Samsun travel guide
- Introduction to Samsun
- History of Samsun
- Top services in Samsun
- Best time to visit Samsun
- Weather in Samsun
- Local tip for visiting Samsun
- Learn more about Turkey
- What to see in Samsun
- Top attractions in Samsun
- Map of attractions
- Things to do in Samsun
- Most popular experiences in Samsun
- Top tours & tickets starting in Samsun
- Search for things to do in Samsun
- What to eat in Samsun
- Nightlife in Samsun
- Best shopping in Samsun
- Best Free Things to do in Samsun
- Vacation packages in Samsun
- Popular types of vacations in Samsun
- Top vacation packages in Samsun
- Find vacation packages in Samsun
- How to get to Samsun
- Find cheap flights to Samsun
- Popular flights to Samsun
- Where to stay in Samsun
- Popular types of accommodation in Samsun
- Top hotels in Samsun
- Search for accommodation in Samsun
- Car rental in Samsun
- Popular types of car rental in Samsun
- Search for car rental in Samsun
- Transportation in Samsun
- Popular destinations to visit after Samsun
- All the best destinations in Turkey
- Domestic flights from Samsun
- Popular domestic flights from Samsun
- Search domestic flights from Samsun
History of Samsun
Samsun, a vibrant city on Turkey's Black Sea coast, boasts a rich history that dates back to around 3,000 BC. It was originally part of the Hittite Empire before it was conquered by the Persians and later the Romans.
Under the name of Amisus, it thrived as a hub of trade and culture during the Roman period. Byzantine rule followed, but the city's fortunes changed with the arrival of the Seljuk Turks in the 11th century and later the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century.
Samsun holds immense significance in modern Turkish history as well. It was in this city that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, initiated the War of Independence in 1919. Today, this historic city offers a captivating blend of ancient and modern, with many monuments, museums, and cultural sites that narrate its intriguing past.
Top services in Samsun
Here on this page, you'll find all the top travel services in Samsun, Turkey. Check out the cheapest and most popular flights offered by 304 airlines that fly to Turkey. We make it easy for you to find and book the top services in Samsun.
Enjoy the convenience of planning and booking every detail of your trip to Samsun, including flights, accommodations, activities, and more, in one place. Book with Guide to Europe to get an expertly-curated and fully-customizable itinerary and experience the best of Samsun on your vacation in Turkey.
Get answers to questions about the routes and services offered in Samsun from our free 24/7 customer support. Continue reading to learn how you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable vacation in the city of Samsun!
Best time to visit Samsun
The best time to explore Samsun, Turkey, is during the late spring and early autumn months. Specifically, May, June, September, and October offer the most pleasant weather conditions, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C. These periods provide the ideal climate for sightseeing, beach activities, and exploring the natural beauty of the region. The city is less crowded during these months, offering a more relaxed and personal experience. Notably, the local 'Ataturk Cultural Festival' in May and the 'Black Sea Games' in September add a vibrant cultural dimension to your visit. Furthermore, late spring sees the city's flora in full bloom, enhancing the beauty of Samsun's parks and gardens. Meanwhile, early autumn offers an opportunity to enjoy the city's outdoor eateries and cafes without the summer crowds. Hence, for a balanced experience of good weather, lesser crowds, and unique cultural experiences, late spring and early autumn are the best time to explore Samsun.
Weather in Samsun
Samsun, a city located on Turkey's Black Sea coast, experiences a humid subtropical climate. The weather here is characterized by warm summers and cool, rainy winters. Summer temperatures, from June to September, average around 28°C (82°F) during the day, with night temperatures dropping to a comfortable 18°C (64°F).
Winters, however, can be quite chilly with temperatures averaging around 8°C (46°F), and occasional snowfall. The city receives the most rainfall during the winter months of December, January, and February. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with mild temperatures and moderate rainfall.
While weather is generally mild, travelers should be aware that Samsun can experience heavy storms, particularly in the autumn and winter. It's advisable to check the weather forecast regularly during your visit and plan your activities accordingly. Regardless of the season, it's a good idea to bring a raincoat or an umbrella due to the city's high annual rainfall.
