Things To Do
in Gaziantep
Gaziantep, located in southeastern Turkey, is renowned for its rich history that spans several civilizations, including the Romans and Ottomans, evident in its ancient mosques, bazaars, and castles. The city is particularly famous for its culinary heritage, especially its pistachios and baklava, making it a gastronomic paradise.
Additionally, Gaziantep boasts a thriving cultural scene with museums like the Gaziantep Zeugma Mosaic Museum, which houses one of the world's largest collections of Roman mosaics.
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Evet" - Yes
- "Hayır" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $80
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $25 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the remarkable Gaziantep Castle, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. After exploring the castle, take a leisurely stroll through the nearby ancient streets filled with local charm.
Enjoy lunch at a traditional kebab restaurant, featuring Gaziantep's famous dishes. Afterward, visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum to admire the stunning ancient mosaics and learn about the region's history.
In the evening, savor some delicious baklava at a local cafe. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city by visiting local shops and taking in the vibrant nightlife.
Begin your culinary adventure with a local breakfast of 'simit' and Turkish tea at a nearby café. After breakfast, visit the Gaziantep Archaeology Museum to understand the rich history of the area.
Explore the local bazaar, where you can taste various street foods and shop for spices. Don't miss trying the famous 'Ali Nazik' dish for lunch at one of the local eateries.
Join a cooking class in the evening to learn how to make traditional Gaziantep dishes. Enjoy your creations for dinner with new friends made during the class.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich culinary heritage, known for its delicious local dishes, especially baklava and kebabs.
- Vibrant culture with a blend of historical sites, including ancient castles and mosques.
- Strong community spirit and hospitality, making it a welcoming place for visitors.
- Access to various outdoor activities due to its proximity to the southeastern Anatolia region.
- Hot summers and cold winters may not be suitable for everyone.
- Traffic congestion in urban areas can be challenging for commuters.
- Limited public transportation options compared to larger cities in Turkey.
- Regional instability and security concerns may affect tourism and safety.
Best Activities in Gaziantep
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the extensive collection of ancient mosaics from the Roman and Byzantine periods.
Enjoy a day surrounded by nature and wildlife at the Gaziantep Zoo.
Experience the bustling atmosphere of this traditional Turkish bazaar and shop for local goods and handicrafts.
Tours
Uncover the best of Gaziantep with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Gaziantep
Visit one of these nice places.
A historic fort offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area.
A hilltop shrine with sweeping views of the city and the countryside.
A peaceful park with a hilltop viewpoint overlooking Gaziantep.
Food in Gaziantep
Gaziantep Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A delectable pastry made of layers of thin dough, filled with nuts and steeped in sweet syrup. Must-try at Imam Cagdas.
Must-Try!
A delightful dessert made from fine strings of dough, filled with stretchy cheese and soaked in sweet sugar-based syrup. A must-try at Tarihi Sevilen Burma Kunefe.
A flavorful rice and lamb dish, slow-cooked with spices like cumin, often served with vegetables. Best sampled at Beyranci Selim Usta.
Spiced raw meatballs, traditionally made with bulgur and served with lettuce leaves and lemon. Recommended at Metanet Cig Kofte.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Gaziantep better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market offering an array of fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and local delicacies. Perfect for indulging in street food like lahmacun and grilled meats.
Not only renowned for its copper artisans but also hosts numerous street food vendors offering authentic local dishes like lahmacun, kebabs, and stuffed grape leaves.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Gaziantep, it is important to show respect for elders by using proper titles and addressing them with formal language, such as 'hocam' (teacher) or 'abi' (brother).
Hospitality is highly valued in Gaziantep, so it is customary to show graciousness and generosity to guests, such as offering tea or coffee when welcoming visitors.
When visiting mosques or more traditional areas, it is respectful to dress modestly, with women covering their heads and shoulders with a scarf and avoiding revealing clothing.
Safety
Tipping in Gaziantep
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in Gaziantep, Turkey is generally not expected, but leaving a small amount as a token of appreciation for exceptional service is appreciated in restaurants and for services like taxi rides.
Cash is widely used for daily transactions in Gaziantep, Turkey, though credit and debit cards are also accepted in many stores and restaurants. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and street vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit with mild temperatures and blooming gardens. Enjoy the colorful Tulip Festival in April.
Hot and dry weather, but great for enjoying outdoor activities and festivities like the International Ekinchi Dried Apricot Festival.
Pleasant temperatures with some rainfall. Experience the Gaziantep Gastronomy Festival showcasing local cuisine and culinary traditions.
Cool and occasionally rainy. Ideal for exploring indoor attractions such as museums and historical sites.
Gaziantep at Night
Hiking in Gaziantep
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic spot located southeast of Gaziantep, offering beautiful views and various trails suitable for hiking.
Not just an archaeological site, but also features hills and trails perfect for hiking enthusiasts who enjoy exploring historical landscapes.
A popular destination for hikers, providing trails that lead to stunning vistas and opportunities for nature observation.
This park offers various trails through lush greenery and is perfect for both hiking and picnicking.
While known for its water activities, the surrounding areas provide great hiking paths with panoramic views of the water.
Aiports
How to reach Gaziantep by plane.
The primary airport serving Gaziantep, with both domestic and limited international flights.
An international airport located in Adana, approximately 200 km from Gaziantep.
Located in Hatay, around 120 km from Gaziantep, serving domestic and some international flights.
An airport in Malatya, about 115 km from Gaziantep, offering domestic flights and some international services.
Located in Sanliurfa, approximately 150 km from Gaziantep, primarily serving domestic flights with some international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Gaziantep, making up a significant portion of the population.
A substantial ethnic minority in Gaziantep, contributing to the cultural diversity of the region.
A notable demographic group, especially given Gaziantep's proximity to the Syrian border and historical connections.
An estimated large population of Syrian refugees living in Gaziantep, due to the ongoing conflict in Syria.
Includes smaller communities of various ethnic groups, contributing to the multicultural landscape of the city.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Gaziantep, with a rich history of local clubs, particularly Gaziantepspor, contributing to the city's sporting culture.
Basketball has a significant following in Gaziantep, with the city being home to professional teams that compete in the Turkish Basketball Super League.
Volleyball enjoys popularity in Gaziantep, with several clubs and a strong community involvement in both men's and women's leagues.
Handball is a growing sport in Gaziantep, with clubs participating in national leagues and local competitions.
Athletics is practiced among various age groups, with events and competitions held locally to promote the sport.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Gaziantep.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Turkish cuisine often features meat dishes, vegetarians can enjoy dishes like stuffed grape leaves, lentil soup, and various mezes.
Although vegan options may be limited, options like falafel, hummus, and stuffed eggplant can be found in some restaurants. It's advisable to communicate dietary needs clearly.
Many traditional Turkish dishes are gluten-free by nature, such as grilled meats, yogurt-based dips, and fresh salads. However, be cautious of wheat-based bread and pastries.