Istanbul is one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in the entire world. Located right in the middle of two vast continents, this historically significant city has developed a vibrant culture that attracts millions of tourists annually, along with splendid monuments and structures. Istanbul has also garnered a remarkable reputation for its sparkling and colourful nightlife. Befitting its massive size and global stature, the city has numerous lively and dynamic bars and nightclubs catering to a modern, diverse and chic crowd. Read on for the best bars, clubs, and restaurants in Istanbul:
Bars for Singles, Friends, and Families
1. 360 Istanbul
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A swanky rooftop bar and restaurant in the pretty Beyoglu neighbourhood, 360 is a fine place to have fun and dinner under the magical Istanbul night sky. It has an extensive menu offering excellent Turkish and Mediterranean dishes, and the bar is stocked with fantastic drinks. With DJs and live musicians setting an entertaining mood for the guests, 360 promises pleasant vibes and a grand time.
Location: Istiklal Caddesi No: 163/8 Beyoglu, Misir Apt., Istanbul 34330 Turkey. Timings: 12:00 AM - 2:00 AM & 1:00 PM - 11:45 PM. Price Range: TRY 130 – TRY 400.
2. Rounder's Irish Pub
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Rounder's Irish Pub, as the name suggests, is a terrific Irish pub and hangout spot in Sultanahmet, Istanbul. It has all the features a typical Irish pub has, including a warm and comfortable décor, a wide range of drinks and alcohol, delicious food, and thrilling rugby match screenings. The friendly crowd and atmosphere make it a great place to meet new people in the city.
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Another gem in Beyoglu, Moretenders' is the place for you if you enjoy sipping cocktails while vibing to loud techno music. It has an elegant yet cosy ambience and the cocktails crafted here are unique and incredible. Overall it is a wonderful place where you can get the classic bar experience in the city.
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Flekk is one of those little bars you will never forget and will make a special effort to visit again. The extraordinarily comfortable and amiable atmosphere and the rich cocktails and alcohol it serves make Flekk a perfect place to hang out in the after-hours. The cheerful music is an added bonus!
Location: Tomtom Mahallesi, Yenicarsi Caddesi No: 54/A Beyoglu, Istanbul 34433 Turkey. Timings: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM. On Fridays and Saturdays, 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM. On Sundays, 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM. Price Range: TRY 5 – TRY 15.
Bars for Couples
5. Kiki
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Classy and crowded, this lovely bar and gastropub is known for its energetic climate and delicious culinary offerings. Close to the glamorous Taksim Square, Kiki is perfect for couples to grab a lovely dinner, drink to their hearts' content, and dance to the fantastic house music.
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Balkon Restaurant & Bar is a highly romantic rooftop bar boasting some of the most beautiful and incredible views of the Istanbul sunset and the nighttime skyline, especially of the old city. The food and alcohol served here are excellent and surprisingly affordable. People who love mingling with new folks would absolutely love this delightful nightlife location.
Location: Asmalimescit Mahallesi, Sehbender Sokak No: 5/13 Beyoglu, Kat 6, Istanbul Turkey. Timings: 11:00 AM – 1:30 AM. Price Range: TRY 170– TRY 410.
7. Sezgin Pub
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Sezgin Pub is a gem. It is a small and cosy place hidden in the busy streets of Istanbul and is known for serving lip-smacking Turkish food and rich drinks at low and affordable prices. Sezgin is a fine place for unforgettable and romantic late-night dates.
Location: Muhsine Hatun Mahallesi, Ordekli Bakkal Sk. No: 22 Fatih, Kumkapı, Istanbul 34130 Turkey. Timings: 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM. Price Range: TRY 250 – TRY 500.
8. Lucca
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A stylish, elegant, and modern bar located in the seaside Bebek neighbourhood, Lucca is a phenomenal place to drink, feast, and unwind after a long day. It is known for its artistic décor and a large menu featuring several unique Mediterranean dishes. The various drinks and cocktails offered here are a class apart.
Location: Cevdet Pasa Caddesi 51, Bebek, Istanbul Turkey. Timings: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Price Range: TRY 200 – TRY 600.
Nightclubs and Discos
9. Suada Club
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Suada Club is a glamorous nightclub with loud EDM music blasting all night and a fabulous giant pool in the middle. But the thing about this club that makes it so unique and thrilling is that the whole of it is located on a landing strip. And this landing strip is located in the sea, right between the continents of Europe and Asia! Partying at Suada will perhaps be the most unforgettable moment of your trip to Istanbul.
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Located in Bomontiada, Sisli, Babylon, is a fantastic club and concert venue known for its phenomenal music and atmosphere. Hosting some of the best local and international music artists creates an atmosphere perfect for drinking and partying throughout the night.
Location: Merkez, Silahşör Caddesi & Birahane Sokak Tarihi Bomonti Bira Fabrikası No:1, 34384 Şişli/İstanbul, Turkey. Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
11. Nardis Jazz Club
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Right in the middle of the busy city, Nardis Jazz Club is a slice of fun and delight. Like Babylon, Nardis is also a club cum concert venue where renowned Jazz artists and sometimes even legends like Wynton Marsalis and Ibrahim Ferrer come down to create a heavenly time for the guests. It is often considered one of the best clubs in Istanbul.
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Talented DJs and artists? Check. Fabulous lighting? Check. A huge dance floor? Check. Unlimited fun? Check. What isn't there to love? The Masquerade Club is perhaps the ultimate party destination in Istanbul. It is an absolute must-try for party animals who love to rave throughout the night.
Location: Gayrettepe, Sinan Pasajı, Yıldız Posta Cd. No:38 D:26, 34349 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey. Timings: 10:00 PM – 4:00 AM.
Other Things to Do at Night in Istanbul
13. Bosphorous Dinner Cruise
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The Bosphorous River is the gorgeous stretch of water that runs through the city of Istanbul, separating the continents of Europe and Asia. You can book a 3-5 hour nighttime romantic dinner cruise on the strait where you can enjoy delicious Turkish food, unlimited drinks, fabulous dance performances, and an unforgettable view of the colossal city.
14. Whirling Dervishes Show
A fascinating part of Turkish culture is the Whirling Dervishes ceremony, a traditional Sufi dance with flowing clothes, bewitching moves, and mesmerizing music. This enchanting dance is extremely popular with tourists and is a great place to spend the night after a hearty dinner. The Galata Mevlevihanesi Museum and the Hodjapasha Cultural Center are two good spots to watch the show.
15. Walking through Galata Bridge
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The Galata Bridge is a large bridge that spans the Golden Horn in Istanbul. It is deeply linked with the city's culture and is often considered a city symbol. Walking through the brightly lit and vibrant bridge at night, mingling with the street eateries, vendors, and stalls, and watching the view would be one of the most magical experiences of your life.
If you are someone who loves bar-hopping and pub crawl, this one is for you. Several operators offer tours through the city, hitting some of the best pubs and bars in Istanbul. So grab your friends, hop on to these party buses and spend a night of wild drinking, dancing, and partying!
Make sure not to miss out on any of these fantastic nightlife experiences on your trip to Istanbul. We promise you will make many unforgettable memories on your journey to discover this beautiful city.
