Boztepe Viewing Terrace: Trabzon from Above
Almost everyone who visits Trabzon sets aside an evening for Boztepe, the hill rising to the southeast of the city. The Boztepe Viewing Terrace is Trabzon's best-known viewpoint, taking in the Black Sea, the port, the old town and the surrounding green slopes in a single glance. It sits very close to the city center, and its tea gardens, sunsets and night views make it a favorite with first-time visitors and locals alike. In this guide, you'll learn how to get to Boztepe, what to do on the hill, which historic sites are nearby and the practical tips that will help you plan your visit.
Where Is Boztepe, and Why Do People Love It?
Boztepe is a hill rising just behind Trabzon's city center, a few kilometers from Meydan. It reaches several hundred meters above sea level, and because it sits so close to the shore, the panorama it offers is remarkably steep. Below lie the city's rooftops, the coastal road, the port and the Black Sea. Behind you, green hills roll toward Trabzon's interior.
There are several reasons people love this hill:
- Close to the center: It's just a short dolmuş or taxi ride from the city center.
- Sweeping views: On clear days, you can see far along the coastline.
- Tea garden culture: Sipping tea from a samovar while taking in the view at one of the hilltop tea gardens is a classic Trabzon experience.
- Historic surroundings: Historic landmarks such as Kızlar Monastery stand on its slopes.
Ancient sources are said to refer to the hill as Minthrion and describe it as a sacred place in antiquity. Today it is best known as a viewpoint where people come to watch the city meet the sea.
How to Get to Boztepe: Join Our City Tour
If you want to make the most of Boztepe in a short time, a guided city tour is the easiest option. You're picked up from your hotel and shown the city's highlights along with the stories behind them, with no traffic or parking hassles.
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or a meeting point
- Tour led by a guide who knows the region
- Peace of mind with a TÜRSAB-licensed agency
- Choice of a group tour or a private vehicle tour for your family
You can check dates, prices and the itinerary on the Trabzon City Tour page and book online. If you'd like a plan tailored to you or your group, message us on WhatsApp and we'll plan the route together.
What Can You See from Boztepe?
When you reach the viewing terrace, your eyes go straight to the sea. Then, little by little, the city comes into focus piece by piece:
- Trabzon Port and the coastal road: Ships, breakwaters and the road running along the shore are all clearly visible.
- Historic city center: Below you spread the area around Meydan, the old neighborhoods and the Ortahisar district, home to the castle walls.
- The coastline: On clear days, you can see distant points along the coast to both the east and the west.
- Green slopes: Behind you, hills dotted with houses stretch toward Trabzon's interior.
Black Sea weather changes quickly. A hill shrouded in morning mist can be completely clear by the afternoon, so if you happen to arrive on a cloudy day, it's wise to leave some flexibility in your schedule.
Things to Do in Boztepe
Don't think of Boztepe as just a place where you "go up, take a look and leave." There are plenty of reasons to spend a few hours on the hill.
Samovar tea in a tea garden
The first thing that comes to mind with Boztepe is drinking tea from a samovar on the terrace or in one of the tea gardens. Groups of friends and families settle in around the tables and chat for hours, and joining in is a great way to get a close-up look at everyday life in Trabzon. The tea comes with simple snacks such as corn, simit or toasted sandwiches.
Watching the sunset and the night view
The hill is busiest at sunset and in the hours that follow. The sun sinking toward the sea, followed by the city lights flickering on one by one, are Boztepe's most photographed moments. For the night view, we recommend staying at least half an hour after dark.
Photography
For a panoramic shot of the city, it's hard to find an easier spot in Trabzon than Boztepe. A wide-angle lens or your phone's panorama mode comes in very handy here. For night shots, it helps to bring a small tripod or find a stable surface to rest your camera on.
Picnics and short walks
There are picnic areas on and around the hill, and local families come here for picnics on weekends. Short walks around the viewing area let you take in the scenery from different angles.
Paragliding
Thanks to its commanding position above the coast, Boztepe has at times hosted tandem paragliding flights. Since these flights depend on weather conditions and operators' seasonal schedules, be sure to check the current situation before your visit if you'd like to give it a try.
More adrenaline in Trabzon
Boztepe is a peaceful viewpoint. If you're after a more action-packed day, turn to the outdoor activities in and around Trabzon. For example, the zipline activity in the highland and valley areas makes a great complement to a day spent in the city.
