Istanbul Nightlife: 44 Best Local Bars & Nightclubs in Istanbul

Nardis Jazz Club

By Koray Kaan

Head to this beautiful brick building for some jazz and drinks after visiting Istanbul’s historic Karaköy district. The club is owned by Önder Focan (a local jazz guitarist) and his wife Zuhal Focan (the editor of a Turkish jazz magazine), so great music is pretty much guaranteed.

by Koray Kaan

Taps Bebek

Bars 28 5

By Koray Kaan

Brewery on the Bosphorus

Taps Bebek

28

Taps is famous for its Smoked Lager, Kölsch and Red Ale, though there are plenty more beers to choose from. Come here on a slow Sunday afternoon and work your way through the menu.

by Koray Kaan

Lucca

Restaurants 22 6

By Alican

Stylish bistro & bar

Lucca

22

This place is located in Istanbul’s trendy Bebek neighbourhood near the beautiful Bosphorus. It’s well known for its delicious cocktails, especially its mojitos and satsuma vodka. At 11 pm the bistro transforms into a bar where you can dance and enjoy quality music.

by Alican

Çiçek Pasajı

Bars 25 3

By Senem

Historic passage famous for its taverns

Çiçek Pasajı

25

Come here to experience the old-world atmosphere of a traditional Turkish tavern. It’s one of the most stylish buildings in Beyoğlu. It’s also a great place to watch street musicians perform.

by Senem

Babylon

Bars 21 2

By Koray Kaan

Live music & more

Babylon

21

If you're a fan of live music and want to spend your night at a club, Babylon is the place for you. If you prefer DJs and dancing, head to Babylon Lounge.

by Koray Kaan

Jolly Joker

Bars 19 8

By Senem

Live Turkish pop & rock

Jolly Joker

19

If you’d like to get a taste of Turkish pop, alternative or rock music, Jolly Joker offers great live performances. It’s one of the main concert venues in Taksim. I suggest you wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be standing all night long!

by Senem

Duble Meze Bar

Restaurants 33 2

B

By Bige

great historic view with fun

Duble Meze Bar

33

It has a great view and cozy atmosphere. You can see the sunset above the old city and Golden Horn. Also it is located in the central are where you have many options for nightlife. Also you can taste the best Turkish tapas.

B

by Bige

Beer Hall

Bars 20 5

By Mehmet Zahid

Feel the Amsterdam Spirit in İstanbul!

Beer Hall

20

Beer Hall has a very distinct interior with long wooden tables and string light hanging down from the ceiling. The place can host around 200 people but they can be really busy after working hours (6-9pm). It is a self service place so you should find a seat first and then look for your desired drink (beer is recommended) or food.

by Mehmet Zahid

Vogue Restaurant & Bar

Restaurants 20 4

By Koray Kaan

Great drinks & a great panorama

Vogue Restaurant & Bar

20

The drinks menu is both sophisticated and luxurious. The bar is a nice place to stop by for a relaxing after-work tipple. Although it’s quite expensive, the talented bartenders have a special touch.

by Koray Kaan

Salon İKSV

Bars 22 1

By Koray Kaan

Cosy concert venue

Salon İKSV

22

Come here if you’re interested in Istanbul’s music and arts scene. Check the programme on their website and join in the fun!

by Koray Kaan

Zeplin Pub & Delicatessen

Nightlife 17 2

By Selin

Looking for a cool local pub?

Zeplin Pub & Delicatessen

17

Zeplin offers an extensive range of beers including local brews and international labels, along with a fantastic deli menu. The owners also run a well-known alternative music and events business in Istanbul, so good music is pretty much guaranteed.

by Selin

Nublu İstanbul

Bars 11 1

By Koray Kaan

The music of NOW!

Nublu İstanbul

11

Enjoy a classy gourmet dinner at one of the many new restaurants in Karaköy before knocking on the doors of Nublu. Although it’s not all that big, it has several balconies where you can get a great bird’s-eye view of the stage.

by Koray Kaan

Nuteras

Restaurants 14 4

By Selin

One of the coolest terrace in the city

Nuteras

14

An essential destination for summer nights Nuteras, impresses its visitors with the beautiful panorama of Haliç. The terrace delights the guests from afternoon until late hours. You could taste delicious and spacial summer cocktails and enjoy the good music. The kitchen is International including tastes from the Turkish cuisine.

by Selin

Banyan Restaurant

Nightlife 14 4

S

By serra

Spectacular View and Excellent Food

Banyan Restaurant

14

The restaurant has probably the bar with the most spectacular view in Istanbul, with the newly restored Ortaköy Mosque and the stunning bridge to aria to the East and a view of Sultanahmet to the west.

S

by serra

La Mancha

Nightlife 11 0

By Koray Kaan

Classy Mediterranean restaurant & bar

La Mancha

11

Come here to try different types of tapas or their extra special “Cacio e Pepe” pasta with truffle oil, fresh Parmesan and black pepper. Otherwise stop by to sip tasty cocktails at the bar while soaking up the beautiful views. They also offer an enormous selection of local and imported wines.

by Koray Kaan