Getting familiar with Istanbul
Dear friends,
Think of this as the insider’s guide to Istanbul. I’ve written down what I know about the city, tourist attractions, restaurants, shopping and nightlife. I’ve also shared what insights and tips I have from experience, which you won’t really find in a travel guide. If you’d like more information on any of the places I mention, you can check out the links at the bottom of the page. Or you can just Google the places. In the Museum, Mosques, Palaces And Other Tourist Attractions section, I’ve prioritized the places based on how interesting and worth seeing they are. If you have limited time in Istanbul, I’d start with the things that are on the top of the list. That’s not the case in any of the other sections. Keep in mind that my experiences in Turkey are a couple years old, but I think they should still be valid. I’ve double-checked the existence of clubs and bars with my friends who are there now. Obviously, the tourist attractions aren’t going anywhere. Don’t hesitate to contact Taylan or me if you have any additional questions or would like help coming up with an itinerary for your trip.
-Melis
Istanbul’s Key Neighborhoods
Map of Istanbul
Click on map to enlarge
To help you familiarize yourself with Istanbul, here are some brief descriptions of some of the neighborhoods in Istanbul. These barely begin to scratch the surface of the hundreds of neighborhoods that exist in Istanbul, but are the ones where you will probably spend most of your time while in Istanbul.
Eminönü/Sultanahmet
The Sultanahmet area houses the largest number of historical tourist attractions in Istanbul including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace and Yerebatan Cistern. It is also within walking distance of the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market. It’s central location makes it a great place to stay, although it will be loaded with tourists. However, you are less likely to find any major chain hotels here than in other parts of the city. If you are taking the bus to this area, you want to board buses going to Eminönü, where there is a major bus terminal. There is also a ferry port at Eminönü.
Map Of Sultanahmet
Click here for a more detailed map of Sultanahmet
Taksim/Beyoğlu
Taksim
Taksim/Beyoğlu is one of my favorite places to go in Istanbul, especially at night, where you’ll find some of the best nightlife the city has to offer. The neighborhood is great during the day too, with lots of shops and cafes (some where you can have your fortune read from your leftover coffee grinds) and a whole lot of character. However, its main drag, Istiklal Caddesi, is very crowded and you should definitely watch out for pickpockets. Also, stay alert here at night, don’t walk around alone when it’s late and avoid the sketchy back streets as there can be some unsavory characters around. If you just use common sense, you should be fine. Istikal Caddesi starts at Taksim Square and the road is closed to cars. An old-fashioned tram runs the length of the street, though you can only board at certain stops. If you make it all the way to the end of Istiklal Caddesi you will reach Tünel, the second-oldest subway line in the world. It runs from Beyoğlu down to Galata, along the Bosphorus. The trip only takes 1.5 minutes, so even if you don’t want to descend to Galata, a roundtrip won’t take much of your time. A small section of Beyoğlu was built into what they call the Fransiz Sokağı or the French Neighborhood. Built, not surprisingly, to resemble France, there are a lot of nice cafes there, some with rooftop terraces. To get there you need to walk about halfway down the Istiklal Caddesi and turn left at the Galatasaray High School (the school can be identified by the big green gates and fence that surround it) onto Yenicarşı Caddesi (assuming you are walking down the street from Taksim Square). Yenicarşı Caddesi is a steep hill but you won’t need to go down too far. Turn left again onto Hayriye Caddesi. Fransiz Sokağı will start on your right down a set of steps. Other places to check out in Beyoğlu include the fish market (Balık Pazarı) and Çiçek Pasajı which are off to the right before you reach the Galatasaray High School. Despite being called the flower passageway, there are no flowers at the Çiçek Pasajı. Rather it is a walkway filled with small, unpretentious restaurants called meyhanes which specialize in alcoholic beverages and the types of food that go well with them. Nevizade Sokağı behind the Çiçek Pasajı also has great meyhanes, where you generally sit at tables in the narrow street to eat or drink, and a number of clubs with rooftop terraces.
