Must-see nightlife in Central Anatolia

  • Quito Coffee & Roastery

    Ankara

    Simply the best coffee in Kızılay. Head here for your flat white, Chemex, AeroPress or cold brew needs. The interior is all chic wood and open shelves…

  • Divan Cafe

    Central Anatolia

    The shady courtyard cafe of the Taş Han is simply the most atmospheric place in town to take a break with a cold drink, Türk kahvesi (Turkish coffee) or…

  • Saraçoğlu Kahve Evi

    Safranbolu

    This is the place to head for a properly made türk kahvesi (Turkish coffee; ₺10) served with some serious panache – on a silver tray with a dish of lokum …

  • Louise Brasserie

    Ankara

    No we don't know why this bar-restaurant is decked out in plantation-colonial style either, but Ankara's chi-chi set laps it up. As well as a full bar…

  • Sehr-i Zade Konağı Hotel Cafe

    Amasya

    Amasya's best spot to park yourself up and sink a few beers. From the entrance, head out back, then up the stairs to the riverfront terrace to sit back…

  • Fincan Cafe

    Safranbolu

    Candy-coloured chairs, wind chimes and pots of blooming geraniums decorate the cobblestones outside and a bright interior of colourful cushioned seating…

  • Konak Café

    Central Anatolia

    This friendly cafe has multilevel outdoor shaded seating to lounge on after stomping all those historic streets. The menu does the usual köftes and kebaps…

  • HI Cafe

    Konya

    In a serious sign of Konya moving with the times, this funky cafe serves up cappuccinos, French press and frappés a hop-skip-jump from the Mevlâna Museum…

  • On Cafe

    Amasya

    There may be no view but this cafe, with courtyard seating and more tables within the old konak (mansion) rooms and on the rickety wooden balcony, is a…

  • Retrox

    Ankara

    One of a number of lively pubs in this area, Retrox has friendly staff and a youthful fun atmosphere in the evening. There are outdoor areas both in front…

  • Cafemiz

    Ankara

    A bit of a favourite with the embassy set, this cafe with its garden, set back from the road, is a tranquil spot to recharge your batteries after spending…

  • Kirit Cafe

    Ankara

    With a fun felt shop on the ground floor and quirky local art gracing the walls of the cafe upstairs, this place is a lovely find. Great for a çay or…

  • Aylak Madam

    Ankara

    A super-cool French bistro-cafe with a mean weekend brunch (from 10am to 2.30pm), plus sandwiches, head-kicking cappuccinos, and a jazz-fusion soundtrack…

  • Hayyami

    Ankara

    Named after the renowned Sufi philosopher, this thriving wine house/restaurant attracts a hobnobbing crowd to its lowered courtyard. It boasts a long and…

  • Osmanlı Çarşısı

    Konya

    An atmospheric early-20th-century house with terraces, pavement seating and cushions galore where students talk politics while sucking on nargiles (water…

  • Biber

    Ankara

    Biber attracts everyone from pale-faced student goths to alternative rockers. The music can be as mixed as the crowd on the right night. There are dozens…

  • Seyran Cafe

    Amasya

    Popular with Amasya's younger set, this little Ottoman house is a mellow place for a çay or Türk kahvesi (Turkish coffee) and nargile (water pipe). The…

  • Coffee Club

    Central Anatolia

    This modern cafe, with upstairs terrace seating, is popular with young Sivas locals who come here for its fine line in milkshakes and frappé-style drinks…

  • Kızlar Sarayı

    Amasya

    Looking out over town from the top of the Pontic tomb staircase, this ramshackle cafe with wooden terraces offers panoramic vistas that can't be beaten…

  • Tarihi Şems Konaǧı

    Konya

    This nargile (water pipe) cafe is a popular evening haunt. It's best in summer when you can relax outside with your çay and nargile after a long day…