Nightlife in Istanbul: What to Do?
Istanbul Skyline at Night
Turkey’s main city is, without a doubt, the nightlife capital of the country. The options for going out in Istanbul are almost endless — from exclusive cocktail bars and live music venues to craft breweries and nightclubs that stay open until dawn. The former Constantinople never sleeps when the sun goes down.
Istanbul is, above all, enormous. Like all great cities, the nightlife changes from one district to another, and several neighborhoods have an excellent selection of nighttime entertainment. However, the two main nightlife hubs are Beyoğlu, on the European side, and Kadıköy, on the Asian side.
Beyoğlu represents modern and cosmopolitan Istanbul and has traditionally been the city’s main nightlife center. The area surrounding Istiklal Avenue is filled with bars and taverns — a perfect starting point for a night out.
Kadıköy, on the other hand, is a neighborhood of contrasts, where old, traditional businesses coexist with a new wave of trendy shops, bars, and restaurants. Most of the most fashionable spots are located around Kadife Sokak.
Efendi
Efendi
Since opening its doors, Efendi has become a neighborhood favorite, attracting locals almost every night of the week. Experimental, herb-infused cocktails, a vintage decorative style, and funky music come together to create an excellent bar experience in the heart of the upscale Nişantaşı district.
Alexandra
Alexandra Cocktail Bar
Located in the exclusive coastal neighborhood of Arnavutköy, known for its Ottoman-era mansions, Alexandra is one of the trendiest cocktail bars in the area. After enjoying an incredible seafood dinner overlooking the Bosphorus, head here for DJ performances on weekends and mingle with some of Istanbul’s coolest crowd.
Arkaoda
Arkaoda, Istanbul
One of the best nightlife venues on the Asian side, Arkaoda is a favorite among Kadıköy’s bohemian and alternative locals. People come to dance to live music indoors or enjoy a beer and a smoke in the garden. Check out their monthly event calendar for great live shows and DJ sets.
Finn Karaköy
Finn Karaköy
A recent addition to the ever-growing Karaköy district, Finn is known for its stylish interior and award-winning owner-bartender. The menu features handcrafted cocktails, live DJ performances on weekends, and a selection of tasty small plates, making it one of Istanbul’s best spots for a night out.
360 Istanbul
360 Istanbul
Located in a 19th-century apartment building overlooking the former embassy row on Istiklal Street, 360 Istanbul is a famous rooftop restaurant, bar, and nightclub. Offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, it serves lunch and dinner with modern Turkish mezes fused with international cuisine. Later in the night, it transforms into Club360, one of Istanbul’s most iconic party spots.
Babylon Bomonti
Babylon Bomonti
Founded in 1999, Babylon Bomonti quickly became a leading venue for progressive and live music in Istanbul. Since moving to the Bomontiada Campus in 2015, it has continued to host both local and international artists in its modern, multi-purpose performance space, becoming a cultural hotspot for music lovers.
Mini Müzikhol
Mini Müzikhol
If you’re into electronic music in Istanbul, this is the place to be. The staff might not be the friendliest in the world… but that’s part of its charm.
More of a nightlife institution than just a regular venue, Mini Müzikhol is the go-to spot once every other place in the city starts to close. Open until morning, it’s always packed with a lively crowd dancing wildly to some of the best electronic beats in Istanbul.
KLEIN
Klein night club in Istanbul, Turkey
Continuing the tradition of cool nightlife spots with German-inspired names, KLEIN is a serious nightclub where people line up outside just to get into its dimly lit, loud, and energetic atmosphere — the perfect place to dance without restraint.
Some even go so far as to call KLEIN the Berghain of Istanbul, and once you experience its intense vibe and top-tier DJs, you’ll understand why.
Endless Nights in Istanbul
From rooftop cocktails to underground clubs, Istanbul’s nightlife is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself. Whether you’re looking for an elegant evening, live music, or a night of dancing until sunrise, the city offers endless ways to experience its energy and charm. In Istanbul, the night is always alive.
