Tourism in Turkey in general is highly enjoyable, as the country is filled with numerous tourist attractions across most of its cities. Among them, tourism in the historic city of Samsun is considered one of the well-known destinations in Turkey, boasting a wealth of tourist spots—such as the Samsun Bandırma Ferry, the Gulan Waterfall, the Tobacco Pier, and more.
History of the City of Samsun
Historically known as Amisos, Samsun is the capital of Samsun Province in northern Turkey. It is the largest city on the southern coast of the Black Sea, situated between the deltas of the Kızılırmak and Yeşilırmak rivers. It was founded in the 7th century BC, following the establishment of Sinop (modern-day Sinop).
It was the most prosperous Milesian colony on the Euxine (Black Sea). After Alexander the Great’s conquest of Asia Minor (Anatolia) in the 4th century BC, Amisos came under the rule of the Kings of Pontus and continued to flourish until it was burned down by its defenders when the Romans captured it in 71 BC.
Known as Amisos during the Byzantine period, it was renamed Samsun by the Seljuk Turks when they took control in the latter half of the 12th century.
Under Seljuk rule, the city surpassed Sinop as a center for trade between Europe and Central Asia.
A large Genoese trading colony was established there.
It was seized by the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I at the end of the 14th century but returned to the Turkmen principality of Candar after the Ottomans were defeated by Timur (Tamerlane) in 1402.
The city was burned by the Genoese before the Ottomans recaptured it in 1425.
The landing of Mustafa Kemal (later known as Atatürk) in Samsun on May 19, 1919, to organize national resistance marked the beginning of the Turkish War of Independence, and the Republic was declared in 1923.
Samsun’s tourist area features a wide avenue lined with government offices, hotels, and shops.
Modern Samsun stretches east to west along the coastline.
The city is the urban center for fertile agricultural regions and the main port for trade along the central Black Sea coast.
Its growth during the 19th century is linked to the development of tobacco farming in the neighboring Bafra region and the use of modern ships in the Black Sea.
The Best Tourist Attractions in Samsun
There are many breathtaking tourist sites in Samsun, such as the Samsun Bandırma Ferry, Samsun Saqqarla, the Bird Delta Reserve, the Tobacco Pier, the Valley of Caves, and others.
1. Samsun Amisos Hill
Samsun Amisos Hill is located in the very center of Samsun, in the İlkadım district. During a road expansion project, workers discovered a hole, and upon notifying museum researchers on Tuesday, November 28, 1995, excavation began immediately.
Researchers uncovered the ruins of the ancient city of the Amazons.
Studies showed it to be a large family tomb chamber with five graves—three used and two empty.
The tombs were carved from conglomerate rock, each measuring 5 x 5 meters and 2.30 meters in height.
Analysis of the skeletal remains showed one male and two female graves.
Archaeological findings in the tomb—such as gold jewelry (funerary offerings), pottery, glass, and marble—suggest that the man's grave belonged to a high-ranking official (king, commander, or prince) of the Kingdom of Pontus, while the two women were identified as his wife and daughter.
In the established tombs, the funerary gifts were placed appropriately (a crown on the head, necklace on the neck, earrings near the ears).
Amisos experienced its golden age during the reign of King Mithridates of Pontus.
Amisos served as the administrative center of the empire.
During this era, art and culture flourished. The most advanced coins and ceramic workshops were developed in Amisos.
The richness of the tombs, the quality of the funerary gifts, the exquisite craftsmanship, and the symbols closely resemble those found on Amisos coins from the Mithridates period.
It can be said that these tombs were used during two different periods. The terracotta, glass, metal, and marble artifacts date back to the 4th century BC, while the gold ornaments are even older.
In this tourist area of Samsun Amisos Hill, the number of six-seater gondolas has increased from a basic setup to six full units.
2. Samsun Bandırma Ferry
The Bandırma Steamship, now displayed as an open-air museum in Samsun, is a must-visit site.
The Bandırma Ferry was constructed in 1878 in the United Kingdom as a cargo and passenger ship with a total capacity of 279 tons.