Beşiktaş
Beşiktaş is a central hub for getting around Istanbul. There is a major bus station there (though it’s a series of outdoor kiosks and stops, not a building) from which buses leave for all parts of the city. There is also a ferry terminal in Beşiktaş and some of the 1 hour tours of the Bosphorus leave from there as well. There is a nice open-air market that is open daily where you will find great fruits and vegetables. I highly recommend trying the peaches and apricots in Turkey. They’re infinitely better than anything you can find in the U.S.
Ortaköy
Ortaköy
The streets of Ortaköy are filled with cute little shops, but what really makes Ortaköy a great place to visit is that it affords some great views of the Bosphorus and the Ortaköy mosque. There are lots of cafes along the Bosphorus where you can sit for lunch or tea and enjoy the view. You’ll also find art galleries, clubs, bars, and restaurants in Ortaköy. On Sundays the streets are filled with a Pazar or open-air market. Some of the 1 hour tours of the Bosphorus also leave from Ortaköy. If you’re interested in trying Turkish-style baked potatoes you’ll also find lots of street vendors selling kumpirs, but be warned, these potates give new meaning to the term loaded baked potato. Toppings include things like ketchup, mayonnaise, olives, sausage and Russian salad. Ortaköy also happens to be where Feriye Köşkü, the site of our wedding reception, is.
Nişantaşı
Nişantaşı
Nişantaşı is the fashion district of Istanbul, comparable to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and Fifth Avenue in New York, which means most of the shops there are very high end. Some of the shops you’ll find there include Emporio Armani, Roberto Cavalli, Gucci, Valentino, and Marks and Spencer. There are also lots of restaurants and cafes in the area.
Getting Around Istanbul
Taxis
TaxisTaxis abound in Istanbul. There are 2 rates: Day Rate (Gündüz) and Night Rate (Gece), which is more expensive. The day rate applies between 7:00 am and Midnight. Depending on how far you are traveling, you can sometimes get the taxi driver to give you the day rate at night, but you will need to bargain before you get in the cab. One important difference between Turkey and the U.S. is that tipping the taxi drivers is not customary or required in Turkey.
Buses
Buses are an easy way to get around and they will basically take you anywhere you need to go in the city. However, they can be slow and crowded, especially during morning and evening rush hour, and they are generally not air-condtioned. There are 2 types of buses: IETT city buses and private buses called Özel Halk Otobüsü. The city buses do not accept cash fares so you must buy tickets before boarding the bus. At major stations tickets are sold at kiosks. You can also buy them at some convenience stores (bakkals). There will normally be a sign that says IETT bilet outside the store if they sell bus tickets. The other alternative is to buy an electronic pass or akbil. You can only buy akbils from the kiosks at major bus stations (Beşiktaş, Taksim, Eminönü). You pay a small deposit fee for the magnetic pass and can put any amount of money onto the pass. The private buses do accept cash, so if you don’t have tickets or an akbil they are the way to go. Private buses do accept akbils as well.
Dolmuş (Mini-bus)
The dolmuş is a unique way to travel in Turkey. Dolmuş mini-buses are something between a bus and a shared cab. They have designated routes but will stop wherever you’d like on that route. Generally, they make fewer stops than buses. They always have their destination written on the front. They are much cheaper than cabs but can often be packed full of people. There are designated dolmuş stands in places like Beşiktaş and Taksim where you can get on. If you see one on the road, you can also try to flag it down and it will stop if there is room. Fares are posted, usually above the drivers head, and you pass your money up to the driver. Drivers will make change; you just have to make sure your change gets passed back to you.
Metro
MetroYou probably won’t have much need to use the metro. The modern metro system in Istanbul was built only recently so the places it goes are very limited. Through a series of transfers you can get from the airport to Sultanahmet or Taksim on the metro, but it may not be worth the effort. There is an old-fashioned tram that will take you up to Sultanahmet from Eminönü. You can buy tokens at the metro stations or use the same akbil that is used for the bus.
Ferry
Ferry
Unless you plan to cross to the Asian side of Istanbul, you probably won’t have a need to use the ferry, or vapur, except for fun. If you’re hoping to do some sightseeing check out Boat Tours of the Bosphorus in the Things to Do in Turkey section. You can buy tokens at the ferry docks or use the akbil for the ferries as well. On the European side, the main ferry docks are in Eminönü and Beşiktaş.
