Istanbul Nightlife

If you want a drink with a view, 360 Istanbul is hands-down one of the best venues in town. In the evening, come early to score prime terrace seats with sunset panoramas of Istanbul spread out below. Due to those same vistas, this is also a cracking spot for lazy afternoon drinking sessions.

It's an oldie but a goodie. 5 Kat (in English 'Floor 5') is fun, friendly and devoid of style pretentions. The lively young crowd who flock to this bar on (unsurprisingly) the 5th floor, are here for good times with friends and good music rather than to see-and-be-seen.

Karga is a much-loved stalwart of the Istanbul nightlife scene with well-priced drinks and local DJs turning up the volume to play house and techno well into the night. For a more chilled-out drinking vibe, come early and slouch out in their petite outdoor courtyard on a sunny Istanbul afternoon.

Klein is a kooky and dark subterranean wonderland of decadent decor with its tongue firmly in cheek. The crowd is mostly young, with DJs dishing up some of the best electronica and techno sets in the city; and the bar service is on-the-ball.

For those in search of a truly hipster clubbing experience, head to this club decked out with Pop art in the centre of cool Beyoğlu. Late nights here see DJs spin everything from disco funk to deep house. It's always busy so expect a squeeze on the dance floor.

This hill-top club-restaurant is Istanbul's glitziest after-dark address. Come here to rub shoulders with minor celebrities, quaff exorbitantly priced cocktails and most importantly see-and-be-seen by everyone else. With breathtaking views over the Bosphoros and a world-class wine menu, this venue is excellent; just make sure you're dressed to kill and have deep pockets.

One of Istanbul's most popular nightspots, and for good reason; Babylon's live music program hosts everything from Latin and international rock, to world music and experimental jazz. On the rare occasions when there is no live music, DJs play decent house and electronica.

If you're after Turkish folk music live, Munzur Café is a clean, convivial and unthreatening venue which always has a great line-up of local folk musicians.

Nardis may be small but this is one of the most venerable jazz venues in town. Major jazz artists from across the world have featured on their set list, while local and up-and-coming jazz musicians vie for the spotlight on its intimate stage. Expect anything from cool and modern beats to funk units.