Istanbul Nightlife: 43 Best Local Bars & Nightclubs in Istanbul

Babylon

Nightlife 20 2

By Koray Kaan

Live music & more

Babylon

20

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

Vogue Restaurant & Bar

Nightlife 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

Kiki

Nightlife 17 1

By Senem

Great gastro-pub & club in Beyoğlu

At 11:30 pm they take away the tables to make room for dancing. The DJs who spin at Kiki are well-known characters in Istanbul’s creative scene. You can party here until 4 am to the rhythm of funk, house and disco music. It’s best to arrive before midnight as it’s not all that big and fills up fast.

by Senem

Duble Meze Bar

Nightlife 31 2

B

By Bige

great historic view with fun

Duble Meze Bar

31

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

Çiçek Pasajı

Pubs 24 3

By Senem

Historic passage famous for its taverns

Çiçek Pasajı

24

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

Taps Bebek

Pubs 27 5

By Koray Kaan

Brewery on the Bosphorus

Taps Bebek

27

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

Salon İKSV

Nightlife 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

Nardis Jazz Club

Nightlife 22 3

By Koray Kaan

Jazz in the heart of the city

Nardis Jazz Club

22

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

Beer Hall

Pubs 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

Lucca

Nightlife 20 5

By Alican

Stylish bistro & bar

Lucca

20

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

Jungle 8

Nightlife 11 2

By Berk

Extraordinary Jungle Concept

Jungle 8

11

The extraordinary design and very good music

by Berk

Arsen Lüpen

Nightlife 13 0

By Deniz

Cheap beer & great views

Arsen Lüpen

13

Besides locals, there are many expats who love drinking beer at Arsen Lüpen. You won’t be able to resist dancing to the Balkan music that floats all the way up to their spacious rooftop terrace! The interiors are also quite special, with walls covered in old newspapers and umbrellas hanging from the ceiling.

by Deniz

İncirli Şaraphane

Eating 16 0

By Koray Kaan

Turkish wine cellar with a view

İncirli Şaraphane

16

As it’s set in the same building as its two sister restaurants – Kydonia (Greek) and La Mancha (Mediterranean) – you can select a bottle and take it directly to your table, no matter where you choose to dine. You can also buy wine to take home. The staff know their stuff and are more than happy to advise.

by Koray Kaan

Jolly Joker

Nightlife 17 7

By Senem

Live Turkish pop & rock

Jolly Joker

17

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

Nublu İstanbul

Pubs 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