee & Lounge
Address: Tophane, Atatürk Cd. No:329 D:333, 53020 Rize Merkez/Rize, Turkey
Website: Haura Coffee & Lounge
Opening hours: 9am - 12am (daily)
9. Explore history at Rize Ataturk Museum
Established in 1985, this museum serves as a memorial house. It is endowed with photographs and personal belongings explaining Ataturk’s visit to Rize in 1924. Ataturk is Turkey’s founding father. The former president stayed in this house that was later converted to a museum during his visit to Rize. Other amazing exhibitions in the museum include inscriptions and tombstones. If you’re looking for a good place to learn local history, consider touring Rize Ataturk Museum.
Rize Ataturk Museum
Address: Müftü, Kirazlık Sok. No:16, 53020 Rize Merkez/Rize, Turkey
Website: Rize Ataturk Museum
Create unforgettable memories in Rize
Restricting yourself to one place while visiting a new location hinders you from knowing it better so it is wise to move around and indulge in fun recreational activities during your free time. While visiting, engage in some of the top things to do in Rize, Turkey, and make every minute of your stay worthwhile.
In light of the February 2023 earthquake that devastated Turkey and Syria, Trip101 urges you to be apprised of the latest news if you have any plans to travel to Eastern Turkey. Other parts of the country remain open to travelers.
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