Transportation To And From The Airport
Havas
The fastest and easiest way to get to and from the airport is by cab, but it is of course the most expensive way. There are a couple cheaper alternatives. As I mentioned in the Metro section, it is possible to get to and from the airport using the Metro/Tram system. However, it will require 1 transfer at Zeytinburnu to the Tram to get to Sultanahmet and many more transfers if you are trying to get to Taksim or beyond. The other inexpensive option is to take a Havaş airport bus. The Havaş buses depart the Istanbul airport outside the terminal gates of both the domestic and international terminals every half hour for Taksim. The cost of a ticket is 8.5 YTL and you get your ticket aboard the bus. However, if you are not staying in the Taksim area, you will have to take a cab from there to your hotel. Return buses from Taksim to the airport also depart every half hour from the Büyükşehir Arts Gallery (20 meters away from Turkish airlines office). The Havaş buses also run to a few other destinations, so double-check the destination before you board at the airport. While you will save some money if you take the metro or bus from the airport, it is probably not worth the effort if you have a lot of luggage and are traveling in a group or 2 or more people.
For a full schedule for the Havas buses check out this site
Museum, Mosques, Palaces And Other Tourist Attractions In Istanbul
Topkapı Palace
Topkapı
Topkapı Palace is the most visited historical site in Turkey. The Palace was the seat of government for the Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years until it was abandoned by Sultan Abdülmecit I in 1853 in favor of Dolmabahçe Palace. It is a complex of buildings spread out over one of the seven hills of Istanbul from which there is a great view of the Bosphorus. Topkapı consists of courtyards serving different purposes which are separated from each other by monumental gates. Visitors are able to tour the palace grounds as well as the harem where the Ottoman emperors lived and kept their many concubines and wives. Topkapı Palace also housed the state treasury and archives and visitors are still able to see many of the treasures amassed by the sultans. In fact, the treasury section of the Palace is the richest collection of its kind in the world. On exhibit are the imperial collections of crystal, silver and Chinese porcelain; imperial handmade costumes, a large collection of weapons, the famous jewels of the treasury, the richest collection of clocks in the world, the sacred relics of Islam including the swords of Muhammed, his bow and his mantle, a large collection of miniatures and many other priceless objects. The treasury’s most famous pieces are the Topkapı Dagger and one of the largest diamonds in the world, the 86-carat Spoon Maker's Diamond. Topkapı Palace is closed on Tuesdays. Every other day it is open from 9 am to 7 pm. General admission is 12 YTL. There are separate admission fees to tour the harem and treasury.
Blue Mosque
Click here for more information on the Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque
Sultanahmet Mosque is better known as the Blue Mosque because of its magnificent interior paneling of more than 20,000 blue and white Iznik tiles. Is is the only mosque in Turkey that has six minarets and an important architectural creation during the time of the Ottoman Empire. It was built to rival the structure across from it, Hagia Sophia, and is one of the most famous religious buildings in the world. I would avoid the Blue Mosque on Fridays as that is the day Muslims go to the mosque to pray (think of it as the equivalent of Christians going to mass on Sundays).
A few notes on visiting mosques: For women, bare arms and legs are not acceptable inside a mosque. Women should not enter a mosque without first covering their heads with a scarf either. Scarves are handed out at the Blue Mosque if you should need them to cover your head or arms. Men should avoid wearing shorts to the mosque. Before entering a mosque, you will be required to remove your shoes.