Its first owners were Doussey and Robinson, who named it “Toroc” and operated it for five years.
The ship later entered the Ottoman Empire. It was sold in Greece in 1883 and renamed “Heme.” Later, it was sold again to another Greek company.
Eventually, it was purchased by a company in Istanbul and registered in the port of Istanbul.
The Turkish flag was raised over the vessel, and it was renamed Bandırma.
The Bandırma Ferry was used along the Sea of Marmara coasts—Tekirdağ, Mürefte, Şarköy, Karabiga, and Erdek.
On October 29, 1910, by a decision of the Ottoman Maritime Administration, the name Bandırma was designated for mail service.
Step-by-step toward the national struggle: After the loss of World War I, the Ottoman Empire began to disintegrate.
The Armistice of Mudros was signed, and its harsh terms were enforced.
Occupation forces entered Istanbul. Mustafa Kemal Pasha and his colleagues were deeply affected by this event.
They began organizing meetings and seeking ways to liberate the country.
Meanwhile, the occupying forces claimed that public order had been disrupted around Samsun and that the local Turks had attacked the Greeks.
They threatened to intervene if the Ottomans didn’t act.
Mustafa Kemal Pasha, known and respected for his role in the Gallipoli Campaign, was assigned by the Ottoman government to restore order in Samsun.
He was officially tasked with ensuring security in the city, and preparations began for his journey there.
The Bandırma Ferry was readied to transport Mustafa Kemal and his companions to Samsun.
3. Samsun Zoo
Tourism in Samsun includes a nostalgic childhood favorite—the zoo visit.
The excitement of seeing animals up close fascinates both adults and children.
Moreover, zoos play a vital role in protecting endangered species and educating the public on wildlife conservation—an essential mission for all of society.
Zoos in Turkey remain a top favorite, including the one in Samsun.
Located a short distance from the city, this zoo is one of the largest in the region and among the best in Samsun, Turkey.
It houses a wide variety of animals, and what makes it even more special is its internal botanical garden.
This makes it ideal for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
There are also informational panels that provide all the details you need about the animals.
Samsun Zoo features over 200 different animals divided into 47 species, ranging from common and predatory to tame and rare. They are spread across 27 sections, including aviaries, enclosures for tame and wild animals, and aquatic environments for marine and amphibious species.
As you tour the zoo, you'll encounter predators such as tigers, American bears, lions, lionesses and their cubs, and many more, leaving you amazed by their majestic nature.
You’ll also get to know various reptiles, from land-dwelling snakes to amphibious crocodiles.
As you wander through Samsun Zoo, you’ll see numerous large statues of animals and humans creatively placed to capture attention.
Your tour ends with a stop at one of the on-site restaurants, where you can relax and enjoy a delicious meal.
4. Samsun Saklıkar
Here is some information about Samsun Saklıkar, one of the attractions in Samsun tourism.
Where is Samsun Saklıkar Khorusu located, and how can you get there?
Are there entrance fees?
And once you arrive, let’s take a look at what awaits you.
A symbolic gem from all four corners of Turkey is adorned with natural beauty, and both of us are aware of the world’s countries.
Turkey, the paradise of tourism, has always been seen from the Aegean Coast. Tourists from all nationalities flock from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean for leisure, witnessing its natural beauty every year.
With the increasing importance of untouched natural beauty, vacationers and day-trippers alike are now searching for the closest slice of nature around them.
This is especially true for both locals and tourists who find peace and tranquility among the forests of the Black Sea.
The Municipality of Samsun initiated a project on an area of 100,000 square meters to bring to life a massive garden of paradise.
After the project was completed, all types of social activities were made available to both locals and tourists—ranging from tennis courts and bathing cabins to mosques, toilets, and protected recreational picnic areas.
In Saklıkar, which is decorated with bird cages all around, you can swing in a hammock amid the sounds of birds, take unforgettable photos along the 1.5-meter walking paths, and immortalize your day.
As summer arrives, brides from Samsun have already started competing to take their photos there.
