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Trabzon

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City
—°19
Trabzon (Turkey)
ℹ️

Practical info — Trabzon

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Visit the Sumela Monastery early in the morning to beat the mist and the large tour groups.
  • Always carry an umbrella or raincoat, as the Black Sea weather can change in minutes.
  • Use the dolmuş (shared taxis) for an affordable way to get between the city center and the Hagia Sophia.
  • Head to Boztepe Hill at sunset for the best panoramic views of the city and the coastline.
  • Plan a full day for any trip to Lake Uzungöl due to the winding mountain roads.

🍽 Food

🍽
Akçaabat Köfte

These garlic-infused meatballs are a local specialty, best enjoyed in the seaside restaurants of the Akçaabat district.

🍽
Kuymak (Mıhlama)

A rich dish made of cornmeal, butter, and local cheese. Try it for breakfast at a cafe overlooking the Zagnos Valley.

🍽
Hamsi

The famous Black Sea anchovies are a must-try, especially in winter when they are served fresh in the harbor-side fish restaurants.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Silver Filigree (Telkari)

Trabzon is famous for handcrafted silver jewelry. Look for authentic pieces in the workshops of the old town.

🛍
Kemeraltı Bazaar

A historic market area where you can find everything from local spices to traditional copperware.

🛍
Sürmene Knives

Hand-forged knives from the nearby town of Sürmene are a highly regarded and popular local souvenir.

🧘
Ganita Waterfront

A peaceful spot by the sea, handy for a late afternoon tea while listening to the waves.

🧘
Zagnos Valley Park

A beautifully landscaped park located beneath the historic city walls, great for a relaxing stroll.

Trabzon is the premier port city on Turkey's Black Sea coast, boasting a history that spans several millennia. Founded by Greek settlers, it later became the capital of the Empire of Trebizond in the Middle Ages before being conquered by the Ottomans in 1461. The city's architectural landscape reflects this diverse past, most notably in the Hagia Sophia of Trabzon, a former church featuring significant Byzantine frescoes. Surrounded by the lush green peaks of the Pontic Mountains, the city enjoys a humid, temperate climate. Economically, Trabzon is a major hub for the hazelnut and tea trade, acting as a gateway to Central Asian markets. The nearby Sumela Monastery, dramatically built into a cliffside, is one of the region's most iconic landmarks. Local culture is defined by unique traditions like the Horon dance and a cuisine centered around the Black Sea anchovy (hamsi). Trabzon is also famous for its fervent football culture and its team, Trabzonspor.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C45710151922222016117
Rain mm88567161575440428011010183

Geography

Population
244,083 (2026)
Coordinates
41.00000, 39.71670

Facts

  • Established in the 8th century BC as Trapezus
  • Capital of the Empire of Trebizond until 1461
  • Major maritime gateway for Turkey's hazelnut exports
  • The local Hagia Sophia features some of the finest Byzantine art
  • The Sumela Monastery was founded during the reign of Theodosius I
  • Trabzonspor is one of the most successful football clubs in Turkey

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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Sights in the town Trabzon (19)

Ayasofya Plajı🎡 recreation

A beach near the Hagia Sophia of Trabzon on the Black Sea coast.

Guzelhisar Castle🏰 castle

A historic fortification in Trabzon that now serves as a park.

Ataturk Pavilion Museum🏛 museum

A historic mansion where Atatürk stayed during his visits to Trabzon.

Trabzon Museum🏛 museum

An archaeological and ethnographic museum housed in a splendid mansion.

🕒 Apr-Sep 09:00-18:00; Oct-Mar 08:00-17:00

Trabzon Literature Museum🏛 museum

A museum documenting the literary history of the Trabzon region.

Trabzon Aquarium👨‍👩‍👧 family

A public aquarium in Trabzon showcasing various marine species.

Trabzon Haluk Ongan State Theatre🎭 culture

A prominent state-run theater venue for performing arts in Trabzon.

Zaganos Pasha Tower🏰 castle

A historic defensive tower located within the city fortifications of Trabzon.

Alacahan🎭 culture

A cultural and arts center housed in a historic building in Trabzon.

Nemlioğlu Konağı🏺 historical

A historic mansion reflecting traditional Ottoman architecture in Trabzon.

Hajji Arif Turkish Bath🏺 historical

The historical remains of a traditional Turkish bathhouse in Trabzon.

🆓

Statue of Suleiman The Magnificent🏺 historical

A monument dedicated to Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in his birthplace, Trabzon.

Trabzon Sign📍 landmark

A popular decorative city sign and photo spot for visitors in Trabzon.

Boztepe Viewing Platform and Promenade📍 landmark

A high-altitude platform and walking area offering expansive views of Trabzon.

Hamamizade Ihsanbey Cultural Center🎭 culture

A central hub for cultural events, performances, and exhibitions in Trabzon.

Kızlar Manastırı⛪ religious

A historic Byzantine-era monastery for nuns overlooking the city of Trabzon.

Hagia Sophia Mosque⛪ religious

A former Byzantine church and museum, now serving as a mosque, known for its architecture and frescoes.

🕒 Apr-Oct 09:00-18:00; Nov-Mar 08:00-17:00

Ahi Evren Dede Cami⛪ religious

A historic mosque and tomb complex dedicated to Ahi Evren in Trabzon.

Erdogdu Bey Mosque📍 landmark

The Erdogdu Bey Mosque in Trabzon is a registered heritage monument from the Ottoman period.

Frequently asked questions

Why do tourists visit Trabzon?
Due to Sümela Monastery and the sweeping green mountain landscapes.
How do you reach Sümela Monastery?
Take a taxi or minibus from Trabzon to Altındere Park.
Is Trabzon rainy?
Yes, the Black Sea region is very green because it rains often.
What is the typical food?
Try 'Hamsi' (anchovies), a specialty of the region.
When is the best time to visit?
Late spring or summer are good for mild weather.
Trabzon: where is it located?
Trabzon is located in Turkey.
Trabzon: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ayasofya Plajı, Guzelhisar Castle, Ataturk Pavilion Museum.
Trabzon: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Trabzon: why is it worth visiting?
Trabzon is the premier port city on Turkey's Black Sea coast, boasting a history that spans several millennia.
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