Trabzon is an underrated tourist destination in Turkey but is a gem worth visiting and exploring. With beautiful sceneries stretching beyond the majestic Back Sea, there are huge lakes in between tall mountains, green and thick forests promising an unexplored world, castles, and ruins translating to centuries of culture, history, and architecture, as well as great and enjoyable nightlife in Trabzon. The range of accommodations is also impressive, from luxe hotels to cozy Vrbo and Airbnb vacation rentals Your visit to Turkey will be enriching and memorable.
When in the beautiful country of Turkey, explore all of these things to do in Trabzon, Turkey.
1. Enjoy the natural wonders of the Black Sea coast (from USD 800.0)
Go on a full-packed 5-day tour in Trabzon featuring a total of 22 stops along the coast of the Black Sea. You can choose between a private or a small-group tour, and even have the option to customize your itinerary considering the recommendations of your local guide. The tour starts in Trabzon, visiting famous landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia Museum and discovering the beauty of the Sera Lake.
In the succeeding days, you’ll be touring other coastal areas such as Sumela, Uzungol, Ayder Village in Rize, and many more.
Black Sea Coast to Highlands 5-Day Private Boutique Tour
Duration: 5 days
2. Marvel at the rich marine life at Trabzon Aquarium
The Trabzon Aquarium is definitely one of the places you must visit in Trabzon. The aquarium houses an impressive number of marine life, around 80 different species, and a total of 5000 organisms. It is situated between the Zagnos and Tabhana valleys in Ortahisar, Trabzon, and is 193 meters (633.20 feet) long. There is a separate section for freshwater organisms, another for reptiles and amphibians, and another for non-aquatic creatures such as bats and swamp animals.
It also provides a great learning experience with information on the developmental stages of a shark, as well as different plants that can be found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans.
Trabzon Aquarium
Address: 1 Nolu Erdoğdu, Şelale Sk. No:11, 61040 Ortahisar/Trabzon, Türkiye
Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily)
3. Revel in the architecture of Trabzon's Hagia Sophia Museum
Once a church, which was later converted to a mosque, the Hagia Sophia Museum is steeped in history and is one of the most famous attractions in Trabzon, Turkey. Rich architecturally, the museum, not to be confused with the more popular building in Istanbul, stands tall in plain view of the coast of the Black Sea and beyond. Boasting Byzantine architectural style and large green lawns, where you can find ancient cannons standing majestically, the building offers many conserved frescoes that boast history and heritage. Apart from that, the Hagia Sophia Museum also has a garden café where you can indulge in local cuisine before continuing your tour.
Trabzon's Hagia Sophia Museum
Address: Fatih, muze alti, Fatih Neighborhood, State coastal road, Ustabas Apt. No. 331/A, 61200 Ortahisar / Trabzon
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4. Visit the ruins of Trabzon Castle
Trabzon Castle is not really a castle. It is a long series of walls that runs along the borders of Trabzon. It borders the Black Sea, giving visitors a splendid view of the horizon. The spot is always filled with visitors; therefore, it is best you plan your trip ahead before visiting. The place is more of a ruin, giving visitors the feeling that they have stepped back in ancient Turkish history. Apart from a walk around the area, you can also opt to go on a drive around the walls to see more. You may also rest and relax in many great local restaurants located nearby and chill at the beach after your tour.
Trabzon Castle
Address: Ortahisar, Burç Sk. No: 10, 61030 Trabzon Merkez / Trabzon, Turkey
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
5. Peep into the past at Trabzon Museum
The museum, a white and beige building, standing majestically in Trabzon, is also known as Kostaki Mansion and one of the best places to visit in Trabzon. Showcasing an excellent work of architecture, it is believed that many of the building’s ideas and materials during construction were from Italy. Therefore, you may see a touch of Italian architecture in the museum’s structure. There are three floors of the exhibition, so you will have your time fully utilized when you go for a visit. The ground floor showcases the history of the building, and the interior here is said to be unique and decorated with hand-crafted ornaments. The first floor has an ethnographic exhibition, where you will get to see the lifestyle of the people in the region; and the second floor is dedicated to archaeology, where you will be treated to a large number of collections from ancient times.
Trabzon Museum
Address: Gazipaşa, Zeytinlik Cd. No: 7, 61030 Trabzon Merkez / Trabzon, Turkey
Opening hours: 9:30am - 5:30pm (daily)
6. Enjoy the scenery from Atatürk Pavilion
Said to be the abode of Ataturk, the prominent figure who was instrumental in the formation of the Republic of Turkey, the house is a beauty in white, with its own pond and a gorgeous garden stretched at the front. Located at a hillside, the pavilion provides a majestic view, especially from one of its balconies. All four floors in the building boast great interior design and decorative works. It provides you with an experience of a lifetime. Photography is not allowed in the interiors, but you can click as many images of the exterior as you want. Don’t miss the pavilion during your trip, as it is said to be the symbol of the city!
