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Nightlife in Istanbul is as exciting to explore as the city’s myriad attractions and landmarks. Whether you want to unwind over a few drinks in a quiet bar, or revel in the bright glitzy ones, these watering holes won’t disappoint you. Whether it’s gulping down a few drinks amidst panoramic views of the city at 360 Istanbul, or enjoying pints of beer at the rooftop 5.Kat, or getting entertained at the musical tavern Ghetto; the city has it all. Istanbul is home to a surfeit of bars that cater to all kinds of budgets. Listed here are the best of those which guarantee a great night out.
With its floor-to-ceiling windows this swanky rooftop venue offers stunning 360-degree views across the city from church steeples spiking the skies of Beyoğlu out to the Sea of Marmara. Set in a beautiful 19th century ap...more
Kat means floor in Turkish so, as the name suggests, this rooftop bar-cum-restaurant sits on the fifth floor of a back street building in bohemian Cihangir. The unassuming exterior however, belies what lies inside. Decad...more
Hidden away on the third floor of an elegant building on bustling Istiklal Caddesi, Baraka is equally popular with interesting locals – from mountain climbers to painters – as visitors. The vibe is relaxed, and the chill...more
Although homosexuality is still considered taboo in mainstream Turkey, the gay scene in Istanbul is becoming increasingly open. Most of the gay-friendly venues are in Beyoğlu and laid-back Chianti is a relative newcomer ...more
The Çiçek Pasaji is a stunning Rococo arcade built in the mid-19th century as a bazaar. Every evening the bars and restaurants under the arched glass roof resonate with chatter and traditional Turkish music, or fasil, as...more
Ghetto occupies the historical Mario Cantoni building behind the Flower Passage. It’s hard to believe that this three storey building was a former bakery, with its fresco-covered high ceilings and contemporary touches, i...more
This funky bar is one of the most popular on the Asian side of the city. People flock to Karga – crow in Turkish – for its friendly atmosphere, cheap beer, and loud, eclectic themed-music nights ranging from Belgian pop ...more
This atmospheric wine bar is a Turkish take on a traditional Greek taverna, with wood-panelled walls and giant wine barrels lined up above the bar. Always lively, as the night wears on it often becomes standing-room only...more
Taps is Turkey's first brewery type bar-cum-restaurant serving around 15 types of beer ranging from pilsener to red ale, and beyond. As well as the standard they stock their unusual own label offerings such as chocolate ...more
Newly opened in the hip Asmalimescit district, Vida Pera sets itself apart from other bars in the area with its strict alternative rock music policy. Radiohead, The Cardigans and Blur seem to be at the top of the playlis...more
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