Things To Do
in Samsun

A thin, elongated baked flatbread topped with seasoned minced meat, cheese or mixed toppings; many local pide houses in Bafra and Samsun city specialize in it.

Must-Try!

Anchovies are eaten fried, grilled, or in pilaf during the season (late autumn through winter); seek seasonal hamsi at fish restaurants and seaside stalls.

A buttery cornmeal and melted cheese dish popular across the Black Sea region, rich and often served for breakfast or brunch in local cafes.

A regional dessert of layered pastry with custard and syrup, sometimes found in Samsun pastry shops and cafes.

Greet with a friendly 'Merhaba' (hello); handshakes are common among men and mixed-gender greetings can be more reserved in conservative settings.

Dress modestly when entering mosques, remove shoes and women should carry a scarf to cover their head if visiting prayer areas.

Accept offers of tea as a sign of friendliness and conversation; refusing repeatedly can be seen as rude—one polite cup is usually sufficient.

Use your right hand for passing food or accepting items in more traditional contexts and wait for the host to invite you to start when in a private home.

In restaurants, leaving 5–10% is customary for good service; rounding up taxi fares and leaving small change for cafe service is normal. Tip hotel porters and housekeeping a small sum if satisfied.

Credit and debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger shops; carry cash (Turkish lira) for markets, small vendors and rural areas. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly common in the city.

Warm and humid with daytime temperatures often in the mid-20s °C (mid-70s–80s °F); ideal for beach activities and outdoor dining but expect occasional rain and higher humidity near the coast.

Mild and increasingly wet; pleasant for sightseeing and forest hikes as leaves change, but bring a rain jacket for sudden showers.

Cool and wet with possible snowfall in colder spells; temperatures can dip near freezing—good time for lower-season prices and enjoying hearty local cuisine.

Variable weather with blooming landscapes, comfortable temperatures and good conditions for birdwatching and hiking; pack layers for chilly mornings.

Short trails and walkways around the tumuli and observation points with views over Samsun Bay; suitable for easy hikes and photography.

Gentle trails around Ladik Lake for birdwatching, picnics and relaxed hiking with mountainous backdrops.

Flat, accessible routes through wetlands and dunes offering nature walks and wildlife observation—best in spring and autumn migration seasons.

Wooded trails in inland districts and small valleys provide shaded hiking and opportunities to experience rural village life.

Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in big western cities; ask for vegetable mezes, cheesy pide, salads and muhlama. Use the Turkish word 'Vejetaryenim' to explain dietary need and double-check broths in soups.

Veganism is less widely catered to—focus on vegetable mezes, lentil soup (mercimek çorbası) if made without butter, salads, corn-based dishes and fresh bread; explain restrictions clearly when ordering.

Most meat sold and served in Samsun is halal; eating pork is uncommon in mainstream restaurants. Ask if you need specifically certified halal meat.

Bread and pide are staples, so gluten-free options are limited; request grilled fish, vegetable dishes and salads, and carry snacks if you have strict needs.