Ordu is a Black Sea port city where the coastline, the old city centre and the hill of Boztepe above it shape how you experience the place. Hazelnut groves and the chocolate-covered hazelnut factory shop are part of the town's identity, and the cable car up to Boztepe has become a modern symbol of the city.
For a visitor, the practical geography is simple: the coastline and harbour, the old city centre with its historic houses and mosques, and the hilltop of Boztepe to the west, linked to the shore by an aerial tramway. The beach strip northwest of the centre forms a separate cluster of accommodation. This guide covers which of these areas to base yourself in, and what each is like for different kinds of traveller.
Best areas to stay in Ordu
1. Central Ordu around the harbour and Atatürk Bulvarı
This is the most convenient base for a first visit. You are on the main boulevard by the harbour, within reach of the old city centre, its historic houses, the ethnographic museum and the central mosques, and the cable car connection up to Boztepe is close at hand.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to be within walking distance of the town's main sights and the waterfront. Accommodation here includes established hotels on the main boulevard, and the area stays active in the evening. Expect some traffic and bustle along the boulevard itself.
2. Boztepe hilltop
Boztepe is the hill overlooking the town from the west, reached from the coastline by the aerial tramway in a few minutes. Staying up here puts you above the city with the views that draw people to the hill in the first place.
It suits travellers who prefer quiet and outlook over being in the middle of town, and it works well for a short stay built around the cable car and the hilltop. The trade-off is that everything in the city below depends on the tramway or a road journey, so it is less practical if you want to walk out to restaurants and sights at will.
3. The beach strip northwest of the centre
The beach strip northwest of the centre holds a concentration of inexpensive places to stay, which makes it the obvious choice if budget is your main concern and you want to be near the sea.
It suits budget travellers and those who do not mind being a little away from the central sights. The practical drawback is noise: the area is blighted by late-night noise from the cafes, so light sleepers should weigh that up before choosing it.
4. The area around the airport and the western highway
West of the airport, on the main highway, there is accommodation aimed at travellers passing through or arriving by air. It is a functional location rather than a scenic one.
This suits people with an early flight, those continuing along the coast by road, or anyone who simply wants easy access to the highway. It is not a base for exploring the old city centre on foot, since you are removed from the town itself.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: the beach strip northwest of the centre has many inexpensive hotels. This is where to look if keeping costs down matters most, accepting the late-night cafe noise that comes with the area.
- Mid-range: the central area around the harbour and main boulevard offers comfortable, efficient places to stay within walking distance of the sights, alongside a few older properties that have seen better days.
- Splurge: the upper end is represented by the hilltop accommodation at Boztepe, by the cable car top station, and by the established hotels on the main boulevard in the centre.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself in central Ordu, around the harbour and Atatürk Bulvarı. It puts you within reach of the old city centre, the museums and mosques, the waterfront and the cable car up to Boztepe, so you can see the city without depending on transport for every trip. The beach strip is cheaper but noisy, and the hilltop is quieter but removed from the town below.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I stay if I want to be near the cable car to Boztepe?
The hilltop itself has accommodation by the cable car top station, and the central area around the harbour is close to the coastline end of the aerial tramway. Either puts you within easy reach of the ride up to the hill.
Which part of Ordu is best for budget travellers?
The beach strip northwest of the centre has many inexpensive hotels. Be aware that the area is affected by late-night noise from the cafes.
Is staying on Boztepe practical without a car?
Yes, the aerial tramway connects the city's coastline with the hilltop, so you can move between the two without driving. Journeys to and from the town below depend on the tramway or the road.
What is the area near the airport like for an overnight stay?
There is accommodation on the main highway west of the airport, which suits an early flight or a onward journey by road. It is away from the old city centre and the main sights.
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