Are you going to Turkey for a stay with friends? Discover here the best places to go out in Istanbul!
Some travellers are surprised when they are told that Istanbul is a fashionable place to go out and party. If the Turkish city has an exceptional heritage, including some of the most beautiful mosques in the world, it is also a cosmopolitan and dynamic city where it makes good living. The afternoon ends are an opportunity for a good part of the inhabitants to find themselves around a glass, when the light gradually descends on the Bosphorus.
♪ afterwork , in the restaurant, for a concert or in the clubs, the Stambouliotes are not the last when it comes to having fun! At Wanderlix, we give you the technique to mix with the crowd and meet locals. It is enough to trinulate by saying "serefe", the local "health"! Follow us and discover the best places to go out in Istanbul.
1. Karaköy
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Kirk Fisher
The Karaköy district is one of the fashionable places to go out in Istanbul. Once a fief of craftsmen in all genres, he has succeeded in transforming himself into a trendy place combining typical clusters , small traditional coffee and clubs until the end of the night. Frequented by hipsters, artists and a rather young and comfortable clientele, it is a pleasant cosmopolitan area to meet.
The establishments do not impose a particular "train-code" and it is possible to find bars and nightclubs in all price ranges. Among the unmissable addresses, the Nest has a terrace with sea view ideal for a cocktail at sunset. It welcomes renowned DJs for the greatest happiness of techno or minimal music lovers.
Another must is Unter , which is a bar concept that organizes evenings mixing DJ performance, Turkish gastronomy and drinks. If you're more beers, head to the bar Ayi , with a wide choice of blondes, ambers or IPA in a pub atmosphere.
2. Arnavutköy
Photo credit: Facebook – Alexandra Cocktail Bar
For travellers in search of animation, Arnavutköy is an option to go out in Istanbul, as frequentation is always at the rendezvous. In addition to being one of the best places to enjoy fresh fish, Arnavutköy has seen a multitude of trendy bars in recent years.
The Stambouliotes are not mistaken and have made it one of their favorite neighborhoods where to go out in Istanbul. You will start the evening with a quiet dinner on the terrace based on mezze accompanied by a good bottle of wine. Then take the direction of the Alexandra Cocktail Bar , to taste original creations of the resident mixologist.
3. Nişantaşı
Photo credit: Flickr –
Pablo Monteagudo
In the city centre, Nişantaşı is a trendy neighborhood where to get out of Istanbul. It brings together many concept-stores, tea or yoga salons, barista cafés, vegan bars... The new urban lifestyles are highlighted and brings together a clientele between roots-chic and bobos. The inhabitants of the neighborhood gather to the Kozmonot , the iconic pub with hundreds of beers, which also offers amazing cocktails. The bar/restaurant Divine will delight jazz lovers, who will come to listen to the concerts in a lighter atmosphere.
To enjoy out-of-the-ordinary cocktail creations, head to the Spago , the elegant bar-restaurant in rooftop of the Hotel Saint-Régis. The frame is one of the most beautiful in Istanbul, overlooking the Bosphorus and the Maçka Park. You will have to book in advance and put on your 31 if you want to have a table! You will enjoy a fusion cuisine with cocktails. You will choose between the Negroni and Manhattan classics or more original creations such as the Bullet to the head (translated "ball in the head").
To start the evening, the pedestrian street Atiye offers a wide choice of terraces where to drink a raki as an aperitif, and heating.
4. Cihangir
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Kvitka Fabian
Cihangir is one of the most relaxed neighborhoods to get out of Istanbul and is located near the famous Taksim Square. It is easy to pass from bar to bar and it is not uncommon that atroupements form on the sidewalks or in the middle of the street. The conversations take place in all languages and the bursts of laughter are made more sound as the night progresses.
Among the best bars to get out in Istanbul in the Cihangir district, we recommend it Susam Sokak , Smyrna , fief of writers, or aesthetics Cukurcuma serving wine from Bozcaada Island in the Aegean Sea.
5. Beyoğlu
Photo credit: Shutterstock – jesuslion
Beyoğlu is the historic district where to go out to Istanbul to party until early morning. While in recent years some bars and nightclubs have migrated to other parts of the city, it is still one of the most popular places of the Stambouliote party.
You can start at night Litera Bar , on the roof of the Goethe Institute, or 360 , to enjoy breathtaking views of the old city, the Bosphorus and the Asian side of Istanbul. The prices are high enough! You can then descend to the Sensus Bar , to share a selection of Turkish cheeses and wines with friends.
For an atmosphere of 40 years between tiles and wooden walls decorated with mirror, discover Münferit . This wise restaurant in the day turns the night fallen at the rhythm of the shooters distributed by the friendly boss. You will dance until dawn at the rhythm of soul, funk, house or techno, depending on the evolution of the mood of the participants. To immerse yourself in the traditional atmosphere of Istanbul and mix you with the locals, heading to Tophane, the neighbouring area where chicha bars are concentrated.
For electro lovers, Mini Muzikhol is one of the best clubs in Istanbul, but the parties only arrive by mass from 2 a.m.
6. Kadiköy
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Denizce
Renowned for its many fish restaurants, Kadikoy is a must-see where to go out in Istanbul at nightfall. Like all the cities, Istanbul has its street of bars, here named Kadife sokak . You will pass from terrace to terrace through meetings and live music groups.
Dorock is a relaxed place, with punk-rock decoration or besides goguette students and hipsters tattooed from head toe. To live an experience underground (in all senses of the term), push the door of the Kadikoy Sahne , a concert bar/salle arranged underground.
When bars close around 3am, follow the movement to the restaurant Durumci Emmi . It seems to serve a miracle soup that the Turks have custom to consume to run a little before going to sleep.
7. The Bosphorus
Ruby Club, Istanbul - Photo credit: Facebook – Ruby Istanbul
On the seaside, the Bosphore is one of the most pleasant areas to go out in Istanbul, with the fresh air of the sea that accompanies your cocktails. The docks host many restaurants open until midnight, the ideal to enjoy a good meal before going to ignite the track.
Exit and Ruby are two trendy clubs with outdoor dancefloors to dilute until morning with strait view.
Other places to go out in Istanbul
- Suma beach : a beach lined by a forest in the north of Istanbul with DJs that follow each summer weekend... as in the biggest electro festivals!
- La Reina : a huge complex with a capacity of 2,500 people, which welcomes bars, restaurants and clubs.
- Babylon : in the district of Bomonti, in club mode or concert hall according to the evenings.
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