15 Best Things to Do in Trabzon

Many travellers visiting the Black Sea for the first time know Trabzon only for Uzungöl and Sümela Monastery. Yet the city offers more than enough variety to fill a holiday of several days. In this guide, we've rounded up the 15 most popular things to do in Trabzon, from strolling through the city centre to camping in the highlands, and from ziplining and skiing to watching the horon dance. We also briefly explain which season suits each activity best and how to plan it. We put this list together with out-of-town visitors spending 2–5 days in the city in mind. The activities are ordered from easy to challenging and from the city centre out to the highlands, so you can build a programme that matches your own pace.

Things to Do in the City Centre

On your first day in Trabzon, getting to know the city itself is a great start, rather than setting off on a long journey. Most activities in the centre are within walking distance and require no special preparation.

1. Take in the city views over tea at Boztepe

Rising just above the city, Boztepe is the best-known viewpoint, where you can see Trabzon and the Black Sea in a single frame. Sitting in one of the tea gardens at sunset and watching the city lights flicker on is one of visitors' favourite moments. For more details, check out our Boztepe Viewing Terrace guide.

2. Explore Meydan, Kunduracılar Street and the bazaar

The area around Meydan Park is the city's main meeting point. From here, you can stroll towards Kunduracılar Street and the historic bazaar, soaking up local life and doing some shopping along the way. Hasır bracelets, Trabzon cheese, butter, hazelnuts and Black Sea tea are among the most popular buys.

3. Walk or cycle along the coastal road

The walking paths stretching along Trabzon's coastline are ideal for enjoying the sea breeze and watching the sunset. You can take a walk through the seaside parks, cycle along suitable sections or take a break in a tea garden. As bike rental options can vary, we recommend checking the latest information on site.

4. Visit Hagia Sophia and the Atatürk Pavilion

Dating back to the 13th century, Trabzon's Hagia Sophia Mosque is one of the city's landmarks, known for its frescoes and seaside setting. The Atatürk Pavilion in Soğuksu offers a short yet delightful visit with its garden and architecture. These stops are also included in our Trabzon City Tour, so you can see them all in one day without worrying about transport.

History and Culture Experiences

Trabzon boasts a deep-rooted history stretching from the Komnenos dynasty to the Ottoman era. Seeing this heritage first-hand adds a whole new depth to your trip.

5. Visit Sümela Monastery

Carved into a sheer cliff in the Altındere Valley in Maçka, Sümela Monastery is Trabzon's most visited attraction. The forest walk through the valley and the sight of the monastery clinging to the rock face are an experience in themselves. Visiting hours and restoration status change from time to time, so check the latest information before you go. For a guided option with transport included, our Sümela Tour is a hassle-free choice.

6. Trabzon Museum and historic houses

Housed in the Kostaki Mansion, Trabzon Museum offers a great overview of the city's archaeological and ethnographic past. A short walk past the old houses and along the city walls around Ortahisar rounds off your museum visit nicely.

7. Listen to the kemençe and watch the horon

The kemençe and the horon lie at the heart of Black Sea culture. At festivals held in the summer months, as well as at some restaurants and cultural events, you'll have the chance to hear live kemençe music and watch the horon. If you're feeling brave, join the circle; nobody expects you to be an expert.

Highland and Nature Activities

Trabzon's true treasure is its highland plateaus, just an hour or two from the coast. From late May to October, these areas are at their best for hiking and outdoor activities.

8. Hike around Uzungöl

Located in Çaykara, Uzungöl suits visitors of all ages thanks to the flat walking path that loops around the lake. Those who want a longer hike can head up to the surrounding viewpoints and highland plateaus. Around the lake you'll also find swings, photo spots and tea gardens. To plan what to see, have a look at our 7 Places to Visit in Uzungöl article, and to skip the hassle of getting there, join our Uzungöl Tour.

9. Hıdırnebi Plateau and Çal Cave

Hıdırnebi Plateau in Akçaabat is famous for its views above a sea of clouds and its wooden highland houses. Çal Cave in Düzköy is one of Trabzon's natural caves. You can see both in a single day; our Hıdırnebi Tour combines these two stops.

10. Highland camping and nature photography

The plateaus around Kadırga, Sultan Murat and Uzungöl are popular spots for tent camping and nature photography in summer. Early mornings, when the mist rises and clears, are the most rewarding time for photos. If you plan to camp, bring a raincoat and warm clothing, as the weather in the highlands can change quickly, and find out about camping permits and rules in advance.

11. Join a highland festival

In July and August, traditional festivals are held on Trabzon's highland plateaus. Kemençe music, the horon, local dishes and a lively, festive atmosphere are what these events have in common. As dates can change every year, be sure to check the current calendar with local sources.

