Budget Travel to Gaziantep 2024
Welcome to Gaziantep!
Gaziantep is a hidden gem that offers an authentic and inexpensive travel experience. It´s a fascinating and ancient city that is often overlooked by tourists.
In this Gaziantep travel guide, we will take you on a tour through the city’s history. We will check out places such as the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, Gaziantep Castle, and the Hammam Museum.
If you are wondering how to get there on a budget and where to stay when you get there, we can also have you covered.
Are you a foodie? Then you should prepare to be amazed by Gaziantep’s delectable cuisine. In fact, it´s so good that even UNESCO recognises the importance of its local delicacies.
Key Takeaways
- Gaziantep is a city with a long history and many historical attractions to see including the Gaziantep castle, Hisva Han and the Roman Cistern.
- There are also many interesting museums to visit, including the world famous Zeugma Mosaic Museum, the Hammam Museum and two museums dedicated to Turkish independence.
- There is a fantastic bazaar that is full of interesting items that would make ideal souvenirs or gifts.
- The food scene in Gaziantep is famous. The city is known as the gastronomical capital of Turkey and has been awarded by UNESCO for its outstanding cuisine.
- There is plenty of affordable accommodation in the city.
- Gaziantep is a great place to start off a tour of the South east region of Turkey.
Where is Gaziantep?
Gaziantep is a large and historical city that is located in south eastern Turkey that is quite close to the Syrian border.
It is approximately 1140 km by road from Istanbul, from 822 kilometres from Antalya and 705 km from Ankara.
Gaziantep airport is located just 15 kilometres outside the city.
Map of Gaziantep
Things to Do and See in Gaziantep
The Zeugma Museum
The Zeugma Mosaic Museum is one of the biggest and best mosaic museums in the world. It is without a doubt one of the must-see attractions when visiting the city. It is a treasure trove of ancient Roman and Greek mosaics, both on a small and grand scale.
These detailed works of art represent scenes from daily life, mythology, and nature. As you walk through the museum, you will be taken back in time and feel amazed by the skills of ancient craftsmen.
The museum is split between two large buildings, each with several floors. The buildings have elevators and are connected to each other, making it easy to navigate.
The building on the left is the main building and has the best mosaics. Although the building on the right side also has some interesting works of art.
The most famous mosaic in the museum is “The Gypsy Girl” which is a small work of art and an icon of the city.
It takes about an hour and a half to explore the museum, although some people will want to stay longer. You are allowed to take photographs without using a flash.
After finishing your visit to the museum, you can have something to drink in the coffee shop on the terrace. There are also souvenirs available for sale in the gift shop.
The entry fee is inexpensive at just a few euros, and you can pay by either cash or card.
The museum is located outside the city centre but is awkward to get to using public transport. Even the locals didn´t have a clue how to get there by bus or dolmuş.
Going there on foot is also not recommended because you need to cross several busy roads. The only real alternative is to take a ten-minute taxi ride that will cost you about 5 euros from the town centre.
When you leave the museum there are no taxis waiting. However, there is a yellow phone box located near the street with a call-a-cab button. All you need to do is press the button, and within a couple of minutes, a taxi will appear and take you to your next stop.
Gaziantep Castle
Gaziantep Castle is an example of the city’s rich history. From the top of the castle, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape. Unfortunately, the castle is currently closed for restauration. However, you can still see it up close from outside.
It´s quite a hike up the hill to get to the castle, but it is well worth it. It´s easier to get a taxi to the top of the hill and make your way back down on foot. There are several interesting attractions to see on the way down.
The Hammam Museum
One of the places to visit on the way down is the Hammam Museum. This small museum is a restored 16th-century hammam with many original artefacts. During your visit, you will learn all about the history of Ottoman bathing.
The museum is located on a small side street on the way down from the castle in the charming Şeyinbey district. The entrance fee is just a couple of euros, but it is definitely worth it.
Hisva Han
Near the Hammam Museum, you will find another fascinating place called Hisva Han. This area allows you to travel back about 500 years in time, to the days of the Silk Road.
