Istanbul is a cosmopolitan city where nightlife is always going on, and it doesn’t stop. Since people live together in different cultures in the city, the entertainment culture is just as diverse. It is almost impossible for someone living in Istanbul not to find a place where they can have fun according to their own tastes. You can find everything from meyhanes to nightclubs, from music halls to Irish pubs in this content and in Istanbul 🙂
Here are the best places to spend your night in Istanbul!
Meyhane
Meyhane is one of the milestones of Turkish food and alcohol culture. The Turks really value the meyhane culture, and they usually prefer to celebrate special dates in meyhane regardless of age. It is not a place where you can go only for drinking. It has a meaning of friendship and connection. Meyhane culture represents a cozy and warm ambiance.
You can easily understand when you see a meyhane because of its traditionalized white tablecloth and its cozy ambiance. There will be no disturbing music in the background, or some meyhanes will have their own live music. It is called “fasil”. You can find delicious and numerous mezes and other foods at meyhane. The Turkish alcohol “raki” is the main point at meyhanes, and usually, only raki is drunk there. Raki is a traditional Turkish alcoholic drink that uses suma obtained by distillation and is usually flavored with aniseed. It is generally drunk with fish and mezes.
Mukellef
Mukellef is a meyhane that was founded by Arda Turkmen, who is a famous chef in Turkiye. They reflect the cosmopolitan culture of Istanbul on their menu. Mukellef is a reputable and fresh meyhane that serves delicious mezes and dishes. It also has breathtaking Bosphorus views, so you can enjoy the fantastic Istanbul views while drinking your raki. You can also check their prices and comments on the website to have a broader understanding.
Mukellef is located in Beyoglu, Istanbul.
Barba Vasilis
Barba Vasilis is a Greek meyhane that has delicious dishes and mezes. You can understand that it is a Greek meyhane from its ambiance and decoration. Barba Vasilis has a white/blue-based decoration and takes you to the Aegean/Mediterranean seaside with its vibe. It has an “Old Istanbul” theme, and it is one of the most preferred meyhanes in Istanbul. You can also check their prices and comments on the website to have a broader understanding.
Barba Vasilis is located in Balat, Istanbul.
Safa Meyhanesi
The location of Safa Meyhanesi dates from the Ottoman Empire’s later years. The meyhane, which first opened its doors in 1895, still conjures images of bygone days. History and architectural aficionados are drawn to Safa Meyhanesi because of its red brick walls, old-fashioned draperies, and flamboyant doors. You may sample centuries-old Armenian appetizers and relax in an ambiance complemented by Turkish music in this area, where you can fully immerse yourself in Istanbul memories. You may also look at their rates and remarks on the website to get a better idea.
Safa Meyhanesi is located in Fatih, Istanbul.
MĂĽĹźterek Meyhane
MĂĽĹźterek Meyhane is one of the new style meyhanes in Istanbul. The modern meyhane stream gets wider day-to-day in Istanbul, so the MĂĽĹźterek Meyhane receives lots of attention due to its modern concept. It also has impressive mezes and dishes, but its central location makes the MĂĽĹźterek Meyhane even more preferable. You may also look at their rates and remarks on the website to get a better idea.
MĂĽĹźterek Meyhane is located in Beyoglu, Istanbul.
Night Clubs
Istanbul is a city where life never sleeps. It has a dynamic nightlife culture and lots of options. You can find a perfect nightclub match on every budget. Usually, students in Turkiye love to spend time in nightclubs, so budget-friendly options are definitely not limited.
Klein Phonix
Klein Phönix, a 2,500-person capacity venue in Maslak, opened its doors with the Klein Entertainment family’s electronic and techno music concept. Not only will you find electronic music and dancing in Phönix, but you will also find a wonderful atmosphere. Various artists’ works can be found throughout the venue.
Klein Phonix is located in Sarıyer, Istanbul.
Kastel
Kastel is a perfect match for the one who loves techno music. Both local and international DJs are giving performances here. The high ceiling makes the ambiance more amazing and spacious. The lightning and the sound system amazed every guest who visited Kastel. Kastel serves delicious cocktails and good-quality music. The prices are high, but most visitors do not complain because of the quality service.
Klein Phonix is located in Beyoglu, Istanbul.
FakĂĽlte Teras
Fakulte Teras is a popular bar among university students. They have low prices and a chill ambiance that no one cares about the others. The bar can be very crowded, especially on weekends. It is a perfect place to have fun and dance all night.
FakĂĽlte Teras is located in Beyoglu, Istanbul.
Jungle 8
Designed with the theme of the wild forest, Jungle 8 serves with its line-up of famous DJs. Jungle 8, where a world-famous DJ will perform every month, is already a favorite of entertainment lovers in Istanbul. It draws attention with its different concept and the fact that it is behind a very experienced business team in nightlife.
