Top 7 Must-See Things to Do in Trabzon

If you’re dreaming of a getaway that offers breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, then Trabzon, a charming city by the Black Sea in northeast Turkey, should be at the top of your list! Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or foodie, Trabzon has something unforgettable for everyone. Picture wandering through ancient churches, exploring Ottoman-style homes, and indulging in delicious local dishes—all while soaking in the city's bustling markets and scenic beauty.

Want to experience Trabzon for yourself? With the easy-to-apply Turkey eVisa, your dream trip is just a few clicks away! Don’t miss out on the incredible adventures awaiting you in this hidden gem of Turkey. Let’s dive into the 7 must-try things in Trabzon to make your trip even more memorable. Apply for your Turkey eVisa today and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

7 Unforgettable Things to Do in Trabzon, Turkey

Trabzon, a stunning city on Turkey's Black Sea coast, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. From breathtaking landscapes to historic landmarks, there are countless experiences waiting for you. Here are 7 things to do in Trabzon that you simply can't miss on your next visit!

1. Discover Sumela Monastery

Perched dramatically on a cliffside overlooking lush forests, the Sumela Monastery is a marvel of medieval architecture. Dating back to the Byzantine era, this monastery is a serene retreat offering breathtaking views of the Altindere Valley. Visitors can hike through scenic trails to reach the monastery complex and explore its chapels, rock-cut rooms, and ancient frescoes - a journey back in time amidst tranquil natural surroundings. The monastery's interior is filled with elaborate artwork that portrays religious subjects, making it an enthralling Trabzon tourist attractions for anyone who enjoys both art and history.

Sumela Monastery

2. Go on a boat on Sera Lake

Sera Lake is a popular tourist place in Trabzon, known for its picturesque vistas and favorable climate. Situated amidst lush green mountains and valleys, the lake is formed by winter rains, creating a serene environment for visitors. It offers ideal conditions for picnics, with cool breezes enhancing the experience. Boating and bird-watching are also popular activities on the lake.

Visitors can explore the lake's surroundings via walking and cycling paths or enjoy skating during the winter months. Additionally, the area boasts several charming cafés and restaurants that serve delicious food suitable for family outings. Nearby, a renowned resort offers visitors the opportunity to indulge in the best lakeside experiences.

The best time to visit Sera Lake is during the summer months, renowned for its stunning sunrises and sunsets that enhance the beauty of the landscape. Whether relaxing by the lake, exploring nature trails, or enjoying local cuisine, Sera Lake promises a memorable experience for all.

3. Enjoy the scenic landscape of Uzungol

Uzungol, a beautiful lake encircled by verdant mountains, is a place to visit in Trabzon for nature enthusiasts. It is tucked away in a valley with majestic mountains and verdant trees, providing a breathtaking natural environment that draws tourists worldwide. In addition to enjoying boat excursions and relaxing walks, you may experience the surrounding eateries that cater delicious local dishes.

Take the chance to admire the magnificent views of the glistening lake, tranquil surroundings, and the spectacular mountain backdrop of Uzungol while you're there. The region is particularly gorgeous in the spring and summer when vivid vegetation blankets the neighboring slopes. 

To find hidden treasures and explore the area's unspoiled countryside, think about taking a stroll or nature walk. Strolling along the promenade along the lake allows visitors to take in the fresh air and enjoy scenic views of the lake and its environs. You may also take a boat excursion on the lake or rent a paddleboat to truly experience Uzungol's splendor. This lets you enjoy the serenity of the lake while taking beautiful pictures from an alternative angle.

Uzungol

4. Visit Trabzon Museum

Trabzon Museum is a perfect places to see in trabzon for those who are interested in art, and history, or just learning more about the region’s cultural legacy. Housed in a former church, this museum features an impressive collection of artifacts spanning centuries of Trabzon's history, including archaeological finds, ancient coins, and Byzantine relics. Visitors can learn about the history and culture of the area through the objects on exhibit at this museum, including traditional garments and antiques from the Ottoman era. 

Visiting the Trabzon Museum offers an opportunity to discover more about the area's former civilizations through displays showcasing ancient coins, jewelry, tools, pottery, and other relics. Especially, the museum's collection of artwork from the Byzantine era is one of its main attractions. Visitors are free to admire the exquisite icons, frescoes, and mosaics that showcase the Byzantine Empire's religious and artistic influences.