This place was originally a type of guest house where traders stayed on their way back from the Silk Road. It was also a place where goods were traded and was full of activity.
Today, it provides visitors with a look into Gaziantep’s mercantile past. You can admire the beautiful courtyard, which takes you back to the Ottoman era.
It is currently used as a high-class restaurant with some expensive shops. It´s not a cheap place to eat, but it is possible to take some photos and marvel at the architecture. It is especially impressive when it´s lit up in the evening.
When you get to the bottom of the castle hill, there are some fantastic views of the castle above. There is also a very nice tea garden on the right-hand side and a great kebab restaurant on the left-hand side. Both of them are very affordable and cater to locals rather than tourists.
Aralik 25 Museum
Near the centre of town, there is another more modern museum dedicated to the War of Independence.
This museum is housed in a circular-shaped building with several floors. You can buy the entry ticket from a type of ATM in the wall near the main entrance. You can pay either with a card or cash, and the entrance fee is very affordable and worth every cent.
The atmosphere inside the museum is intense, to say the least. It depicts the life that the people of Gaziantep had during the battles of the War of Independence.
This large museum is full of fascinating photos, artefacts, and artwork. There is also a very lifelike reenactment that allows you to appreciate the horrors of war.
After your visit to the museum, you can sit down in the peaceful courtyard outside and relax with a glass of tea.
National Struggle Museum
You can learn about the role that Gaziantep played in the War of Independence in this small but charming museum.
This museum is housed in a lovely ottoman-style building. You can see exhibits and photographs that relate to the city’s fight against the French. The best part of the museum is down in the basement, where there are wax figures that portray life during the war.
There isn´t any information in English, but the manager speaks English and was very friendly and helpful. Entrance to the museum is free; all you need to do is sign the visitors´ book.
Pisirici Kasteli Cistern
A few minutes down the road from the National Struggle Museum is a hidden gem that is also free to enter. It is the underground wonder of the Pisirici Kasteli Cistern.
The cistern dates to Roman times and is an impressive piece of civil engineering. You can explore the dimly lit cistern and let yourself be transported back in history.
Just next to the Cistern you will find one of the nicest coffee shops in Gaziantep. It is called Onak Katmer and it is located in an Ottoman-era house with a beautiful terrace. The staff are incredibly friendly and make the best Katmer dessert that I have tried in Turkey.
Shopping in Gaziantep
Bakircilar Market (Bakircilar Carsisi) is an ancient market in Gaziantep, that is well known for its traditional crafts. You can take you time looking through the items in the shops that sell handmade copper products, ceramics, textiles, and a lot more. It’s a great place to find unique souvenirs and authentic Turkish handicrafts.
This amazing place has a real oriental atmosphere, and you can spend hours walking around looking for gifts and mementos. Remember, if you see something you like that is expensive, you should always try to negotiate the price and get it down a little but do it in a friendly way.
It is located near the Cistern and the National Struggle Museum.
Baklava and Pistachos
Gaziantep is famous for its pistachios, known as “Antep Fıstığı.” Visitors can try a variety of pistachio treats and desserts, including baklava and katmer.
Some of the best places to find these desserts are in the cake shops along Gaziler Street. Another two interesting places to shop are the Almaci Bazaar and the Zincirli Bazar.
What to Eat in Gaziantep
If you love food, Gaziantep is a city that you should definitely visit. It is famous for its many tasty meals that will please even the pickiest eaters.
Even UNESCO and the European Union have recognised the fame of the city´s cuisine and was given “Creative City of Gastronomy” status in 2015.
If you are going to visit the city, there are some meals that you must try. They are all inexpensive and will leave your taste buds in awe. Among these savoury dishes are soups and kebabs.
- Beyran Soup – made using lamb´s neck, rice, and peppers. It´s a meaty, spicy soup that is especially popular among locals.
- Erzogelin soup – made using bulgur and red lentils and spices, it´s great in the winter months.
- Mercimek soup – this is a plain lentil soup that is cheap, tasty, and filling.
- Patlican Kebab – Made using lamb and aubergine / eggplant.
