Discover the intense bar scene of Istanbul with our comprehensive guide. Enjoy our curated selections that highlight each bar’s unique features, from innovative cocktail menus to exceptional service and ambiance. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, our guide ensures you experience the best bars in Istanbul has to offer.
Istanbul’s Bar Scene
The lively night time scene of Istanbul with variety of great bars, complements the city’s rich history, cultural heritage and financial capacity. Most of the popular bars of Istanbul are located on the European side. Istiklal Street between Taksim and Tunel offers the liveliest nightlife in Istanbul as it caters to college students and the younger crowd. The region is commonly alive with numerous bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants, as well as parties every night during the summer months and the locals are extremely friendly.
Another region for a great evening out is Kadikoy, located on the Asian side of the Bosphorus. With its numerous little bars, pubs, cafes, and restaurants, you can easily spend the night bouncing from one venue to the next.
Below, we gathered the best bars in Istanbul that you may spend great times with your family or friends.
Top Istanbul Bars
From chic rooftop bars offering breathtaking views of the Bosphorus to cozy, bohemian spots in the heart of Beyoglu and Kadikoy, Istanbul’s bar scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. Whether you’re looking to unwind with a carefully crafted cocktail, enjoy live music in an intimate setting, or dance the night away in a trendy club, Istanbul has a bar for every taste and mood.
We start from Beyoglu, Taksim and Şişli…
Ziba Bar
Ziba Bar is one of the key stops in Taksim’s vibrant nightlife scene. With its chic and modern decor, extensive drink menu, and live music performances, it offers unforgettable moments for its guests. Ziba Bar is an ideal venue for those who love entertainment.
- Tomtom, Akansu Sk No:10, Taksim, Beyoğlu, İstanbul
Pera Bar
Pera Bar combines the historical texture of Taksim with a modern twist. With its cozy atmosphere and rich drink menu, Pera Bar is the perfect meeting point, especially for groups of friends. Live music performances complete the energetic atmosphere of the bar.
- Katip Mustafa Çelebi Mahallesi, Billurcu Sokak, No:14, Beyoğlu, İstanbul
Moretenders’ Cocktail Crib
Moretenders’ Cocktail Crib is a cocktail bar located in the lively streets of Asmalımescit, known for its cozy and bohemian atmosphere. The bar’s creative drink menu consists of modern interpretations of classic cocktails, each carefully crafted. With comfortable seating areas and dim lighting, it offers a warm ambiance for its guests. The bar is an ideal meeting point for groups of friends and also offers fun moments with live music performances.
- Asmalı Mescit, Müeyyet Sk. No:5, Beyoğlu
Salon Cuma – Çukurcuma, Beyoğlu
Salon Cuma is a unique and cozy cocktail bar located in the historic streets of Çukurcuma. Combining the nostalgic atmosphere of old Istanbul with a modern twist, Salon Cuma offers a warm and comfortable environment for its guests. The bar’s interior decoration is enriched with vintage furniture and art pieces, each corner telling a different story. The cocktails on the menu are prepared by creatively reinterpreting classic recipes.
- Firuzağa Mh, Çukur Cuma Cd. 53/A, Çukurcuma, Beyoğlu
James Joyce Irish Pub
James Joyce Irish Pub brings the Irish pub culture to the heart of Istanbul. Its warm and friendly atmosphere, delicious beers, and pub food offer guests a unique experience. Known for its live music performances and friendly environment, this venue is an ideal meeting point, especially for groups of friends.
- Hüseyinağa, Balo Sk. No:26, Taksim, Beyoğlu, İstanbul
Varuna Gezgin Cafe Del Mundo
Varuna Gezgin Cafe Del Mundo is one of the most interesting venues in Taksim. With its travel-themed decor and extensive drink menu, this bar offers guests a worldwide experience. Cocktails inspired by different countries and its comfortable atmosphere make Varuna Gezgin an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy a unique night.
- Şahkulu, Kumbaracı Ykş. No:79, Taksim, Beyoğlu, İstanbul
Finn Karaköy
Finn Karaköy is a venue that stands out with its modern and stylish atmosphere. Offering guests an unforgettable experience with its extensive drink menu and meticulously prepared cocktails, Finn Karaköy is the perfect choice for those who want to feel the city’s energy and enjoy a pleasant evening.