Those enjoying a picnic with their families in this nature-scented environment offered by Mother Nature must surely be delighted in this park area.
Throughout all four seasons, Saklıkar is a spot frequently visited by students thanks to its wide range of activities and paradisiacal gardens.
This paradise garden, appealing to everyone from age 7 to 70, should be at the top of the list of must-visit places in Samsun.
If you have a waterproof tent, you can camp here in any season—making tourism in Samsun truly enjoyable.
5. Samsun’s Red River and Bird Delta Reserve
Located on the Black Sea coast in Samsun Province, the Kızılırmak Delta Wetlands and Bird Reserve is a major natural attraction.
Kızılırmak Delta is situated at 0.15 meters above sea level and is made up of semi-saline lakes, stable and mobile sand dunes, reed beds, marshes, flooded meadows, and forests.
The delta has been a Ramsar site since 1998 and is protected under Turkish laws for safeguarding cultural and natural assets (Law No. 2863, dated 23.07.1983), the executive regulation on the protection of wetlands, and the terrestrial hunting law.
The total area of Kızılırmak Delta is 45,378 hectares.
Out of this, 21,263 hectares have been nominated as a heritage site, while 24,115 hectares form the buffer zone.
The delta also holds first-degree natural site protection status.
Although the high level of protection provides strong safeguards for Kızılırmak Delta, further steps have been taken.
For example, agricultural lands in the buffer zones have been designated as protected agricultural areas, and the Black Sea coast surrounding the delta adds another layer of effective protection.
The coastal sand dunes link the two major parts of the delta, lying to the east and west of the Kızılırmak River.
In the eastern region, six shallow lakes (Liman, Balık, Uzun, Cernek, Bülbül, and Tatlısu) are bordered by flooded ash tree forests.
This area is surrounded by the sea to the north and east, and by farmlands to the south.
Three small zones fall within the buffer area due to the presence of a residential settlement.
The western region includes the Black Sea and Royal Lakes.
Again, small privately owned farms are excluded from the buffer zones.
These two large natural zones are connected by a two-kilometer-wide stretch of coastal buffer zones along the Black Sea.
The delta also contains small, isolated patches of forest that are already protected under Turkey’s Forest Law (Law No. 6831, dated 31.08.1956).
These forests serve as valuable stopover points for birds, offering nesting sites and hunting grounds.
Examples of Turkish bird species found in the delta include:
Kentish Plover, White-headed Duck, Egyptian Vulture
6. One of the Best Tourist Spots in Samsun: Samsun Veterans Museum
The Samsun Veterans Museum (Gazi Museum) is located in İlkadım, Samsun, on Mecidiye Street.
It was opened to visitors in 1940 following the restoration of the Mantika Palace Hotel, where Mustafa Kemal stayed during his first visit to Samsun.
The building is situated at Street No. 25, Island 273, Parcel 3.
The outer walls of this two-story historical structure are made of stone bricks, and the interior sections are interconnected.
According to some sources, the building was constructed in 1902 by Jean Younanis Mantika or Enco İbacıoğlu as a hotel named Mantika Palace.
When word came that Mustafa Kemal, the Ninth Army Inspector, would be arriving in Samsun on May 19, 1919, the out-of-service hotel was reconditioned and made operational.
He stayed there until May 25, 1919.
After the national struggle, he left the hotel to move on to Havza.
Following the proclamation of the Republic, Atatürk stayed at this hotel again from September 16 to 18, 1928, and from November 22 to 26, 1930.
During his last visit, Atatürk recorded the following lines in his notebook:
“Samsun, September 16, 1928;
It is eight-thirty, I am in the writing room, writing these lines while waiting for İsmet Pasha.
I came to Samsun for the third time.
A significant development has occurred. I read the history before my eyes, on the desk, a long cigarette box.
On May 19, 1335 (1919), I arrived for the first time. Then again, about four years ago.
In this development, İsmet Pasha has arrived. I leave the note here.”
The hotel where Atatürk stayed during each of his visits to Samsun was handed over to him in 1924 and later to Makbule Hanım by his will in 1938.