Jungle 8 is located in Besiktas, Istanbul.
Ruby Ä°stanbul
Ruby is a nightclub and restaurant in Istanbul. The place is probably best known for its breathtaking Bosphorus view near Istanbul’s famous bridge. Ruby turns into a nightclub after midnight, so if you want, you can enjoy delicious dishes of Ruby in the evening too. The prices are high due to its location, but you should not miss it if you have a chance to visit.
Ruby is located in Besiktas, Istanbul.
Bars & Pubs
Due to Istanbul’s crowded and diverse population, it is possible to find every type of place. Besides its cultural places like meyhane or popular spots like nightclubs, Istanbul has myriad bars and pubs that serve good quality alcohol and ambiance. Bars and pubs also symbolize friendship and deep conversations in Turkiye.
Blok Mekan Bomonti
The Blok Bomonti stands out as a venue that attracts the younger audience that wish to visit the region because of its colorful and energetic design. Blok Bomonti was created as a complete living environment, featuring seating places, dining and drinking areas, and music. A location that values innovation, entertainment, and independence. Blok Bomonti on Silahşör Street in Bomonti is significantly larger than it appears from the outside. The facility, which includes two bars at the entrance and in the garden, provides a lively setting, with a part dedicated to live performances on the first floor and exhibition and store spaces on the second. Blok Bomonti, which is intended to be used all day, opens at 9:00 a.m. and remains open until 2:00 a.m. The restaurant, which creates a variety of goods in its open kitchen/bar, including bread and sweets, has profited from street influences in its menu.
Blok Mekan Bomonti is located in Sisli, Istanbul.
ArkaOda
With concerts, DJ sets, festivals, parties with changing concepts, different themed events in its garden, and constantly evolving formations, it continues to support artists. Over the years, Arkaoda has hosted several notable musicians, DJs, and artists. As a result, we can claim that those who enjoy modern, new era alternative, electronic, ambient, experimental, and dance music prefer the Arkaoda. It also contributes significantly through the cultural and artistic activities it conducts in collaboration with prominent institutions and sponsors.
ArkaOda is located in Kadikoy, Istanbul.
Xunta Teras
Xunta Teras has a cozy terrace. The place is decorated like a house, so you can find seats and cushions everywhere. Most visitors say that they can have long and deep conversations with their friends at the Xunta Teras. Also, the bar entrance has a little secret garden vibe, which makes Xunta Teras more private and cozy. They have a delicious and diverse cocktail menu.
Xunta Teras is located in Besiktas, Istanbul.
Alexandra Cocktail Bar
A place you should take a look at in Arnavutkoy with its cocktails specially prepared for you and its charming style. Alexandra Cocktail Bar attracts attention by having a secret door that opens to a hotel. Most of the items used in the bar are brought from Italy. The average price for 2 people is nearly 270 TL.
Alexandra Cocktail Bar is located in Besiktas, Istanbul.
360 Istanbul
360 Istanbul is a perfect rooftop with a restaurant, bar, and club. They offer their visitors 360 Istanbul views while you can enjoy the ambiance. 360 Istanbul is located on the top floor of the apartment. Hosting famous artists and DJs from abroad, 360 Istanbul turns into a club on weekends with its live shows. They have an extensive cocktail menu.
360 Istanbul is located in Beyoglu, Istanbul.
U2 Istanbul Irish Pub
Irish draft beers, rugby, and other live sporting events on TV, and Irish folk music are available at this fun bar. U2 Istanbul Irish Pub is one of Istanbul’s most popular bars, located near TarlabaĹź Boulevard in Taksim, and provides a friendly environment with Irish folk music and distinctive Green Beer. It’s worth noting that they’re closed on Mondays.
U2 Istanbul Irish Pub is located in Taksim, Istanbul.
BONUS
Cahide MĂĽzikhol / Dinner Theater
Cahide MĂĽzikhol has a very different ambiance and serves its visitors a definitely unique experience. They have exaggerated decoration inside and myriad cocktails to offer. You can also have traditional alcohols like raki. They guest different Turkish artists on the weekdays, but the place turns into a nightclub after Saturday midnights. Cahide MĂĽzikhol also represents the drag queen culture with their shows.
Cahide MĂĽzikhol is located in Sisli, Istanbul.
Do not forget to enjoy the lively streets of Istanbul!
Besides its diverse bars or meyhanes, Istanbul has a vivacious nightlife in its streets too. You can experience a cozy atmosphere while drinking at Moda Seaside or Bagdat Street. Grabbing a drink and walking around Galata will give you the main character vibes ;). As personal advice, hanging out with friends at Moda Seaside is definitely an Istanbul activity that should be experienced.