Things to do in Rize
Discover the best attractions and experiences Rize has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore ancient fortresses and historic landmarks that overlook Rize's lush Black Sea landscape.
Zilkale Fortress
A dramatic medieval fortress perched above the Fırtına Valley, offering sweeping views and a glimpse into the region's frontier history.
Rize Castle (Rize Kalesi)
A hilltop fortress guarding the old town with historic walls and panoramic city views.
Museums
Learn about the Black Sea region's culture, history, and tea heritage through these museums.
Rize Archaeology and Ethnography Museum
Exhibits on the area's ancient civilizations, local customs, and traditional Laz life.
Rize City Museum
A small museum documenting the city's development, crafts, and daily life.
Religious Monuments
Home to mosques with distinctive Black Sea architecture and serene courtyards.
Rize Ulu Camii
The city’s central mosque, a calm place for reflection and prayer with simple architecture.
Pazar Mosque
A traditional mosque serving the nearby town during prayers and community events.
National & Theme Parks
Outdoor adventures amid steep peaks, forests and rivers.
Kaçkar Mountains National Park
A rugged alpine landscape with challenging hikes, glaciers, and stunning viewpoints.
Ayder Plateau
A popular alpine meadow known for cedar forests, hot springs and tea houses.
Fırtına Valley
A scenic valley famous for rafting, waterfalls, and forests.
Neighborhoods
Get to know the different corners of Rize and its surrounding towns.
Rize City Center (Merkez)
Vibrant core with markets, cafés and riverside strolls.
Çamlıhemşin
A mountainous town and gateway to Ayder and the Kaçkar trails.
Ardeşen
Coastal town with scenic riverfront and traditional Laz culture.
Free Things to Do
Enjoy the outdoors and city strolls without a ticket.
Stroll along the Rize riverfront and waterfront
Take a relaxing walk with views of the lush riverbanks and Black Sea breeze.
Self-guided Kaçkar Mountains hike
Choose an easy trail for a taste of the highlands and forest scenery.
Tea garden photo walks
Snap pictures of tea plantations from public paths and viewpoints.
Gastronomy
Sample hearty Black Sea flavors and Laz specialties.
Muhlama (Laz Muhlama)
A rich cheese and cornmeal dish melted at the table, perfect with tea.
Hamsi Tava
Pan-fried anchovy, a regional favorite from the Black Sea.
Laz Böreği
Layered pastry with a savory filling, a regional treat.
Nightlife
Evenings in Rize offer cozy cafés and live folk music.
Teahouse evenings with local music
Relax with tea and gentle background tunes from regional musicians.
Laz folk music nights
Local performances featuring Horon dances and traditional songs.
Entertainment
Cultural performances and theatres.
Rize City Theater
Local plays and performances at a city venue.
Laz Folklore shows
Traditional dance and music showcases in cultural centers.
Sports
Adventure sports in the mountains and rivers.
Rafting on the Fırtına River
Exciting white-water experience through the lush gorge.
Kaçkar Mountains trekking
Popular long-distance hikes with panoramic views.
Off the Track
Hidden corners and local experiences away from the crowds.
Palovit Falls
A picturesque waterfall in the Fırtına Valley, best in the early morning light.
Fırtına River kayaking
Gentle to mid-level kayaking along the river course.
Tea plantation visits
Explore the hillsides where tea leaves are grown and processed.