In addition, the museum displays Ottoman-era relics that offer insight into the area's more recent history. Authentic apparel, weapons, home goods, and other artifacts illuminate the existence and cultural legacy of the Ottoman era.

Ethnographic displays at the Trabzon Museum portray the habits, traditions, and way of life of the native populace. You may also discover more about the various facets of Trabzon's cultural history, such as music, traditional crafts, folklore, and more.

In terms of cultural values, the Trabzon Museum periodically holds cultural activities in which visitors may participate to interact with the regional arts and culture scene, such as talks, seminars, and temporary exhibitions.

Trabzon Museum

5. Engage in water sports in Trabzon

Engaging in water sports in Trabzon is an exhilarating experience amidst the stunning natural beauty of Turkey's Black Sea coast. Trabzon is known for its lush green landscapes and pristine beaches, which provide ample opportunities for a perfect beach getaway. Visitors can explore enormous thrilling water activities, such as kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skiing, parasailing, river rafting, tubing, diving, snorkeling, surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing along the coast. The breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding mountains add to the excitement of the overall experience. Fun packages are available for those seeking the best of these experiences, ensuring an adventure-filled and memorable time on the water.

6. Explore Trabzon's Bazaars

Exploring the bustling streets of Trabzon's Bazaar, known as the Trabzon Bedesten, is an unmissable experience for visitors. This vibrant marketplace, with a rich history dating back to the Byzantine era, has been a major trade point and cultural hub for centuries. It provides a genuine window into Trabzon inhabitants' everyday lives. You will experience the bright sights, sounds, and energy of a bustling marketplace as you tour the bazaar, making it a fascinating cultural encounter.

As you stroll through the bazaar, you'll encounter a wide array of shops offering diverse goods - from local textiles, spices, traditional clothing, handmade crafts, and carpets, to jewelry, and souvenirs. It is advisable to bargain so that you can get the best deals for these items. Engaging in friendly negotiations with shopkeepers is not only interactive but also a chance to hone your bargaining skills and secure great deals.

Visiting Trabzon's Bazaars allows you to embrace local customs, uncover unique treasures, and enjoy the lively ambiance of an authentic Turkish marketplace. It's also an excellent place to pick up some souvenirs for your loved ones and indulge in local flavors nearby. Moreover, there are small eateries and street food vendors catering traditional delights like hamsi pilavı (anchovy pilaf) and Trabzon pide (Turkish flatbread).  Don't miss trying this famous local food!

Last but not least, as with any visit to a marketplace, you should watch out for your belongings,  pay attention to your surroundings, and take advantage of the chance to interact with the locals.

Trabzon Bazaars

7. Relax at Çal Cave

Another well-known tourist place in Trabzon to add to your itinerary is Calkoy Cave, which is the second-longest cave in the world. The cave spans eight kilometers; however, barely a kilometer of its length is accessible to tourists. Wooden bridges have been constructed for tourism purposes above and alongside a freshwater river that flows through the cave. In addition to seventy-two rooms inside, Calkoy Cave also draws tourists with lots of water pools, sparkling stalactites, and stalagmites. It's an amazing site where you can witness raw natural mineral formations and hear people's voices echoing back.

Visitors must pass through the waterfall at the entrance to access the cave. The interior has well-lit corridors that are both large and small, and the temperature is around five degrees lower than outdoors. In addition, a variety of dining establishments with stunning views of the surroundings may be found outside the caverns.

Calkoy Cave

Plan Your Ultimate Adventure to Discover Trabzon, Turkey

Best time to visit Trabzon, Turkey

The best time to go to Trabzon, on Turkey's Black Sea coast, is in spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). These times bring soft weather and less rain, making it good for walks and fun outside.  

In spring, the air stays between 10°C and 19°C, with May being quite nice. This is the best time to see places like Uzungöl Lake and the nearby hills, which are green and full of life.  

Fall feels much the same, with 20°C in September, getting cooler by November. The cool air and bright leaves make trips to old spots like the Sumela Monastery and Trabzon Castle even better.  

Summer (June to August) is packed with visitors due to sunny skies and local events. But it also gets sticky and costs for places to stay go up. The heat can climb to 26°C.  

Winter in Trabzon lasts from December to February. It is cool and wet, with average temperatures near 5°C. Few people visit then, so prices are lower. But the rain may stop you from doing things outside.

