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

Balkon Bar

Nightlife 17 3

By Mehmet Zahid

Amazing İstanbul View From Terrace

Balkon Bar

17

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

Beer Hall

Nightlife 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

Eating 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

Babylon

Nightclubs 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

Vogue Restaurant & Bar

Bars 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

Nightclubs 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

Eating 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

Çiçek Pasajı

Nightlife 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

Duble Meze Bar

Eating 32 2

B

By Bige

great historic view with fun

Duble Meze Bar

32

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

Nuteras

Nightclubs 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

İncirli Şaraphane

Bars 17 1

By Koray Kaan

Turkish wine cellar with a view

İncirli Şaraphane

17

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

Kiki

Eating 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