Local tip for visiting Samsun
Samsun has a rich history and vibrant local culture that is best experienced through its gastronomy. As an insider tip, locals recommend visiting the bustling fish market located in the Canik district. Although not prominently featured in most travel guides, it is a place where you can fully immerse yourself in the local way of life. The market is a lively, colorful spectacle teeming with a vast variety of fresh seafood and local specialities. It's a fantastic opportunity to interact with the friendly vendors, learn about the region's fish species, and maybe even pick up a few Turkish phrases. Additionally, surrounding the market are several small, family-run restaurants where you can have your purchased fish prepared and served with a delightful array of mezes. Not only does this provide a unique dining experience, but it also supports local businesses. It's a truly authentic way to enjoy Samsun's culinary scene and culture.
Learn more about Turkey
There are many reasons to visit the city of Samsun, but a trip to Turkey needs no explanation.
Exploring Turkey, which spans 783,562 square kilometers, is an adventure of a lifetime. Turkey offers an abundance of truly magical places to discover, including cultural, historic, and scenic sites of significant value to both locals and travelers.
As the home country of many world-famous attractions like the spectacular Central Great Mosque, Kurşunlu Cami, and the Abdullah Paşa Cami, you’re all set for a unique and memorable travel experience in Turkey.
Click or tap the link below to discover more about Turkey.
What to see in Samsun
Samsun has something for everyone. Regardless of age and interest, travelers have the best time exploring every corner of the city.
Read on to discover the best places to visit and find out what to expect from the city of Samsun.
Top attractions in Samsun
Home to plenty of top attractions, Samsun is more than just a wonderful city in Turkey. Samsun is a travel hotspot and a great place to experience a mix of the traditional and modern culture of Turkey.
One fascinating sight in Samsun is the unforgettable Central Great Mosque. Considered one of the most well-known attractions in the city, a visit to this spectacular travel destination is something you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Samsun.
For more information about what you can expect during a vacation in Turkey, check out our list of top attractions in Samsun below. Discover the best places to visit in Samsun, including the fascinating Central Great Mosque, Kurşunlu Cami, and Abdullah Paşa Cami.
Map of attractions
Use this map to find the location of all top attractions in Samsun.
Things to do in Samsun
Enrich your travel experience in Samsun by joining tours and activities. Samsun offers an exciting selection of top-rated tours and it's easy for every traveler to find something to their liking. Take the opportunity to catch the top attractions on a tour, stay active with an adventurous excursion, or learn something new about the local history or culture of the city.
Discover the most popular experiences in Samsun below.
Search for things to do in Samsun
Discover the best things to do in Samsun.
Select your dates and number of travelers in the search bar below to receive the best recommendations for your vacation in Samsun. Click the green button to view your options.
What to eat in Samsun
Samsun's vibrant culinary scene promises an indulgent gastronomic journey. The city is renowned for its traditional dishes, with Pide and Doner Kebap standing out as local favorites. Pide is a boat-shaped flatbread filled with cheese, egg, and different types of meat, while Doner Kebap is a popular street food that features succulent slices of meat served with fresh bread and salad. For seafood lovers, Samsun's Black Sea coast is a haven, offering an array of fresh catches. The city's high-end restaurants, particularly those located in the Atakum district, showcase an elevated dining experience with a mix of traditional and contemporary Turkish cuisine. For the best places to eat in Samsun, head towards the bustling Mecidiye Street, known for its diverse food stalls and restaurants. Don't miss the chance to try Samsun's famous desserts such as Laz Boregi, a sweet pastry filled with custard. For practicality, keep an eye out for restaurants that have English menus or pictures of dishes, and don't hesitate to ask locals for their recommendations.
Nightlife in Samsun
Samsun, a vibrant city on the Black Sea coast of Turkey, boasts an exciting nightlife scene that's sure to enchant any visitor. The city's night culture is a splendid mix of the contemporary and the traditional. The best area for bars in Samsun is Atakum, a bustling district known for its beachside establishments offering a range of local and international beverages, with the Black Sea as a stunning backdrop.
