A Weekend in Trabzon: A Quick Getaway from Batumi

Let's talk about my recent trip to Trabzon a bit, shall we? This place is definitely one you should have on your radar. It's an amazing day trip, and if you like Turkish culture, beautiful mosques, markets, and the like, this is a place to check out. 

If you're living in Batumi or just passing through, one of the easiest and most rewarding trips you can take is across the border to Trabzon, Turkey. Whether you're looking to extend your Georgian visa or just want a change of scenery, Trabzon offers a vibrant, affordable escape filled with culture, history, and stunning landscapes.

Getting There: From Batumi to Trabzon

We organized the trip with a couple of friends we had met through an expat forum in Batumi. The process was much easier than we imagined. We took a taxi to the Sarpi border, which is the main crossing point between Georgia and Turkiye. You can also take a marshrutka (shared minibus), but the taxi felt more convenient since we were in a small group.

The border crossing at Sarpi was smooth. On the Turkish side, just a short walk away from the crossing, there's a mosque where shared buses leave for Trabzon. For just around $12, we were on our way to the city center in a comfortable, air-conditioned shuttle. The entire journey, from Batumi to downtown Trabzon, took about 4–5 hours, border crossing included.

Where We Stayed

When we arrived, we had booked the Sulduz Hotel, which is conveniently located in the center of Trabzon. To our surprise, the hotel was undergoing renovations, and the staff kindly offered to transfer us to a 5-star hotel near the airport for the same price. While that was tempting, we were set on experiencing Trabzon from the heart of the city. We declined, and the Sulduz ended up being just fine for us. The location couldn’t have been better. Everything was within walking distance.

First Impressions: A Mini-Istanbul

We were immediately struck by how bustling and developed Trabzon was. It felt like a miniature Istanbul: A city of shops, mosques, tea houses, and endless energy. The city was much bigger than we expected, yet still felt manageable.

There were shops everywhere. From brand-name clothing stores and boutique handicraft sellers to street vendors selling fresh pomegranates, roasted chestnuts, and all manner of Turkish sweets. We spent hours wandering the central streets, stopping for Turkish coffee and baklava, and chatting with friendly shopkeepers. Near the hotel was an old market that reminded me of the markets in Egypt and Istanbul. 

The Heart of the City: Meydan Park

Meydan Park, the main city square, is a beautifully maintained space filled with fountains, colorful flowers, and palm trees. It’s the beating heart of Trabzon, and a great place to people-watch, relax with a tea, or plan your next adventure.

We saw families enjoying the cool breeze, teenagers playing music, and older men gathered in the shade playing chess or reading the newspaper. The square had a very welcoming, communal atmosphere, and we returned to it several times during our trip. There was also a very helpful tourist information center where we got information about how to get around town and what sites were located nearby. 

Sunset at the Boztepe Tea Garden

That evening, we walked up the hill to a tea garden with a panoramic view over the city. Watching the sunset over the Black Sea while sipping Turkish tea was one of the highlights of our visit. The walk uphill was gentle, and the tea garden was filled with locals, which is always a good sign. The atmosphere was peaceful, and the view was absolutely stunning.

Day Two: Exploring the Surroundings

On our second day, we rented a van with a driver and took a day tour to see some of Trabzon’s most iconic sights.

• Sumela Monastery was the highlight. Carved into the side of a cliff in the Pontic Mountains, this ancient Greek Orthodox monastery is as impressive as it is mysterious. The drive up is scenic, winding through forests and past waterfalls.

• We also visited a limestone cave, where cool air and dramatic stalactites offered a welcome break from the sun.

• The tour included a few other stops at viewpoints, local food stalls, and traditional villages. Overall, it was well worth the cost, and we got to see a side of Trabzon that most people miss if they only stay in the center.

Why You Should Go

For many foreigners in Georgia, a trip to Turkey is often seen as a necessary visa run, but Trabzon is worth visiting in its own right.

• It’s an affordable getaway.

• The food is quite good. Try the pide (Turkish pizza), fresh fish from the Black Sea, and of course, Turkish delight. Our favorite was Çiğ köfte (pronounced chee kof-teh). It is a traditional Turkish dish that translates to “raw meatball,” though the modern, widely available version is typically meatless and made from bulgur, tomato paste, spices, and herbs. It has a spicy, tangy, and savory flavor, and is served cold, often in lettuce leaves with a squeeze of lemon or pomegranate molasses. 

• Shopping is abundant and surprisingly cheap.

• The combination of sea and mountain views gives the city a unique charm.

• And the hospitality of the locals was one of the best parts of the experience.

Travel Tips:

• Currency: Turkish lira. Exchange money at the border or use ATMs in Trabzon.

• Language: Turkish is widely spoken. English is hit or miss. Google Translate is your friend.

• Wi-Fi/Sim: Turkish SIM cards are available, but most cafes and hotels offer free Wi-Fi.

• Visa Info: Check your country's rules, but most visitors can enter Turkey visa-free or with an e-visa.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re living in Georgia long-term or just passing through, taking a few days to explore Trabzon is something you won’t regret. From the bustling bazaars and mountain monasteries to the simple pleasure of tea at sunset, Trabzon offers a beautiful blend of culture, convenience, and adventure.

It’s more than just a visa run. It’s a trip into the soul of northeastern Turkey.