Trabzon City Tour

Hagia Sophia of Trabzon

Standing on a terrace above the sea at the western edge of the city, Trabzon's Hagia Sophia was built in the 13th century, when Trabzon was the capital of a Byzantine-era empire on the Black Sea coast. Its cross-shaped plan, carved stone porches and separate bell tower are a rare survival of the period, and the frescoes in its porches and narthex, showing biblical scenes in vivid colours, are considered among the finest of their era.

Today the building is used as a mosque, so visits take place outside prayer times and visitors are asked to dress modestly; women should bring a scarf. Any entry ticket is paid on site. Is Hagia Sophia in Trabzon worth visiting? Even a short stop is rewarding: walk around the outside to see the carved reliefs, then step into the gardens for the sea views.

The Atatürk Pavilion (Atatürk Köşkü)

In the leafy Soğuksu district, about 5 km above the city centre, the Atatürk Pavilion is a white three-storey mansion completed in the early 1900s for a wealthy Trabzon family. Its turrets, tall windows and decorative balconies blend European and Black Sea styles, and it stands in landscaped gardens of pine, rhododendron and flowerbeds with views down towards the sea.

Today the pavilion is a house museum furnished with period furniture, carpets, clocks and photographs, giving a picture of elegant domestic life in the early 20th century. The entry ticket is not included and is paid on site. Allow around 45 minutes to see the rooms and wander through the garden, which is one of the most photographed spots in Trabzon.

Boztepe Hill

Boztepe rises directly behind the city to about 250 metres, and its park and tea gardens are the best place to understand Trabzon's layout. From the terraces you see the old walled town, the harbour, the coast road and the long curve of the Black Sea, with the green mountains behind you. Locals come here for breakfast, a glass of tea or the sunset.

The tour stops here for photos and a break with the view. It is a short drive from the centre but feels far from the traffic, with pine trees, picnic tables and small cafés. On a clear day the visibility along the coast is remarkable, and the morning light is especially good for photography over the city.

Sera Lake

Sera Lake lies in a green valley in the Akçaabat district, just west of the city. Like many lakes in the region it was formed when a landslide blocked a mountain stream, and today it is a peaceful spot ringed by hills, with a wooden promenade around the water, small bridges, cafés and plenty of ducks and swans.

The flat path around the lake makes an easy stroll of about 30 minutes, and there are benches and viewing decks for a relaxed break. It is a favourite with Trabzon families at the weekend and a pleasant contrast to the sights in town. Spring and autumn bring the best colours, while summer evenings are lively and cool.

Shopping Time in Trabzon

The tour ends with free time at a large shopping centre, a convenient place to pick up souvenirs, clothing and local products in one stop, with food courts for a late lunch at your own pace. It is also a comfortable option on rainy days, which are common on the Black Sea coast, and a chance to see how local families spend their weekends.

Look out for the specialities Trabzon is known for: Black Sea tea, hazelnuts and hazelnut spreads, local honey and the fine silver mesh bracelets called hasır bilezik, a traditional craft of the city. Shopping costs are your own, and your driver-guide tells you the exact time to meet for the return to the meeting point.