Wondering where to party in Istanbul? Turns out the choices are abundant, with a variety of venues offering everything from smooth jazz to rough comedy to bellydancers!
Blackk – (Muallim Naci Cad., 119)
Mingle with Istanbul’s high-society crowd in this “resto-lounge” where black and gold décor embellishes sumptuous comforts. Private sections are tucked throughout this enormous venue, each offering a different atmosphere. Dance till dawn on the lower floor or head upstairs to enjoy the Istanbul view while relaxing on couches and nibbling from the a la-carte menu.
360 SuAda Club (Galatasaray Island)
In the middle of the Bosphorus is the floating village of Kuruçesme that can be reached only by boat. During the day, you’ll find SuAda is a lazy beach club, but at night the action cranks up. The 360-degree view of the city lights from both the Asian and European shores makes an enchanting backdrop for partying and dining on their famous cop sis (‘trash kebap’) made with roasted lamb.
Jolly Joker Balans (Beyoğlu, Balo Sokak, 22)![]( "Istanbul")
Guzzle down Istanbul’s best local beer (the caramel brew) with the multinational crowd at this multi-level performance hall featuring glass floors on the third-floor dancing balcony. Artwork portraying court jesters sets the mood for this classy pub where the emphasis is on fun. Live music from solo artists and bands keeps the joint jumping and each evening there’s a happy hour from 19.00-22.00.
Nardis Jazz Club (Beyoğlu, Bereketzade Mh.)
You’ll wonder if you’re still in Istanbul when you hit the New Orleans vibe emanating from this intimate little club named after a Miles Davis song! The historic building has rough brick walls that create a perfect backdrop for the small stage where great Jazz musicians perform everything from pop to fusion. The upstairs lounge puts you just far enough away from the stage for lazy conversations. Reservations are recommended on weekends because of the small capacity.
Bird (Şişhane, Meşrutiyet Caddesi, 103)
Though this trendy SOHO-style restaurant embraces a club/bar/lounge atmosphere all week, on the weekend it morphs at midnight into a sizzling dance club that attracts Istanbul’s beautiful people. Despite the upscale décor, drinks are reasonable and the avant garde music attracts the hip thirty-something crowd.
Nomads Istanbul (Ortakoy, Muallim Naci Caddesi, 65)
Nomads’ “Aladdin’s lamp” décor is a perfect complement to the Arabic and Moroccan cuisine that starts off an evening in this stylish establishment. Once dinner is finished, the tables are removed as the crowd is entertained by male and female belly dancers, after which acclaimed DJs get the joint hopping.
Cahide Cabaret (Kadirgalar, Caddesi Macka Parki)
Sit in swanky round booth tables and enjoy the cabaret performances by drag queens, comedians and song stylists. Be aware, the audience is encouraged to join in the fun and “go wild” while nibbling on the delicious Turkish cuisine served by sexy tuxedoed waiters.
Babylon Lounge (Asmalımescit, Jurnal Sok. 4)
A natural extension of the wildly popular Babylon concert venue nearby, what once started as a cool place to have drinks before the show has turned into a daylight party destination all its own. Open from dawn to dusk, their kitchen pumps out healthy dishes and their bar serves fresh-fruit cocktails and exquisite coffee drinks.
Supperclub (Ortakoy, Muallim Naci Str., 65)
Billed as “a feast for all the senses,” this Istanbul hotspot definitely satisfies many appetites. Before, during and after the serving of the fixed menu, the DJs seduce the crowd by matching music to their moods. The evening becomes an unfolding performance in which even the chefs and servers participate and before you know it, everyone is dancing!
The North Shield Pub (Ebusuut Cad. 2)
When you’ve had enough of Istanbul’s exotic fare and crave a bit of English-style beer with chips and nuts while watching sports games on TV, this pub will fill the bill. Choose between over 40 different styles of beers, malts and whiskeys while nibbling on British faves.