The building, which was expropriated by the Samsun Municipality in 1939 to be turned into a museum, served as the headquarters of the Republican People’s Party until then.
On October 5, 1940, it was officially opened to the public as a museum by the Samsun Municipality at the time.
7. Samsun Bayraktepe Picnic Hill
Bayraktepe Picnic and Recreation Area, located in Samsun’s İsaragaş region, is managed by the Samsun Metropolitan Municipality and is a popular leisure and picnic destination.
In the Tekkeköy area of Samsun, visitors were previously able to enjoy picnicking freely at the entrance of the Wood Café, but now, this access is subject to a fee.
Previously, the entrance and exit to this area were managed by the Tekkeköy Municipality and were free of charge. However, the coastal area and picnic zone were later transferred to the Samsun Metropolitan Municipality, which introduced an entry fee.
The entrance to Bayraktepe, now classified as a Nature and Recreation Park under the city’s social facilities, was set at 9 Turkish Lira.
The park area, once preferred by citizens for its free access, is now met with some resistance due to this new charge, leading to public reactions.
This picnic area, located along the Samsun-Ordu highway, lies between the city center and district hub.
As you drive about 4 to 5 kilometers uphill from the picnic grounds, you’ll reach a viewing terrace where Turkey’s largest and highest Black Sea flag proudly waves.
Located 13 km along Samsun’s Black Sea Coastal Road, Tekkeköy is 1 km away and falls within the jurisdiction of the Samsun Metropolitan Municipality.
Tekkeköy is established on a coastal plain, one-third of which is an extension of the Çarşamba Plain.
To the east and south of the district lies Samsun's Sarıçam Plain, with the Black Sea to the north and İsarçık to the south.
Geographically, Tekkeköy sits between 37° east and 35° west longitude, and 41° north and 40° south latitude.
The Asarcık and Kavak districts are to its east, Çarşamba lies to the west, the province of Samsun is to the south, and the Black Sea borders the north.
Located on fertile plains west of the Kızılırmak Delta, Tekkeköy is just 14 km from Samsun.
The main river sources in the region include Abdal Stream, Büyüklu Stream, Sarıyer Stream, Kirazlık Stream, and Tekkeköy Stream, with an elevation of 4 meters above sea level.
8. One of the Best Tourist Areas in Samsun: The Tobacco Pier
The Tobacco Pier was transformed into Protocol Avenue by the Samsun Metropolitan Municipality and opened to the public on May 19, 2009.
Protocol Road, built in front of the historic Tobacco Pier where Atatürk landed, measures 45 meters wide and 400 meters long—the same dimensions as the Bandırma Ferry replica also on display.
Decorative pools along the road showcase ceramic murals and sculptures representing Atatürk and his 18 companions, created on the left side of the avenue.
The pier now features statues of Atatürk and his 18 comrades, depicting their historic landing—a kind of open-air museum was established here.
The great leader Atatürk once set foot here in Samsun; now, years later, we joyfully welcome him again through this commemorative space in our city.
If a culture can’t visually express its history to its people, it becomes difficult to preserve that culture.
This road was also designed to serve as a venue for celebrations and public events.
Additionally, the road connects Atatürk Street with the May 19 Coastal Road.
The opening of this area reconnected the city with the sea, giving Samsun a new identity and integrating it with Republic Square.
Tobacco Pier is the symbolic location where Atatürk and his 18 companions first stepped foot in Samsun as they launched the War of Independence.
The exact spot where Mustafa Kemal first arrived in Samsun is now the site of the Atatürk Monument.
As the city expanded over time, the Samsun coastline was filled in, pushing the shoreline farther away.
Thanks to a project by the Samsun Metropolitan Municipality, the Tobacco Pier—where Atatürk originally landed—was reconstructed.
The route features decorative pools, quotes from Atatürk, ceramic inscriptions, and wax sculptures.
On the pier, wax figures representing Atatürk and his 18 friends are displayed on the ground.
This space, resembling an open-air museum, was opened to the public on May 19, 2009.
