Konya
An atmospheric early-20th-century house with terraces, pavement seating and cushions galore where students talk politics while sucking on nargiles (water…
Must-see nightlife in Turkey
Kayseri
Facing the square, inside Kayseri's bijou historic neighbourhood, Vera has regular live music in the evening so is a good place to hang out for a few…
Selçuk
The 'Tent', with its wooden roof and garden setting, is more of a park cafe than lounge, serving good coffee, freshly squeezed juices, beer, sandwiches…
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…
İzmir & the North Aegean
As hipster as Bozcaada gets, this friendly place opposite the museum serves espresso coffee, local wine, cocktails, smoothies and sandwiches. Seating is…
Çanakkale
One of the best spots to be when the sun sets over the Dardanelles, Golf has a huge outdoor terrace where you can enjoy a beer or a glass of tea while…
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…
South Aegean
This internationally flavoured student haunt serves draught beer in its covered courtyard garden and bar, festooned with pictures of Hollywood greats and…
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…
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…
Bodrum Peninsula
This beach club enjoys a stellar location on a lovely cove with wonderful swimming in gin-clear water north of Yalıkavak. Ambience is chilled in the day,…
Göreme
A cosy and super-friendly cafe that's great for a cold drink or tea stop (the coffee is average at best). If you're in need of a mid-afternoon pick-me-up,…
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…
Bursa
This relaxed bar has a terrace overlooking the leafy Gök Deresi gorge. It is entered next to Simit Sarayı cafe; look for the sign to Yener Ocakbaşı. It's…
Eastern Mediterranean
The Barudi Bar is one of Antakya's best-kept secrets, with its hideaway inner courtyard, decent range of imported beers and impressive list of cocktails…
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…
Fethiye
With bay views from its front terrace and an attractive air-conditioned interior, Pukka is a good bet for a flat white, latte or piece of cheesecake…
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…
Fethiye
A popular joint on Fethiye's most raucous street after dark, the 'Hour Glass' keeps good time throughout the day as a bar and has several screens showing…
Kalkan
For a flavour of 20th-century Kalkan, when things were far more mellow, head to this garden bar under a canopy of mature trees for cocktails or wine…
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…
Bodrum Town
Classy speakeasy where mixologists rustle up the best cocktails (most ₺50 to ₺60) in town. Located in a 500-year old building with a lovely terrace garden…
Cappadocia
If you're after an afternoon beer, look out for the stone facade, decorated with flower hanging baskets and multicoloured umbrellas, of this friendly bar…
Gaziantep
A student crowd gathers in this historic Armenian mansion, with a leafy courtyard, in an alleyway off Atatürk Bulvarı that holds plenty of other cafes…
Kayseri
Your best bet for a beer or cocktail in Kayseri is on the top floor of the Radisson Blu hotel, where you get a drop-dead gorgeous view of Erciyes Dağı (Mt…
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 …
Dalyan
Enjoys a prime corner plot that's the best people-watching spot in town. The Dutch-Turkish owners and their staff are amiable and you'll find everything…
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…
Black Sea Coast
Just across the Roman Bridge, this friendly little pub pours Tuborg draft beers from ₺15, has a small range of Belgian bottled brews (Leffe ₺25) and there…
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…
South Aegean
Simple place that nevertheless has a fine collection of wine, with everything from fruit wines (₺25 to ₺40 a bottle) to real red and white grape şarap …
Turquoise Coast
With cushioned benches and walls hung with old photos and posters, laid-back Medusa plays blues, jazz and rock until the wee hours. Owner Pamir is a…
Turquoise Coast
A lovely little village cafe on one side of the Sim Bar, serving flat whites, cappuccinos, Turkish and filter coffee to the caffeine needy. Also teas and…
Dalyan
With a fine array of cocktails on offer (try a gin fizz), this cool neon-lit place has a garden for enjoying the river views and live music nightly …
Kars
This folksy, student-vibe book-cafe is a good choice for a leisurely çay in a female-friendly atmosphere decked with chess-sets, kilim-topped tables and…
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…
Bodrum Town
This big, breezy waterfront nightspot has four bars and offers live music (more MOR than cutting edge) and shows most nights year-round. In winter, the…
Datça & Bozburun Peninsulas
Eclipse's outside deck is a great spot for a sunset beer while inside, beneath exposed beams, pop-art superheroes overlook the dancefloor. Live music on…
Van
This multi-floored bar, cafe and restaurant is one of Van's most popular venues for a beer or two, with regular live music on weekend evenings. The…
