Bars in Istanbul

When the sun sets in Istanbul and you get thirsty, what do you do? Good news: Istanbul comes alive at night, and drinking pubs and bars are abundant. Considering nightlife in Istanbul, there are many neighbourhoods with many cool bars to visit in the evening, as well as many different styles and atmospheres, as in all major cities worldwide. On weekdays, during your Istanbul trip, most bars are filled as people leave their workplaces, while on weekends, they are packed with locals partying. We decided to group our article by zones rather than bars in order to provide you with a more diverse variety that will cater to a wide spectrum of tastes. This is the ultimate guide to not getting bored in Istanbul at night.

Of course, during your stay in Istanbul, you will come across hundreds of bars that are not on our list, but the list of addresses provided below will help you to enjoy your vacation in Istanbul. A word of advice: don't be afraid to go over there, even though it seems a little out of the way from the temples and tourist spots in Istanbul; you'll discover a whole new Istanbul where life is sweet!

Kadikoy

Kadikoy is a large district on the Asian side of Istanbul, where life is friendly and simple. This is a very secular middle-class neighborhood that, considering its isolation from the tourist traps, is well worth a visit! The easiest option is to catch the ferry early in the evening and then take the bus or train back later. You can choose from a variety of bars in the neighborhood, includingThe 360 East, a rooftop near the pier with a spectacular view of the capital, and Karga, a rock bar that first opened in 1996. Kadikoy is an iconic spot in Istanbul, so do not forget to check the district while you are out at night.

Cihangir

This neighborhood, which is close to Taksim Square, is home to many musicians, hispters, and expats. There are no designer boutiques or major chains here, but there are plenty of independent stores, coffee shops, idea bars, and conventional restaurants. The environment is less urban and chic, and the style is more relaxed. It is a must-see during your sightseeing in Istanbul. The Geyik, which is the clubhouse of the Cihangir hipsters and provides a maternal and calming environment, and the Smyrna, which is arranged like a Parisian troquet and where musicians, expats, poets, and journalists can be found, are just a few of the fun places to go for a beer. At the bottom of a passage, you'll also find some of Istanbul's finest electronic music clubs.

Nisantasi

Nisantasi is a western-style neighborhood in one of the best spots in Istanbul. It was once the home of Turkish thinkers such as Orhan Pamuk, but now it is divided into two sections: one dedicated to fashion and luxury goods, and the other more casual, where modern urban lifestyles such as vegetarianism and pubs are the norm. The Kozmonot, a bar serving hundreds of different kinds of beers and decent drinks, is one of the locations we would recommend. It is a popular gathering spot for locals. Visiting Istanbul, you can experience Nisantasi’s high-end bars and luxary brand shops. Nisantasi is also one of your best choices to live as a safe & elite neighbourhood.

Beyoglu

Beyoglu encompasses the whole area between Taksim Square and Galata, as well as the Istiklal Street. It was the epicenter of Istanbul's nightlife until three years ago, when the mayor made a series of poor decisions that forced several bars and concert halls to relocate to other areas. There are, however, hundreds of good addresses in the area; here there are non-expensive restaurants and cafes as well as bars, and they are great places to have a beer and learn about Turkish wine culture. When you visit Istanbul, Beyoglu is probably one of the first places you are going to hear regarding nightlife.