Top things to do in Ordu
Ordu blends sea and mountain, with most sights within a short drive of the city.
- Boztepe — Ride the cable car up the hill above the city for sweeping views of the coastline, then relax in its tea gardens.
- Taşbaşı — A restored 19th-century church near the seafront, now used as a cultural centre.
- Paşaoğlu Mansion — An Ottoman-era mansion housing the city’s ethnography museum.
- Cape Jason (Yason Burnu) — A scenic headland west of the city linked to the legend of Jason and the Argonauts, with a small historic church.
- Highland plateaus — Cool, green yayla meadows such as Çambaşı, popular for summer escapes and walks.
- Ünye — A pleasant coastal town with beaches and a hilltop castle.
- Hazelnuts — Ordu is Türkiye’s leading hazelnut region, so sample nuts, pastes and sweets in local shops.
Best time to visit Ordu
Ordu has a mild, humid Black Sea climate with rain throughout the year. June to September is the best time to visit, with warm temperatures for the beaches and the highland plateaus at their greenest and most welcoming.
August is harvest time for hazelnuts, when the hillsides are busy with pickers. Spring and autumn are quieter and lush but wetter, and winters are cool and rainy, with snow on the higher plateaus.
Getting from the airport
Ordu–Giresun Airport is unusual in being built on land reclaimed from the sea, on the coast between Ordu and Giresun, about 20 km east of Ordu city centre. It handles mainly domestic flights, with most international travellers connecting through Istanbul.
Shuttle buses usually run in connection with flights to both Ordu and Giresun, and taxis and car hire are available at the terminal. The coastal highway makes driving into the city straightforward.
Where to stay
Most hotels are along the seafront or in the compact city centre.
- Altınordu (city centre) — Suits most visitors, with the seafront, cable car station and restaurants close by.
- Boztepe — Hillside hotels offer views and a quieter atmosphere.
- Ünye — Good for beach-focused stays west of the city.
- Highland plateaus — Simple guesthouses suit nature lovers in summer.
Travel tips
- Money: Cards are widely accepted in the city; carry lira for the plateaus and small cafés.
- Getting around: Minibuses run along the coast, but a car is best for plateaus and villages.
- Weather: Rain is possible year-round, so pack a light waterproof layer.
- Etiquette: Dress modestly away from the beach and when visiting mosques.
- Language: English is limited, so a translation app and a few Turkish phrases help.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport serves Ordu?
Ordu–Giresun Airport (OGU), on the coast between Ordu and Giresun.
How do I get from the airport to the city centre?
Shuttle buses usually meet flights, and taxis and car hire are available; the drive to Ordu is short via the coastal highway.
What currency is used in Ordu?
The Turkish lira (TRY).
Do I need a visa to visit Türkiye?
Entry requirements depend on your nationality and change from time to time. Check RwandAir’s travel requirements tool or the official government website before you travel.
When is the best time to visit Ordu?
June to September, when it is warm enough for the beaches and the plateaus are green.
What is special about Ordu–Giresun Airport?
It was built on land reclaimed from the Black Sea, making it one of the few airports in the world constructed on the sea.
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