Ordu Travel Guide
City City in Turkey with beautiful coastline
Ringed by hazelnut orchards, Ordu sits on Turkey’s Black Sea coast; visitors ride the Boztepe cable car for sea views, stroll the seaside promenade and hike in nearby forests.
Why Visit Ordu? #
Perched on the Black Sea, Ordu draws visitors with seaside promenades, a cable car ride up to Boztepe for sweeping views, and a deep-rooted hazelnut culture that flavors local cuisine. Fresh seafood restaurants and tea gardens along the waterfront create relaxed afternoons, and nearby forested hills invite short hikes and viewpoints. The mix of coastal life and agricultural tradition gives the city a distinct regional character.
Who's Ordu For?
Ordu features verdant hills, the Boztepe overlook reached by cable car, and nearby Çambaşı Plateau for hiking. Dense beech forests and coastal cliffs create varied walks; sunrise over the Black Sea from Boztepe is memorable and accessible from the city centre.
Black Sea cuisine dominates: fresh anchovies (hamsi), corn-based dishes, and hazelnut desserts. Local fish markets and seaside lokantas serve affordable meals; try regional pide and stews in central Çarşı, with many restaurants offering generous portions at modest prices.
Couples can enjoy quiet seaside promenades, cable-car rides to Boztepe for panoramic views, and intimate seafood dinners by the port. Small boutique pensions and mid-range hotels often include sea-view balconies-ideal for relaxed, affordable romantic breaks.
Outdoor activities include hiking and mountain biking on Çambaşı Plateau, summer paragliding launches from Boztepe, and coastal fishing trips. Local operators offer gear and guides, though infrastructure is seasonal and more active during warm months.
Top Things to Do in Ordu
- Boztepe - Hilltop overlook reached by cable car, offering sweeping Black Sea vistas and tea gardens.
- Ordu Museum (Ordu Müzesi) - Small regional museum with archaeology, ethnography and local hazelnut-related exhibits.
- Altınordu Coastal Promenade - Seaside promenade lined with cafes, fish restaurants and expansive Black Sea views.
- Perşembe Yaylası (Aybastı) - Traditional wooden houses and lush highland meadows, alive during hazelnut harvesting season.
- Çambaşı Yaylası - High mountain plateau popular for summer festivals and winter cross-country skiing trails.
- Perşembe Yaylası (Aybastı) - Traditional wooden houses and lush highland meadows, alive during hazelnut harvesting season.
- Ordu Museum (Ordu Müzesi) - Small regional museum with archaeology, ethnography and local hazelnut-related exhibits.
- Boztepe - Hilltop overlook reached by cable car, offering sweeping Black Sea vistas and tea gardens.
- Giresun Castle and Giresun Island - Short drive east to an ancient castle and island with archaeological remains.
- Ünye - Castle and Coastal Promenade - Coastal town with lengthy beaches, a marina and the hilltop Ünye Castle ruins.
- Amisos Hill (Samsun) - Hilltop accessible by cable car, featuring ancient tumuli and panoramic views over Samsun Bay.
- Çambaşı Yaylası - High mountain plateau popular for summer festivals and winter cross-country skiing trails.
Where to Go in Ordu #
Boztepe
Boztepe is the hill everyone heads to at dusk for the view and a tea in the small cafés. It’s relaxed, great for photos and ideal for visitors who want scenic panoramas without a long hike. Expect family crowds at sunset.
Top Spots
- Boztepe viewpoint - Cable car access and panoramic views over Ordu and the Black Sea.
- Tea gardens - Terraced çay bahçesi perfect for sunset tea and light bites.
- Cable car - Short ride up and down from the city center.
Altınordu (City Centre)
Altınordu is where daily life and the sea meet: a promenade, markets and honest seafood restaurants. It’s an easy place to base yourself for exploring Ordu’s coastline and taking the short cable car trip up to Boztepe.
Top Spots
- Seafront promenade (Kordon) - Long walks, seafood restaurants and a pleasant evening atmosphere.
- Central bazaar - Fresh produce and local groceries amid narrow streets.
- Municipal cafés - Spots for coffee and Turkish desserts.
Perşembe
Perşembe is a short hop from Ordu for quieter coastal time and simple seaside meals. It’s less developed than the city’s main seafront, so expect low-key tavernas and calm walks rather than big tourist infrastructure.