- Gaziantep kebab – A lamb kebab with finely chopped onions and herbs and served on skewers.
No visit to Gaziantep is complete without sampling some of its famous desserts, these include delicacies such as:
- Baklava, as was previously mentioned, is a sweet pastry filled with crunchy pistachios, is a must-try treat in the city. The delicate layers of flaky pastry mixed with the pistachio richness will leave you wanting more.
- Künefe is actually a Middle Eastern dessert that is made with finely spun pastry in syrup and layers of warm melted cheese. Due to its proximity to Syria, Gaziantep offers some of the best Kunefe that you will find in the country.
Where to Eat in Gaziantep
While Gaziantep has many luxurious restaurant, there are also lots of affordable places to eat. For a real street food experience, you should visit the local food stalls where you can enjoy excellent local fast food.
Kebab stands are also a great option for filling and satisfying meals. Best of all they won’t break the bank, but make sure to choose places where plenty of locals are eating. They know where the best affordable food can be found .
Highly recommended restaurants include:
- Kebapçı Halil Usta – This is the place to go to for a blowout kebab meal that is reasonably priced. They also offer a wonderful selection of desserts. Unfortunately, it isn´t that close to the centre, so you may need to get a taxi to get there.
- Imam Çağdaş Kebab – A great kebab restaurant that also serves wonderful baklava. It is located on Hamdi Kutlar street in the Sahinbey district, not too far from the castle. You will probably be able to get there and back on foot if you are staying near the centre.
- Çulcuoğlu Et Lokantası – Another great meat restaurant, that is located a little far from the centre. You will probably need a taxi to go there unless you´re staying in that part of town.
Of course, it is always better to try a restaurant that has been recommended, but there are so many budget-priced and delicious restaurants in the city, that you should take the opportunity to explore.
Events and Festivals
Gaziantep is a city that loves to celebrate, and 2024 is no exception! Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a food lover, or a film buff, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Gaziantep’s event calendar.
If you’re a music lover, you’ll be thrilled to know that Gaziantep hosts several music and dance events in 2024. From jazz and classical music concerts to traditional Turkish music performances, there’s a genre for every taste.
International Gaziantep Opera and Ballet Festival in May
Akbank Jazz Festival in late September to early October.
Gaziantep Music Festival in October
For food enthusiasts, Gaziantep’s culinary festivals are unmissable. You can sample traditional dishes, taste tasty desserts, and learn from the master chefs who bring Gaziantep’s culinary delights to life.
GastroAntep International Gaziantep Gastronomy Festival in September
And for cinema lovers there is the International Zeugma Film Festival in December. However, most of the films are in Turkish with no subtitles.
Accommodation in Gaziantep
Budget Hotels
Gaziantep offers a range of budget-friendly accommodations for travellers on a budget. The Sahinbey district is probably the best neighbourhood because it´s central, there are a lot of budget hotels and there are so many interesting places to visit in the area. Unlike some other larger cities, there are no hostels as such, but there are plenty of inexpensive hotels to choose from. This are a couple of recommended hotels.
- Yunus Hotel 2 star in the city centre is a good budget choice.
- Gazisehir Park Hotel in the Sahinbey district offers good rates.
Room and Apartment Rental
This is a great option for budget accommodation. There is a wide selection of well-priced apartments for rent on Airbnb. Some of these places may be renting out the entire apartment and some of them are room rentals.
Apart from the price, you should also check out the location on a map and look at the comments left by previous guests.
Check out the Budget-friendly accommodation guide to Turkey for tips and information on cheap accommodation
Getting to Gaziantep
Domestic Flights
Gaziantep has an international airport that operates flights from major cities in Turkey and some international destinations. There are several airlines that can offer you a flight to Gaziantep, including Turkish Airlines. However, cheap flights are generally offered by Pegasus Airlines and Sun Express. Flight tickets that are purchased well in advance are generally much cheaper.
