Overview
Rize is Turkey's tea capital, producing nearly all the country's tea in the lush Green Mountains that rise sharply from the Black Sea coast. The city itself has modest attractions—mosques, a castle ruin, a couple of museums—but it serves as the practical gateway to the Kaçkar Mountains and the beautiful northeastern coastline.
Budget Travel · Day Trips · Nature · Transit Hub
Before you go
Connectivity
4G available from all Turkish carriers; 5G not yet deployed. Signal weakens in southern mountain areas.
Culture
Rize is a conservative city. Few places serve alcohol. Tea culture is central to daily life.
Money
Local currency is Turkish Lira (TL). Cards accepted at hotels and larger establishments, but carry cash for smaller shops and dolmuşes.
Transport
Rize is on Highway D-010 running the length of the Black Sea coast. The bus terminal is centrally located. Dolmuşes serve main streets for longer distances.
Weather
Black Sea coast is rainy year-round. Summers are warm and humid; winters are mild but wet.