Historic Sites Around Boztepe
Kızlar Monastery
Set on the slopes of Boztepe, Kızlar Monastery (Theoskepastos) is one of Trabzon's most important historic buildings, built right against the rock face. The monastery, which drew attention through its lengthy restoration, is easy to combine with a visit to Boztepe. Visiting days and hours may change, so we recommend checking the latest information before you go.
Ahmet Baba Tomb and the old neighborhoods
The Ahmet Baba Tomb, on the hill and along the road leading up to it, is one of the spiritual sites visited by locals. The road to Boztepe passes through streets that still bear traces of old Trabzon houses, and if you take your time on the way down, you'll get a closer look at the city's architectural character.
Historic sites in the city center
Once you come down from the hill, the walls of Trabzon Castle, the old mosques of Ortahisar and, a little farther west, the Hagia Sophia Mosque and Museum are all within reach on the same day. Saving Boztepe for the end of the day and devoting the morning to these sites makes for a well-balanced plan.
When to Visit Boztepe
Boztepe can be visited year-round, but the season and time of day you choose will shape your experience:
- Spring and summer: Long days make it easy to watch the sunset. Evenings get busier, so it's best to arrive early, especially on weekends.
- Autumn: The air is cooler and clearer, and on dry days the view is wonderfully crisp.
- Winter: The hill can be windy and cold, but seeing the city under a blanket of snow on a snowy day is a unique experience.
The best time of day is generally to head up about an hour before sunset and come down after dark. That way, you'll enjoy both the daytime and the nighttime views in one visit. Morning hours suit photographers looking for a peaceful setting and soft light.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Bring a cardigan or jacket: The hill is windier than the city center and can get chilly even on summer evenings.
- Check the weather forecast: In fog and rain, the view can be largely hidden.
- Carry some cash: Most tea gardens accept cards, but a little cash makes small purchases easier.
- Plan around the crowds: Finding a table can be tricky on weekend evenings and during public holidays.
- Plan your ride back: Dolmuş services may run less often late in the evening, so keep a taxi in mind.
- Double-check the latest information: Tea garden opening hours and prices may vary by season, so check before your visit.
After coming down from the hill, you can head back to the city center for dinner and try a few Black Sea specialties. For ideas on what to eat, take a look at our guide to what to eat in Trabzon.
How to Add Boztepe to Your Trabzon Itinerary
If you're spending a few days in Trabzon, the most efficient plan is to visit Boztepe on the evening of the day you dedicate to the city center. You can then devote the remaining days to the major sights outside the city:
- Day 1: City center, Hagia Sophia, Atatürk Pavilion; Boztepe in the evening.
- Day 2: Sümela Monastery tour in Maçka and the Altındere Valley.
- Day 3: Uzungöl Tour to the lake and highlands of Çaykara.
This order lets you take in the city's overall layout from above on the first day, then dive deeper into Trabzon's nature and history on the days that follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an entrance fee for the Boztepe Viewing Terrace?
Boztepe is a public viewpoint and picnic area, so you shouldn't expect a separate entrance fee to enjoy the view. Spending at the tea gardens varies from one establishment to another.
How long does it take to get to Boztepe from the city center?
By dolmuş or taxi from the center, the trip up is usually short, depending on traffic. Walking up takes longer and is more tiring because of the steep incline.
What time of day offers the best view from Boztepe?
For many visitors, the best moment is sunset and the hours afterward, when the city lights come on. Those who prefer a peaceful setting and clear visibility may opt for the morning hours.
Is Boztepe suitable for children?
Yes, the picnic areas and tea gardens are family-friendly. At the viewpoints, we recommend keeping a close eye on children near the railings.
Can I visit Boztepe and Kızlar Monastery on the same day?
Yes, since the monastery sits on the slopes of Boztepe, the two can easily be combined in one visit. Check the monastery's opening days and hours in advance.
Conclusion
The Boztepe Viewing Terrace is a great starting point for getting to know Trabzon: in a single frame, you see how the city connects with the sea and the mountains. An evening spent with a glass of tea, the sunset and then the city lights coming on can become one of the most memorable moments of your Trabzon trip. By planning your transport and timing in advance, you can turn Boztepe into a relaxed itinerary alongside stops such as the city tour, Sümela and Uzungöl.
