Istanbul Nightlife: 43 Best Local Bars & Nightclubs in Istanbul

Beer Hall

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

Cafes 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

Salon İKSV

Lounges 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

Taps Bebek

Cafes 27 5

By Koray Kaan

Brewery on the Bosphorus

Taps Bebek

27

Being the first and only brewery in Turkey makes Taps Bebek truly unique. Locals love this place for its tasty beers and fantastic view of the Bosphorus.

by Koray Kaan

Vogue Restaurant & Bar

Restaurants 20 4

By Koray Kaan

Great drinks & a great panorama

Vogue Restaurant & Bar

20

Located on the top floor of Besiktas Plaza, Vogue Restaurant & Bar offers spectacular views of the Bosphorus and excellent drinks. It’s possible you might even run into some famous faces here, Morgan Freeman for instance!

by Koray Kaan

Babylon

Lounges 19 2

By Koray Kaan

Live music & more

Babylon

19

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

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

Duble Meze Bar

Restaurants 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

Kiki

Restaurants 17 1

By Senem

Great gastro-pub & club in Beyoğlu

Kiki

17

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

Çiçek Pasajı

Nightlife 23 3

By Senem

Historic passage famous for its taverns

Çiçek Pasajı

23

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

Balkon Bar

Nightlife 14 3

By Mehmet Zahid

Amazing İstanbul View From Terrace

Balkon Bar

14

It has a nice bar and around 40 tables both in the terrace and inside. You can smoke in the terrace and if it is cold they also host guests inside. They play music but not loud. Good for having an average dinner and cocktail.

by Mehmet Zahid

Nublu İstanbul

Lounges 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

İncirli Şaraphane

Cafes 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

Banyan Restaurant

Nightlife 13 4

S

By serra

Spectacular View and Excellent Food

Banyan Restaurant

13

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

Zeplin Pub & Delicatessen

Nightlife 16 2

By Selin

Looking for a cool local pub?

Zeplin Pub & Delicatessen

16

Located in the centre of Moda, Zeplin is a great pub that attracts people from the neighbourhood as well as outsiders. Locals gather here with friends in the afternoon and stick around until closing time drinking beer and having fun.

by Selin