Budget Travel to Trabzon 2024
Welcome to Trabzon!
Trabzon is a small city situated on the Black Sea coast of Türkiye. This city and its surrounded area offer travellers a perfect mix of history, wonderful landscapes, and great food.
If you are looking for a laid back and peaceful destination, then Trabzon could be a good place for you. The city itself isn´t the prettiest place in Turkey, but it can be used as a base to explore some wonderful attractions in the surrounding region.
This complete Trabzon travel guide will give you all the tips and advice you need to have a great time there without breaking the bank.
We are going to show you the best sights, the cheapest places to stay, the best food, the most affordable nightlife, and how to get there for less money.
Key Takeaways
- Visitors can explore historical landmarks like Trabzon Castle and Hagia Sophia Museum (Mosque), enjoy panoramic views from Boztepe Hill, and take affordable boat trips along the Black Sea coast.
- There are lots of nearby attractions including the picturesque Uzungöl lake and town, Altındere National Park, Çal Cave, and the beautiful Sumela monastery that is hidden on a mountain cliff.
- There is budget-friendly accommodation options available that include hostels, budget hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb rentals, that offer travellers both comfort and affordability.
- Enjoying Trabzon’s cuisine on a budget is possible with plenty of tasty delights like pide and local restaurants and lokantas that offer traditional dishes like kuymak and hamsi pilavı (rice with anchovies).
- There are affordable transportation options including flights to Trabzon Airport, domestic/international flights, and intercity buses. Local buses, taxis, offer convenient ways to get around the city.
- You should consider visiting Trabzon in the late spring or early autumn to avoid crowds and enjoy mild weather, prices are lower and there are less crowds, although there is more chance of rain.
Where is Trabzon?
Trabzon is located on Turkey’s Black Sea coast. It is both the name of a city as well as the name of the province. It is approximately 1,050 kilometres east of Istanbul and 760 Kilometres north east of the capital, Ankara.
If you are planning to travel to the neighbouring country of Georgia, then Trabzon is just 370 kilometres by road from the border and about 400 Kilometres from the Georgian coastal city of Batumi.
Map of Trabzon
A Brief History of Trabzon
Trabzon was originally founded by the Greeks in 756 BC, it later became part of the Byzantine Empire until it was captured by the Ottomans in 1461.
It has always been one of the most important trading ports of the Black Sea. The city has a rich in history, with many fascinating landmarks and attractions that are sure to interest budget travellers.
Things to Do and See in and around Trabzon
Ataturk Köşkü (Mansion)
This interesting museum is situated 4 km south of the city of Trabzon. It used to be one of the homes of Mustafa Kemal, who founded modern-day Turkey. It opens between 8.00 and 19.00 in the summer months.
There are some of Ataturks personal items, as well as some beautiful ottoman style furniture. It takes about 20-30 minutes to see everything and there is a small entrance fee of about one euro.
Hagia Sophia (Mosque)
The Hagia Sophia Museum has now been converted into a Mosque. It ıs another historically important tourist spot that is worth visiting.
It is a beautiful example of a Byzantine building and was once a Greek Orthodox church with beautiful fresco paintings.
Visitors are charged a small entrance fee and you should try to plan your trip so that it avoids prayer times.
Trabzon City Museum
This museum is also known as the Kostaki mansion, which was the family name of the Greek banker who originally built the house.
Trabzon has a population that is made up of a mix of Turks and people of Greek origins who are called the Pontics.
The house was used as a military headquarters during the Turkish War of Independence (1919-1923).
There are many historical items in the museum that refer to the War There are also and there are some interesting Islamic works of art and historical treasures from the early Ottoman era.
The museum covers an area of 1500 m2, which is distributed across three floors. It opens from 8.30 to 17.30 and charges a small entrance fee of less than a euro.
Trabzon Castle
One of the must-see historical landmarks is called Trabzon Castle. Although this medieval structure is actually not a castle, but the remains of the Byzantine fortified walls. The fortifications were designed to protect the old town district of Trabzon.
What remains of the city walls is divided into three parts which are located on a hill above the city and offer visitors some great panoramic views of the town below.
They are especially beautiful at night when they are lit up. It doesn´t cost anything to go up to the walls and it is a great place to take photographs.