Top Spots
- Perşembe beaches - Smaller, quieter beaches a short drive from Ordu centre.
- Local fish taverns - Simple eateries focused on fresh catches.
- Coastal walks - Calmer seaside atmosphere away from the main promenade.
Plan Your Visit to Ordu #
Best Time to Visit Ordu #
Ordu has a temperate, humid Black Sea climate - best visited late spring through summer when rain eases and hills turn lush. Winters are mild but noticeably wet, so pack rain gear if visiting then.
Best Time to Visit Ordu #
Ordu's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 26°C. Abundant rainfall (1002 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (123 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Ordu
Ordu is served by Ordu-Giresun Airport (OGU) for most domestic flights; Trabzon Airport (TZX) is the nearest larger airport with more international connections. The city's main land gateway is the Ordu Otogarı (bus terminal), with frequent coaches to regional centres and long-distance services across Turkey.
Ordu-Giresun Airport (OGU): The regional airport serving Ordu and neighbouring Giresun. Regular shuttle buses (HAVAŞ or local airport shuttles) link the airport to Ordu city centre in roughly 40-60 minutes; fares are typically around 30-45 TRY. Taxis from the airport take about 40-60 minutes to reach central Ordu; expect a substantially higher fare than the shuttle (taxis vary by operator and time of day). Car hire is available at the terminal.
Trabzon Airport (TZX): The larger international airport east of Ordu and a practical alternative if you have fewer flight options. Regular intercity coaches and dolmuş (shared minibuses) connect Trabzon Airport/Trabzon Otogar to Ordu in approximately 2-3 hours; typical coach fares are in the range of 60-130 TRY. Taxis or private transfers are much quicker door-to-door but considerably more expensive.
Train: Ordu does not have a through conventional intercity rail station on the main Turkish rail network. The nearest major railhead with passenger services is Samsun (Samsun Garı); from there you can take an intercity bus or dolmuş to Ordu (approximately 2-3 hours by road). Check train timetables into Samsun and then bus connections onward.
Bus: Ordu Otogarı (Ordu Bus Terminal) is the city’s hub for long-distance coaches. Major carriers (Metro Turizm, Kamil Koç and others) run frequent routes to Samsun, Trabzon, Ankara and Istanbul. Typical journey examples: Ordu-Samsun ~2-3 hours; Ordu-Trabzon ~2.5-3.5 hours; overnight runs to Ankara/Istanbul take longer. Fares vary by operator and comfort level but expect coach prices roughly between 60 and 400 TRY depending on distance and service.
How to Get Around Ordu
Ordu is easiest to navigate with a mix of dolmuş minibuses for short coastal trips and the Otogar coach network for longer journeys. Taxis are handy for fast, direct travel or airport runs, while renting a car is worthwhile if you plan to explore rural parts of the province. The central waterfront and market areas are very walkable.
- Dolmuş (shared minibus) (6-15 TRY) - Dolmuş minibuses are the most convenient way to move along the coast and between nearby neighbourhoods - frequent, cheap and direct. Routes run along the seafront and up into surrounding hills; they stop on request and are faster than municipal buses for many short trips. Have exact change and ask the driver for the destination to avoid confusion.
- City buses (3-8 TRY) - Municipal buses cover most of Ordu and are the cheapest option for getting around town. Services run on set timetables and are slower than dolmuş but better if you have luggage or prefer fixed stops. Expect modest fares and limited late-night service; check local timetables for route numbers and schedules.
- Taxis (30-200 TRY) - Taxis in Ordu are convenient for door-to-door travel, late-night returns, or when carrying luggage. Metered fares apply in the city; negotiate a price or confirm the meter for longer interurban trips. Taxis are noticeably more expensive than buses or dolmuş but remain practical for short evening hops or airport transfers if you're short on time.
- Intercity buses (Otogar) (60-400 TRY) - The Ordu Otogarı is the hub for scheduled coach services to Samsun, Trabzon, Ankara, Istanbul and many smaller towns. Coaches are comfortable, inexpensive for long distances and a reliable way to travel overnight or between provinces. Book in advance during holiday periods and expect varying journey times depending on route and road conditions.
