Gümüşhane is a small city and provincial capital in northeastern Turkey, nestled in the Pontic Mountains at an elevation of about 1,200 metres. The name means 'silver house' in Turkish, a nod to the region's rich history of silver and copper mining that attracted Ottoman attention for centuries. The city lies along the Harşit River valley, surrounded by forested peaks that reach over 3,000 metres. Despite its modest size — the city proper numbers roughly 31,000 people — Gümüşhane Province holds extraordinary historical depth, from the Roman legionary fortress of Satala to medieval Georgian churches and Ottoman mosques. Winters are cold and snowy, making the Zigana Pass a regional ski destination, while summers offer cool mountain air ideal for trekking and rafting.
At a glance
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
Belediye Çay Bahçesi
Known for: Turkish çay, coffee, simit, börek; outdoor seating in summer
Cumhuriyet Parkı, Gümüşhane city centre
Büyük Kahvehane
Known for: Traditional coffeehouse; backgammon, cards, dominoes; no alcohol
Çarşı Mah. No:1, Gümüşhane
Gümüşhane Et Mangal (Evening)
Known for: Evening grill restaurant with beer available on request
Sanayi Cad. No:5, Gümüşhane
Şelale Restaurant (Evening)
Known for: Dinner with valley views; most popular evening restaurant in province
Canca Vadisi Yolu, Gümüşhane
Dondurma ve Tatlı Dünyası (Evening)
Known for: Evening dessert and ice cream; popular after-dinner stop
Atatürk Cad. No:31, Gümüşhane
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Most venues warm up after midnight — earlier arrivals get easier entry and shorter queues.
Carry ID, even if you look older — bouncers check at most venues.
Plan your ride home before you go out — last transport runs earlier than the clubs close.