Nightlife
The Nightlife of Istanbul might not be that notorious as that in New York or London, but you can definitely enjoy yourself. Maybe Istanbul even is the city of the most bars and clubs as it is the home to over 10 million people! Whether you’re gay or lesbian, wealthy or not so wealthy, like Pop or Rock-music, there is the right spot for everyone.
As in any city, Istanbul’s party scene is divided by zones. Check it out!
Beyoglu
If you like to check out as many different spots as possible, try out Beyoglu (speak: Bay-olu). Start at Taksim, go down the Istiklal Boulevard (Istiklal Caddesi) and check out all the little streets on the left and right. If your budget is tight, this is the right place to be. If you can’t decide, try the Imam Adnan Sokak (go right after United Colours of Benetton) or the little streets behind the Mac-Store. Both tourists and locals, foremost students, enjoy themselves in Beyoglu.
Metro Taksim (M2), Funicular Taksim (F1)
Tünel
Actually, Tünel is just at the end of Istiklal Caddesi and one could still count it to Beyoglu. But as the clubs and bars are a bit more stylish and expensive and as the Istiklal Caddesi is a really long street, I give it its own space. Here, for example in Babylon, one can find the rich kids of Istanbul when they Party downtown, photographers, editors, businessman and foreigners who permanently live in Istanbul.
Funicular Tünel (historical Funicular starting at Karaköy), old Tram going from Taksim to Tünel
Ortaköy
This is where the Turkish High Society likes to party. Don’t go there if you don’t like to dress up, spent more than 15 Euro on a beer or search for a cosy atmosphere. But if you have your own Yacht, stop at Reina, then head to the Blackk Club and eventually search for a hotel in Bebek.
No Metro, just busses (from Besiktas to Sariyer); take a cab!
Bagdat Caddesi
As Istanbul is spread over two continents you can also get drunk and celebrate on both continents. If you got enough time, spent one evening checking out the bars around Bagdat Boulevard (Bagdat Caddesi), especially the ones in Cadde Bostan. It’s really fun and you can be quite sure to be the only foreigner. Students as older folks stop for a beer, playing Scrabble, Monopoly or Tavla or dining at one of the many fish-restaurants.
Ferryboat from Üsküdar or Kadiköy, then bus, Dolmus or cab to the Bagdat Caddesi
Visiting European cities on a tight budget? Check out our other dirt cheap guides!
Amsterdam budget travel guide.
Barcelona budget travel guide.
Berlin budget travel guide.
Birmingham budget travel guide.
Copenhagen budget travel guide.
London budget travel guide.
Madrid budget travel guide.
Rome budget travel guide.
Vienna budget travel guide.