Samsun Travel Guide

You can find many restaurants serving both local and international tastes.
Away from city center, Korfez is probably the best one because of its cafe and restaurant. Istiklal Street has many good restaurants. Try Iskender Kebab at Uludag. There are many Turkish dishes at Et Lokantasi. Or you can try the Turkish way of fast food:Doner or gyro pitta at a very cheap price at the buffets or restaurants along the street. In the downtown try Oskar or Cumhuriyet for fine local tastes.
Visit local market settling on saturday to see the richness of vegetables and fruits...it will be a colourful experience...

Favorite Dish: Fish is mostly seasonal preference. Especialy if you are in Samsun during winter do not leave without tasting hamsi, tirsi or barbun.
Kebabs, desserts and fruits are nice. And do not forget to eat 'samsun pide'(pitta bread with chopped meat, onion and spice). It is a classic for our sunday breakfasts.

Samsun have limited alternatives for a complete nightlife. However families and youth prefer Fair Area at the seaside in summertime. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes and music halls where everybody can spare good time. City dwellers arranges their wedding ceremonies in those music halls mostly. It is possible to walk along the seaside and enjoy the view of port and sea. Amateurs can also enjoy the fishing...

AIR TRAVEL: Samsun has an international airport located near Carsamba. It is 20 kms far from Samsun. There are charter flights to and from Germany during summertime. And there are regular domestic flight connections of Turkish, Pegasus and Onur Airlines with Istanbul, Izair and Sun Express' with Izmir, Anadolujet with Ankara. For latest flight information please consult to www.dhmi.gov.tr
Nowadays Pegasus arranges very good campaigns via the net.
HIGHWAY: It is also possible to access to Samsun via Ankara or Istanbul by car or bus. Ulusoy Bus Firm can offer you a comfortable and safe trip.
SEA: Please ask Turkish Maritime Association for ferries to Samsun from Istanbul.
A train trip to Amasya, another pretty destination could be interesting.

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Saturday Market is worth to discover. Most of the people in Samsun still shops at local markets. Agricultural richness shines at the market every weekend. Fruits, vegetables and other local food combine perfectly.

What to buy: All seasonal fruits and vegetables.

What to pay: fresh and mouthwatering goods are at a low price always.

Samsun has a rich cultural heritage. Many musicians, scientists and artists were born in that beautiful city. In 1920s Samsun and its region lived a great trouble just like northern greece: population exchange. thousands of innocent immigrants traveled to an unknown future. So you may find their grandchildren and only a few of them in the city and villages. Relations between Turkey and Greece are becoming better day by day. And people's warmth can win against artificial prejudices created by politicians. Greek tourists are not only visitors, in fact they are our old neighbours...

Unfortunately, health system in Turkey is not good enough nowadays. Though there are very good Turkish doctors inland and abroad, citizens face huge problems especialy in state hospitals(devlet hastanesi). As a result, I will not recommend you Devlet Hastanesi(State Hospital) in Samsun. For a reliable and stress-free service it would be better to pick Private ones(For example Anadolu Hospital, Romatem and Atasam) or Hospital of Faculty of Medicine in university campus.

If you prefer the freedom of nature, do not spend time in polluted and noisy city center. Many wonders of nature waits you just a few miles away.

Samsun is well known with its football team -Samsunspor- in Turkey. You may watch exciting matches in May 19th Stadium. Additionaly sports activities are ranging from windsurf to basketball.

Favorite thing: The name of Samsun is coming from ancient times. Greek colonists established the city of Amisos. In fact the region was a point of interest during older centuries. Hittites called it Kaska. Unfortunately harsh effects of climate and loss of sensitivity of locals damaged seriously all those footprints. Today Samsun Archaeological Museum is the best place to learn about its mysterious past. Pontian Treasure and mosaics are among exciting works...

Fondest memory: When you feel bored in Samsun, its enchanting villages are close to you and ready to give peace and freedom. For a bird eye view of Black Sea prefer Tuzla region near Asaragac village east of the city. Pines and open air are proper for enchanting picnic.