How many days do you need in Rize?

The top 4 places in the centre take about 1 day at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel.

What are the top things to do in Rize?

Highlights: Rize Castle, Rize Atatürk Museum, Bozukkale (Rize), Rize Museum and İslampaşa Kurşunlu Mosque. The map has 6 things to do in total.

How do you get from the airport to Rize city centre?

Rize-Artvin (RZV): Havaş bus or taxi ≈ 35 min · Trabzon (TZX): Taxi or bus ≈ 1 h 15 min

A 5–10% tip is common in restaurants; round up taxi fares.

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Rize Things to do and walking itinerary

Türkiye

Rize travel guide

6 things to do in Rize, where to stay, airport transfers. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.

Top things to do in Rize

Rize Castle — castle in Rize, Türkiye (visit ≈ 75 min)
Rize Atatürk Museum — museum in Rize District (visit ≈ 120 min)
Bozukkale (Rize) — Rize Merkez'de kale (visit ≈ 60 min)
Rize Museum — museum in Rize District (visit ≈ 120 min)
İslampaşa Kurşunlu Mosque — Rize Merkez'de cami (visit ≈ 30 min)
Atatürk Monument, Rize (visit ≈ 15 min)

1-day Rize walking itinerary

Starting point: Town Centre. The top 4 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.

Day 1 (≈ 5.7 km · 7,700 steps · 1 h 16 min on the way): Rize Atatürk Museum → Rize Museum → Rize Castle → Atatürk Monument, Rize

Hidden gems and overlooked spots in Rize

Ayder Plateau — Wooden highland houses in a forested valley, with hot springs and a view of Gelintülü falls. (visit ≈ 240 min)
Zil Castle — Medieval castle perched on a forested crag above the Fırtına valley. (visit ≈ 45 min)
Fırtına Valley and Şenyuva Bridge — Lush valley toward the Kaçkars with stone arch bridges, tea gardens and a rafting route. (visit ≈ 120 min)
Palovit Waterfall — Powerful waterfall in the forests of Çamlıhemşin, on the road up to the highlands. (visit ≈ 60 min)
Anzer Plateau — High plateau in İkizdere known for flower-covered slopes and its famous honey. (visit ≈ 180 min)
Pokut Plateau — Highland pasture above Çamlıhemşin with wooden chalets and a famous morning sea of clouds over the valley. (visit ≈ 180 min)
Gito Plateau — Quiet Kaçkar plateau often above a sea of clouds, with wooden summer houses and wide meadows. (visit ≈ 240 min)
Ağaran Waterfall — Tall waterfall in a forested Kalkandere valley, picturesque with its wooden footbridge. (visit ≈ 45 min)
Çat Valley — Rocky upper valley of the Fırtına stream, a scenic stop on the road to the highland pastures. (visit ≈ 120 min)
Huser Plateau — High plateau above Ayder for a sunrise walk with views of the Kaçkar peaks and the clouds below. (visit ≈ 180 min)
Hazindak Plateau — Small plateau reached on foot from Ayder, dotted with streams and stone-and-timber houses. (visit ≈ 180 min)

Where to stay in Rize

Town Centre: The bazaar, seafront and bus station are within walking distance.
Ziraat Hill: A quiet stay with views, among tea gardens.

Getting from the airport to Rize

Rize-Artvin (RZV): Havaş bus or taxi ≈ 35 min
Trabzon (TZX): Taxi or bus ≈ 1 h 15 min

Getting around

The centre is small and walkable; Ayder and the highlands need a minibus or car via Pazar and Ardeşen.

Classic places to eat

Ziraat Çay Bahçesi: Freshly brewed Rize tea above the town.
Evvel Zaman: Cornmeal-cheese muhlama and Black Sea dishes.

Romantic views

Rize Castle (Sunset): Town and sea views from the castle tea garden.
Ziraat Tea Garden (Daytime): A walk among tea plants and flowers.
Rize Seafront (Evening): An evening walk to the sound of waves.

Football stadiums in Rize

Yeni Rize Şehir Stadı: Home of Çaykur Rizespor

Good to know before visiting Rize

Fine: Insulting the memory of Atatürk, the Turkish flag or state symbols is a criminal offence.
Fine: Exporting antiquities is banned; keep receipts and, for old carpets or objects, ask for a museum export certificate.
Fine: Photographing military zones and facilities is prohibited; obey "military zone" signs.
Fine: Smoking is banned indoors and on public transport; lighting fires in forests in summer is fined.
Warning: Carry your ID or passport; police may ask for it at checks.
Warning: Shops and kiosks may not sell alcohol between 22:00 and 06:00.

Emergency: 112
Plugs: C/F, 230V
Tap water: Tap water is treated, but most people drink bottled or jug water.
Tipping: A 5–10% tip is common in restaurants; round up taxi fares.

Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Türkiye, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Resmî e-Vize, Wikivoyage — Turkey · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10

Rize travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Rize?: The top 4 places in the centre take about 1 day at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel.
What are the top things to do in Rize?: Highlights: Rize Castle, Rize Atatürk Museum, Bozukkale (Rize), Rize Museum and İslampaşa Kurşunlu Mosque. The map has 6 things to do in total.
Where to stay in Rize?: Town Centre: The bazaar, seafront and bus station are within walking distance. Other options: Ziraat Hill.
How do you get from the airport to Rize city centre?: Rize-Artvin (RZV): Havaş bus or taxi ≈ 35 min · Trabzon (TZX): Taxi or bus ≈ 1 h 15 min
How do you get around Rize?: The centre is small and walkable; Ayder and the highlands need a minibus or car via Pazar and Ardeşen.
What is the emergency number in Rize?: Emergency: 112.
Do you tip in Rize?: A 5–10% tip is common in restaurants; round up taxi fares.

Nearby cities

Trabzon · Diyarbakır · Yerevan · Tbilisi · Mardin · Şanlıurfa · Gaziantep · Cappadocia (Göreme)

Türkiye travel guide: all cities · All cities