What to See and Do in Gaziantep: 10 Amazing Places
Turkey’s heart beats not only in the capital but also in the depths of smaller cities, not often frequented by foreign tourists. Today, I’m taking you on a virtual journey to the gastronomic capital of Turkey – the city of Gaziantep. On this page, you will learn about the city and its attractions, plan your own trip, and find answers to frequently asked questions.
About the City
Gaziantep is a major city in southeastern Turkey, rich in cultural heritage and landmarks. It is known for its ancient monuments, including ancient ruins, mosques, and other historical attractions. It is believed that the first settlements in the area of modern-day Gaziantep appeared around 3600 BC, making the city over 5000 years old! Gaziantep is a must-visit if you want to explore not only the history of Turkey but also the history of the entire Middle East. The city has been home to various nations over different eras, from Armenians and Arabs to Turks, creating a unique atmosphere.
The city is famous for its craftsmanship in copper products, carpets, and silk. The local cuisine is considered one of the best in Turkey, earning the city the unofficial title of the “gastronomic capital of Turkey.”
Even if food isn’t your top priority when traveling, Gaziantep won’t leave you indifferent. Here, almost any eatery rivals the best places in Istanbul or Antalya in terms of food quality, yet the prices are significantly lower.
Things to Do in Gaziantep
Before my trip, I researched what to do in Gaziantep, but surprisingly, there was very little information online. In reality, Gaziantep is an amazing place that offers almost everything you can find in Istanbul, and even more.
1. Mosaic Museum (Zeugma)
The Mosaic Museum (Zeugma Mozaik Müzesi) is one of the most captivating places in Gaziantep and one of the greatest mosaic museums in the world. The museum opened in 2011, so there’s little information about it in older guidebooks, but it’s a must-visit regardless of your interests; you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.
Here you can immerse yourself in the world of Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece and see unique mosaics from the 3rd century BC. Remarkably, many mosaics are well-preserved, stunning with their vibrant colors, exquisite designs, and detailed craftsmanship. In addition to mosaics, this museum also features statues, columns, and other historical artifacts.
- Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/E4c3KdV3WWesurJBA
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Admission: 380 lira
- Visiting Time: 2-5 hours
By the way, the city of Zeugma, after which the museum is named, is located near Gaziantep. There’s no particular reason to visit the city itself unless you are a fan of open-air excavations.
2. Copper Bazaar
In the heart of Gaziantep lies the copper market (Bakırcılar Çarşısı), where unique copper items are sold. Here you can buy copper coffee pots, kitchen utensils, jewelry, and more. [Image] ALT+Title: Items at the Copper Bazaar in Gaziantep At this bazaar, I had the feeling that some of the items clearly came from China, but there are also shops where artisans work with copper right before your eyes. These places inspire more trust as the goods are evidently handmade and made in Turkey. Visiting the copper bazaar is worthwhile not only for shopping. The bazaar has a special atmosphere, like a museum. You can also see “yemeni” shoes in real life, worn by the vendors at the bazaar – a special type of shoe made from the hides of five different animals. ● Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/v63LZyEtMf8vVHgq5 ● Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM ● Admission: Free ● Visiting Time: 30-60 minutes
3. Yemeni Shoes
Traditional Yemeni shoes are made not only in Gaziantep, but this city is considered their birthplace in modern Turkey. Some craftsmen, called “keshker” or “yemenedji” in Turkish, still make them by hand. One craftsman can make only a few pairs a day, hence the high cost. You can find shops with Yemeni shoes all over the city, but one of the most famous spots is Yemenici Hayri Usta. Craftsmen from this shop made shoes for the movies “300 Spartans” and “The Lord of the Rings”.
If you want to not only look but also buy Yemeni shoes, here are the details:
- Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oEKUhg4sCZnLt8kD7
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
4. Kaleoğlu Mağarası
Gaziantep is not only the gastronomic capital of Turkey but also the pistachio capital. In Turkish, pistachios are even called “Gaziantep nuts.” And it is in this city that you should try pistachio coffee – Menengiç coffee (Menengiç Kahvesi). Menengiç is a special type of pistachio from which caffeine-free coffee is made. It is served in various places, but I recommend visiting Kaleoğlu Mağarası cafe. This cafe has been operating since 1551. A very atmospheric place with delicious Menengiç coffee.
- Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/T4QhVMADnKPJVcnk9
- Hours: Open 24 hours
5. Gramofhan Antika Sales Store and Boutique Cafe
Antique and Turkish tea lovers should not miss the Gramofhan Antika boutique cafe. It is located a bit away from the center, but it’s worth the trip. Gramofhan Antika is an antique shop where you will find many vintage items, including records, as well as a small boutique cafe where tea is served in antique dishes. The shop and cafe are more like a museum – a very beautiful and authentic place where you can also take stunning photos.
- Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cptg33URVFtsJt3J9
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
6. Papirus Cafe
Papirus is another cafe you shouldn’t miss. It’s not just about the delicious food, which is a given in Gaziantep, but also the beauty. The cafe is located in an old Armenian mansion. The building is in a semi-ruined state, but this gives the place a special charm. The nearby streets are also worth a walk.
- Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ab4oRxbZ1FkoYmRPA
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:30 PM
7. Mutfak Sanatları Merkezi
Mutfak Sanatları Merkezi is a restaurant located right in the botanical garden. It serves Gaziantep cuisine. Prices are slightly higher than the city average, but the quality of the food is excellent, as is the presentation. The Mutfak Sanatları Merkezi menu includes a special set with various dishes – an ideal choice to discover the delights of Turkey’s gastronomic capital.
- Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1cg81HFqSjE42Rs78
- Hours: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
8. Tarihi Gümrük Hanı
Tarihi Gümrük Hanı is a historic customs building that recently underwent extensive reconstruction but has retained its authenticity. Be sure to take a look inside – there is a small museum with historical artifacts. Inside the building, you will find various shops and cafes. If you didn’t get a chance to try Menengiç coffee earlier, there’s a good cafe called Kahveci Seddar in this building as well.
- Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/K6u1RDKeaBm8KRV2A
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Admission: Free
- Visiting Time: 30-60 minutes
9. Baklava, Kebab, and Lahmacun
Authentic baklava is made with pistachios, and Gaziantep is the birthplace of pistachios in Turkey, so this is where you should try real baklava. Additionally, you must try kebab. Not far from Gaziantep is the city of Adana, the birthplace of “Adana Kebab,” so Gaziantep also makes amazing kebabs. Plus, they serve “lahmacun” – Turkish pizza, which in Gaziantep differs from the rest of Turkey. Here’s my list of the best places:
- İmam Çağdaş Kebap ve Baklava Salon: https://maps.app.goo.gl/e31z1rgTtqCx1zzAA
- Kebapçı Halil Usta:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/F6Jr4kGTTzp7ZL9G8 - YESEMEK GAZİANTEP MUTFAĞI: YESEMEK GAZİANTEP MUTFAĞI:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/T5UJRyYYUeoxFCep8
The list of cafes and restaurants could go on forever; in Gaziantep, practically every cafe is a gastronomic delight. Most places are open until 9-10 PM. If you get hungry back at the hotel, you can order delivery, which is widely available in Turkey. They can even bring baklava to your hotel.
10. Tahmis Kahvesi
The number of amazing cafes in Gaziantep is off the charts. In the center, near the copper bazaar, is Tahmis Kahvesi – the oldest coffeehouse in the city. Every time I passed by, this cafe was always crowded. I think I know the secret to its popularity – it’s very beautiful and very delicious. Prices are a bit higher than in nearby places, but it’s worth it.
- Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FV5WwTUCMEzwp1Kw8
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Where to Stay
Anadolu Evleri Hotel
Gaziantep has dozens of hotels, and the tourist sector is well developed. I stayed at the Anadolu Evleri Hotel, located in the very center of the city – https://maps.app.goo.gl/WzR8WXanrAEpmUhb9.
The hotel is housed in a historic building made of special “Havara” stone. The material was quarried near the city and has exceptional thermal conductivity qualities – it retains heat in winter and coolness in summer. The hotel owners carefully and with attention to detail restored two houses located next to each other. It’s very comfortable and atmospheric inside, and since the hotel itself is small, you feel at home.
Tuğcan Hotel
Another hotel I can safely recommend is the Tuğcan Hotel. It’s located a bit further from the main attractions – https://maps.app.goo.gl/tfL735oKimpnndbNA, but in a good and safe area.
This is a modern hotel that doesn’t have a special historical atmosphere, but it offers stunning views of the city from the rooms.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Few tourists can boast of having a trip to Gaziantep in their travel history. Perhaps that’s why there’s not much reliable information online. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, I have compiled answers to the most common questions from my own experience.
I felt completely safe in Gaziantep at any time of the day. Contrary to common myths that tourists are looked at askance in eastern Turkey, it was quite the opposite – friendly and welcoming people, an open atmosphere, and complete safety. The only place to avoid at night is the industrial area “Sanayi,” starting right behind the Mustafa Yavuz train station – https://maps.app.goo.gl/2Y12BZA1nYsnYBxE9. It’s quite safe during the day, but even Turks try to avoid this area after dark. This is similar to certain areas in Istanbul, so I don’t put a black mark on the entire city.
Gaziantep has a major airport, so I recommend flying. There are flights from Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, and some other cities. For example, a flight from Istanbul to Gaziantep takes about 2 hours and costs around 40 dollars if you buy tickets in advance. You can also get to Gaziantep by bus. In this case, there are more routes – buses run not only from Istanbul or Ankara but also from smaller cities like Nevşehir, Konya, Mardin, and others. I recommend considering the bus only if you are relatively close or if there are no suitable flights. The ticket price depends on the route, but you can get from Istanbul for about 20 dollars. The train is currently not operating. After the 2023 earthquake, the Mersin-Gaziantep railway was closed for reconstruction until 2026.
Gaziantep is a city that can surprise even seasoned travelers. It’s not only an independent point of attraction but also a must-see destination when traveling in Southeastern Anatolia. Gaziantep is definitely worth visiting for its delicious Turkish dishes, which can sometimes be impossible to find even in Istanbul. The city also impresses with its historical atmosphere. After the earthquake, the city’s appearance, unfortunately, changed. For example, the historic fortress was almost completely lost, but most of the cultural heritage sites have been preserved and are definitely worth seeing.
