Famous for its flavourful pistachios, Gaziantep is a mecca for foodies, home to over 180 patisseries serving their own version of pistachio baklava. Spend your time strolling around the ancient fortress, getting lost in bustling bazaars and soaking up the cafe culture.
Things to do in Gaziantep
No trip to Gaziantep would be complete without devouring pistachio baklava. If you visit just one patisserie, make it Orkide. In addition to pistachio baklava, it bakes flaky cheese pastries and fluffy Turkish bread. The city is also brimming with sidewalk cafes with a sophisticated European feel.
One of Turkey's top cultural attractions, the Gaziantep Zeugma Mosaic Museum is full of treasures. Most have been collected from Belkıs-Zeugma, an excavated Roman site that's since been flooded by the Birecik Dam. Don't miss the captivating Birth of Venus mosaic, which depicts the Roman goddess rising from a giant scallop shell.
Whether you're shopping for souvenirs or craving homemade Turkish delight, visit Bakircilar Carsisi. The bazaar is a labyrinth of colourful spices, sizzling kebabs, sparkling jewellery and hand-loomed rugs. While you're there, stop by Tahmis Kahvesi, one of Gaziantep's most atmospheric coffee houses.
The Emine Gogus Culinary Museum offers a taste of the city's flourishing epicurean scene. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the offerings or unable to decipher local menus, the museum is a fantastic resource for deciding what dishes to try.
Getting around Gaziantep
Gaziantep's city centre is small and easily walkable, while there are also plenty of local buses and taxis available. Oguzeli Airport is located around 20 kilometres from the centre. Long-distance buses run from Gaziantep to most major Turkish cities.