Note: Tobacco Pier is located within the boundaries of the İlkadım district, in downtown Samsun.
9. One of the Best Tourist Areas in Samsun: Gulan Waterfall
Gulan Waterfall welcomes visitors year-round in Samsun Province, home to many of the Black Sea’s top tourist destinations, known for its spectacular natural beauty.
You'll have unforgettable experiences in this rugged Black Sea city, long known as a crossroads of civilizations.
In addition to its stunning nature, the region offers a great chance to taste its local specialties.
Gulan Waterfall awaits with its breathtaking natural scenery, located just 18 kilometers from the city center.
The Mert River, flowing down from Eksay, provides a perfect backdrop for a nature-filled excursion among lush greenery.
The stunning view of the waterfall, renowned as the final and most rewarding stop on a nature hike starting from Gulan Village, will leave you feeling completely relaxed.
Along your walk by the stream, you may come across other small waterfalls nestled within this beautiful environment.
The steep cliffs surrounding the valley during your hike will also draw your attention, creating a picture-perfect journey full of diverse natural beauty.
During the summer months, this wonderful spot, known for its special visitors, becomes a major tourist attraction.
You can reach the area in about 40 minutes by car.
Gulan Village, which falls within the Çanakçık District, is accessible via the Samsun-İsarçık road.
Clear signage will guide your way through lush scenery, helping you reach the center of the village with ease.
To get to the waterfall, you’ll need to walk along the creek.
After about a 10-minute walk from the parking area, you’ll find yourself in the heart of untouched natural beauty.
We highly recommend visiting this hidden gem, which is still relatively unknown to the general public.
Since the waterfalls in the region tend to dry up periodically, it's best to visit in spring or autumn.
This is truly one of the highlight attractions of Samsun tourism—and among the most enjoyable.
10. Top Tourist Attractions in Samsun: The Honor Monument
Right next to Cumhuriyet Square, the park surrounding the Atatürk Monument is considered the first park in Samsun.
This area—with its landscaping, ornamental pools, and of course, the Atatürk Monument—is the first stop for visitors to Samsun.
The Honor Monument, featuring a bronze statue of Atatürk (a symbol of Samsun), was commissioned by the people of Samsun and sculpted by Austrian artist Heinrich Krippel.
The statue was brought to Samsun aboard a German ferry on November 15, 1931.
Along with the statue, Viennese engineer Krippel and Mayer also came to Samsun.
The statue stands 4.75 meters high, and the base measures 8.85 meters.
This monumental sculpture of Atatürk, mounted on a horse atop a large pedestal, displays him in all his grandeur.
With a proud expression, his gaze is fixed westward into the distance, full of determination. The prancing horse stands tall, capturing the essence of strength and resolve.
His steel arm extends toward his sword, symbolizing courage and readiness.
On the sides of the pedestal, there are two relief carvings and inscriptions.
In one relief, people are depicted carrying bullets and ammunition beside a boat, with a cannon cart behind them, evoking a wartime scene.
In the other relief, Atatürk stands tall, depicted in full detail as a symbol of great victory, turning his head toward the crowd.
He is surrounded by peasants and citizens, representing the old Turkish nation.
The inscriptions on the pedestal read:
“Mustafa Kemal Atatürk launched the National Struggle in the country from Samsun on May 19, 1919.”
“This statue was erected in 1931 by the residents of Samsun Province.”
The statue stands at what was formerly known as Samsun Square, located along the coastal road.
The majestic monument is just a 2-minute walk from the intersection between the coastal road and the city center.
There are dedicated parking spaces nearby for your vehicle.
11. Top Tourist Attractions in Samsun: Tekeköy Caves Valley
Let us take you back in time—4,000 years—to ancient history in Samsun.
We’re talking about the Tekeköy Caves, among the oldest known settlements in the Black Sea region.
The caves, appearing as small hollows near streams and walnut trees, date back to between the 15th and 6th centuries BC.
Numerous ancient artifacts have been discovered in this area.
During excavations conducted in 1940, many items from the Old Hittite Period and the Bronze Age were unearthed.
