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Nightlife in Istanbul is huge. There are many popular establishments — some aged over thirty years old and some very down to date. Being such a big city with several city centers, Istanbul has more than one entertainment destination.
On the Asian side Caddebostan’s ‘barlar sokağı‘ — a street of pubs on Iskele Street — and Kadife Street, both in the Kadıköy district, have a lot to offer. On the European side, nightclubs aren’t concentrated in one location. There are numerous venues spread out over Nişantaşı in the Şişli district, Ortaköy in the Beşiktaş district or Taksim, Istiklal Street, and Nevizade in the Beyoğlu district. In this article, I can only mention the tip of the iceberg with a list of 10 nightclubs locals put on the top of their lists, in no particular order.
1. Sortie
An elite ambiance, with a picturesque view of Istanbul as it is located by the Bosphorus. It offers a combination of six restaurants and three bars, open between 6 p.m. and 4 a.m. Sortie is one of the best escape places to relax and have fun.
Address: 141 Muallim Naci caddesi, Kuruçeşme, Ortaköy
Telephone: +90 212 327 85 85
www.sortie.com.tr
2. Ruby
Located on the shore of the Bosphorus, it goes without saying that this three storey mansion offers a good view as well as a broad variety of food in the garden / balcony with Bosphorus panoramic views. There are two nightclubs, one on the bottom and one on the top floor.
Address: Ortaköy Salhanesi Sokak No:5, Beşiktaş
Telephone: +90 212 327 28 44
www.rubyistanbul.com
3. 360
The venue is located in a penthouse of a 19th-century apartment building with 360 degrees fascinating landscape views of the Bosphorus, Golden Horn, and the Sea of Marmara. The place expresses itself with four elements: cuisine, design, entertainment, and atmosphere. The club comes alive in the weekends, offering DJs and vocalists with live dancers and performances, and non-stop partying until the early morning hours.
Address: İstiklal Caddesi Mısır Apt. No: 163 Kat 8, Beyoğlu
Telephone: +90 212 251 10 42-43
360istanbul.com
4. Ulus 29
Looking down from the Ulus hill, the venue offers magnificent views of the Bosphorus and the Asian side. The upscale and spacious fine dining restaurant serves both traditional and modern dishes of Turkish and world cuisine since 1993, and together with the bar is a reputable night club attraction. It is known as one of the pioneers of night life in the city. Booking a table is recommended.
Address: Ulus Mahallesi, Ahmet Adnan Saygun Caddesi, Ulus Parkı İçi, No 71/1, Beşiktaş
Telephone: +90 212 358 29 29
29.com.tr
5. Cahide Müzikhol — Dinner Theater
Established in 1949, music hall Kervansaray was the previous resident of the building. It had hosted numerous celebrities both nationally and internationally before closing. Cahide opened its doors in 2017 and proudly carries on the music hall spirit with its modern cabaret approach. It can even be described as representing drag queen culture with its shows and ambiance.
The venue is an extravagant place of interest with its brilliantly exaggerated decoration, fine kitchen, and funny-named cocktails. During the weekdays, esteemed Turkish singers go on stage, and on Saturdays, after midnight the club party begins with live DJ music. Booking a table is recommended.
Address: Cumhuriyet Caddesi No:52, Harbiye Mahallesi, Şişli
Telephone: +90 212 219 65 30
6. Babylon Bomonti
After more than fifteen years, Babylon moved in September 2015 from Asmalımescit to its new venue in Bomonti. Babylon Bomonti still serves as a multi-purpose performance center. It features a large variety of music, including jazz, reggae, world music, electronic, Latin, or Turkish vibes as well as indie pop and rock acts. Food is unavailable, but you will not stay thirsty since there is a bar in the place. You must get a ticket for the concerts.
Address: Bomonti Bira Fabrikası, Birahane Sokak No:1, Bomonti, Şişli
Telephone: +90 212 334 01 90
babylon.com.tr
7. Jolly Joker Balans
A good option for live music addicts since the construction was designed especially for live performances with a decor of “old pub design”. It is a good opportunity to experience Turkish rock, alternative, and pop music from senior and fresh popular bands and singers.
Address: İstiklal Cad. Balo Sok. No: 22 Beyoğlu
Telephone: +90 212 249 07 49
www.jollyjoker.com.tr
8. Klein
Klein is for you if you are into decadent and kitsch decor, some kind of subterranean playground, and suspended dancers. Located within walking distance from Taksim square, this nightclub has a line-up of international and local DJs serving electronic, and techno music.
Klein is open on Friday and Saturday from 23:00 till 04:00.
Address: Cumhuriyet Caddesi, Cebel Topu Sokak. No. 4, Harbiye
Telephone: +90 212 291 84 40
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No name says
Its funny how globalism is here. You will see same clubs in ny. Miami. The people and hisory are the difference.
Still recomend traveling to see for yourself
Thank you