Top 15 Places to Visit in Gaziantep

Gaziantep is a city located in the southeast of Turkey, which stands out with its historical and cultural richness. Having hosted many civilizations over the centuries, Gaziantep successfully reflects this rich history in its streets, museums and cuisine. The city is world famous for its gastronomy and has been awarded the title of "Gastronomy City" by UNESCO. In addition to its richness in terms of places to visit in Gaziantep, a delicious discovery awaits you in every corner, from baklava to kebab, from pistachios to katmer.

However, Gaziantep is a center of attraction for travelers not only with its cuisine but also with its impressive historical structures, ancient ruins and modern museums. Located on the historical Silk Road, the city offers its visitors both traces of the past and the dynamics of modern life with its cultural heritage and unique landscapes. If you want to go on a journey full of both history and flavor and have made your Gaziantep bus ticket reservations, we have compiled 15 fascinating places you should definitely see in Gaziantep.

Zeugma Mosaic Museum

One of the cultural heritages of Gaziantep, Zeugma Mosaic Museum fascinates its visitors with its world-famous mosaic collection. Gaziantep museums prove that they are worth visiting by hosting one of the largest mosaic museums in the world. While carrying the splendor of the past to the present, the museum sheds light on the rich art and life culture of the ancient city of Zeugma.

The museum draws attention with its colorful mosaics, statues and frescoes from the Roman period, while its most famous work, the "Gypsy Girl" mosaic, fascinates visitors with its mystical gaze. These unique mosaics, unearthed during the excavations of the ancient city of Zeugma on the banks of the Euphrates River, are a must-see treasure for those interested in history and art. When you visit the museum, you will have the opportunity to follow the traces of not only the mosaics but also the story of an ancient city.

Gaziantep Castle

Located in the heart of Gaziantep and becoming one of the symbols of the city, Gaziantep Castle offers its visitors a unique journey with its deep-rooted history. If historical places are among your priorities in your Gaziantep trip, you should definitely give this place a chance.
Built by the Romans in the 2nd century BC, this castle was used as a watchtower at that time and became a strategic defense point under the dominance of many civilizations in the following centuries. The castle stands out with its magnificence among the cultural places of Gaziantep.

You can witness history by climbing the castle walls and enjoying a view of the city. The Gaziantep Defense and Heroism Panorama Museum inside hosts an impressive exhibition that tells the story of the city's resistance in the War of Independence and the heroism of the people. With its historical and cultural depth, Gaziantep Castle is one of the most important places to visit in the city and offers its visitors an experience full of traces of the past.

Coppersmiths Bazaar

Located in the historical streets of Gaziantep, the Coppersmiths' Bazaar is one of the rare places where traditional handicrafts are still kept alive. As one of the centers of the coppersmith art that has been going on for centuries, this bazaar offers an atmosphere where you can closely watch the production of handmade copperware. While the craftsmen shape the copper sheets with fine workmanship, each hammer blow reflects a story from the depths of history.

While walking around here, you can see copper coffee pots, plates, jugs and many other elegant copper products, and you can buy any of these handcrafted works of art you like. Coppersmiths Bazaar is not only a place to shop, but also a fascinating place where you can observe how traditional crafts are kept alive and passed down from generation to generation. A must-see stop for those who want to discover the cultural heritage of Gaziantep.

Gaziantep Zoo

Gaziantep Zoo, the largest zoo in Turkey and one of the largest in the world, offers its visitors an experience in touch with nature with its large area and rich animal diversity.

This huge complex, located about 10 kilometers from the city center, is home to more than 1,000 species of animals. You can observe a wide range of animals, from predators to reptiles, exotic birds to underwater creatures, in conditions closest to their natural habitats.

One of the most striking parts of Gaziantep Zoo is the Safari Park. In this park, you can have the chance to see wild animals in the open and witness their natural life. There are also educational and entertaining sections such as special playgrounds for children and a mini zoo. Offering a pleasant excursion opportunity for both children and adults, Gaziantep Zoo is an ideal stop for those who want to connect with nature and discover different animal species.