Ayasofya
Click here for more information on Ayasofya
AyasofyaAyasofya (also called Hagia Sophia or St. Sophia) was originally built as a church by the Byzantines and later converted by the Ottomans into a mosque after the conquest of Istanbul. It is one of the most extraordinary buildings in the history of architecture and has the largest dome of the ancient world. It took over 1000 years for a larger dome to be built. Moreover, the mosaics covering the walls are among the most important works of Byzantine art that have survived to this day. The upper gallery affords the best view of Ayasofya’s interiors, so be sure to make the climb up to that level. Ayasofya has been selected as one of the candidates for the new 7 wonders of the world. Ayasofya is closed on Mondays. The other days it is open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Dolmabahçe Palace
Click here for more information on Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace stretches for 600 meters along the European shore of the Bosphorus. Dolmabahçe, which means "the filled garden," was built upon land reclaimed by filling up the sea. Many people think that it is a small model of the Palace of Versailles in France. The palace has survived intact with its original decorations, furniture, silk carpets, curtains and everything else. It is said that 14 tons of gold and 40 tons of silver were used for the decoration of the palace. The palace contains 285 rooms, 43 salons and six baths. Its walls and ceilings are covered with paintings by the famous artists of that age. The ballroom is the largest of its kind in the world and houses the world’s largest chandelier, which has 750 lamps and weighs 4.5 tons. Dolmabahçe is most recently remembered as the place where Atatürk, the founder of Turkish Republic, died in 1938. Visitors can still see the room where he died and all the clocks in the palace were stopped at 9:05 am, the time of his death, in memory of the father of the Turks. Dolmabahçe is closed on Mondays and Thursdays. The other days it is open from 9 am to 4 pm.
Boat Tour of the Bosphorus
There are 1 hour boat tours of the Bosphorus that leave from both Ortaköy and Beşiktaş. In Ortaköy the dock is to the left of the big Ortaköy mosque. In Beşiktaş the tour boats are to the left of the main ferry terminal. You do not need to get tickets in advance. You just show up when the boats are boarding (generally on the hour) and pay a few YTL once on board.
If you are looking for a longer tour, you can board the ferry that starts at Eminönü and runs all the way to Anadolu Kavağı on the Asian shore at the northern end of Istanbul. One-way the voyage takes 1.5 hours, with the ferry making a few stops along the way. However, you will have to wait 1.5 hours at Anadolu Kavağı for the return trip, so the round-trip takes 4.5 hours. Also, note, this is not actually a sightseeing tour, unlike the 1 hour tours I mentioned above; you’re taking the ferry along with people commuting for work, life, etc. The advantage is you get to see more of the Bosphorus that way. I personally recommend the 1 hour tours over the much longer trip.
For travel times for the long tour check out this page
Galata Tower
Click here for more information on the Galata Tower
The Galata Tower The Galata Tower is one of Istanbul’s most striking landmarks; it’s huge, cone-capped cylinder dominates the skyline on the Galata side of the Golden Horn. The Tower is worth visiting for its magnificent 360 degree view of Istanbul and the Bosphorus.
Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi)
Kız Kulesi
Kız Kulesi, or the 2500 year-old Maiden’s Tower, sits on an islet in the middle of the Bosphorus. It is one of the unique structures throughout the world that falls between two continents. It is another location in Istanbul that afford a spectacular 360 degree view of the city. Ferries to Kız Kulesi leave the European side from Ortaköy at 1, 3 and 5 pm. Return ferries depart the islet at 2:30, 4:30 and 7:00 pm.
There are many legends about the construction of the tower and its location. According to the most popular Turkish legend, a sultan had a much beloved daughter. One day, an oracle prophesized that she would die on her 18th birthday. The sultan, in an effort to thwart his daughter's early demise, had the tower built in the middle of the Bosphorus to protect his daughter until after her 18th birthday. The daughter was placed in the tower, where she was frequently visited only by her father. On the daughter's 18th birthday, the sultan brought a basket of fruit as a birthday gift. Upon inspecting the basket, a poisonous snake that had been hiding amongst the fruit bit the daughter and she died, just as predicted.
Miniaturk
While you can’t tour all of Turkey in a day, or even a week, you can see every important Turkish landmark in just one afternoon at Miniaturk. Miniaturk is an outdoor park which contains 105 models done in 1/25th scale. 45 of the miniature structures are from Istanbul, 45 are from Anatolia, and 15 are from the Ottoman territories that today lie outside of Turkey. Miniaturk is located on the Golden Horn in Sütlüce. Its location is a bit out of the way and while there are buses and dolmuşes that run past there, your best bet is probably to take a taxi there. Miniaturk is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm and admission is 10 YTL.