Adventure and Adrenaline Activities

There are also options in and around Trabzon for those seeking a bit of excitement in nature. Most of these activities depend on weather conditions and the season.

12. Ziplining, ATVs and giant swings

In the tourist highland areas, especially Uzungöl, ziplines, ATV tours and giant swings with panoramic views draw plenty of visitors. Operators and prices can vary from season to season, so it's a good idea to get information before you go. Don't take part in these activities without making sure the safety equipment is complete.

13. Rafting and riverside activities

The fast-flowing rivers of the Black Sea can be ideal for rafting in spring and early summer. The region's best-known rafting routes are on the Fırtına River in neighbouring Rize, easily reached on a day trip from Trabzon. Even if you don't go rafting, picnics and short walks along the riverbank are thoroughly enjoyable.

Winter Activities

Trabzon isn't just a summer destination. When the snow falls, the highlands and mountain roads take on a whole new look.

14. Skiing and sledding at Zigana

Located within the borders of Maçka, Zigana Ski Resort is the closest ski area to Trabzon and suits both beginner skiers and families looking for sledding fun. For details, read our Zigana Ski Resort guide, and if you're looking for a programme with equipment and transport included, check out our Ski Tour activity. A snow-covered Uzungöl is another of winter's special delights.

Food and Local Life Activities

15. Go on a local food tour

In Trabzon, eating is an activity in its own right. You could devote an entire day just to tasting:

• Breakfast: kuymak (mıhlama), Trabzon butter, highland cheese and honey.
• Lunch: Akçaabat köfte or, in season, hamsi (anchovies).
• Dinner: kayık pide, collard greens soup and laz böreği.
• In between: freshly brewed Black Sea tea and hazelnut desserts in a tea garden.

At the end of summer, visiting the tea gardens in the districts east of Trabzon can be a fascinating experience for those keen to learn about the region's farming culture.

Sample 3-day activity itinerary

For those who want to turn the list into a concrete plan, here's a simple example:

• Day 1 – City: Hagia Sophia and Trabzon Museum in the morning, shopping at Meydan and the bazaar in the afternoon, sunset and tea at Boztepe in the evening.
• Day 2 – Maçka route: Sümela Monastery and a forest walk in the Altındere Valley; on the way back, kuymak or alaçayı at a local restaurant.
• Day 3 – Çaykara route: A walk around Uzungöl, ziplining or swings depending on the season, a tea break and photos by the lake.

If you have an extra day, you can add Hıdırnebi Plateau and Çal Cave, or if you're visiting in winter, spend the day skiing at Zigana. Since the roads between the coast and the highlands are winding, sticking to one main route per day leaves more time for activities.

Practical Tips for Planning Activities in Trabzon

• Choose the right season: June–September is ideal for highland and nature activities, while December–March is best for skiing.
• Keep an eye on the weather: Rain is frequent and sudden on the Black Sea coast, and mist in the highlands can quickly reduce visibility.
• Dress in layers: There's a noticeable temperature difference between the coast and the highlands. A raincoat and comfortable walking shoes are a must.
• Group your itinerary: Planning the city centre, the Maçka–Sümela route and the Çaykara–Uzungöl route on separate days cuts down on travel time.
• Check the latest information: Museum hours, activity prices and festival dates may change, so confirm before you set off.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days are enough for the activities in Trabzon?

Setting aside at least 3 days for the city centre, Sümela and Uzungöl allows for a relaxed pace. If you'd like to add highland camping, Hıdırnebi or day trips to neighbouring provinces, 4–5 days is a better fit.

What activities can you do with children in Trabzon?

The seaside parks, Boztepe, the flat walking path at Uzungöl, Çal Cave and sledding at Zigana in winter are all family-friendly options. For adrenaline activities, check age and height restrictions with the operator.

What can you do in Trabzon when it rains?

Trabzon Museum, Hagia Sophia, the Atatürk Pavilion, shopping at the bazaar and a long, leisurely meal at a local restaurant are great alternatives for rainy days.

Should I do the activities on a tour or on my own?

You can easily explore the city centre on your own. For more distant spots such as Sümela, Uzungöl and the highland plateaus, however, guided day tours are more practical for most visitors given the driving, parking and time planning involved.

Conclusion

With its historic sites, highland plateaus, cuisine and year-round events, Trabzon appeals to every kind of traveller. You can tailor this list of things to do in Trabzon to your own interests to create a well-balanced itinerary: one day for the city and its history, one for the lake and highlands, and one for food and shopping. Keep the season and the weather in mind, and you'll leave this beautiful Black Sea city with unforgettable memories.