- Istanbul (IST) – Turkish Airways 1h.55m
- Istanbul (SAW) – Pegasus Airlines 1h.45m
- Ankara Turkish – Airlines 1h.05m
- Antalya – Sun Express 1h.30
If you are planning to travel around Turkey, a good strategy is to buy a cheap one-way flight to Gaziantep. After that you can travel back to Istanbul by bus, stopping along the way in several places.
International Flight
The good news is that there are cheap international flights to Gaziantep. If you are coming from Europe, you will need to book your flight with Sun Express. They operate all the flights coming out of Europe, the winter months are always the cheapest time to fly.
Most of the International Flights come from Germany where there is a large Turkish population.
Berlin Sun Express 3h.50m
Zurich Sun Express 4.h05m
Tourists coming from Saudi Arabia can fly directly from Jeddah and Madinah with Saudi Airlines.
Jeddah – Saudi Airlines – 3h.55m
You cannot get a direct flight from London to Gaziantep. If you are coming from London, the cheapest way to get there would be to first get a cheap Ryan air or Wizz air flight to Germany. Then get a cheap connecting flight with SunExpress flight to Gaziantep. Alternatively fly to Istanbul and get a connecting flight to Gaziantep.
Getting from Gaziantep Airport to the City
Gaziantep Airport (gzt) is located about 15km from the city and from there visitors have various options to reach the city centre.
Taxis are available outside the airport terminal and provide a convenient and direct way to get to the city centre.
There are also Airport shuttle buses (Havaş) that regularly operate between the airport and the city centre. They offer a more cost-effective option for travellers costing just a few euros per person.
The Airport shuttle bus takes about 30 minutes and will drop you off not far from the Archaeological Museum in the centre of town.
Intercity Buses to Gaziantep
Gaziantep is well-connected by intercity buses with other cities in Turkey. This makes it a convenient destination for travellers who want to visit this part of the country.
There are frequent bus services to Gaziantep from major cities, such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya. These bus services offer travellers flexibility in terms of routes and schedules.
Bus tickets can be purchased either online or at bus terminals and provide a hassle-free way to reach Gaziantep.
Istanbul to Gaziantep about 17-18 hours
Ankara to Gaziantep between 9 and 10 hours
Sanliurfa (Urfa) to Gaziantep approximately 2h.30m
Adana to Gaziantep about 3h.15m
To find the lowest price on your bus fare, a good idea to search on an app such as Busbud and compare the different alternatives. (Check out the guide to budget bus travel around Turkey).
Getting from the Bus Station to the City Centre
Travellers can easily reach the city centre using local transportation options. Taxis are available at the bus terminal and offer a convenient and straightforward way to get to the city centre for just a few euros.
Alternatively, public buses run between the bus terminal and the city centre. However, you will need to buy a local travel card and top it up with some money before you can use public buses. It is not possible to pay cash on a public bus.
Getting around Gaziantep
Getting around Gaziantep is relatively easy, as the city has a well-developed public transportation system. Visitors can take local buses, (you will need a travel card), shared minibuses (you can pay cash), or taxis.
It is easy to explore most of the city centre on foot, especially in the areas where many attractions are located. Although, it is probably a wise choice to get a taxi to the Zeugma Museum, as it is located a little far from the city centre and you need to cross some busy roads to get there.
When to Visit Gaziantep
The weather in south east Turkey can get very hot during the summer months and this is probably not the best time of year to visit the city or the region.
I would recommend visiting the city from mid March to the mid June or the end of September until mid November. In my opinion these are the best times of year to enjoy the city without suffering from the extreme heat.
Is it Worth Visiting Gaziantep?
Unfortunately this part of Turkey was one of the areas affected in the February 2023 earthquake. The centre of the city was relatively undamaged. Only a couple of attractions were damaged, the castle and the Archaeological Museum. and hopefully these will reopen soon.
This ancient city is located far from the other tourist destinations in the country and for that reason, plus concerns about possible earthquakes, there are few foreign tourists in the city.
It is such a pity that more people don´t come to visit Gaziantep, and south east Turkey, and get to know this amazing region. It is so full of life, history, friendly people and amazing food. I would spend at least three days in the city if I were touring Turkey, although you could possible do it in tow days if you are in a hurry.