- Müeyyedzade Mah. Necatibey Cad, Karanlık Fırın Sk. 8/B, Karaköy, Beyoğlu
Zihni Bar – Nişantaşı
Zihni Bar, one of the most prestigious venues in Nişantaşı, draws attention with its sophisticated atmosphere and extensive drink menu. The chic decor and comfortable seating areas provide guests with a cozy experience. The bar’s warm and friendly environment makes it an ideal place to spend quality time with friends or enjoy a romantic evening.
- Teşvikiye, Vali Konağı Caddesi No:39, Nişantaşı, Şişli
Monkey Bar – Şişhane
Monkey Bar is one of the key stops in Şişhane’s vibrant nightlife. The bar, which stands out with its modern decor and extensive drink menu, offers unforgettable moments to its guests with live music and DJ performances. Monkey Bar is an ideal venue for those who love entertainment.
- Nejat Eczacıbaşı Binası, İKSV Kat 7, Sadi Konuralp Caddesi No 5, Şişhane, Beyoğlu
The Populist – Bomontiada, Şişli
The Populist, located in the heart of Bomontiada, is an indispensable venue for craft beer lovers. The bar, which hosts guests with a variety of beer options and delicious snacks, stands out with its cozy and relaxed environment. The Populist is an ideal meeting point, especially for beer enthusiasts.
- Tarihi Bomonti Bira Fabrikası, Birahane Sk. No: 1/D, Şişli, İstanbul
Babylon Bomonti – Şişli
Opened in 1999 with the aim of bringing the best examples of progressive music to music lovers in Istanbul’s rising neighborhood, Babylon moved to Bomontiada in 2015 with a new concept to host its audience in a multi-purpose live performance center. Hosting a variety of sounds, new ideas, and discoveries, Babylon welcomes the best local and international representatives of all music genres.
- Bomonti Bira Fabrikası, Birahane Sokak No:1 Bomonti, Şişli
We continue with Beşiktaş district…
Joker No:19 – Beşiktaş
Joker No:19 is one of the key stops in Beşiktaş’s energetic nightlife. The venue, which stands out with its extensive drink menu and modern decor, is an ideal meeting point for groups of friends. Live music performances and DJ events complete the dynamic atmosphere of the bar.
- Beşiktaş caddesi No: 19, İstanbul
Craft Beer Lab – Akaretler, Beşiktaş
Craft Beer Lab, located in Akaretler, Beşiktaş, is an indispensable venue for craft beer lovers. Hosting guests with a variety of beer options and delicious snacks, the bar stands out with its cozy and relaxed environment. Craft Beer Lab is an ideal meeting point, especially for beer enthusiasts.
- Sinanpaşa mah. Şair Nedim cad. No.4, Beşiktaş
Sunset Grill & Bar – Beşiktaş
Sunset Grill & Bar is one of the luxurious venues in Beşiktaş, offering a stunning Bosphorus view. The venue, with its chic decor and extensive drink menu, provides guests with an unforgettable experience. Sunset Grill & Bar is an excellent choice for romantic dinners and special celebrations.
- Kuruçeşme Mah. Yol Sk. No:2 Ulus Park, Beşiktaş
Chicki Boom – Beşiktaş
Chicki Boom is one of the fun and energetic venues in Beşiktaş. The bar, which stands out with its colorful decor and extensive drink menu, offers guests pleasant moments with live music and DJ performances. Chicki Boom is an ideal meeting point for groups of friends.
- Levent, Nisbetiye Cd No:13, Beşiktaş
Alexandra Cocktail Bar – Arnavutköy
Alexandra Cocktail Bar is one of the chic and sophisticated venues in Arnavutköy. The bar, which stands out with its meticulously prepared cocktails and cozy environment, offers a pleasant evening with a Bosphorus view. Alexandra is an ideal choice, especially for cocktail enthusiasts.
- Arnavutköy 1.cadde no:50, Arnavutköy, Beşiktaş
Lucca Bar – Bebek
Located in the coastal neighborhood of Bebek, Lucca serves as a cafe during the day and as a bar with a warm and impressive atmosphere in the evenings. With its modern bistro and bar service, Lucca has secured its place among Istanbul’s popular bars.