Big Island (Büyükada)
Büyükada If you want to get away from the city, Büyükada, or the Big Island, is the place to go. On the island, which sits in the middle of the Sea of Marmara, motorized vehicles, except service vehicles, are forbidden, so visitors explore the island by foot, on bikes, in horse-drawn carriages, or by riding donkeys. It’s a great place to go just to relax and enjoy the outdoors. There is also a beach where you can swim. A popular spot on the island is the Church and Monastery of St. George (Aya Yorgi Kilisesi), which sits at the top of a steep hill. I’d recommend taking a carriage ride to the base of the hill so that you save your energy for the trek to the top. On the way up you’ll notice that there are a lot of ribbons tied to the trees. An old belief says that the person who climbs up the path in silence and ties a ribbon onto the bushes will have his wish come true, so bring a ribbon with you. Although the climb may be a bit arduous, the spectacular view from the top makes it worth it. At the top, in addition to the Church, there is a restaurant where you can rest after your tiring hike. Don’t expect too much from the restaurant though. While the food is decent enough, you sit outside and the last time I was there a bunch of cows were just wandering around the grounds and wouldn’t stop staring at us.
To reach the Big Island from the European side of Istanbul you need to take a sea ferry (deniz otobüsü). Ferries depart from either Kabataş or Sirkeci and take about 40 minutes.
Sunken Palace Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayı)
Yerebatan Sarayı
The Sunken Palace Cistern, also known as the Basilica Cistern or Yerebatan Sarayı, was constructed in 532 to supply water primarily to the Byzantine palace. Today you see essentially a huge tank with a capacity of over 21 million gallons containing 336 marble columns and about 12 inches of water on the floor. Wooden planks have been laid down so you can walk amongst the columns, some of which are quite decorative. During your visit keep your eyes open for the Medusa heads supporting two of the columns. One head is on its side, the other inverted, though people can only speculate about why they are turned the way they are. Yerebatan is in Sultanahmet Square, at the northeastern end of the Hippodrome, just off Divan Yolu, and across the street from Ayasofya. The entrance is on Yerebatan Caddesi; the exit is opposite Ayasofya on Alemdar Caddesi. The cistern is open every day from 9 am to 6 pm and admission is 10 YTL.
Shopping In Istanbul
Tourists are able to shop for certain items tax-free in Turkey. It doesn’t apply to purchases made at places like the Grand Bazaar, but does apply in over 2000 retailers in Turkey. The catch is that you must spend over 118 YTL (approx. US$ 70) or more in one shop in one day. You must tell the retailer at the time of the purchase that you want to take advantage of tax-free shopping. You’ll still pay the tax at that time but they will give you some additional paperwork. You’ll be able to get your money back at the airport when you’re leaving, but you’ll need to show them not only your receipts, but the items you purchased, so you probably want to take care of that before you check-in your luggage. It may not be worth the hassle unless you plan to drop some serious cash in Turkey.
To read more about tax-free shopping in Turkey check out this link
Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı) & Spice Market
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is hands-down my favorite place to shop. While it is most definitely a tourist trap and doesn’t contain any of the typical stores you find in a mall, it’s a winding maze of colorful shops (and even more colorful salesmen) selling everything from souvenirs, to knock-off purses, belly dancer’s outfits, jewelry, books and artwork. Ladies, expect to get hit on as you wander past salesmen throwing out compliments in English, French and Spanish. I even got proposals of marriage before.
None of the items you’ll find there have prices listed on them; rather you need to learn them from the salesmen. Expect that whatever price they give you will be anywhere from 2 to 10 times higher than what the item is worth and be prepared to bargain. Start low and if the salesman won’t give you a good deal, pretend like you’re leaving without making a purchase and the salesmen will undoubtedly drop the price further to make a sale. If not, just keep looking. Buying multiple items from a shop gives you even more bargaining power so expect to get a better deal. Also, do not buy from the first shops you come across, as the shops on the outskirts of the Bazaar are usually priced higher than the shops further in and you’ll find hundreds of shops selling the exact same merchandise.
