Nightlife info
Top 10 Night Clubs in Istanbul
Night life in Istanbul is huge. There are many popular establishments — some aged over thirty years old and some very down to date. Being such a big city with several city centers, Istanbul has more than one entertainment destination.
On the Asian side Caddebostan “barlar sokağı” — a street of pubs on Iskele Street — and Kadife Street, both in the Kadıköy district, have a lot to offer. On the European side, night clubs aren’t concentrated in one location. There are numerous venues spread out over Nişantaşı in the Şişli district, Ortaköy in the Beşiktaş district or Taksim, Istiklal Street and Nevizade in the Beyoğlu district. In this article I can only mention the tip of the iceberg with a list of 10 night clubs locals put on the top of their lists.
Partying By the Sea — Ortaköy
Anjelique — Located on the shore of Bosphorus, it goes without saying that this three storey mansion offers a good view as well as a broad variety of food. The night club is located on the top floor. Some like the place for its music and some for the cocktails, while others go there for the trendy dynamic atmosphere.
Address: Muallim Naci cad. Salhane Sok. No:5 Ortaköy
Blackk — Resto-lounge, Club and Levendiz Greek Tavern. One of them will surely satisfy you. Decorated in 18th century Rococo style with angling forms of modernism, in Resto-lounge you will experience “taste” in more than one sense. Modern and classic blends elegantly in the Club, where you can enjoy the Bosphorus view as well as 18th century paintings in a club spirit.
Address: Muallim Naci Cad. No:71 Ortaköy
Reina— Opened its doors in 2003 and is located by the Bosphorus. In a spacious elegant design, Reina offers several bars, restaurants and dance floors. You can find different exclusive tastes of world cuisine in Reina thanks to their 5 restaurants.Reina is the pearl of the entertainment world. It hosted world wide famous stars like Bon Jovi, Kylie Minoque, U2, Uma Thurman, Daniel Craig, and Naomi Wattswith its exclusive entertainment concept.
Address: Muallim Naci Cad. No:44 Kuruçeşme Ortaköy
Sortie — An elite ambience, with a picturesque view of Istanbul located by the Bosphorus with a combination of six restaurants and 3 bars, open between 6 p.m. and 4 a.m. Sortie is one of the best escape places to relax and have fun.
Address: 141 Muallim Naci caddesi Kuruçeşme Ortaköy
SuAda — This night club actually plays in a league of their own, since SuAda is not located by the Bosphorus … but on an island in it!
Located 165 meters away from the European shore in Kuruçeşme the island was a present for Serkis Kalfa, the head architect of the Ottoman palace, by Sultan Abdülaziz in 1872. Serkis Kalfa built a three-storey mansion on the island and lived there until he died in 1899. After World War I the island was rented and used as a coal storehouse. In 1957 Galatasaray Sports Club bought the island and transformed it into a social facility.
Today, Suada is one of the top gear venues in Istanbul for glamorous events. Suada has a pool, a night club and six restaurants offering refined tastes ranging from sea food to Cretan, and from kebap to pasta.
Address: free (15 min.) boat trip from the Kuruçeşme shore.
In The city — Beyoğlu
Al Jamal — Middle Eastern style food, interior harem-like design, a mixture of oriental and western music and belly dancing shows are the ingredients of what Al Jamal has to offer, besides the great Bosphorus view of course.
Address: Taşkışla Cad. No:3 Maçka Demokrasi Parkı içi
Babylon — For more than ten years the venue serves as a multi-purpose performance center. It features a large variety of music, including jazz, reggae, world music, electronic, Latin or Turkish vibes as well as indie pop and rock acts. Food is not available whereas you will not stay thirsty since there is a bar in the place. There is no entrance fee, but you must get a ticket for the concerts.
Address: Şehbender Sokak No:3 Tünel Asmalımescit Beyoğlu
Living Indigo — Indigo provides a mix of technology and minimalism. This 400 m² clubbing place can host about 600 people to experience a great night out. Even though Indigo focusses on simplicity, it offers a variety of spectacular light shows. The state-of-the-art sound system plus an awesome projection system creates a dynamic visual experience. Indigo is another great place to enjoy live music. Check out their website for details on who’s playing.
Address: Istiklal Cad. Akarsu Sk. No:1-2-4-5, Beyoğlu
Jolly Joker Balans — A good option for the live music addicts since the construction was designed especially for live performances with a decor of “old pub design”. It is a good opportunity to experience Turkish rock, alternative and pop music from senior and fresh popular bands and singers.
Address: İstiklal Cad. Balo Sok. No: 22 Beyoğlu
Wan-na — If you are into Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese and Japanese cuisines you should pay a visit to Wan-na which opens at 5 p.m. You may want to experience the after dinner bar ambiance, various cocktails and music, especially with “Wan-na Friday Parties” that host world famous DJs.
Address: Kanyon AKM, Büyükdere Cad. No. 206, Levent
360 — The venue is located in a penthouse of a 19th century apartment building with 360 degrees fascinating landscape views of the Bosphorus, Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara. The place expresses itself with four elements: cuisine, design, entertainment and atmosphere. The club comes alive in the weekends, offering DJs and vocalists with live dancers and performances, and non-stop partying until the early morning hours.
Address: İstiklal Caddesi Mısır Apt. Kat 8 No:311 Beyoğlu