Notably, Bar Street in the city center is packed with local taverns and clubs where you can enjoy live music performances ranging from traditional Turkish tunes to modern pop hits. The Nefes Bar and the Corner Park Bar are two must-visit establishments, renowned for their lively atmosphere and friendly service. For a unique night out, consider a boat party on the Black Sea, a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.
Practically, the nightlife in Samsun begins late in the evening, and establishments typically stay open until the early morning hours. Cash and credit cards are widely accepted. Turkish Lira is the local currency, but some places accept Euros as well. It's important to dress respectfully, keeping local customs in mind. Enjoy a memorable night out in Samsun, a city that effortlessly combines the allure of its history with the energy of modern nightlife.
Best shopping in Samsun
Samsun is a city that offers a rich shopping experience for travelers. Bulvar Shopping Center is considered the best place to go shopping in Samsun. Here, you'll find a mixture of local and international brands, offering everything from fashion to electronics. For a more traditional shopping experience, head towards the bustling Samsun Pazar Market. It's an ideal spot to buy fresh produce and sample regional delicacies. You may also find handcrafted items that make perfect souvenirs. Another must-visit is the Çarşamba Bazaar, one of the oldest markets in the city, known for its textiles, spices, and traditional Turkish tea sets.
If you're seeking high-end fashion, visit the Palm City Shopping Center. It hosts an array of designer stores and boutiques showcasing the city's distinct fashion trends. For arts and crafts, the Atatürk Caddesi Street is your best bet. Here, local artisans sell unique, handmade items, reflecting Samsun's rich cultural heritage. Overall, shopping in Samsun is a fascinating blend of modern and traditional, offering something for everyone.
Best Free Things to do in Samsun
Discover the best free things to do in Samsun, a vibrant city on the Turkish Black Sea coast. Start with a leisurely stroll on the Ataturk Parki, a lush green space that offers stunning views of the sea and city. Spend time marveling at the Bandirma Vapuru Museum, a replica of the ship that brought Mustafa Kemal Ataturk to Samsun to start the War of Independence, a crucial event in Turkish history. For a deeper dive into the city's history, visit the Samsun City Museum, housing an extensive collection of artifacts that tell the tale of Samsun’s past. Don't miss the chance to wander the bustling streets of the Kazimpasa district, where you can immerse yourself in local life and culture. End the day with a sunset walk along the Mert River, a tranquil spot that offers a peaceful respite from the city's hustle and bustle. These activities showcase the city's rich history and vibrant culture, proving that you can have a fulfilling experience in Samsun without spending a dime.
Vacation packages in Samsun
The best and easiest way to visit Samsun is by booking a vacation package. A vacation package includes everything you need for a worry-free and perfectly planned holiday in Turkey.
Booking a vacation package to Samsun means spending less time planning and more time enjoying your vacation. A vacation package includes everything from flight tickets, accomodation, and a rental car, to 24/7 personal travel support and a carefully planned travel itinerary. You can also take your vacation in Samsun to the next level by adding tours, tickets, and activities to each day of your trip.
Apart from providing you with everything you need to travel comfortably, your vacation package to Samsun is also fully customizable. In other words, you can add or remove services at your own convenience, to create the perfect vacation for you and your travel companions.
On our website, you will find 19 unique vacation packages to Samsun, including flight tickets, hotel reservations, and recommendations for the best sightseeing spots, restaurants, bars, and activities.
Continue to the next section to learn more about what types of vacations you can book in the city of Samsun.
Popular types of vacations in Samsun
The most popular way to experience Samsun is by visiting the city as part of a road trip across multiple destinations in Turkey. However, it is also common for travelers to go to Samsun on both shorter and longer getaways, to get a break from everyday life, relax, and experience something new.
With Guide to Europe you can find road trips, city breaks, and weekend getaways in Turkey, ranging from budget to luxury. Whether you’re planning a multi-day road trip across Turkey, or you just want to enjoy a few days exploring Samsun, there is a vacation package for you.