Boztepe Hill
Another must-see Trabzon attraction is a trip to Boztepe tea gardens. Set up on the side of a hill, you will be able to take in the incredible beauty of Trabzon City and the Turkish Black Sea Coast.
You can enjoy a nice cup of Turkish tea and relax after a sightseeing trip..
Most of the tea plantations in the region are located in nearby province of Rize and it is also possible to take an excursion to see them.
Boat Trips from Trabzon
In my opinion, taking a boat trip in Turkey is one of the great ways of creating unforgettable holiday memory. Trabzon has several options available for taking an inexpensive boat ride during the summer months.
Perhaps the best value-for-money option is the Minister Tours day trip. The boat leaves at 9 a.m. and returns at 4 p.m. and lunch is included. The boat cruises along the Black Sea coast and makes stop-offs along the way.
The cost of the trip is less than 25 euros and you need to book in advance in the summer at their ticket stall in the harbour.
Uzungol / Long lake
Uzungöl is a popular tourist spot with beautiful views, hiking, and relaxing options. It is located south-east of Trabzon and is about 95km by road. There is a beautiful lake in a valley that is surrounded by lush, green mountains. It´s a bit like a Turkish version of Switzerland.
The name Uzungol (from the Turkish “Long Lake”) refers to both the lake itself and the small town that is located on the shores of the lake.
In recent years, many hotels and apartment buildings have been built around the lake. catering to the growing number of tourists, especially those coming from the Middle East. Although it still remains a beautiful, laid-back village with an attractive mosque and lots of delicious places to eat,
In spite of the tourist boom, there are still accommodation options that can suit every budget. If you are planning to visit the town, you should stay for at least one night. However, it is possible to go there and return to Trabzon on the same day.
Summertime is the most popular season for tourism. The temperature is comfortable and dry. From late autumn to early spring, the weather can be particularly cold and wet.
You can take a bus from Trabzon to Uzungol (Çaykara Tur Bus Company). The bus leaves regularly throughout the day from the bus station and takes about 1h.30m. The one-way trip only costs a few euros, and the bus is simple but comfortable.
Sümela Monastery (Virgin Mary Monastery)
This monastery is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region. People from all over the world come here to see this iconic masterpiece of architecture. The church is situated on the steep cliffs of the Zigana Mountains, just south of Trabzon. It was built by the Greeks in the 4th century and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
The monastery is being restored at the moment, but it is safe for tourists to visit. Apart from the fascinating insight into life in the monastery, there are also great views of the mountains and river below.
To get there, renting a car would probably be the easiest way, but also the most expensive, option. If you are on a budget, you should leave Trabzon in the early morning and get a local minibus to the village of Sümela, which is located about an hour away from Trabzon.
The bus ticket costs just a couple of euros each way. From the village, you will have to hike up to the monastery or get a taxi if you are not feeling energetic. You need to pay a small entrance fee to enter.
Don´t forget to take some snacks with you, as well as some good walking boots and maybe even a light rain jacket. It is a long-day trip, but it´s well worth the effort.
Çal Cave
Another natural wonder in the area is the Çal Cave whic is located in the town of Calköy. The cave is about an hour’s drive from Trabzon and is one of the most popular tourist natural sites in the area.
It is one of the longest caves in the world and is thought to be 8 million years old. It is over 1000 metres above sea level in the highlands, and the cave follows an underground river. The opening is wide but gets gradually narrower as you go deeper into the cave.
There is a nice waterfall at the opening to the cave, and once you are inside, you can go in a number of different directions. It is about five degrees cooler inside than outside, so you might want to bring a jumper or a jacket with you.
Unfortunately, getting there is not so easy without a car. However, it may be possible to find an inexpensive excursion with a local travel agency in Trabzon.
Highlands Trekking
The mountains that are situated west of Trabzon are just as beautiful and less crowded than Uzungol. The area offers some wonderful hiking trails and untouched nature areas that are great for people who love the outdoors.
Hiking in the Altındere National Park is a budget-friendly way to experience the beauty of Trabzon’s landscape. However, this national park can be difficult to get to without a car, and you need to take care of sudden changes in weather conditions.
In addition to this there are other potential dangers such as bears and wolves. So, if you are planning to go hiking it is better to go in an organised group than do it alone.