The Spice Market, which is just down the hill from the Grand Bazaar, contains stores selling a lot of the same souvenirs you find in the Bazaar as well as, what else, lots of spices, nuts and snacks. Though you may not have a need to purchase any spices, it’s still fun to wander through the streets around the Spice Market and take in the sights, sounds and scents.
Akmerkez
Akmerkez Akmerkez is a large mall located in Etiler. The Akmerkez complex covers an area of 180,000 m² and is comprised of a four-storey shopping area with close to 250 stores with an ideally balanced shop-mix. In past years Akmerkez was chosen as the best shopping center in Europe.
Metrocity
Metrocity, which opened in 2003, is a modern shopping mall in the finance and business quarter of 1. Levent in with a direct connection to the 1. Levent subway station. Metrocity features 140 stores offering international and domestic labels, variety of restaurants and cafeterias on 4 floors with a covered area of 60,000 m².
Kanyon
Kanyon
Kanyon, located in Levent, is Istanbul’s newest shopping mall, having opened in 2006. Its retail space houses 160 different stores, restaurants, cafes and a movie theater. Kanyon’s unique architecture makes the building an attraction in and of itself. Its four retail levels are set in a primarily open-air environment and wrapped around a dramatic interior canyon. This unique environment is in part what’s encouraged dozens of brands including Wagamama, Douglas, Bally and Harvey Nichols to enter Turkey for the first time.
Profilo
ProfiloProfilo Shopping Center, which opened in 1998, is a modern shopping mall located in the business quarter of Mecidiyeköy. The shopping mall covers an area of 110,000 m². On 6 floors, it features 207 shops, 7 movie theaters, 3 theaters, a bowling alley with 20 lanes, a fitness club with swimming pool, a children’s center, fast food restaurants and cafeterias.
Nişantaşı
As mentioned in the description of the neighborhoods above, Nişantaşı is the fashion district of Istanbul. If you want to go clothing shopping but don’t want to be trapped inside a mall, this is the place for you, but again, the shops here tend to be pretty high-end. Then again, so do a lot of the shops in the malls.
Dining In Istanbul
Here are a few of my favorite restaurants in Istanbul. Note, if there is a $ next to the restaurant that means it’s on the expensive side. The average tip in restaurants in Turkey is lower than in the U.S., at 10%.
Kebab
Set Kebab $
Nispetiye Caddesi 13, Levent
Develi Kebab $
Tepecik Yolu 22, Etiler
Tike $
Hacı Adil Caddesi, 4. Aralık No:1, 2. Levent
Tike Website
Hamdi $
Tahmis Cad. Kalçın Sok. No: 17, Eminönü
Köfteci Ali Baba
1.Cadde No:104, Arnavutköy
While this isn’t quite as full service as the other kebab restaurants and you won’t get as many courses, the köftes here are legendary and pretty inexpensive.
Fish
Poseidon $
Küçük Bebek
Marina Balık Restaurant $
Vapur İskelesi, Kuruçeşme
Any of the fish restaurants under the Galata Bridge, Galetelia is a particularly good one.
Mantı
Casita
Nispetiye Caddesi 5, Etiler
This place is open all night so if you’re craving some mantı after hitting up the bars, this place is for you.
Meyhane
Umut Ocakbaşı
Büyük Parmakkapı, Hasnun Galip Sok. No: 4, Beyoğlu
Restaurants with a view
You go to these more for the view than the food, though the food isn’t bad at any of them
Aşşk Café
Muallim Naci Caddesi No: 170, Kuruçeşme
This is one of my favorite places in Istanbul to just hang out and enjoy the view. It’s great also if you’re looking for lighter fare like salads or sandwiches.
Leb-i-derya $
Kumbaracı Yokuşu, Kumbaracı İşhanı 115/7, Tünel-Beyoğlu
This rooftop restaurant offers a different view of Istanbul. Whereas most places give you a view of the Bosphorus, from here you get a great view of the city and the Golden Horn.