Discover the most popular vacation packages in Samsun below.
Top vacation packages in Samsun
Travelers have a great selection of vacation packages to choose from in Turkey. In fact, you can choose from as many as 19 different top-rated vacation packages to take you to Samsun, and even more if you expand your search to include a bigger area of Turkey.
If you would like to go on a budget vacation in Samsun, book the popular Cheap 3-Day Turkey City Break in Samsun and spend as little as 144 EUR. This vacation will take you on a journey to experience some of the most incredible attractions and sights in Samsun, including the fantastic Tütün İskelesi, Central Great Mosque, Amisos Hill, Bandırma ferry, and Veterans Museum.
Get more Samsun vacation ideas on this site and discover the greatest selection of vacation packages in Europe. Scroll down to find the best vacation packages in Turkey that match your needs and budget.
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All Vacations in Samsun
Find vacation packages in Samsun
Discover and compare 19 vacation packages that take you to the wonderful city of Samsun.
The best flights, hotels, and activities in Samsun get fully booked quickly. Use the search tool below to find the best vacation packages in Turkey. Your customized holiday package to Samsun is only a few clicks away!
How to get to Samsun
To get to the city of Samsun the fastest way possible, travelers from outside Turkey can travel by plane. International travelers can fly to Samsun by booking flights with any of the 7 airlines that offer direct flights to Samsun-Çarşamba airport. Some airlines that operate flights to Samsun-Çarşamba airport are Pegasus, Turkish Airlines, LATAM Airlines, Azul, and Ryanair. Go to this page to compare all flights to Samsun.
To reach the city of Samsun, travelers can choose from various airport transfer options available at Samsun-Çarşamba airport.
If you're looking for the best flight ticket deals to Samsun, knowing the cheapest travel time and which airlines offer the most affordable flights is helpful. Luckily, we have this information for you. Discover more about the cheapest and most popular flights to Samsun-Çarşamba airport and Samsun below.
Find cheap flights to Samsun
Over the years, more airlines have started offering flexible and direct flights to Samsun, making it one of the most accessible travel destinations in Turkey. However, it is usually cheaper to fly to Samsun, Turkey, in May.
The cheapest one-way flight to Samsun costs around 57 EUR and is offered by the airline Pegasus.
The cheapest round-trip flights to Samsun cost approximately 25 EUR in total. The departure flight leaves on May 19 and the return flight is scheduled on May 4. The flight time is around 1 hour per way.
The return flight is operated by Esenboğa International.
Use the search tool below to find the cheapest flights to Turkey and the city of Samsun from your city of departure.
Where to stay in Samsun
An essential factor to consider when traveling to a new place or country is accommodation. While visiting a city as fantastic as Samsun is always exciting, any avid traveler knows that accommodations often make or break the vacation experience.
The best place to stay in Samsun usually depends on travelers' needs and preferences. However, booking accommodation in downtown Samsun offers a ton of benefits.
Staying at the heart of the city allows you to easily walk to many of the top sights and dining areas in Samsun and cut down on your travel expenses. Centrally-located accommodations are also an excellent choice for travelers in Samsun planning to go on a quick tour or drive to the neighboring regions.
For example, honeymooners or travelers on a romantic getaway in Turkey can experience the ultimate relaxation at one of the 5-star or 4-star hotels in Samsun. Travelers whose purpose is sightseeing can also find plenty of mid-range hotels to budget-friendly accommodations in the city, allowing access to many of the top attractions in Samsun.
Learn more about the most popular places to stay and the top-rated hotels in Samsun in the next sections.
Popular types of accommodation in Samsun
While each type offers varying amenities and rates, there is no denying that Samsun provides a great selection of lodging options ready to cater to every kind of guest.
Budget accommodations are also incredibly popular among travelers in Samsun. Cheaper alternatives allow travelers to save on accommodation costs and have more to spend on other experiences.
Select the type you prefer to compare options under each category and find the best accommodation.
Top hotels in Samsun
Hotels are travelers' go-to accommodations in Samsun for the unique experience they provide.
