An overview of Istanbul’s Nightlife

Istanbul’s Nightlife

Taksim

• Taksim is one of Istanbul’s most famous districts.
• There’s something for everyone in Taksim: watch a film in the nostalgic theater, climb Galata Tower and wander the streets, eat a gourmet meal, see an art gallery, go to a workshop, and so on.

• The food choices, music, price range, and so on are overwhelming in Taksim, regardless of the type of food.
• The entertainment offered in Istanbul ranges from Türkü bars (Turkish folk music bars) to electro clubs and Meyhane’s. Nights in Taksim start early and end late.

Kadıköy

• Kadıköy district, situated on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, is one of the most popular districts in the city. 
• From the ferry ride to the Haydarpaşa Train Station, you will be transported to a street lined with antique wooden mansions now inhabited by trendy bars, restaurants, and cafés. In addition, it is more peaceful, cleaner, and cozier than Taksim.

• The main difference between Kadköy and Taksim is that most bars close after 1 a.m.
• You can also find traditional Turkish taverns serving seafood and Turkish Raki. It’s your choice; you can go to a unique bar or Trip and have an ice-cold beer, or go to a tavern, sip some raki, sit in the seashore and watch some ferries pass by.

Karaköy

• You’ll be amazed by the Bosphorus Bridge against the bright moonlight.
• Hipster is Karaköy, if we call one of these districts that. Bars, restaurants, and clubs are open almost every day. It’s not just bars and restaurants; most old smithies, fabrics, and ateliers have been turned into art galleries, vintage shops, and designer shops.

• You can get delicious and sophisticated food in most bars until 10 p.m. After that, most bars will become dance floors with good music.
• The crowd can sometimes carry the party to the street. Also, some places only serve as nightclubs, like Gaspar and Fossil. In this list, Karaköy is the most expensive district except for Ortaköy.
• Many people go to the Meyhanes by the seashore to eat Meze or seafood and drink Raki. If you have the opportunity, you should try to explore Karaköy, as it may differ from what we described until you arrive.

Ortaköy

• Compared to the rest of Istanbul, Ortaköy’s nightlife is more homogenous.
• There are a bunch of fancies, luxurious and beautiful nightclubs along the coast.
• Almost all of them have a view of the breathtaking Bosphorus Bridge, which is on the Asian side and the European side. Ortaköy has famous clubs, like Reina, where celebrities, government officials, and presidents have dined and had fun.

• The center of Ortaköy has not-so-expensive bars and clubs, too, right next to the shore and mosque. Also, you can sit on the shore and drink a coffee while watching the boats on the water.

Besiktas

• Its authentic Turkish neighborhood atmosphere is the first thing you’ll notice in Beşiktaş.
• It is an area that has not been affected too much by gentrification (yet).
• It is common to observe people shopping from the arcades during the day, young people practicing on their skateboards during a warm summer day, and people of all ages drinking tea at the street tea sellers.

• Taverns that serve seafood and Raki surround the ones near the fish market. Young people tend to visit other places more frequently.
• It’s not expensive, just average. However, Akaretler Street places are an exception in Beşiktaş.
• You’ll find fancy and luxurious bars, lounges, and clubs there. It’s also popular to drink alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages by the seashore when the weather’s nice.

Bagdat Avenue

• Undoubtedly, Bagdat Street is the most famous street on the Anatolian side.
• Shopping is more popular than nightlife.
• It is an important shopping center and one of the three bar streets in Istanbul. It is common to find bars and clubs that are a little more expensive than the average.
• You’ll see the most expensive and unique cars you’ve never seen before passing by. Young people love it for its 9-mile length, parallel to the Sea of Marmara, and it’s a great place to shop, have a drink, and hang out.

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