Let’s check out top 10 ways to enjoy night life while in Istanbul. Here are some great tips for a full experience across activities from In The City literally Istanbul.
1. Night Cruise Along the Bosphorus
A cruise along the Bosphorus is one experience you should sign up for while in Istanbul. I boarded a small cruise across this beautiful pass for about €30, and the experience was worth every cent.
Every cruise along the Bosphorus Strait promises tourists enough opportunities to appreciate different parts of Istanbul’s rich culture. You can appreciate the Eurasian roots in this city directly from grand palaces, worship centres, and other landmarks along the cruise route.
Watch out for the well-lit Bosphorus Bridge up ahead, where you get to see more breathtaking architecture across this iconic destination. The cruise I boarded offered çay (sounds like chai), a traditional tea served to all guests and locals onboard. You’ll also get chances for fine dining as you explore the city’s bustling nightlife aboard a small cruise.
Tip:
Larger boats with fine dining and live music usually have more people on board. Smaller cruises usually have fewer tourists on board and guarantee a personalized experience for everyone.
2. Feel the Vibrant Underground of Istanbul’s Kadıköy
Istanbul’s Kadıköy neighborhood promises some of the city’s best chances to enjoy culinary delights. The district promises some of this city’s vibrant underground nightclubs and bars worth seeing.
I found an exciting collection of music spots throughout Kadıköy district at night, away from Istanbul’s traditional Euro-Asian side. Many bars with live rock, indie, and rock bands in small cafés are open to visitors across this district.
I found an exciting collection of music spots throughout Kadıköy district at night, away from Istanbul’s traditional Euro-Asian side. Many bars with live rock, indie, and rock bands in small cafés are open to visitors across this district.
Tip:
You can connect to several locations across Kadıköy district with a ferry across the Bosphorus Strait. You’ll be able to connect two nightlife hotspots seamlessly to enjoy Istanbul’s seaside and nightlife.
3. Enjoy the Music at Babylon Bomonti
Do you seek much more music from Istanbul than Kadıköy live bands? The popular Babylon Bomonti is an ideal location for music lovers from all over the city. Tourists and locals gather at this old brewery repurposed into a live music hall. Guests get a fine selection of live bands, jazz music, international DJs, and other great music attractions.
The spot had a Turkish indie band playing when I visited, and I got entertained by the rich blend of sounds offered that night. There’s so much to experience from this popular location if you seek to enjoy Istanbul’s rich music culture.
Tip:
There’s a schedule of events you can check in advance. Take advantage of this list to see performers slated to entertain guests on each night.
4. Experience the Karaköy Rooftop Bars
My first stop in Istanbul was at one of the many famed rooftop bars in Karaköy district. The area gives you an exciting outing from multiple locations overlooking the Galata Tower, one of the area’s popular landmarks.
Tip:
You can merge your experience with visits to popular tourist attractions across this district.
5. Movies at Open-Air Cinemas in Istanbul
Nighttime, open-air cinemas across Istanbul are quite popular among tourists and locals. I decided to visit one of these locations on a laidback evening. The locals say more of these cinemas are open around summertime (June to September). This summer period coincides with a rise in tourist visits and a higher chance to catch classic Turkish films.
I got to a popular open-air cinema in the Moda neighbourhood just in time before a classic film began screening. You can relax at such locations if what you seek from Istanbul is a quiet, comfortable atmosphere under its many nightlife activities.
Tip:
Check the open-air cinema listings before booking a seat. Some cinemas screen international movies too, especially around areas with more tourists from outside Turkey.
6. Get More than Enough Street Food
Several nights of exploring Turkey’s most-vibrant city will be incomplete without experiencing its food scene. More culinary delights await across the city’s bustling night atmosphere. The street food vendors across areas like Taksim offered their menus in neat, organized small spaces.
“I had to get a taste of at least one dish before retiring for the night. My choice? The popular kokoreç – grilled lamb intestines seasoned with herbs and spices and served in a sandwich.”
kokoreç
I also enjoyed the simit – a crusted bread ring popular among locals throughout the city. If you desire a tasty snack to munch on while touring Istanbul, this could be a winner.
Tip:
Explore dishes you can while touring street food vendors throughout the city. The street food scene across Istanbul is diverse, and you’ll sure to find something you like on your nights out.
7. Explore the Bosphorus (from a Waterside Nightclub)
Several nightclubs line the Bosphorus Strait and promise a different experience from hopping on a cruise. You can enjoy the beautiful seaside view while enjoying a cocktail at any bar and nightclub along this location.
Tip:
Get to the bar or nightclub before 8pm if you seek a great waterside spot and a full experience. Weekdays attract fewer visitors; weekends can see crowds packed across this location for a piece of Istanbul’s nightlife and beautiful scenery.
8. Dive Into a Hamam for a Refreshing Bath
You’ll never believe a Turkish hamam (traditional bath house) makes for an exciting nighttime activity until you try it. I got into a classic bathhouse, changed into a pestemal (towel) before experiencing a soothing experience in the hamam’s warm environment.
The bath was so soothing, and I’ve never felt so refreshed after such a short session. Getting into a hamam right before enjoying other aspects of Istanbul’s nightlife definitely hits many spots.
Tip:
Many Turkish bath houses offer evening sessions. Check in advance for a nighttime slot if you’ll love to experience this bath just like I did.
9. See a Hookah Café If You Can
Try to visit a Hookah for a glimpse of Turkey’s rich culture. There’s a lot to learn at these cosy cafés, even if you don’t smoke. The fragrance of tobacco enveloped in other flavours is quite strong across some locations I visited. My favourite hookah café was overlooking the Hagia Sophia from its spot in the Sultanahmet district.
Tip:
You can skip visits to such locations if you’re not a fan of tobacco.
10. Indulge in Local Spirits and Dishes at a Meyhane
Many locations in the Asmalimescit district serve strong spirits like raki (spirit flavoured with anise). You can also visit meyhanes across the city (traditional taverns) for a sip of Turkey’s best strong drinks. I got into one of such places and had a decent volume of drinks to enjoy. Such locations should be on your radar if you seek a combo of good drinks, traditional cuisine, and other delights.
Tip:
Group visits to a meyhane maximize the experience. Most meals and drinks served at such locations aim to satisfy groups, but you can get a solo feel of these spots if you want.
Final Word
Istanbul promises a rich collection of nightlife activities for every kind of tourist. You can decide to relax at a rooftop bar, enjoy delicious street food, unwind at underground clubs, and do so much more. There’s something for everyone in the city that never sleeps. You can take full advantage of every experience for an unforgettable time in this city – you’re sure to come back for more!
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