Besides offering basic amenities, many hotels in Samsun provide meals and extras, such as shuttle services, spa facilities, tour desks, and other services. But because not all hotels in Samsun are created equal, finding the best in the city often requires careful research. For your convenience, we've done all the research to make it easier for you to check out all the top hotels in Samsun.
Below is our hand-picked list of the best hotels in the Samsun. Travelers are encouraged to book early as these hotels quickly reach capacity.
Click the arrows or swipe the list to see each hotel's ratings, reviews, locations, rates, and more. You can read detailed descriptions of each hotel by clicking the cards.
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Use the Accommodation Search tool below to find available stays in the city of Samsun on specific dates. This handy feature also allows you to compare prices and amenities.
Enter the preferred check-in and check-out dates. Then, select the number of guests and rooms. Click the Search button to find all the available hotels and places to stay in the city of Samsun that match the information provided.
Car rental in Samsun
Experience the freedom and convenience of a self-drive vacation by renting a car for your adventures in Samsun.
Learn more about the different types of cars you can rent in Samsun, Turkey, below.
Popular types of car rental in Samsun
Discover and choose from our broad range of popular car rental options in the city of Samsun to find the best car for your travel plans. All car rentals come with CDW insurance for added protection throughout your trip.
Renting a car is a popular choice among travelers who want to explore Turkey at their own pace.
This car is particularly popular among couples and solo travelers touring the city of Samsun.
Check out all options available in Samsun and book the car rental for your upcoming adventures in Turkey below.
Search for car rental in Samsun
Get ready to hit the road and explore the beautiful city of Samsun. Find the best deals on a variety of popular car rentals in Samsun, Turkey, or any other destination in Europe by using the search tool below.
Enter your pick-up and drop-off location, driver's age, and dates. Click the green button to view your options.
Transportation in Samsun
Samsun, a bustling city on Turkey's Black Sea coast, offers a variety of efficient transportation options. The city's public transit system is well-developed and includes buses, minibuses, and the Samsun Light Rail system, also known as the 'SamRay.' The SamRay is a modern, comfortable, and fast way to travel through the city, connecting major attractions, the university, and shopping centers.
Taxis are also a common form of transportation in Samsun, readily available at taxi stands or hailed on the streets. They work on a metered system, ensuring transparent pricing for all journeys. For those preferring to drive, several rental car companies operate in the city, providing a range of vehicles to suit various needs.
For a unique transportation experience, try the city's bicycle sharing system called 'SAMULAŞ.' It's an eco-friendly, health-conscious, and enjoyable way to explore the city. Another unique experience is a trip on the Samsun-Carsamba tramway, offering scenic views of the city and its surroundings. Both locals and tourists appreciate these options for their convenience and the distinct perspective they offer.
Popular destinations to visit after Samsun
The city of Samsun is just one of the many unique and scenic destinations you can visit in Turkey. So if you're itching for another cultural adventure, a relaxing road trip, an action-filled city break, or a memorable weekend getaway, know that Turkey has it all.
Turkey is calling, and the country is asking you to experience its culture and diversity to the fullest! Take the opportunity to visit other captivating places in Turkey that are as magical as the city of Samsun. The most popular travel destinations in Turkey are listed below. Click on the name of the place you want to explore next to learn more about it.
All the best destinations in Turkey
When unsure of where to go next, use the map below. This map shows the locations of all the best destinations in Turkey. Use the map to plan your trip and find the best routes.
Domestic flights from Samsun
A taste of Turkey through a visit to Samsun can often reignite a traveler's passion for adventure. When this happens, the best way to satisfy this wanderlust is to book a domestic flight from Samsun to another remarkable destination in Turkey.
To begin your search for the best or cheapest flights from the city of Samsun to other spectacular locations in Turkey, jump to the last section of this travel guide.
Search domestic flights from Samsun
Traveling to another city or region in Turkey? Use the flight search tool below to quickly find the cheapest one-way or round-trip flights from Samsun to different local destinations.
Enter all the necessary information and click or tap on the Search button to see a list of the available domestic flights in Turkey on the selected dates.
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