ComeToGuide

Where to Stay in Trabzon

Trabzon is a stretched Black Sea city where the airport sits east of the centre and most visitor life clusters around Meydan; the main practical bases are the central district, the coast west to Akçaabat, and mountain or lake resorts inland for nature stays. There is no metro or tram, so choose an area with easy airport coach or dolmuş access, or plan a private transfer for the highlands.

Trabzon City Centre (Meydan) 1

Trabzon City Centre (Meydan)

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First-time visitors Good transport Food Sightseeing

The main square and surrounding central district is the most convenient base, with easy airport links by dolmuş or Havaş coach and most city sights, restaurants and onward transport nearby. It’s best for first-time visitors who want to be in the middle of things and use Meydan as a hub.

  • Direct dolmuş from the airport and Havaş city coach stops
  • Walking distance to shops, restaurants and key sights
  • Main hub for onward dolmuş/minibuses to Boztepe, Akçaabat and Uzungöl
  • Can be busy and noisy around the square
  • Hilly side streets require some uphill walking
Akçaabat 2

Akçaabat

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Food Local life Quiet Families

A coastal district west of the centre, Akçaabat has a more local, relaxed feel and is known for its köfte and Black Sea views. It suits travellers who want good food and a quieter base within easy reach of the city.

  • Frequent dolmuş/minibuses from the city centre along the coast
  • Local restaurants and a less touristy atmosphere
  • Sea views and a calmer pace than Meydan
  • Fewer big-name sights within the district
  • Some services thinner than in the centre
Uzungöl 3

Uzungöl

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Sightseeing Families Quiet

A mountain lake resort southeast of Trabzon, Uzungöl is a scenic base for nature walks and highland landscapes. It’s best for travellers prioritising scenery and a quiet stay over quick city access.

  • Direct minibuses from Trabzon city centre via Çaykara Tur, though no direct public transport from the airport
  • Lakeside setting with mountain views and walking trails
  • Family-friendly, calm atmosphere
  • Long, winding transfer from the airport; taxi or private transfer is the practical option
  • Services can be seasonal and limited outside peak times
Boztepe 4

Boztepe

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Quiet Sightseeing Local life Budget

A hilltop area above the city known for its viewpoint and tea gardens, Boztepe offers Black Sea panoramas and a peaceful local feel. It suits budget-minded and returning visitors who don’t mind steep terrain and a short dolmuş ride to the centre.

  • Direct dolmuş from Meydan up to the hill
  • Panoramic city and sea views from tea gardens
  • Quieter and often cheaper than central Trabzon
  • Steep hills and limited walkability for everyday errands
  • Fewer hotels and services than central or coastal areas
Ayder 5

Ayder

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Sightseeing Quiet Families

A highland resort reached via Rize and Pazar, Ayder is a base for mountain landscapes and walks. It’s a good choice for returning visitors or nature-focused trips with a private transfer or rental car, not for a quick airport stop.

  • Dramatic highland scenery and access to mountain trails
  • Mix of small hotels and pansiyons in a compact resort
  • Cooler, peaceful alternative to the coast in summer
  • Very long transfer from Trabzon Airport; public minibuses are seasonal and sparse
  • Limited services outside the summer season
Çamlıhemşin 6

Çamlıhemşin

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Budget Quiet Local life Sightseeing

A district centre in the Fırtına Valley, Çamlıhemşin is a practical, lower-cost base for exploring highland villages and Ayder. It’s best for independent travellers with their own wheels or patience with infrequent local minibuses.

  • More affordable and less touristed than Ayder
  • Local market and valley setting
  • Gateway to upper-valley landscapes and yaylas
  • Sparse, seasonal public transport from the coast
  • Limited dining and service options compared with larger towns

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