Gaziantep
One of Türkiye's great food cities, with baklava, pistachios, kebabs and a rich museum scene.
Best time
March to May and September to November; summers are hot.
Province
Gaziantep
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Food and old town
- Morning: breakfast with katmer, pistachio paste and tea.
- Midday: Zeugma Mosaic Museum (Gypsy Girl mosaic).
- Afternoon: Gaziantep Castle, Emine Dilek Hanım Mansion and the bazaar.
- Evening: dinner at a kebab restaurant; try beyran, lahmacun and baklava.
Day 2: Around Gaziantep
- Morning: Rumkale or Halfeti boat trip (if time allows).
- Afternoon: pistachio workshop or a cooking class.
- Evening: dessert crawl, baklava, künefe and pistachio coffee.
Museums and monuments
Zeugma Mosaic Museum
One of the world's great mosaic museums, home to the Gypsy Girl and large Roman mosaics from Zeugma.
Gaziantep Castle
A hilltop castle with a museum and views over the old city. The surrounding square is a good starting point.
Bakırcılar Çarşısı
A historic copper market where artisans still hammer trays, pots and coffee sets.
Zincirli Bedesten
A restored Ottoman market building with shops, cafes and a lively courtyard.
Tahmis Kahvesi
A historic coffee house in the old city, known for menengiç coffee and local sweets.
Food and markets
Baklava and katmer
Gaziantep is the reference point for pistachio baklava, katmer and künefe. Look for busy shops with fresh trays.
Beyran
A spicy breakfast soup of lamb, rice and chilli, often eaten early in the morning.
Almacı Pazarı
A local market for pistachios, spices, dried vegetables and regional products.
Kültür Yolu
A restored route through hans, mosques, churches and cafes in the old city.
Day trips
Halfeti and Rumkale
A Euphrates town with boat trips to the cliff-top Rumkale fortress and sunken villages.
Yesemek
An open-air Hittite sculpture workshop with hundreds of unfinished stone figures.
Dülük
An ancient settlement and pilgrimage site north of the city, with Roman and early Christian remains.
More places to see
Şire Hanı
A restored 19th-century caravanserai with cafes, shops and a courtyard.
Emine Dilek Hanım Konağı
A historic mansion showing Gaziantep's domestic architecture and city life.
Mevlevi Lodge
A museum in a former Mevlevi lodge, with ritual objects and a peaceful garden.
Araban Castle
A hilltop castle with views over the pistachio plains, east of the city.
Karkamış
An ancient Euphrates crossing with Hittite and later remains, near the Syrian border.
Nizip
A district known for pistachios, local food and a slower market town atmosphere.
Gaziantep Zoo
One of Türkiye's largest zoos, useful for families with children.
Beyaz Han
A restored han with a courtyard, shops and cafes in the old city.
Kurtuluş Mosque
A historic mosque in the old city, close to the bazaar and the castle.
Ömeriye Mosque
An old mosque with a courtyard, in the historic market district.
Hışvahan
A restored han with a courtyard, cafes and shops, good for a break in the old city.
Gaziantep City Museum
A museum on the city's history, crafts and food culture.
Antep Hamamı
A historic Turkish bath in the old city, still part of local daily life.
İmalat-ı Harbiye Museum
A museum about the city's role in the War of Independence, in a historic building.
Sources: GoTürkiye Gaziantep
Food to try
baklava, katmer, beyran, lahmacun, Ali Nazik, pistachio kebab.
Where to stay
city centre near the old town.
Practical notes: Gaziantep Airport (GZT). The city is also a gateway to Şanlıurfa and Mardin. Book popular restaurants in advance.
Baklava in Gaziantep
Gaziantep is the capital of pistachio baklava. Look for a busy shop with a visible tray and a strong pistachio smell. Try plain pistachio baklava, kuru baklava and katmer, then walk through the old bazaar. Many shops sell by weight; a small box makes a good gift.
Read the guide