Giresun is a Black Sea coastal city in northeastern Turkey, famous as the legendary homeland of the Amazons and the origin of the hazelnut known to the world as 'giresun fındığı'. Perched on a hillside above the sea, the city blends Byzantine and Ottoman history with lush green mountains and a thriving hazelnut-farming culture. The ancient Giresun Island — the only island on the entire Turkish Black Sea coast — lies just offshore and shelters the ruins of a Byzantine monastery.
Giresun is a conservative Black Sea city and nightlife is quiet by comparison with Istanbul or coastal resort towns. The social scene centers on tea gardens, waterfront cafés, and a handful of bars. In summer (July–August), the waterfront promenade and harbor tea gardens come alive until midnight. There are a few clubs in the city center, busiest on weekends during summer.
Predominantly tea-garden culture (çay bahçesi) with a handful of bars serving beer, wine, and raki. Turkish pop music is the dominant soundtrack. Few cocktail bars; most venues are casual.
At a glance
- Peak hours
- 21:00–01:00 in summer; venues are quiet before 20:00
- Average drink
- Beer (Efes/Tuborg): 80–150 TRY (~$2.40–4.50 USD); Raki: 100–200 TRY (~$3–6 USD); Cocktails: 150–300 TRY (~$4.50–9 USD); Turkish tea: 15–30 TRY (~$0.45–0.90 USD)
- Dress code
- Smart casual; no strict dress codes except at clubs (no sportswear on weekends at Giresun Gece Kulübü)
- Cover charge
- Giresun is more family-oriented than party-oriented. Respectful, low-key nightlife is the norm. Alcohol is available but not prominently displayed in conservative neighborhoods.
Nightlife districts
Where the action happens after dark.
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
Liman Çay Bahçesi (Harbor Tea Garden)
Known for: Outdoor tea garden with harbor views; social hub for evenings; live music occasionally on weekends
Liman Karşısı, 28100 Giresun
Panorama Kafe Tepe (Hilltop Evening Bar)
Known for: Sunset and evening cocktails with Black Sea panorama; popular for dates and gatherings
Tepe Mah. Üstü, 28100 Giresun
Deniz Bar & Café
Known for: Seafront bar with Turkish pop and occasional live music; beer, wine, and cocktails
Sahil Yolu No:18, 28100 Giresun
Giresun Gece Kulübü (Night Club)
Known for: Turkish pop, arabesk, and Black Sea folk music; dance floor; most active July–August
Atatürk Blv. No:52, 28100 Giresun
Zeytinlik Çay Evi (Tea House)
Known for: Charming woodland tea house; popular with locals for evening gatherings; non-alcoholic
Zeytinlik Mah., 28100 Giresun
Kale Altı Bar
Known for: Atmospheric bar in the old town below the castle walls; outdoor seating; beer and raki
Tepe Mah., Kale Altı, 28100 Giresun
Clubs
For dancing into the early hours.
Live entertainment
Music, theatre, and performance venues.
Items
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
The waterfront promenade is safe and pleasant for an evening stroll until midnight
Tea gardens are alcohol-free — great for non-drinkers and families
The hilltop cafés close earlier in winter; check hours before going
Raki (Turkish aniseed spirit) is traditionally the drink of choice at fish restaurants