- Car rental (150-600 TRY/day) - Renting a car is the best option if you want to explore the wider Ordu Province - coastal roads and mountain passes are scenic but can be narrow. Several national and local agencies operate in Ordu and at the airport; allow for parking constraints in the city centre. A car gives the most flexibility for beaches, highland villages and the Boztepe viewpoint.
- Walking - Central Ordu is compact and pleasant to explore on foot, especially the seafront promenade and market areas. Walking is the simplest way to see the waterfront, cafes and short attractions; bring comfortable shoes for the hillier streets and expect some steep sections.
Where to Stay in Ordu #
- Economy hotels in Ordu - Budget stays near the coast
- Local pensions and inns - Simple, affordable rooms
- Hotel Orkide - Comfortable mid-range choice
- Maravi Hotel - Good value and location
- Seafront resort-style hotels - Higher-end rooms near the sea
- Anemon Hotel Ordu (regional) - Larger rooms, enhanced amenities
- Hotel Orkide - Central and easy to explore
- Maravi Hotel - Friendly staff, good location
- Anemon Hotel Ordu - Family rooms and dining
- Hotel Orkide - Comfortable stays for families
- Hotel Orkide - Stable Wi‑Fi and calm mornings
- Maravi Hotel - Good location for work/life balance
Where to Eat in Ordu #
Ordu sits on Turkey’s central Black Sea coast and the food scene is dominated by fresh fish-anchovy (hamsi) in winter, mackerel and local grilled fish the rest of the year. Walk the seaside promenade and try simple grills and meze in family‑run places for the most authentic meals.
Away from the water you’ll find kebab houses, small cafés and bakeries serving pide and gözleme. For vegetarian options, look to cafés and meze platters-dedicated vegetarian restaurants are uncommon but many places happily serve vegetable dishes.
- Hamsi Balıkçısı - hamsi and Black Sea fish specialties
- Liman Restaurant - seafood with Bosphorus‑style flavors
- Boztepe Balıkçısı - fish grills near the seaside promenade
- Nishan Cafe - casual café with international comfort dishes
- Pasha Kebap - kebab house with broader Anatolian offerings
- La Luna - European‑style café popular with locals
- Yeşil Kafe - salads, gözleme and vegetarian mezze
- Sade Cafe - light vegetarian plates and pastries
- Çınar Park Cafe - parkside spot with veggie sandwiches and soups
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Ordu's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Ordu #
Ordu on the Black Sea is best known for its seaside promenade (kordon) and the Boztepe hill viewpoint; evenings are dominated by cafés, tea gardens and seafood restaurants along the coast. In summer the kordon fills with people until late, with a relaxed vibe and plenty of outdoor seating. Dress casually, expect late service at seaside spots, and use official taxis for longer trips after dark.
Best Bets
- Ordu Kordon (seafront promenade) - Lively seaside walkway with cafés and evening crowds.
- Boztepe viewpoint - Great sunset views, cafés and relaxed evenings.
- Seaside seafood restaurants - Fresh regional cuisine in the evening by the water.
- City-centre cafés & bars - More urban spots for a quieter night out.
- Local live-music nights - Check local listings for concerts and seasonal events.
- Official taxis and dolmuş - Use official services for safe late-night travel.
Shopping in Ordu #
Ordu’s shopping is straightforward: local markets and seaside stalls sell hazelnuts, preserves and Black Sea specialties. Boztepe, reached by cable car, is where you’ll find souvenir stands and packaged hazelnut products; the city centre bazaar handles everyday shopping and small boutiques. Prices for local produce are fair; bottled specialties and packaged hazelnuts make the best takeaways.
Best Bets
- Ordu municipal market area - Central bazaars selling fresh produce, textiles and household goods.
- Boztepe Cable Car (Boztepe) stalls - Cable-car hill with souvenir stalls and shops selling hazelnut products.
- Altınordu bazaar area - Local shops and small boutiques clustered near the central bazaar.
- Ordu provincial tourist info - Official listings for local producers, shops and seasonal markets.
- Hazelnut-specialty shops (map search) - Look for packaged hazelnut sellers near market streets and Boztepe.
- Local craft and food stalls (municipality notices) - Municipality announcements for weekend markets and craft fairs.
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