Summit Terrace $
Conrad Hotel, Barbaros Blv.Yildiz Caddesi Beşiktaş
Everything here, even the water, is overpriced, but you get a 180 degree view of the Bosphorus. You can visit the terrace even if you are not staying at the hotel.
Dessert
Güllüoğlu (known for their baklava) - Mısır Çarşısı No.88, Eminönü or Hakkı Yeten Cad. No.1, Beşiktaş or Büyükdere Cad. No.47, Mecidiyeköy
Inci Pastahane (known for their profiterole) - Istiklal Caddesi 124/1, Beyoglu
Nightlife In Istanbul
Nightlife in Istanbul goes on until 5 am and there are lots of people out and about every single day of the week. I’ve broken my recommendations into indoor and outdoor venues. In the summertime I much prefer the outdoor venues because who wants to be stuck inside when the weather is nice? There are some nice indoor venues as well though, so I leave that decision up to you.
Outdoor Venues
360
Istiklal Cad. Misir Apt. 8th Floor No. 32/309, Beyoğlu
360 website
Cambaz
İmam Adnan Sokak No:25, Beyoğlu
Gizli Bahçe
Nevizade Sokak. No: 27, Beyoğlu
Nu Teras
Meşrutiyet Cad. No: 147-149, Petit-Champs Passage, Tepebaşı
There is also a restaurant at Nu Teras called Nu Pera. Both the restaurant and bar are more high end.
Reina
Muallim Naci Cad. No:44, Ortaköy
Reina Website
Reina is a popular spot in Istanbul for both dinner (there are restaurants in the complex) and drinks afterward. The best part about Reina is the spectacular view – it’s outdoors and right on the edge of the Bosphorus.
Sortie
Muallim Naci Cad. No: 141-142, Ortaköy
Sortie is Istanbul’s newest hot spot. It is very similar to Reina – the location is close, it offers a great view of the Bosphorus and there are numerous restaurants inside, but it is also pricey and dressing up is required as the bouncers won’t let you in if you’re wearing jeans.
Vogue
A Blok 13th Floor, BJK Plaza (Süleyman Seba Cad.), Beşiktaş
Vogue is also a restaurant and has a great view, but is a bit higher end than some of the other bars listed.
Indoor Venues
Babylon
Seyhbender Sok. 3, Tünel-Beyoğlu
Babylon website
Babylon is one of Istanbul’s top live music venues staging top international acts from the jazz, world, reggae, electronica, and Latin music scenes five nights a week. Directions are available on their website and you’ll need them to find this place because it’s in the winding side streets of Beyoğlu.
Crystal
Muallim Naci Cad. No:65, Ortaköy
Crystal website
Crystal is open late and doesn’t really get full until after 2 pm. A strict dress code is enforced and no jeans or T-shirts are allowed. Directions are available on their website.
Hayal Kahvesi
Büyük Parmakkapı Sok. Afrika Han, No:19, Beyoğlu
For a map to Hayal Kahvesi click here
Hayal Kahvesi is a smaller bar but features live music.
Mojo
Büyük Parmakkapı Sok. 26, Beyoğlu
Mojo is another Beyoğlu bar offering live music and is across the street from Hayal Kahvesi.
TophaneTophane, which is actually a neighborhood, not the name of a bar, is the place to go if you’re interested in trying a hookah pipe or nargile. This area is filled with hookah cafes that are open till the wee hours of the morning. For those of you who don’t smoke, 2-4 people can easily share a hookah pipe and have it last a while. The hookahs are filled with tobacco that is much weaker than the tobacco in cigarettes and come in many flavors. My personal favorites are melon (kavun) and apple (elma). To really get into the Turkish spirit, order some tea and ask to borrow a backgammon board to play while you smoke your hookah. If you’re ordering apple-flavored tobacco, I recommend drinking apple tea with it instead of regular tea. They go great together.
Useful Links To Websites About Istanbul
Turkey Travel Planner Guide to Istanbul
Istanbul Municipality City Guide
Virtual Tourist Istanbul Travel Guide
Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism Website on Istanbul
