Bar entertainment in Istanbul
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
A
Leb-I Derya Richmond
This sleek younger sister of perennial favourite Leb-i Derya is more restrained and decidedly more chic than her big sis. Fortunately there’s no threat of sibling rivalry as the crowd here is older and more cashed-up. The views from the huge windows are just as fab.
reviewed
-
B
Vefa Bozacisi
This famous boza bar was established in 1875 and locals still flock here to drink the viscous tonic, which is made from water, sugar and fermented grain. The mucous-coloured beverage has a reputation for building up strength and virility – it won’t be to everyone’s taste, but the bar itself, with its blue tiles, mirrored columns, marble tables and wooden bar, is worth a visit in its own right. If the boza is too confrontational for you, the bar also serves şıra, a fermented grape juice.
reviewed
-
C
Sultan Pub
Sultanahmet’s version of Ye Olde English Pub, the Sultan has been around for years and continues to attract the crowds due to its peerless position close to Aya Sofya, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıçı). The pub grub is what you’d expect from a place like this (ie stodge), but the outdoor tables are a great spot to watch the world go by and the beer is served in iced glasses, just the way it should be.
reviewed
-
D
Cumhuriyet
The atmosphere of this historic place in the Balık Pazarı reeks of nostalgia (the name is Turkish for ‘Republic’ and it’s been around for nearly as long). Photos of Atatürk, who was a regular customer, are a feature. Try and get a table on the 2nd floor; you’ll eat basic, but always fresh, food and listen to good fasıl.
reviewed
-
E
Lıtera
A new addition to Beyoğlu’s world-famous rooftop bar scene, Litera occupies the sixth floor of the Goethe Institute building and revels in its extraordinary views of the Old City. It doubles as a club late on Friday and Saturday nights and as a restaurant at all times, but our experience would suggest that you’re best to avoid eating here.
reviewed
-
F
Zihni
When antique dealer Zihni Şardağ acquired the fittings of the Park Hotel’s historic American Bar in the 1980s, he found himself loathe to part with them. His solution was to open this atmospheric bar in a century-old apartment designed by the famous İstanbullu architect, Vedat Tek. The scene here is elegant and upmarket, as befits its pedigree.
reviewed
-
G
Cheers Bar
Slap-bang in the middle of backpacker central, this raucous bar is not for the faint-hearted. If you can imagine nothing better than sinking a skinful, listening to Men at Work's Land Down Under and bragging about how cheaply you're managing to live while on the road, this place is for you. The nearby Just Bar offers more of the same.
reviewed
-
H
Pano
You’ll have to fight your way through the throngs at this extraordinarily popular wine bar on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night. Serious drinkers prop themselves on the high bar tables at the front and swig the cheap house wine; others take a table at the back or upstairs and pace themselves while sampling hot and cold meze.
reviewed
-
I
Kybele Hotel Bar
The lounge bar at this charming but vaguely eccentric hotel is chock-full of antique furniture, richly coloured rugs and old etchings and prints, but its signature style comes courtesy of the hundreds of colourful glass lights that are suspended from the ceiling. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric spot for a pre-dinner drink.
reviewed
-
J
Smyrna
Smyrna is known for its long bar, collection of antique toys, couch-filled back corner and candlelit tables. The atmosphere is laid back, the music is unobtrusive and the crowd is early-30s ‘Beyoğlu Arty’. If you decide to make a night of it here (and many do) there’s good simple food available, too.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
K
Badehane
This tiny neighbourhood bar is a favourite with Beyoğlu’s bohemian set because of its cheap beer. On balmy evenings the laneway is crammed with chattering, chain-smoking artsy types sipping a beer or three; when it’s cold they squeeze inside. Dress down and be ready to enjoy an attitude-free evening.
reviewed
-
L
Karga Bar
Karga is one of the most famous bars in the city, offering cheap drinks, loud music and avant-garde art on its walls and in the upstairs gallery. It doesn’t have a street sign – look for a green building with a wooden door. There’s a small courtyard downstairs to enjoy a late-afternoon beer.
reviewed
-
M
Anemon Galata Bar
Largely ignored by the İstanbul bar set, this eyrie on top of a restored Ottoman hotel is one of the best places in the city to watch the sunset while enjoying a quiet drink. Views over to Old İstanbul and across the Golden Horn (Haliç) are stunning.
reviewed
-
N
5 Kat
This İstanbul institution is a great alternative for those who can’t stomach the style overload at 360 and the like. In winter, drinks are served in the boudoir-style bar; in summer, action moves to the outdoor terrace. Both have great Bosphorus views.
reviewed
-
O
Büyük Londra Oteli Bar
This is a true time-warp experience. We’d hazard a guess that the decor at this historic hotel has remained untouched for close on a century, and we’re pleased to report that the prices haven’t hiked up much during that time.
reviewed
-
P
Degustasyon
This place has three stories with a summer terrace, and can accommodate 180 persons, meaning that you can usually just walk in off the street. Good cheap food and lively music are dished up - a real find in the Fish Market.
reviewed
-
Q
Levendiz Greek Meyhane
Part of the luxury supper club complex Blackk, Levendiz offers a great Bosphorus view to accompany its inspired Greek cuisine. It is easily the most upscale meyhane hereabouts. Come dressed accordingly.
reviewed