It’s evident that the people who lived here during that time were primarily consumers of natural resources.
In 1977, the site was declared a protected area, and in 2013, it was partially opened to visitors.
Due to ongoing research in certain sections of the cave, only designated areas are accessible to the public.
The Tekeköy Caves Valley Museum was opened in 2014.
This museum displays artifacts, personal belongings, and sculptures reflecting the lifestyle of the time.
Additionally, it is Turkey’s first thematic museum of its kind.
One of the three Greek houses in the area has been restored and included in the museum.
If you ever find yourself in this district, this site is a must-see.
Here, you’ll take a journey through time among original statues and ancient belongings.
And don’t forget to capture the moment while you’re there.
How to Get to the Tekeköy Caves and Museum:
You can reach Tekeköy District Center from downtown Samsun via commercial taxis, or drive there following the road signs in your personal vehicle.
The historical site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and until 7:00 PM during the summer season.
Admission is free.
12. Top Tourist Attractions in Samsun: Samsun Archaeology and Ethnography Museum
Artifacts discovered during excavations conducted by the Turkish Historical Society in the Samsun area were originally sent to the Kastamonu Museum, as there was no museum in Samsun at the time.
Meanwhile, items collected from local construction projects and other finds were temporarily kept and protected at the Samsun Vocational Institute of Finance and Arts.
Initially, the museum operated as a storage facility, starting on March 1, 1960.
Later, Governor Neşet Satsuma revisited the idea of creating an Atatürk Museum in Samsun.
In 1967, the “May 19 Exhibition Pavilion” was handed over to the Ministry of National Education for use as the Atatürk Museum.
Soon after, construction of the Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, located next to the Atatürk Museum, began in 1976, and it opened six years later.
The museum displays both archaeological and ethnographic artifacts collected from Samsun and its surroundings.
The archaeology section features bronze, terracotta, and bone artifacts from the Early Bronze Age, Hittite, Hellenistic, and Roman periods.
Among the highlights are a bronze statue of an athlete, Bronze Age skulls, mosaics from the ancient city of Amisos made during the reign of Roman Emperor Alexander Severus, burial treasures, and Hellenistic-era jewelry.
The tomb chamber artifacts from Amisos—including a gold crown, earrings, and bracelets—are among the museum’s most prized exhibits.
Also on display are coins from the Classical, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods, as well as currency from the Republican era.
The ethnographic section includes pendals, besekirs, prayer rugs, watch pouches, manuscripts, and Qur'ans specific to the Samsun region.
Local daggers and firearms are also featured in a dedicated exhibit hall.
13. Top Tourist Attractions in Samsun: Samsun West Park
Samsun West Park (Batıpark) is located along the border between the Canik and Atakum districts, offering panoramic sea views and some of the most beautiful green spaces in the city.
The area includes attractions like the Amazon Channel, viewing terraces, fish restaurants, and picnic spots, all designed for public enjoyment.
The park's artificial island—created between Körfez Creek and the old Yalova Ship Gulf—includes a 730-meter-long fill area, 10 meters high and 1.75 meters wide, forming embankments between the sea and the canal.
To enhance the landscape, giant lion sculptures were placed on two hills, which also house cafés and observation decks.
The lion statue itself covers an area of 160 square meters, and nearby are a slideshow center, viewing terraces, and souvenir shops.
The Amazon Island Landscape Project includes the Amazon Statue, coastal fortifications, and the Amazon Village, which significantly contributes to local tourism.
The village features replicas of caves, dungeons, a royal tomb, the queen's bedroom and kitchen, and the queen’s armory.
There's also a hall showcasing Amazon warriors, three souvenir kiosks, a café, a slide center, and waterfalls.
Why so few people know about this place is still a mystery.
This park is full of history—from the Amazon warriors, to swords, real knives in exhibits—it's simply incredible.
The park is beautifully located by the Black Sea, with a huge area full of playgrounds, restaurants, cafés, and open-air activity zones.
There’s even a cheap cable car ride to the top of the hill—great for spending extra time if you’re in the area.
