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,…
Must-see nightlife in Turkey
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…
Trabzon
Sepia photos, cuckoo clocks, old radios and an antique gramophone are the best part of an eccentric mishmash decor that falls a little flat in attempting…
Kuşadası
On this cacophonous strip, tattoo and piercing parlours line up alongside shamrocks, sex shops and gaudy bars, soundtracked by karaoke, televised football…
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…
Far Northeast
Uzundere's best appointed cafe is a step up from most teahouses, with velveteen seats, big glass windows and a library of books. It's predictably male…
Black Sea Coast
Beneath canvas 'sails', the raised upper section of the sprawling, waterfront Tennis Cafe is an ideal vantage point from which to watch sunset colours…
Eskişehir
Housed in an enormous former wood factory, 222 (pronounced as it is in English) is Eskişehir's party colosseum, with a club, live stage, cafes and a…
Black Sea Coast
Bar staff in black-and-gold uniforms look like human bees buzzing round this pub with its touches of industrial cool, including oil-barrel sinks in the…
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…
Gaziantep
Lounge back on the cushions, sip çay and relax with a nargile (water pipe; ₺30) after exploring the bazaar alleys in this restored han (caravanserai). On…
Trabzon
Trabzon's high-octane inner-city club is easily missed, deep in the bowels of what looks at first glance like a normal city block. The three storeys of…
Southeastern Anatolia
This squeaky-boarded, 19th-century Malatya mansion is packed with memorabilia. Soak up the ambience in either of two spacious, airy main rooms (note that…
Thrace & Marmara
Run by Mersut, a rakı (aniseed brandy)–loving local who revels in his role as host, the Boomerang is a kitschy Aussie- and Kiwi-themed beach shack that…
Edirne
A boozy atmosphere, friendly staff and live halk meziği (folk music) five days per week are the attractions at this traditional Turkish tavern. Basic…
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…
Ürgüp
This bar-restaurant is known for its live traditional music. Late on a weekend night, with musicians blasting out soulful tunes, expect plenty of dancing…
Trabzon
The nearest thing central Trabzon gets to a bar strip is a handful of places huddled near the north end of Cemal Sokak.
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…
Antalya
This casual garden cafe-bar next to a slab of Byzantine wall is a relaxed and friendly place scattered with pot plants and hanging lamps. Whether you opt…
İzmir
Those who are young and fond of partying in İzmir tend to be regulars here. A barn-like space with an open-air courtyard at the rear, it literally heaves…
Beyoğlu
Occupying the 5th floor of the handsome Goethe Institut, downhill from Galatasaray Meydanı, Litera revels in its extraordinary views of the Old City,…
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…
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…
Antalya
Adjoining the Yivli Minare complex, and right by the medieval city walls, Nobel 1 serves cold Efes at reasonable prices, Turkish wine and snacks. View…
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…
Black Sea Coast
The whimsically named 'Weeping Tree Tea Garden' is less a garden than a series of clifftop bench seats at the northern tip of Boztepe, but it's ideal for…
Antalya
The good word comes in a cup at this informal cafe in the St Paul Cultural Center. Regardless of your faith, you'll enjoy an espresso or cortado coffee …
Erzurum
A fine warm-weather place for tea, Turkish coffee or ice cream, Hacıbey is a family-friendly place in the garden-yard fronting the Taşhan.
Kadıköy
Run by an artist collective, this hybrid cafe, art gallery and performance space is dedicated to artistic creation and hosts arty happenings, including…
Alaçatı
Popular 'Coffee Corner' is known for its cocktails, desserts and – of course – coffee (espresso, French press and Turkish). There's indoor and outdoor…
Cappadocia
This modest cafe, on Uçhisar's main square, has shaded terrace seating and chatty staff. It's a good spot for a çay or cold drink stop, though there's no…
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…
Bayramefendi Osmanlı Kahvecisi
Çanakkale
This colourful, wood-lined cafe is a homage to coffee prepared many ways. Try to secure an outside table for ocean breezes along the kordon – and look for…
Alanya
One of Alanya's most popular clubs gets packed with a fun, young and up-for-it crowd of both local and holidaying revellers. There's usually a different…
Kars
This roomy cafe occupies a 19th-century mansion once home to the regional governor. There's a decent espresso machine but most of the clientele seem happy…
Çeşme
This self-proclaimed amicable hang-out must be just that as it attracts both locals and members of the wafer-thin community of expats. Münür, owner-chef…
Dalyan
This self-described boutique cafe looks ready for a garden party with its stripy cane-backed chairs. With cocktails from mojitos to Manhattans and a long…
Çanakkale
Dominating the cafe action at the southern end of the kordon, Şakir'in Yeri is as popular for breakfast – the pastries are delicious – as it is for…