- Bebek Mah. Cevdet Pasa Caddesi No:51 Bebek
Ruby – Ortaköy
Located in Ortaköy, in a fiery and sparkling position by the sea, Ruby offers a brand new entertainment experience in Istanbul with its magnificent Bosphorus view and delicious menus. After dinner, you can enjoy unforgettable nights dancing and listening to music in Ruby’s club sections on both the lower and upper floors until the first light of the morning.
- Yıldız Mh., Ortaköy Salhanesi Sk. No:5, Ortaköy, Beşiktaş
Bosphorus Brewing Company – Gayrettepe
Located in Gayrettepe, on the hills of Beşiktaş, Bosphorus Brewing Co. offers its guests the experience of pubs in England and Belgium with its GastroPub style kitchen menu, special drinks, and especially its beer.
- Yıldız Posta Caddesi No:1/1A Gayrettepe, Beşiktaş
We are now in Kadikoy…
Dunia Bar – Kadıköy
Located in the heart of Kadıköy, Dunia Bar is known for its bohemian and cozy atmosphere. The colorful decor and comfortable seating areas make spending time here enjoyable. With a variety of drink options and delicious snacks, Dunia Bar is an ideal meeting point, especially for groups of friends.
- Caferağa, Kadife Sk. No:19, Kadıköy
Karga Bar – Kadıköy
Karga Bar is one of the oldest and most beloved bars in Kadıköy. The venue, which stands out with its bohemian decor, also excels in artistic events and live music performances. Karga Bar’s cozy atmosphere attracts both locals and tourists.
- Caferağa mah. Kadife Sok. No 16, Kadıköy
Buddha Bar – Kadıköy
Buddha Bar is one of Kadıköy’s popular venues, known for its relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. The Zen-style decor and extensive drink menu offer guests a pleasant experience. Buddha Bar is an excellent choice, especially for those who want to spend a quiet evening.
- Kadife sok. No:14 Kadıköy
Bina Bar – Kadıköy
Bina Bar is one of the favorite venues in Kadıköy with its modern and creative interior design. Hosting guests with a wide range of drinks and delicious snacks, Bina Bar also stands out with its live music events. Bina Bar is an ideal meeting point for social events.
- Caferağa Mah. Kadife Sokak No:26 , Moda, Kadıköy
Top 3 Best Istanbul Pub Crawls
1. Party Pub Crawl – International Party Tour
This is also one of the best and the most attended Istanbul pub crawls. Tour operator are an all woman owned & leaded event planning company that runs Party Pub Crawls in Istanbul for more than 5 years. You’ll get party bus, drinking games, free drinks, VIP access to the best bars/clubs and party photos. It has a badge of excellence with over 290 5/5 stars reviews on Viator.
This 7-hour activity includes: Alcoholic Beverages, Entrance fees, Private transportation
Free cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance
2. Istanbul Pub Crawl Big Night out: Rooftop parties, party Bus
This is also one of the best and the most attended Istanbul pub crawls. Tour starts by a Party Bus from the meeting point to the first rooftop party with a group of party people from all over the world and with local guides. It has a badge of excellence with over 180 5/5 stars reviews on Viator.
This 7-hour activity includes: Free entry to 3 venues, Free shots at the meeting point, Free party bus to taksim(along with the bottle of Raki), Free shot at each party, Drinking games, Professional photos
Free cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance
3. Istanbul Pub Crawl: Big Night Outs
This is another great one of the best Istanbul pub crawl. You’ll have the chance to experience the best night out by heading to 3 of the top bars, pubs, and clubs in the city and enjoy free admission. It has a great traveler comments of over 55 5/4,5 stars reviews on Viator.
This 7-hour activity includes: Shuttle from the meeting point to Taksim, Entrance to the 3 best party spots in the city, Welcome shot, Bottle of Raki (Turkish Liquor)
Top Selling Istanbul by Night Tours
For both first time visitors and the ones want to experience and enjoy the fantastic nightlife of the city, we highly recommend the below unique and tailor made Istanbul by night tours. We only suggest the proven ways and top rated ones with travelers’ comments. You can feel free to book one of the below top selling tours.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before activity starts