Emine Göğüş Kitchen Museum

Emine Göğüş Kitchen Museum is the first and only kitchen museum in Turkey, located in Göğüş Mansion, which reflects the historical texture of Gaziantep. The museum, which displays the rich and deep-rooted culinary culture of Gaziantep in full detail, has become an indispensable stop for both locals and visitors from out of town.

The museum is located in a historical mansion belonging to the Göğüş family, one of the city's well-known families, and aims to pass on Gaziantep's gastronomic heritage to future generations. The museum displays traditional cooking tools, copper pots, spices and old kitchenware from Gaziantep cuisine, while also providing detailed information about the stages of making the city's famous dishes.

The museum offers visitors a wonderful experience, especially to learn the history of iconic Gaziantep dishes such as baklava, kebab and yuvalama and to discover the cultural richness behind these flavors.

Historical Antep Houses

The Historical Antep Houses, located in and around the center of Gaziantep, are among the important structures that reflect the historical and cultural heritage of the city. Dating back to the late Ottoman period and the early Republican period, these houses display elegant examples of traditional Anatolian architecture. The structures attract attention with their stonework, wood carvings, arched doors and wrought iron details.

Many historical Antep houses have been restored and opened for use as museums, cafes or boutique hotels. While walking among these structures, you can feel the past of Gaziantep and observe how the historical texture is preserved and kept alive. Historical Antep Houses are among the must-see places for those who want to discover the architectural richness of Gaziantep.

Rumkale

Located in the enchanting landscape of Gaziantep, Rumkale is an impressive place that draws attention with its historical and natural beauties. Located on a high hill on the edge of the Euphrates River, this castle has both strategic and cultural importance. The ruins from the Roman and Byzantine periods offer visitors the opportunity to discover the rich history and architectural heritage of the region. Built on a high hill, the castle is located in an impressive position where nature and history meet.

Rumkale's structures include castle walls, ramparts, church ruins and old cisterns. The castle view, combined with the natural landscape offered by the Euphrates River, offers an impressive visual feast. Especially when you climb the castle, you can be amazed by the panoramic view of the river and the surroundings.

Yesemek Open Air Museum

Yesemek Open Air Museum, an impressive cultural treasure located in Gaziantep, southeastern Turkey, is known as an ancient quarry and sculpture workshop. This open air museum offers a unique collection of sculptures and stonemasonry from ancient times. Yesemek is notable for its ruins dating back to the 8th century BC, a period before the Roman period.

The museum is spread over a large open-air area, allowing visitors to trace the ancient stonemasonry and see how this ancient art was practiced. Located approximately 90 kilometers east of Gaziantep city center, Yesemek is situated near the Euphrates River and fascinates visitors with its historical and cultural values. Yesemek Open Air Museum is a must-see destination for those interested in ancient stonemasonry and sculpture.

Ancient City of Duluk

The ancient city of Dülük is located approximately 40 kilometers east of Gaziantep city center, near the village of Dülük. Located among the historical riches of Gaziantep, the ancient city of Dülük is one of the oldest settlements in the region and has great historical importance in this respect. Dülük has been inhabited especially since the 3rd millennium BC and has hosted various civilizations.

The main structures that can be seen in the ancient city include the ruins of city walls, temples, churches and cisterns. With these structures, Dülük displays the architectural and engineering skills of past civilizations. In addition, the quarries and rock tombs located around the ancient city provide important information about the history of the region.

For those who want to explore nature and examine historical ruins, the ancient city of Duluk stands out as a unique destination for both history and archaeology enthusiasts.

Gaziantep Botanical Garden

Gaziantep Botanical Garden is one of the first places that comes to mind when it comes to nature tourism in Gaziantep, a green area surrounded by natural beauties outside the city center, and is a peaceful escape for nature lovers. Opened in 2014, this large garden draws attention with both its botanical diversity and landscaping, and offers visitors the opportunity to spend pleasant time in a natural environment.

