Trabzon is a vibrant Black Sea port city in northeastern Turkey, set between lush green mountains and the deep blue sea. Once the capital of the Byzantine Empire of Trebizond (1204–1461), the city retains extraordinary heritage—most famously the Hagia Sophia of Trabzon and Atatürk's mansion—while thriving today as a regional commercial hub. The surrounding highlands shelter alpine meadows, rushing rivers, and the iconic Sumela Monastery carved into a cliff face, making Trabzon a gateway for both history lovers and outdoor adventurers.
Trabzon is one of Turkey's safer tourist destinations. Petty theft (pickpocketing) in the covered bazaar and around the port area is the most common issue. The city is conservative in character; solo female travellers should dress modestly near mosques and in residential areas. Mountain day trips require checking road conditions, especially in winter.
Current safety advisory
Low–moderate Risk. Trabzon Is Generally Safe For Tourists. The City Has A Low Rate Of Violent Crime Targeting Visitors. Standard Urban Precautions Apply, Especially In Crowded Market Areas And The Port Zone. Check Current Government Travel Advisories Before Visiting.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance) in separate locations.
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
Use registered taxis or rideshare apps. Avoid unmarked vehicles offering rides.
Trust your instincts — if a situation feels wrong, remove yourself from it.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
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- Hospital
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- KTÜ Farabi Hastanesi (Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi) is the main public hospital: +90 462 341 0000. Trabzon Özel Hastane (private, faster for non-emergencies): +90 462 326 6060.
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- Pharmacy
- Detail
- Pharmacies (eczane) are plentiful in the city center; one rotation pharmacy (nöbetçi eczane) is always open 24 hours — the current on-call pharmacy is posted in all pharmacy windows or via the Türkiye Eczacılar Birliği app.
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- Water
- Detail
- Tap water is treated but most locals drink bottled water. Bottled water (0.5L) costs 5–10 TRY (~$0.15–0.30 USD) and is widely available.
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- Food Safety
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- Street food and restaurants are generally safe. Avoid raw shellfish from unknown vendors near the port.
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- Insurance
- Detail
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended. EHIC does not apply in Turkey.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
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