Things to Do in Trabzon

This breathtaking Greek Orthodox monastery clings to a sheer cliff face high above a forested valley in Altındere National Park, about an hour south of the city. Founded in the Byzantine era and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, its rock-cut chapels are covered in vivid frescoes, while the surrounding park offers scenic trails and cool mountain air.

A 13th-century Byzantine church later turned mosque and museum, celebrated for its exceptional medieval frescoes and elegant stonework. Set in a garden above the sea on the western side of the city, it is one of the finest surviving monuments of the Empire of Trebizond.

A serene lake ringed by forested slopes and traditional wooden houses, reached by a scenic drive of roughly two hours into the mountains. It is Trabzon's most beloved highland retreat, ideal for lakeside walks, riverside tea houses, and watching mist roll over the peaks.

An elegant white villa set in leafy gardens on a hillside overlooking the city, used by Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk during his visits. Today it is a museum of period furnishings, with peaceful grounds and panoramic views over Trabzon and the sea.

The classic viewpoint rising directly above Trabzon, offering sweeping panoramas of the city rooftops, harbor, and Black Sea coastline. Its tea gardens and cafes are a favorite gathering place for locals, especially at sunset.

The historic heart of the city, where remnants of the medieval fortress walls stand beside Fatih Mosque, a former Byzantine church. Wandering the steep old streets here reveals stone bridges, deep ravines, and the layered past of the Empire of Trebizond.

Set in an ornately decorated early-20th-century mansion built by a wealthy Greek banker, this museum displays regional archaeology and ethnography across beautifully restored rooms. With its painted ceilings and hand-drawn wall decorations, the building itself is as much a highlight as the collection.

South of the city, the Zigana pass and nearby highland plateaus such as Hıdırnebi and Kadırga open onto rolling green pastures, wooden hamlets, and crisp alpine air. This is prime territory for scenic drives, hiking, and experiencing the traditional summer plateau culture of the Black Sea.

The region is famous for hamsi (Black Sea anchovies) prepared countless ways, alongside kuymak (a rich cornmeal-and-cheese fondue, also called muhlama), Vakfıkebir bread, and local hazelnuts. Sampling these specialties in a traditional restaurant is an essential part of any visit.

The lively market quarter around Kunduracılar Street and the historic Bedesten is where locals shop for regional cheeses, hazelnuts, tea, and handmade goods. It is the best place to soak up everyday Trabzon life and pick up authentic Black Sea products.

The waterfront around the Ganita area offers a pleasant coastal walk, rocky swimming spots, and seafront cafes looking out over the Black Sea. It is a relaxed place to unwind, watch the fishing boats, and enjoy the sea breeze.

One of the longest caves in Turkey, located in the Düzköy district inland from the city, with dramatic chambers, flowing underground water, and cool, mineral-rich air. A lit walking route lets visitors explore its striking stalactites and rock formations.