Nightlife in Istanbul is always lively and abundant. You may have heard of famous Bosphorus clubs like Reina and Angelique (if you haven’t this article is a must read), but if you want to have a night out on the town like the average Turk, Taksim is your best bet. Beyoglu is where everyone from exchange students to the typical guy with gelled hair and a leather jacket can enjoy the night together.
Babylon
- Asmalı Mescit Mh., Şehbender Sk No:3, Beyoğlu
Babylon is perfect for the music snob. If you’d rather hear “quality musicianship” over headbanging beats, check out Babylon’s concert calendar. Known for leading Istanbul in live music, Babylon consistently hosts huge names in many genres including jazz, pop, and reggae. This club may tug at your wallet though, big performances are usually around 35TL for entry and careful, some shows can sell out! If you’re a jazz fan and want to know where else you can hear some smooth tunes, click here!
360
- Bülbül Mh., Mısır Buğdayı Sk No:8 D:163, Beyoğlu
This is definitely a great club to hit up if you only have a few nights in Istanbul because of its setting. 360 gets its name from its impressive panorama view of Istanbul. When people say, “You have to go to a roof-top disco in Istanbul!”, this is a great way to scratch that off your list. Another bonus is the outlandish dancers who give performances that are not easy to forget.
Beat
- İstiklal Caddesi Yeşilçam sokak No:9 Beyoğlu 34440 Istanbul, Turkey
Beat is a classic haunt of internationals. Erasmus students fill the three levels of this club where different music is played on each floor. If you’re tired of Turkish rock, you’re sure to find some good old American hip hop on one of these floors. If you’re looking for a young crowd and want to brush up on your German, Beat is the place to be.
Indigo
- Tomtom Mh., Akarsu Sk No:2, 34433 Istanbul
Indigo is known around Istanbul as the place to be for electronic music. This huge venue has a very impressive sound system and if the music isn’t enough, the crazy light show is sure to put you in a trace. Indigo regularly hosts big names in the electronic music scene so be sure to check out their calendar and see who you can catch! For the drum and bass junkies and hard core EDM fans, check out this list of the best clubs in Istanbul specifically for electronic music.
Araf
- Şht. Muhtar Mh., İstiklal Cd No:32, Beyoğlu
If you want a real Turkish club experience, Araf always promises a foot-stomping and finger snapping good time. Turkish rock music, especially popular Black Sea songs are always blaring from the speakers. Some bonuses of this spot: the alcohol is very reasonably priced and there’s no entrance fee!
Ritim
- Hüseyinağa Mah., Sahne Sok. Balık Pazarı No:20, Tarlabaşı/İstanbul
For those of you who want a very casual, more intimate scene, try Ritim bar. Head up to their terrace that only holds about 50 people. While it may be small in size, Ritim has huge character. The bartenders are friendly and you’re sure to dance with just about everyone there at some point during the night. The view isn’t astounding, but being out in the Istanbul night air is an experience in itself!
You’re likely to switch spots a lot when hanging out in Taksim. So don’t worry, be flexible, follow the flow, and if you veer off this list, fret not! There are lots of hidden gems in the back streets of Taksim.
