Which area of Trabzon is best to stay in?

The city centre (around the main square and the bazaar district) is the most convenient base - walking distance to the Hagia Sophia, the bazaar, and the bus connections to Sumela and Uzungöl. The seafront area below the city has some hotels with Black Sea views. For travellers spending most time at Sumela or Uzungöl, staying in the centre is still better than the outlying areas - the day-trip logistics are easier from the central transport hub.

Is it worth staying in Uzungöl rather than Trabzon?

Uzungöl suits travellers who want the mountain lake atmosphere and 2 or more nights in the highlands. The village has guesthouses and hotels directly on the lake. However, Uzungöl is overdeveloped and crowded in peak season; Trabzon has a better food scene, better transport connections, and more to do. A single night in Uzungöl works as a different experience; two weeks in Uzungöl is not what most visitors want. Use Trabzon as the main base and Uzungöl as a night away.

Are there good hotels in Trabzon?

Trabzon has a full range from budget guesthouses (₺400–800) to mid-range business hotels (₺800–2,500) and a small number of boutique properties in the old city. The airport is only 7km from the centre; most hotels offer transfers. For the most interesting accommodation, the older districts near the Byzantine castle and the bazaar have some boutique options in converted historic buildings. The seafront hotels have Black Sea views; the centre hotels have walking access.

Where to Stay in Trabzon | The Türkiye Guide

The accommodation decision in Trabzon depends on what you’re visiting for. For the city’s Byzantine heritage (Sumela, Hagia Sophia, castle), staying in central Trabzon makes sense - convenient for airport, transport, and day trips. For the Kaçkar Mountains and the high yaylalar, staying in Çamlıhemşin or the mountain villages gives more direct access. Uzungöl village is worth an overnight specifically for the lake atmosphere.

For hotel specifics, see best hotels in Trabzon.

City centre

Central Trabzon is the practical base for the majority of visitors - convenient for the airport (7km), the Sumela day trips (organised tours depart from the city), the Hagia Sophia, and the castle.

Character: A functioning Turkish provincial city without resort infrastructure. The main commercial streets (Atatürk Alanı area) have hotels, restaurants, and the transport connections for day trips.

Best for: First-time visitors; those with limited time; anyone doing Sumela + Uzungöl as day trips; those flying in and out.

Price range: ₺500–4,000/night across the full range.

Uzungöl village

Staying overnight in Uzungöl gives the morning mist and the lake atmosphere after the day visitors leave - the village quietens substantially after 6pm.

Character: Mountain lake village; heavy domestic tourism infrastructure (large number of guesthouses and hotels built for Arab tourist groups, which dominate the market). The underlying landscape is beautiful; the tourist development is heavy.

Best for: Those who want the Uzungöl experience after dark; those combining with Sumela on the following day.

Price range: ₺600–3,000/night. Prices have risen significantly as Arab domestic tourism has grown.

Çamlıhemşin and Fırtına Valley (Kaçkar access)

Çamlıhemşin is 80km east of Trabzon - the main access town for the northern Kaçkar Mountains and the extraordinary Fırtına (Storm) Valley. Staying here puts you at the base of the mountain trails.

Character: A small river valley town with guesthouses serving trekkers. The Fırtına River flows through - one of Turkey’s fastest rivers, the basis for white-water rafting. The valley above town is wild and forest-covered.

Best for: Kaçkar trekkers; those wanting to explore the high yaylalar; those specifically interested in the Black Sea mountain culture.

Price range: ₺500–2,000/night (guesthouses and small hotels).

Area comparison

Area	Price/night	Transport hub	Character	Best for
City centre	₺500–4,000	Airport, tours	Functional city	Most visitors
Uzungöl	₺600–3,000	2 hrs from city	Mountain lake	Overnight lake experience
Çamlıhemşin	₺500–2,000	1.5 hrs east	Mountain trekking base	Kaçkar access

For hotel details, see best hotels in Trabzon. For activities to plan around your base, see things to do in Trabzon.

Our top hotel picks

Budget (under ₺800/night)

White House Hotel Trabzon — 3-star city-centre hotel with 24-hour front desk; a functional, well-priced base for day trips to Sumela and Uzungöl; from approximately ₺600/night
City Port Hotel Trabzon — Central Trabzon hotel near the port with free WiFi and satellite TV; convenient for the coastal road and city transport; from approximately ₺700/night

Mid-range (₺800–2,500/night)

Mercure Trabzon Hotel — 5-star Accor property 1.9 miles from Trabzon Airport with a rooftop pool, sauna, and fitness centre; reliable international standard close to the airport and city; from approximately ₺1,400/night
Zorlu Grand Hotel Trabzon — City-centre landmark that blends traditional Ottoman architectural details with modern amenities; the Hagia Sophia Museum is 2.2 miles away; from approximately ₺1,800/night

Upscale (₺2,500+/night)

Radisson Blu Hotel Trabzon — International 5-star with an indoor pool, on-site restaurant, and bar; 1.8 miles from Hagia Sophia Museum and consistently one of the top-rated hotels in the city; from approximately ₺2,800/night
Mövenpick Hotel Trabzon — Luxury property with Black Sea views, full spa facilities, and the highest service tier available in Trabzon; from approximately ₺3,200/night

Planning ahead: Flights to Turkey into the nearest airport are well-served from most European hubs - book early for July and August. Travel insurance covering cancellation is worth adding at the same time you confirm your accommodation.

Where to Stay in Trabzon 2026: City Centre, Uzungöl