Ordu Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Nestled between the Black Sea and the rolling green hills of northern Turkey, the city of Ordu is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality, this coastal city offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers.
One of the main attractions in Ordu is its breathtaking coastline. Miles of pristine sandy beaches stretch along the Black Sea, offering visitors the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun. The crystal-clear waters provide an excellent opportunity for swimming, snorkeling, or even sailing. For those seeking adventure, there are numerous water sports available, such as jet skiing, windsurfing, and parasailing.
Aside from its stunning beaches, Ordu is also known for its lush green mountains and picturesque landscapes. The city is surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills, making it an ideal destination for hiking and exploring nature. The towering Boztepe Hill offers panoramic views of the city and the Black Sea, while the nearby Altınordu City Forest is a haven for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.
Ordu is not only a paradise for nature lovers but also a city steeped in history and culture. The city's historic district is home to numerous Ottoman-era buildings, including mosques, bazaars, and traditional Turkish houses. The Pasaoglu Konagi, a beautiful 18th-century mansion turned museum, showcases the city's rich heritage and offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Ottoman elite.
Food lovers will also find themselves in heaven in Ordu. The city is famous for its delicious Black Sea cuisine, which includes an abundance of fresh fish and seafood dishes. Local restaurants serve up mouthwatering meals made with locally sourced ingredients, and traditional tea houses offer a cozy spot to relax and enjoy a cup of Turkish tea.
Region: Ordu
Ordu Attractions - What to See and Explore
Ordu offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Ordu Ethnographical Museum, Serüven Kitabevi, Altınordu, Boztepe Tunnel. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Ordu – popular in the area (distance from the center)
In the vicinity of Ordu, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Giresun Museum (Giresun), Yağlıdere (Giresun), Giresun Island.
Best Time To Visit Ordu
Learn when is the best time to travel to Ordu weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the City
Food & drink
CuisineA guide to some of the best local dishes and drinks that you will meet in the region.
Sarma
Sarma is a delectable dish created by wrapping vine, cabbage, monk's rhubarb, or chard leaves around a filling typically composed of grains such as bulgur or rice and minced meat. It is cherished in many countries that once belonged to the Ottoman Empire, spanning from...
Dish
Dolma
Dolma is a cherished dish that spans various regions, including the Balkans, South Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Middle East. It essentially involves stuffing vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, onions, zucchinis, eggplants, and pointed gourds.
Dish
Cacık
Tzatziki, also known as cacık or tarator, is a delectable and versatile dish that holds a prominent place in Southeast European and Middle Eastern cuisines. Whether you enjoy it as a dip, soup, or sauce, tzatziki is prepared from strained or diluted yogurt blended...
Dish
Simit
Simit, also known as gevrek, bokegh, or koulouri, is a cherished circular bread originating from the cuisines of the former Ottoman Empire and the Middle East. Renowned for its crunchy crust, typically encrusted with sesame seeds, simit can also be sprinkled with other...
Bread
Tava
A tava, also known as tawa, tapa, saj, or saj tava, is a versatile cooking tool prevalent in many kitchens across Central, West, and South Asia, as well as in the Caucasus, Caribbean, and Balkans. This flat or slightly concave frying pan or griddle is typically crafted...
Region: Ordu