Istanbul Entertainment

  1. Café Meşale

    Meşale, located in a sunken courtyard behind the Blue Mosque, is a tourist trap par excellence but we still love it. Generations of backpackers have joined locals in claiming one of its cushioned benches under coloured lights and enjoying a tea and nargileh. There's sporadic live Turkish music in the evening and a Dervish performance at and .

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  2. Orient House

    There are a number of touristy 'Turkish Shows' around town providing a snapshot of Turkey's folk dances (with belly-dancing). Shows are usually accompanied an expensive dinner and the food can be mediocre, at best. Still, if you're keen, these are the only places you'll be able to see folk dancing. One of the most popular is Orient House.

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