Best places in Istanbul where the World really Holds on!

Our Local Expert Says:

Certainly the place to go to see and be seen. Frequented by celebrities and the who's who of Turkey, Reina doesn't disappoint, save for the 30 euro drinks.

Description:

One of the hottest clubs in Turkey, Reina is actually a vast playground filled with bars, restaurants and dance floors that can welcome up to 2500 people. Supposedly, the name 'Reina' was inspired by a 'very cute' 3-year-old girl (wCities). In the past few years, Reina has been becoming more and more "less local." Yet, high-fliers, millionaires, celebrities and media moguls continue to mix and mingle under one roof. This has to do with its vast popularity and scenery, which have made it very famous worldwide and thus very crowded. It is located at the foot of the European side with a magnificent view of the Bosphorus Bridge. It is open every season, yet moves out to its vast open space in the summers. The place gets renovated right down to its toilets almost every season and opens both its winter and summer seasons with huge parties. The restaurants inside this complex run the gamut from Italian to Sushi to more traditional local fare. Many well-known restaurants including Kosebasi Kebab, Samdan Restaurant and Dragon Chinese Restaurant move into Reina for the summer season. Nevertheless, you may not be able to find the same restaurant here season after season: Who pays the piper calls... read more

Description:

This two-level nightclub, formerly known as NuPera, now also called Nu Club, happens to be the Nu Terrace in summers. It is located within the NuPera complex in the Beyoglu neighborhood, enclosing three restaurants inside during the winter and the regular Nu Restaurant on the terrace in the summer. In terms of its clientele, there are no vast seasonal differences in winter and summer. On the other hand, the concept of the place tends to change a bit. During winters, the three rooms, in which the three restaurants are, rock to different types of music, making an enchanting club environment that allows you to bar-hop without putting on your jacket at all. The restaurants inside are Moreish, Nu Restaurant and Lilbitz, offering a range of fusion, world and tapas food. During the summer, the inner places close down and only the terrace area is open for both dinner and entertainment. The place does tend to be crowded, making getting in a tough work at times; but this does not deter the regulars, who jostle for elbow-space on the dance floor. An eclectic range of music is played by the DJs here, and that includes hip hop, house and pop. The clientele is elitist and the dress code is strictly... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

Local's pick

Description:

Majestic view of Bosphorus hidden at Anjelique. Anjelique is the leading candidate for the best and most popular site of Istanbul in the summer; an address for fun, chill-out and full enjoyment with fascinating view and decoration. Top specialties of Anjelique are the lively feeling of the place, the majestic view of Bosphorus and the menu consisting of different flavours. Decoration is designed and renovated by Mahmut Anlar (Geomim Architecture). The simplicity of the decoration and specially angled mirrors bring wide-spectrum of Bosphorus inside Anjelique.

Description:

This small Italian joint is famous for its mojitos and for its late night scene. Apparently, the motto is to eat well and dance better at this joint. The DJ gives everyone a reason to groove and sway till they are thirsty or famished. Rock and electro music are played here till late night.

Our Local Expert Says:

Between 2001 and 2007, Babylon has been nominated and won various international awards, including "One of the best 100 International Jazz Club in the World" by the famous Down Beat magazine, and "The Best Concert/Performance Venue" by Time Out Istanbul - Miller Gourmet Awards.

Description:

Babylon, designed as a multipurpose performance space, is the premier award-winning live music venue in Turkey, that is offering both some of Turkey's most popular artists and some very special international bands and musicians at fairly reasonable rates. Top international names from jazz, latin, reggae, world music, and electronica spectrum are staged on weekends; while local bands take the stage on weekdays. There are also special DJ sessions, which are held once a month. This place has a capacity of 450 standing or 300 with tables & standing. Since 2007, Babylon has opened the Babylon Lounge, which also hosts live music performances. The difference of Babylon Lounge is that it is also possible to have dinner or lunch here, or just come for drinks and enjoy finger food and snacks.

Our Local Expert Says:

Hip bar street

Description:

Given its popularity among the Turkish night-outers and bar hoppers, Asmali Mescit -called simply 'Asmali' by the locals, deserves a special reference under the "Things to do" section. In which case, we need also to answer, "what to do" at Asmali. Asmali Mescit is an inner street between the more common Istiklal Caddesi and the Mesrutiyet Caddesi. It used to be a simple artisan street with a few taverns, butcher shops and markets lining side by side. Now, it is a lively bar street with a new bar popping up even in the most incomprehensible, small corners. As such, Asmali has also come to refer to general mode of going out and to a compilation of various streets -not just the Asmali itself. Otto Sofyali on the Sofyali Street with the original Otto lying further down towards the Tunel area on Sehbender Street, Groove, Novo, Corner, Parantez, House Cafe Tunel and too many other bars -none of which deserve any special reference or attention, since all are almost the same- crowd these parallel and crossing streets of the Tunel and Asmali Mescit area. At the Pera end of this district are the Turkish taverns including the gourmet Asmali Cavit and Gurme Boncuk. A night out at the Asmali usually... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

Offering one of the best views of the city, 360 has few competitors in the way of good service, good food and an outstanding view.

Description:

With views as good as this, it's no wonder that Istanbul is sprouting restaurant and bar venues in what are traditionally apartment or office buildings. 360 Istanbul takes advantage of the belfry of St. Antoine and panoramic views of the Golden Horn; on a cool summer's eve, there's really no better place to be. The decor is an unexpectedly pleasing amalgam of brick, steel, glass, and velvet; tables, alfresco banquettes, and a lounge area ensure that everybody gets something he or she wants. The Thai and Turkish menu is rather beside the point, although, there are plenty of appetizers and finger foods to hold you over for the real meal. Go early for the best outdoor seating, or arrive late and mill about the wraparound terrace. Reservations are suggested for dinner (main courses 20YTL-34YTL/$17-$30/£7.60-£13). Open daily noon to 1am.

Description:

Basement spaces have become a popular setting for Istanbul's slowly deteriorating rock scene. This poorly illuminated hole-in-the-wall is decorated with huge posters of the rock 'n' roll pantheon. The place hosts conservative traditional rock groups performing the back catalogs of the Doobie Brothers, Supertramp, The Eagles and much more. It's an excellent spot to experience a chilling 70s time warp sensation. The occasional blues act that turns up is usually a little better. The live music starts at midnight.

Description:

Roxy is a well-established live music venue, located just a short walk from the rest of Beyoglu's bustling nightlife scene. There are always long queues snaking their way around the corner, waiting to get in at weekends. Once inside, you will find industrial décor and an innovative music program. The place often features live concerts by excellent local musicians and popular international rock and pop bands. The likes of Ben Harper, John Zorn, TransGlobal Underground, and Zydeco Twisters have all performed here in the past. It's also one of the venues for the city's Jazz Festival. The highlight of the week is Wednesday night, when thr resident DJ rocks the house.

Our Local Expert Says:

Most elitist club of the city

Description:

Samdan, which is more appropriately known as Etiler Samdan, was established for the first time in 1975. That was when neither the shopping mall Akmerkez nor the gigantic Fridays, across from Samdan's current address, existed in the popular town of Etiler -within the vicinity of Levent. Samdan was not always a nightclub. Initially the upper floor of the two floored building was designed in a rustic style and was established as an elitist fine dining place. One day, one of the customers ( Abdi Ipekci, whose name now ascribes one of the most popular shopping streets in Istanbul) demands that a certain song be played louder. Louder the song is played as the guest start to rise from their tables and dance. One step at a time, Samdan assumed its place in the night scene -a place that is more than often associated with high quality, good service and elitism.