For nice weather and fewer crowds, go to Trabzon in spring or fall.

Getting to Trabzon, Turkey

Trabzon, an old port town on Turkey's Black Sea, can be reached by plane, bus, or car.

By Plane:

Trabzon Airport (TZX) is about 6 kilometers from the city center. Turkish Airlines and others fly direct from Istanbul to Trabzon. The flight takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes.

By Bus:

Many bus companies run trips to Trabzon from big cities in Turkey. The trip from Istanbul is about 900 kilometers and lasts 15 to 16 hours.

By Car:

You can drive to Trabzon, but trips from far cities take a long time. The Black Sea road has pretty views, but unless you want to visit towns on the way, flying and renting a car in Trabzon may be easier.

Getting around Trabzon:  

In Trabzon, people use minibuses (dolmuş) and taxis the most. There are no metro trains or trams here. The small, curvy roads make minibuses a top pick for locals and travelers.  

Think about where you start, how much you can spend, and what you like when choosing how to get around. 

Stay in Trabzon, Turkey

Trabzon, a city on Turkey's Black Sea coast, offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit various budgets.

Luxury Accommodations:

For a top stay, try the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Trabzon. It has modern rooms and a private beach. Another choice is the Radisson Blu Hotel Trabzon, with stylish rooms and great service. These spots mix ease and class, perfect for those wanting a fancy trip.

Mid-Range Options:

The Mercure Trabzon Hotel has cozy rooms and a pool for summer. It’s a good mix of value and quality. Holiday Inn - Trabzon-East also gives modern rooms, plus a garden and shared lounge, great for those who like both ease and style.

Budget-Friendly Choices:

If you need cheaper picks, Sera Lake Center Hotel has simple rooms at a fair price. Kuhla Hotel, about 8 km from town, has cool air rooms and a place to eat, good for saving money. Panagia Premier Trabzon is also praised for its great service and low cost.

When planning your stay, consider the location and amenities that best suit your needs and budget. Trabzon's diverse accommodation options ensure that every traveler can find a suitable place to stay.

FAQs about Trabzon, Turkey

What to do in Trabzon?

Located on the Black Sea coast of Turkey, Trabzon offers a unique blend of history, culture and natural beauty. Visit the beautiful Sumela Church perched on a cliff or discover the Hagia Sophia of Trabzon, a beautiful Byzantine church. Take a walk or picnic at Uzungól, a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains, and enjoy the lush green landscape. If you want to get to know the local culture, wander around the Trabzon bazaar. Don’t miss the Atatürk Tower and learn about Turkish history. With its rich heritage and beautiful scenery, Trabzon will offer nature lovers and history enthusiasts an unforgettable experience.

Is Trabzon worth visiting?

Yes, Trabzon is definitely worth a visit! Trabzon is a fascinating place that perfectly combines beauty, culture and adventure. It has beautiful landscapes such as lush green hills on the Black Sea coast, beautiful lakes such as Uzungöl and beautiful waterfalls. History buffs can explore the Sumela Monastery, an ancient Greek Orthodox ruin perched on a cliff, or visit the Hagia Sophia in Trabzon, a blend of Byzantine and Ottoman architectural styles.

For those looking for outdoor activities, the mountains and valleys surrounding Trabzon offer excellent walking, hiking and winter sports. The city's rich culture adds to its appeal, as does the excellent local cuisine, including the famous Akçaabat stone and a variety of seafood. Whether you are interested in history, nature or food, Trabzon is worth exploring.

How is Trabzon in winter?

Trabzon is a beautiful place that combines the beauty of winter and nature. Regular snowfall in the region turns the mountains, forests and hills into a picturesque winter wonderland. Visitors can enjoy the Zigana Mountains and Haldizen Mountains, where winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding are also intense. The calm ice and snow also create a perfect environment for walking and hiking.

Also, Trabzon's gastronomy shines in the cold months. Hearty soups, traditional dishes like anchovy, local delicacies like muhlama, kuymak bring comfort and warmth. Whether you are an explorer or a nature lover, Trabzon's winter charm will definitely impress you.

Trabzon invites travelers to immerse themselves in historical landmarks, natural wonders, and warm hospitality. It’s worth discovering the magic of Trabzon and creating unforgettable memories in this enchanting corner of Turkey. Get your Turkey e-visa now and cherish all the delights with your family on your journey to Trabzon attractions!