Hostels and Hotels in Trabzon
If you’re looking for cosy and affordable accommodation, hostels, budget hotels and guest houses are ideal choices.
There are several cheap hostels in Trabzon. These places have comfortable rooms and shared facilities, but they are a lot less expensive than regular hotels. Most of them have free Wi-Fi, kitchens, and social areas where you can meet other travellers.
Adelante El Destino Hostel is perhaps the best and most popular choice, located in the city centre.
A couple of other inexpensive options include:
Zumrut Aparthotel good prices but you need to book early.
Deryaman Hotel 3-star hotel with reasonable rates. You can check out more budget hotels on booking.com.
Apartment & Room Rentals
For travellers who are looking for a unique holiday experience, staying with locals is an excellent option. Platforms such as Airbnb can connect budget travellers with local hosts who rent out their spare rooms or entire homes.
Airbnb is the easiest option for those who do not speak Turkish. By staying with locals, you can get tips and information about Trabzon’s culture, traditions, and good restaurants that may not be found in guidebooks.
Additionally, renting with locals often has the benefit of costing less. Typically, prices of sharing a apartment is lower than traditional types of accommodation. It’s also a great way to experience Trabzon from a Turkish perspective.
Make sure you look at the location of the property before booking, as you don´t want to be stuck out in the suburbs. For westerner travellers, you should also check if the property has a western style toilet, as you might find a Turkish toilet difficult to use, if you are not used to them.
Street Food in Trabzon
Restaurants & Specialities
If you are exploring Trabzon on a budget, don´t worry because you can still experience the delicious local cuisine without spending a fortune.
One of the best ways to savour Trabzon’s cuisine without overspending, is by trying in its street food.
You can choose from tasty pastries, kebabs and delicious sweets that will make your mouth water, Trabzon’s street food scene is full of unique and cheap treats.
Don’t miss the chance to try Trabzon’s famous “pide,” a traditional Turkish pancake that is grilled to perfection and topped with different foods. Sürmene Pide, (Turkish style pizza) is a particular favourite.
For a couple of euros you can enjoy, a pide served with a glass of ayran, (a traditional yoghurt drink), is a filling and authentic meal that will leave you feeling full.
If you prefer eating in a restaurant, then Trabzon is home to many local eateries that offer delicious meals at affordable prices. From family-run restaurants that are called a “lokanta” to small bistros, you’ll find a wide range of options to suit your budget.
Make sure you try the specialties from the area, like “kuymak,” a sweet cornmeal dish cooked with butter, and “hamsi pilavı,” a dish made with anchovies and rice. These local dishes will give you a true taste of Trabzon’s cuisine without stretching your budget.
As for soups, Nettle and Kale soup are two favourite local specialities. This region of Turkey is also famous for its traditional bread, Corn bread and Vakfikebir bread are both delicious, especially when served with local Tonya butter.
When dining at local restaurants, you’ll also have the opportunity to experience Trabzon’s warm hospitality. The friendly staff and cosy atmosphere will make you feel like you’re at home.
Kalender Lokanta is a pleasant and tasty low-cost restaurant that is centrally located.
Tahiri Kalkanoglu Pilavi is a budget-friendly restaurant where you can try the famous Anchovies with rice dish (Hamsi Pilavi) that Trabzon is so famous for.
Cafes & Nightlife
Trabzon is known for its natural beauty and historical attractions, but it also offers a laid-back nightlife scene that won’t break the bank.
During the summer months there are live music performances in public spaces. cultural festivals and events, as well as plenty of opportunities to enjoy inexpensive fun at night.
Petro restaurant and bar and Sahne Bar both offer live music until 2am.
Sticking to non-alcoholic drinks will help you keep the bar bill down. Alcohol in Turkey is more expensive than in southern Europe or Georgia due to high levels of taxation.
However, if you would rather have a locally produced cold beer, such as EFES, or a glass of Raki (which is like Greek Ouzo), or even some Turkish wine, you can do so in a number of places.One of the most popular places is the English Pub in the Zorlu Gran Otel,
Shopping in Trabzon
Shopping for souvenirs and gifts in Trabzon is a fun way to learn about the culture and bring a piece of this beautiful city home with you.
The Avuropa Pazar (Bazaar) is a place where you can find a wide variety of products at affordable prices. From handmade textiles to exquisite jewellery, this market offers many unique items that make great souvenirs.
