Istanbul Nightlife

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While wandering around during the evening, getting ready to go the airport, I started to notice the signs for Efes Beer. I was thirsty as always, so I decided to stop into one of the local Turkish Pubs with an Efes sign. I chose a pub right alongside Fındıkzade Tram Station, called Baran Pub.

I walked in and noticed I was surrounded by older locals, who were busily drinking, smoking, eating, and chatting. I grabbed a seat and ordered an Efes beer. They soon sent over the one English speaking worker who asked if I wanted food. No, beer is OK for me!

This pub was unusual by American standards. There was no bar, everyone just piled into the tables near the beer tap, even if the table was occupied by strangers. Everyone seemed to be eating something with their drinks, from nuts to big meat dishes prepared at the restaurant upstairs. I was also surprised by the number of workers here, at least 5 or 6 people, one pouring drinks, one preparing food, and several waiters, all to serve perhaps 10 customers.

There are many nice activities going on in İstanbul. Although it is difficult to obtain tickets for various events you can check them online.

Concert halls such as Borusan Philharmonie, İstanbul State Orchestra, Garaj İstanbul are specifically good.

As a nice night out point do not miss Asmalimescit, a parallel small street by the end of main shopping street Istiklal

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The place of BABYLON was an old car repair shop and I know it wast as nice as today.
There is live music everyday now.used to there was just weekend concerts.

You can listen Jazz,Funk,Latin,Alternative Rock,Turkish Music with Jazz sound.

Caravan Rock Bar is one of the best place for listening to rock or heavy metal especially on weekends. Beer is cheap and the local bands rock. Usually they perform cover songs so you will enjoy the tunes you already know. The ventilation is not adequate as you will see a smoke cloud rising when the place is full.

Dress Code: "Black shirts and boots" as the metal code says :)

Reina deserves to be called the hottest spot in Istanbul nightlife. Many events are organised here with participation of famous people from Istanbul and International elite. It has a fantastic view of Bosphorus as it is located on shore line. Restaurants are located in Reina serve different international cuisine. Check out the website for more detailed information.

Dress Code: No Jeans and No Sneakers

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The oldest rock bar in Istanbul.It was under the old galata bridge.After the fire of the Bridge itHAS moved to Beyoglu at the beginning 90'S.You can listen local rock bands and have your beer.Age is between 18-26.But also you can see older guys in this rock bar.

Dress Code: Jean and tshirt

Andon is the place you can find any kind of music entertainment.Turkish classical music and nigth club.Visit nice web page and find everything inside.Page is in turkish but you can get what it says. There are 4 section in the complex.It is an old neo classical house in Beyoglu District.first section is cafe,second one is PERA (PUB),MUDAVIM is a Restaurant with bosphorus wiew.Meyhane is Tukish style food (Mezes(turkish style appetizers) and olive oil based light foods) with Turkish music.And at the roof there is another restaurant with fusion food.If you want to best wiew from beyoglu while having your food go to this place

Blanco is where house music rules (or various interpretations thereof) and is a welcome addition to the hipsters' scene in Istanbul this summer. Not that being hip is a must here but definitely embracing house music is a 'hip' characteristic if you ask me. It is pointless to resist the house music invasion and influence and you haven't embraced it by now, you are on the short end of the stick...That aside, Blanco (white in Spanish) is the predominant theme obviously. It is up on a top floor of a building or 'teras' as they refer to it in Turkish. There is a smaller upper terrace where you can lounge on big white (well, they must have been really white at some point) oversized pillows. Both terraces have full bars but the DJ space and dance area is on the main terrace lavel. Some awesome DJs, like Chuck Love played in July for Om Records' gig that month. I also like the tracks DJ Ilkay plays but pretty much, all house DJs there are good as well as the music they put out. I saw people who go to Reina and Anjelique get theirr feet wet at Blanco this past summer too. It was the hottest rooftop in that area for sure and there was no pretense whatsoever in that cool space.

Dress Code: Dress up or dress down, this place does not have strict rules and inhospitable doormen. Everybody who loves house music is welcome. That's what's so cool about the place.