Gaziantep Botanical Garden covers an area of more than 400 acres and is home to various plant species. Gaziantep Botanical Garden is a perfect place for those who want to get away from the busy pace of the city and be alone with nature. Located approximately 10 kilometers from the city center, this green area is an ideal escape for those who want to both relax and enjoy nature. The natural beauty and calm environment offered by the Botanical Garden offers visitors a peaceful experience.

Elmaci Market

Elmacı Market, one of the historical bazaars of Gaziantep, is an important place that reflects the lively and colorful shopping atmosphere of the city. Located close to the city center, this market is an attractive shopping spot for both locals and tourists.

Elmacı Market is known as a market that is mostly known for its stalls filled with fruits and vegetables. However, this place is not only for shopping fruits and vegetables, it also attracts attention with its various local products and handicrafts. Especially Gaziantep's famous spices, nuts, olive varieties and local flavors can be found here. In the stalls of Elmacı Market, you can find the opportunity to experience traditional Gaziantep flavors as well as fresh and organic products offered by local producers.

Historical Customs Inn

Located in the center of Gaziantep, the Historical Customs Inn is an important structure that reflects the city's historical and commercial past. This historical inn from the Ottoman period attracts attention with both its architectural beauty and cultural importance.

The Customs Inn was built in the 17th century and was used as an important center for trade activities of the period. The architecture of the building bears the characteristic features of the Ottoman period; large courtyards with high ceilings, stonework and detailed carvings reflect the architectural style of the period. The Inn functioned as a space used for both goods storage and commercial transactions.

The historical Customs Inn has been restored today and has become a venue used for various cultural events, exhibitions and social gatherings. The Inn offers visitors both a historical atmosphere and traces of the city's cultural life. The various shops and cafes-restaurants inside offer the opportunity to shop and relax in a historical atmosphere.

Ataturk Memorial Museum

The Atatürk Memorial Museum in Gaziantep is a museum where important documents and memorabilia about the life and visits of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, to Gaziantep are exhibited. Located in a historical building in the city center, this museum is an important place to visit for both history and culture enthusiasts.

The museum is located in the old building of Gaziantep known as the War Museum. This building was used as a place where Atatürk stayed as an official guest during his visit to Gaziantep and where his important visits to the city were made. The museum contains various exhibitions and collections that tell the story of these historical events and Atatürk's relationship with the city.

Culinary Arts Center (MSM)

Established to celebrate the gastronomy culture and culinary arts of Gaziantep, the Culinary Arts Center (MSM) is a modern center that offers a rich culinary experience to both local and international visitors. Located in the city center, the center aims to preserve and develop the rich culinary culture of Gaziantep.

MSM brings together modern culinary techniques and traditional Gaziantep dishes. The center organizes various culinary workshops, professional trainings and gastronomy events. Visitors can find the opportunity to learn traditional Antep cuisine as well as various techniques of world cuisines. The courses, workshops and seminars organized at the center offer participants the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of cooking techniques, presentation arts and food safety.

Additionally, the restaurant and café within MSM provide visitors with the opportunity to taste the famous flavors of Gaziantep. The dishes served here are enriched with modern interpretations of traditional recipes and are a perfect opportunity for those who want to experience the city's culinary culture.

Historical Tahmis Coffee

One of the important places reflecting the historical texture of Gaziantep, the Historical Tahmis Coffee House is an ideal spot for those who want to experience the traditional coffee culture and social life of the city. This coffee house, which has been in service since the 1920s, is one of the oldest and most famous coffee houses in Gaziantep.

The historical Tahmis Coffeehouse takes its name from the term "tahmis"; this term is used to refer to the roasting and grinding of coffee beans. The coffeehouse attracts attention with both the historical texture of its interior and the traditional flavors it offers. The Ottoman style decoration, historical furniture and wall ornaments inside offer an atmosphere that makes visitors feel the traces of the past.