Atatürk Pavilion
Address: Soguksu, Ata Cd. No: 1, 61040 Ortahisar / Trabzon, Turkey
Website: Atatürk Pavilion
7. Explore Trabzon Meydan Parkı
Trabzon Meydan Parkı is essentially a park, where the bustling fun of Trabzon is centered. With many restaurants, cafés, coffee shops, bazaars, and shopping areas located in it, the park is a must-visit for every type of tourist. It is also recommended that you book your place of stay adjacent to the park so that you are only a walking distance to the park. The proximity also allows you to walk over anytime you want to buy food, ornaments, souvenirs, and many more. You may travel to other places nearby if you book your accommodation near here.
Trabzon Meydan Parkı
Address: Iskenderpasa Merkez, Uzun Sk., 61100 Ortahisar / Trabzon, Turkey
Website: Trabzon Meydan Parkı
Price: Free
8. Enjoy a stroll in Zagnos Valley Park
Located by Trabzon Castle, this park offers a picturesque view with lush greenery and red pavement. It is highlighted by the gorgeous backdrop of castle ruins. It is an idyllic place to visit after a long day of touring. The park has various covered places to sit, rest, and picnic. Apart from that, your kids will love the animals roaming the place, such as ducks, geese, swans, rabbits, and many more. As your kids run engaging in multiple activities, you can just relax and unwind while taking in the fantastic view. What’s more, you can take many Instagram-worthy shots here!
Zagnos Valley Park
Address: Gülbaharhatun, Şenol Güneş Cd. No: 15, 61040 Trabzon Merkez / Trabzon, Turkey
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
9. Shop at Bedesten
Looking for a place to shop for souvenirs and trinkets? Look no further than Bedestan. Designed as a market hall, Bedesten is a happening place for all tourists looking to purchase memorabilia. The building in itself takes you back in time, with walls arranged in bricks and gold lettering embedded at the entrance. The building is touted as the oldest commercial structure in Trabzon; therefore, you can imagine the history you may be walking into when you visit the structure. Its top-floor café is a crowd favorite.
Bedesten
Address: Çarşı, Bedesten Cd. No: 36, 61200 Trabzon Merkez / Trabzon, Turkey
Opening hours: 10am – 11pm (daily)
10. Take a walk around Kanuni Evi
Kanuni Evi is a cultural house focusing on Kanuni Sultan Suleyman, who was born in Trabzon. The premise showcases the life of a prominent figure. The house also boasts wax statues of various Sultans of the olden times and various materials and resources of the period. The yellow building is easily spotted from far and has four floors including a basement and a penthouse. The architecture of the building is interesting, as it has a fusion of modern design and Turkish features.
Kanuni Evi
Address: Ortahisar, Zağnos Cd. 21 A, 61030 Trabzon Merkez / Trabzon, Turkey
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
11. Enjoy a tour in Trabzon City Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Trabzon City Museum is a place you must not miss if you are a fan of Turkish history and culture. The museum was recently renovated and some interactive facilities such as touch-screen exhibitions were added to enrich your user experience. You get to learn more about the Black Sea region in general, and Trabzon specifically, during your visit here. If you are traveling in a group, it would be great if you have someone who can read and speak Turkish or perhaps get your guide into the museum with you, as most descriptions and explanations are in Turkish.
Trabzon City Museum
Address: Kemerkaya, Kahramanmaraş Cd. No: 14, 61200 Ortahisar / Trabzon, Turkey
Website: Trabzon City Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 8.30am - 5.30pm (closed on Mon)
12. Explore the surreal Uzungol Lake (from USD 72.0)
Uzungol Lake is perhaps the star attraction of the city. It is a blue lake located at the base of the Soğanlı Mountains and is surrounded by villages as well as a majestic mosque. It is a developing tourist area and is studded with a number of hotels. It takes an entire day to cover the entire lake. There are many things to do here. You can go hiking in the mountains, angling in the lakes, cycling in the area, or you can even just walk about and explore the area on foot. A few kilometers away also lie a number of crater lakes and plateaus for you to visit.
Private Tour: Uzungol Lake Tour
Duration: 8 hours
Gain precious memories by visiting Trabzon
Trabzon is a majestic and beautiful place to visit, as it offers a rare fusion of modern lifestyle and ancient architecture. It is a quaint town by the sea. Visit Trabzon to experience a new world, one that is rich in history and is gorgeous at present.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Trabzon, Ortahisar/Trabzon, Turkey
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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