Be sure to explore the bustling stalls and chat with friendly shopkeepers who are passionate about their crafts. Don’t forget to bargain; it’s a common practice and can make your shopping experience even more exciting!
Getting to Trabzon
Domestic Flights to Trabzon
The first step in travelling to Trabzon on a budget is to look for affordable flights. Consider using flight comparison websites, such as Skyscanner or Kayak, to find the best deals.
Be flexible with your travel dates and consider flying on weekdays, as these are often cheaper. Additionally, booking well in advance or taking advantage of last-minute deals can help you get the best prices.
Domestic Flights to Trabzon
There are direct flights from Istanbul to Trabzon, as well as from several other Turkish cities.
- Istanbul (SAW) – 1h.55m – Pegasus Airlines
- Istanbul (IST) – 2 hours – Turkish Airways
- Ankara to Trabzon – 1h.15m Turkish Airways
- Antalya to Trabzon – 1h.55m – Pegasus Airlines
- Izmir to Trabzon – 2 hours – SunExpress
International Flights to Trabzon
Trabzon has become a popular tourist spot for people from the Arab Gulf States in recent years. This is mostly because it is near, has cooler weather, and good prices, so do not be surprised if you see signs written in Arabic. Check our air travel guide to Turkey for more information.
A lot of foreign flights leave from the Middle East, and low-cost airlines like Flynas, Flydubai Pegasus Airlines, and SunExpress are among them. Because there are so many Turkish people living in Germany, most direct flights from Europe leave from there. If you are going to Trabzon from the UK, you can fly to Istanbul and get a connecting flight to Trabzon.
Getting from the Airport to Trabzon City Centre
The airport is located just 7 km from the city centre and there are several cheap options to get there. The cheapest, but most uncomfortable is by local bus which will cost less than one euro.
The best option is to take the luxury Airport Shuttle bus, (Havaş) for just a few euros to the town centre. Alternatively, a taxi that takes you direct to your accommodation should cost you less than ten euros.
Intercity Buses to Trabzon
As there are no trains connecting Trabzon to the rest of Turkey, your best low-cost intercity travel option will be to take a bus. However, as the city is fairly isolated, the bus journey can often be long and exhausting.
If you want to go to Trabzon by bus, then you should either try get a night bus and sleep during part of the way, or do a stopover somewhere along the way to break the journey up.
- Istanbul – Between 18 and 19 hours
- Ankara – About 13 hours
- Antalya – 22 hours
- Rize – About an hour.
Getting around Trabzon
Once you arrive in Trabzon, you can explore the city using the efficient and affordable public transportation system. Trabzon has a well-connected bus network that can take you to various attractions and neighbourhoods.
You might want to buy a transportation card called Trabzonkart to save money on individual bus fares. However, most of the places in the city are accessible on foot.
Renting a car may be a good idea if you are planning to travel around the region and visit many of the amazing nearby landmarks. However, if you are travelling solo, this can be an expensive option. Unfortunately rural transport can sometimes be lacking in this part of Turkey.
When to Visit Trabzon
Planning the timing of your visit to Trabzon is crucial for making the most of your trip. The weather, crowds, and seasonal events can all have an impact on your experience.
- April and May is a good time to visit the city, with mild temperatures.
- June to August is the peak tourist season in Trabzon, with warm weather and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. However, expect larger crowds and higher prices for flights and hotels.
- September and October brings cooler temperatures and fewer tourists to Trabzon.
- November to March: Winter in Trabzon can be cold and rainy, take an umbrella with you.
Is Trabzon Worth Visiting?
Trabzon is a relatively unknown destination for western travellers that is located on the coast of the Black Sea. In recent years it has become more popular with tourists from the Gulf region, due to its cooler climate and beautiful scenery. This has caused prices to increase considerably.
However, Trabzon and the surrounding region is still affordable and well worth visiting. The city itself is not the most beautiful town in Turkey. but it serves as a great base to visit the landmarks of the region, either as day trips or in the case of Uzungol, perhaps a longer stay.
Deciding the time of year you visit Trabzon will also affect your travel budget, summer is considerably more expensive, but it is also the time of year with the best weather.
For those people who are planning to travel from Istanbul to Georgia, Trabzon can also be a good stopover to help break up the long journey.
