Kadıköy
One of the most popular bars on the Kadife Sokak drinking strip, Bina attracts regulars from across the city, who love its rear garden, upstairs arts and…
Must-see nightlife in Istanbul
Istanbul
Garnering our vote for the best limonata in town, this pretty cafe with its jaunty red-and-white checked tablecloths tablecloths is an excellent place to…
Beyoğlu
Once the mother ship for inner-city hipsters, this small temple to house and techno near Taksim isn't the hot spot it once was, but retains a crew of…
Sultanahmet
This hotel lounge bar–cafe close to the Basilica Cistern is chock-full of antique furniture, richly coloured rugs and old etchings and prints, but its…
Istanbul
In the shadow of the Süleymaniye Mosque, this student cafe has a roof terrace with magnificent views over to Beyoğlu, down the Golden Horn and up the…
Kadıköy
Multistorey Karga is one of the most famous bars in the city, offering cheap drinks, alternative music (DJs downstairs, live acts upstairs) and avant…
Beyoğlu
The original boho bar on Cihangir's main entertainment strip, Smyrna has a relaxed atmosphere, retro decor and a self-consciously liter-arty clientele. If…
Kadıköy
A hub of indie music and art, this relaxed place hosts concerts, DJ sets, festivals, parties, themed markets and film screenings. Sit on the comfortable…
The Bosphorus Suburbs
Expansive Bosphorus views are on offer at the Conrad Hotel's rooftop bar, as are good cocktails, an international food menu, live jazz and popular music…
Beyoğlu
It's all about the beans. Here they roast their own, make a good brew (espresso, drip, Chemex, syphon and Aeropress) and serve it in hip surrounds where …
Istanbul
Roasting its own beans and using them to make good espresso, cold brew, cold press, Chemex and Aeropress coffees, this cafe has a simple but stylish…
Nişantaşi, Bomonti & Harbiye
Well into its second decade, LDP is the most Europhile of the local gay venues, hosting gay musical icons and international circuit parties. Hard-cutting…
Nişantaşi, Bomonti & Harbiye
A subterranean space with a huge dance floor and top-notch sound system, Klein has DJs who spin techno and electronica, two bars and a dance-focused crowd…
Beyoğlu
The lobby bar on the ground floor of this venerable hotel, which opened in 1891, has changed little over time. Order a gin and tonic and settle in to soak…
Kadıköy
Beloved by local hipsters, this branch of the Cihangir-based microroaster serves the best coffee on the Asian side of town. There's an alluring range of…
Sultanahmet
In fine weather, the garden cafe at the rear of the historic Yeşil Ev (Green House) near the Blue Mosque and Aya Sofya is a lovely, albeit mighty…
Sultanahmet
Conveniently situated on the main pedestrian route between Sultanahmet and Eminönü, this pub has a streetside terrace and a welcoming interior where the…
Nişantaşi, Bomonti & Harbiye
The baristas here serve up a head-spinning array of coffee options – choose from espresso, cold brew, syphon and Aeropress, with or without flavourings…
Beyoğlu
This bar-restaurant in the Cihangir neighbourhood is popular for its large outdoor seating area, scattered with colourful chairs and warmed by heat lamps…
Istanbul
The sweeping Golden Horn view from the large terrace is the best reason to take a breather at this city-run cafe perched above bustling Atatürk Blvd. Tea,…
Istanbul
Sip, snack and chat among the colourful wooden chairs, baskets, carts and other handcrafted products decorating this quirky cafe-shop on the road running…
Istanbul
The name means 'Coffee World', and this coffee chain has the local world at its feet. The secret of its success lies in the huge coffee menu, reasonable…
Istanbul
The Şark's arched ceiling betrays its former existence as part of a bazaar street – years ago some enterprising kahveci (coffeehouse owner) walled up…
Nişantaşi, Bomonti & Harbiye
A prominent mural of two astronauts kissing forms a distinctive backdrop in the front bar of this popular bar, which gets packed to the rafters (and…
Beyoğlu
A tranquil bolt hole in the midst of İstiklal's mayhem, Urban is where the preclub crowd congregates at night and where many of them can be found kicking…
Sultanahmet
This bygone hippie-trail hang-out, once known worldwide as the Pudding Shop, now substitutes bland food in place of its former menu of psychedelic music…
Beyoğlu
Occupying the 5th floor of the handsome Goethe Institut, downhill from Galatasaray Meydanı, Litera revels in its extraordinary views of the Old City,…
The Bosphorus Suburbs
The setting on an upstairs terrace with exceptional Bosphorus views couldn't be better, but the same can't be said for the quality of the Asian-accented…
Beyoğlu
This sleek premises features the city's largest gay dance floor as well as a garden popular with smokers and cruisers. The core clientele is hirsute and…
Kadıköy
Run by an artist collective, this hybrid cafe, art gallery and performance space is dedicated to artistic creation and hosts arty happenings, including…
Kadıköy
This Kadıköy branch of the popular coffee chain is conveniently located between the iskele (ferry dock) and the produce market.
Istanbul
The Eminönü branch of this popular local coffee chain is near the Spice Market.
