Turkey · 2026 itinerary
Trabzon 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Trabzon: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
Ruins of a Byzantine-era fortress right in the city centre, on a hill above the bazaar. Three levels – upper, middle, lower – but the best views are from the upper section near the clock tower.
🕐 Open 24/7 as a public space; interior towers not accessible.
Free entry💡 Free to walk around the exterior and climb the walls. The lower castle area is now a residential neighbourhood and not much to see. Focus on the upper castle walls for panoramic shots of the Black Sea.
Hotels near Trabzon Castle (Ortahisar) →A large hilltop park with a tea garden and sweeping views of Trabzon, the harbour, and the Black Sea. Accessible by cable car (üç parası) or a winding road.
🕐 Park open 24/7; cable car runs 8am–midnight.
Free entry💡 Cable car (teleferik) costs about 10 TL one-way (very cheap in 2025). Go just before sunset – bring a jacket as it can be windy. The tea garden charges standard prices, so you can nurse a cay for an hour without being rushed.
Hotels near Boztepe Hill →Şişman Cafe & Bar · ££
Cemilusta · ££
Deeper Into Trabzon
Early 20th-century wooden villa built by a Greek merchant, later used by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Now a museum with original furnishings and a beautiful hillside garden overlooking the city and sea.
🕐 Tuesday–Sunday 9am–5pm (may close for lunch 12:30–1:30). Closed Mondays.
💡 Free entry, but you need a free ticket from the counter. The garden is the real highlight – bring a picnic and sit on one of the benches facing the sea. Best light for photos is late afternoon.
A grand 19th-century Italianate mansion-turned-museum, built for a local banker. Exhibits cover Trabzon’s history from antiquity to the Ottoman era, plus a beautiful stained-glass ceiling and period r
🕐 Tuesday–Sunday 9am–5pm (closed Mondays). Last entry 30 mins before close.
💡 Entry is around 20 TL (2025 price), but often discounted for students. The garden is free and worth a wander – look for the hidden mosaic floors in the courtyard. Ask at reception about audio guide – sometimes free if available.
Aloha Cafe
Bay Lahmacun
Final Favourites & Departure
Greek Orthodox monastery carved into a sheer cliff face in Altındere Valley National Park, about an hour's drive from Trabzon. Built in the 4th century, restore
💡 Go early morning (opens at 8am) to avoid tour buses and the worst of the queues. The walk up from the car park is steep, but shuttle buses run for a small fee – worth it on a hot day.
Rooz
Seyri Sefa Kafe & Restoran
Getting Around Trabzon
The shuttle drops you at Atapark, a 10-minute walk south along Uzun Sokak to the hotel. Buses run less frequently after 20:00.
Taxis queue outside arrivals. Agree on the fare before getting in—most drivers quote a flat rate. Pay in cash, as card machines aren't guaranteed.
Download BiTaksi in advance—it shows the fare upfront and avoids haggling. For short hops from Meydan Park to the hotel, it's cheaper than a street taxi.
Tap your prepaid card (Kent Kart) on boarding. Stay on until Pelin Apart stop, then walk 3 minutes north. Cash isn't accepted on the bus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Trabzon?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Trabzon Castle (Ortahisar) and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Trabzon?
See our full best time to visit Trabzon guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Okianus, Horon, Ts Park Otel. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.