Side
Part cafe (serving a mean cappuccino), part bar (mixing up mean cocktails), this place has elegant wooden seating and the staff are chatty and service…
Must-see nightlife in Turkey
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…
Ölüdeniz
On the main strip inland from the beach, this cafe-resto serves the best coffee in Ölüdeniz, with espresso a reasonable ₺9 and latte costing ₺14. Turkish…
Bodrum Town
Fine new cocktail bar established by two mixologists from İstanbul, one of whom is Mehmet Şahin (formerly of Lucca). Mocktails and good Anatolian wines…
İzmir
One of the popular cafes behind the Hisar Mosque in the Kemeraltı Market, Kahveci Ömer Usta specialises in fincanda pişen Türk kahvesi, Turkish coffee…
South Aegean
A great place to watch the sun set behind the temple pillars, with a first-floor terrace and an open fire in winter. Offers a full bar; snacks (₺12 to ₺22…
İnebolu
Two part-antique little buildings, run by twins Farhad and Sarhat, make an atmospheric place for tea or Turkish coffee (₺5), just across the road from the…
Selçuk
St John's has the town's widest coffee selection, though the espresso machine is basic, plus toasts, cakes, ice cream and other international snacks…
Kalkan
This open-fronted bar decorated with photos of Hollywood icons is like an Irish pub spliced with a beach bar. Sit outside or head inside for Guinness on…
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…
Marmaris
This chain cafe, resembling the Left Bank of the Seine when compared to tacky Bar St across the bridge, is a relaxed spot for coffee and cake or an ice…
South Aegean
A courtyard cafe off Saatli Kule Caddesi offering 'pure Turkish coffee' in such flavours as white or bitter chocolate, raspberry and walnut. Cakes and…
Antalya
For the most spectacular harbour and sea views in Kaleiçi, head to this patio bar at the CH Hotels Türkevi. Beers start at ₺22 and cocktails are priced…
Eastern Mediterranean
This pretty little cafe in a 200-year-old conversion in the heart of the Old City is just the ticket for a drink and rest after a hot and dusty trawl…
Mardin
Part cafe, part bookshop and part performance space with occasional live Kurdish music. Also beer, wine and a balcony looking out over Mardin's bustling…
Kalkan
The closest thing Kalkan has to a tea garden, this place wraps around Kalkan's tiny fener (lighthouse). Sip a latte or swig a beer from a waveside table.
Eastern Mediterranean
This delightful cafe along a leafy riverfront street has excellent cakes and pastries as well as the best coffee in Silifke. There's a book exchnage here…
Kuşadası
Smart cafe in the marina where you can sip a latte, frappe, hot chocolate or lemonade and gaze over the sparkling waters of Kuşadası bay. Great cakes, too.
Marmaris
One of Marmaris' better clubs, with DJs spinning R&B and party anthems early on; after midnight things go less commercial, with deep house till dawn.
Marmaris
A steep climb up from the harbour, this place's marina-view terrace is a fine place for sunset drinks (beers from ₺25) and nibbles. The food is so-so.
Selçuk
Destina's little front garden overlooking the greenery around the Temple of Artemis is perfect for a late-afternoon çay or sunset beer.
Van
Get to know Van's student population over frosty glasses of Efes beer at this friendly bar. There's often live music on Friday nights after 9pm.
Bodrum Town
Opening right onto the beach, chilled-out Moonlight is a friendly hang-out off Bar St – great to meet people or just enjoy the castle views.
Alaçatı
Afternoons spent sipping good Turkish coffee at this cafe's outdoor tables are well spent; at night, mezes and rakı are the popular choices.
Eastern Mediterranean
Lovely sister-cafe of the inland Petek Pastanesi right on the waterfront. Ideal spot for a sundowner.
İzmir
On the edge of the boulevard, the Sunset makes a great end-of-day watering hole, with tables on the pavement and a relaxed, youthful crowd.
Bodrum Peninsula
This come-as-you-are beach bar, founded by jazz greats Cengiz Sanli and Mete Gurman in 2008, hosts live jazz and blues on weekend nights.
Black Sea Coast
This one-off little design workshop, part-way up the road to Tasbasi, doubles as a cool little coffee shop and hangout.
Bodrum Town
This ever-popular beachfront bar-club hosts DJs playing chart hits and pretty commercial house music.
Bodrum Peninsula
Here you can gaze over the marina, people-watch for hours and down lovely draught Torch craft beer.
Turquoise Coast
Fine little cafe offering espresso, cold drip coffee, chemex and drinks with lactose free milk.
Mardin
This simple tea garden has phenomenal views over Old Mardin and the Plains of Mesopotamia.
Van
Head to the North Shield at the Hotel Tamara for a familiar English-pub-type ambience.
Datça & Bozburun Peninsulas
This chilled-out bar around 800m south of the marina is hosted by lovely Maria.
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…
Marmaris
This raucous stretch of licentiousness is dominated by big, bold and brassy bar-club complexes that spill out onto the street. If you like laser beams,…
