Istanbul Nightlife Tips by H-TownJourneyman

Nightlife Spot: Nevizade Sokak

Nevizade Sokak, a side street 1 block from Istiklal Caddesi, is an area popular with locals for it's many small "meyhanes" - Turkish taverns, and outdoor sitting areas for chatting and drinking. All along Nevizade, primarily on nice evenings, you will find tables set up outside with loads of people chatting away; snacking on "meze" - small Turkish dishes, and sucking down Efes beer or some "raki" - a Turkish liquor. The taverns and bars here are generally quite small, but are great places to hang out with friends. Many of them play a variety of music, anything from traditional Turkish tunes to Rock. But if you really want to experience Nevizade, grab a spot outside on the street. When we were here, it got so packed outside, people were sitting anywhere they could, even on the curbs of the street. It was great! A excellent place to do some interesting people watching as well!

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Theme: Eating and Drinking
Directions: Nevizade Sokak is located just off of Istiklal Caddesi, near Galatasaray square & Çiçek Pasaji, in Taksim

Nightlife Spot: 360 Istanbul

Located in Taksim on Istiklal Caddesi, 360 Istanbul is one of the city's trendiest upscale bar/restaurants. This is one of those places where people go to see and be seen. When you go, you quickly learn that you pay to be seen here! To have a drink at the bar, it will cost anywhere between 15-25 TRY. The restaurant menu, which is an eclectic combination of foods from around the world, is designed more to look impressive than actually satisfy. But the atmosphere, which is what most people are here for, is lively and enjoyable, especially for those looking for a chic place to hang out with some of the beautiful people of Istanbul. There was a DJ spinning house music when we visited, but not much dancing going on at all. I think people were too busy trying to get noticed! :) I have to say though it is a great place if you enjoy the ultra-trendy sort of establishment. Just be prepared to spend a lot for the experience!

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Theme: Eating and Drinking
Phone: +90 212 251 1042
Address: Istiklal Caddesi Misir Apt. K: 8 N: 32/311
Directions: Located in Taksim on the Istiklal Caddesi
Website: http://www.360istanbul.com/

Nightlife Spot: Rio Bravo

This quite large American and British themed tavern located on Istiklal Caddesi in Taksim seemed interesting enough to stop in for a couple of drinks. There is a long bar to the left as you enter, which was quite full the entire time we were there. The dark wood paneling and various American pictures, as well as the Rock music playing overhead, reminded me of many places back home in the states. There are many tables set up to the right as you enter, which were empty when when got there, but more then full when we left in the early evening. I was surprised at how crowded this place became in such a short time. Within an hour the place went from being more than half empty, to having barely any standing room left. It seemed to be popular among locals and foreigners alike, quite a nice mix of people. They have a wide selection of beers and spirits for mixed drinks, as well as a food menu, although we did not eat there. Nice place, worth a visit while in the Taksim area.

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Theme: Eating and Drinking
Phone: +90 212 292 9269
Address: 303 Istiklal Caddesi
Directions: Located in Taksim, on Istiklal Caddesi
Website: http://www.riobravorest.com/

Nightlife Spot: Kemanci

This 3 story nightspot located right next Taksim Square is a popular hangout for rockin' out, Turkish style! When I was here, I actually only made it to the street level and the basement level, but both had good bands performing mostly 90's rock music. It was pretty crowded throughout the place, especially on the main street level. But it was not difficult to get a drink at the bar, which were fairly inexpensive. The crowd seemed to be mostly college age, and with some good local bands playing, it was a great atmosphere if you like live rock music.

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Theme: Live Music
Phone: +90 212 251 2723
Address: Siraselviler Caddesi 69/1-3 Istanbul
Directions: Located near Taksim Square on Siraselviler Caddesi

Nightlife Spot: Akdeniz Bar

We stopped by this Nevizade bar for a couple of beers one afternoon following a day-long trek around the city. This is just one of the many bars in Nevizade that are situated right on the street, and are popular with younger crowds, especially university students. When we were here, it was not especially busy because it was still fairly early. In all honesty it was kind of nice, at least for this particular time, as a normal night here can be extremely busy, normal for Nevizade. We sat outside on the patio and drank our Efes beers, which were very cheap, and snacked on the nuts that were in a bowl on the table. There is also a small inside area as well, with tables and booths to sit at. Excluding this time, the atmosphere is very lively on normal evenings, perfect for anybody looking to have a exciting night out while in Istanbul. Cheap beer, energetic crowds, and loud music - if this is what you are looking for, this is the place for you! :)

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Theme: Eating and Drinking
Phone: +90 0212 245 61 70
Address: Nevizade Sokak No:25
Directions: Located on Nevizade Sokak near Taksim