Nightlife In Turkey

Turkey has a large variety of nightlife and entertainment to choose from to suit every preference. A variety of entertainment spots appeal to all sorts of tastes and reflect the country’s diverse cultural make-up.

You can find lots of traditional beer houses, bars, rock bars, folk music bars, chic restaurants, lovely cafes, outstanding nightclubs, authentic belly dancing shows, concerts, and parties. Dance the night away in modern discos and let the local rhythms seduce you in street bars. Experience the magic of original dance, and music and enjoy the best of entertainment and nightlife of fun until the early hours.

An authentic Turkish experience can be combined with a raucous night of drinking at one of Turkey’s meyhanes. These tavernas serve raki, beer, and wine, along with an awe-inspiring selection of mezes or starters, succulent kebabs, and fruits of the season.

A favorite location for raki drinking, the atmosphere gets louder and merrier as the night progresses, with clients often breaking into impromptu renditions of Turkish classics. The most famous meyhanes in Turkey are located in the Cicek Pasaj in Beyoglu, Istanbul, a bustling passage whose many meyhanes are interspersed with flower, fish, and vegetable stalls, and where street musicians and vendors wander among the revelers. You should also visit Birahanes which are more basic, with beer taking precedence over the food.

For those who want to see something more exotic, many nightclubs offer oriental shows with sequined belly dancers, troupes of Russian or Romanian dancers, and flashy cabaret singers.

Istanbul is a mega metropolis with outstanding nightlife. With hundreds of nightly options, from happy hours to after-hours, deciding on where to enjoy can be overwhelming. Entertainment in Istanbul revolves around many of the entertainment venues that the city has to offer.

Istanbul has many nightclubs, bars, and restaurants which will offer you the ultimate place to relax and unwind. The numerous lounges and restaurants are the favorite haunts of youngsters and the informal environments are perfect for relaxing and unwinding
A good typical evening in the town shall have you enjoying a fair share of food. The raki a popularly known aniseed spiced spirit is a must-try and is served in many taverns across the city.
Those who enjoy live music will find Istanbul as heaven. The Turkish love live music and their clubs and cafes are known to entertain customers with funk, rock, pop, techno, and even Turkish folk. The bars and nightclubs choose to play softer music in the early hours but post 10 PM the music becomes trippy. Those who like to shake a leg will also not be disappointed. There are many dance floors where couples can dance the night away.
Most clubs have popular music acts on Saturdays and Sundays and you are most likely to catch a crowd pulling name on a weekend. If the headliner is famous, then you will be charged a cover charge. Usually, this fee isn’t added to your ticket but if you want to see a big name performing live, you will have to shell out more to score some tickets.
The lounges in Hotels and the bars on their rooftops are splendid for spending an evening to remember with your loved one. The romantic view of the city is best enjoyed on a full moon night. The awe-inspiring Turkish night shows in the city are also a must-see if you have the time.

Istanbul, the vibrant metropolis bridging two continents, offers an exhilarating nightlife scene that pulsates with energy and excitement. From chic rooftop bars to bustling clubs, the city boasts diverse options to suit every taste. Here are the best areas to explore for an unforgettable nightlife experience in Istanbul.

1. Taksim Square: Taksim Square is the epicenter of Istanbul’s nightlife. There are numerous little side streets and back alleys with bars and restaurants galore. The French street off of Istiklal Caddesi is a descending row of bars and restaurants tucked away off the busy shopping area. Spending a Saturday night in Taksim Square can present a dizzying amount of choices.

2. Nişantaşı: Nişantaşı is the central district of Istanbul with a western lifestyle. For a classy night out, head over to the Nişantaşı neighborhood to join the beautiful and wealthy. The area has upscale bars, pubs, and rooftop bars serving different kinds of beers and good cocktails.

3. Cihangir: Cihangir is the bohemian neighborhood of Istanbul. It is a hotspot for students and young professionals offering a great selection of bars, tea houses, bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

4. Beşiktaş: Beşiktaş offers numerous places to enjoy nightlife such as bars, discos, nightclubs, pubs, and restaurants where you can party until the early morning hours. The neighborhood is bustling with people giving visitors a slice of modern Turkish life. In October the street hosts the annual Fotoİstanbul festival, showcasing excellent international photography and pop-up exhibition spaces around the neighborhood.

5. Ortaköy: Ortakoy is the mecca for mega clubs in Istanbul, and if you’re looking for an epic night out in Istanbul this is your place. The clubs in this neighborhood offer great views over the Bosphorus. You can sit at one of the cafes and sip Turkish coffee and smoke hookah while listening to jazz music that bellows from the nearby bars.

6. Kadıköy: Kadiköy is an upcoming district on the Asian side and is known for its rapidly developing food and nightlife scene. It has numerous tea houses, restaurants, bars, clubs, cafes, and restaurants offering plenty of choices for nightlife. Kadiköy also has an old tramway offering romantic rides through the neighborhood. From downtown Kadikoy, you can walk over to the Moda coast to watch the sunset and enjoy all the seaside parks that face the famous Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia across the way.

7. Bosphorus: Partying in Bosphorus offers a unique experience. During summer the clubs open their terraces on the Bosphorus offering exceptional views of the Bosphorus and the Asian shore along with many open-air festivals. The winter is cold and the big clubs of the Bosphorus close their terraces, the party scene is more in the heart of the city in small underground clubs and bars.

8. Sultanahmet: Sultanahmet neighborhood is opposite the blue mosque and offers a quick glimpse of Istanbul’s postcard sights. The area is very popular among tourists and it has numerous bars, pubs, and restaurants which are fairly priced.

Istanbul, a city that straddles two continents, offers a plethora of activities to indulge in after the sun sets. Whether you’re a night owl seeking vibrant nightlife or prefer leisurely evening strolls, Istanbul has something for everyone. Here are some exciting things to do at night in this captivating city:

1. Sultana’s 1001 Nights Show: Experience traditional Turkish entertainment at Sultana’s 1001 Nights Show. It is Istanbul’s premier belly dancing show. It is a cultural feast where you can enjoy traditional Turkish food and watch a historical show about the Harem with authentic Turkish costumes, live music, and dancing as you dine. Be dazzled by the lively performance while enjoying the most authentic and tasty Turkish cuisine.

2. Watch the Dancing Fountain at Sultanahmet: When the sun finally dips behind the minaret skyline and the moon starts to rise Sultanahmet Park located between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, brightens up with a colorful lightning display. During the summer season, you can enjoy shows by savoring creamy ice cream by the illuminated fountain in the park. The mix of modern and ancient East and West, the friendliness of the people, and the history add to the vibrant atmosphere of the night scene at this place.

3. Turkish Bath: A visit to Turkey will never be complete without experiencing the Turkish bath also known as Hamam. The Turkish bath offers visitors a revelatory experience. The process includes a period of preparing the skin for bathing in a sauna-like room, followed by a full body wash. A major attraction to these sites is that you get the chance to appreciate the marvelous architecture and authentic settings. Unwind and relax in the same spot that people have enjoyed for centuries.

4. Bosphorus Night Dinner Cruise: Watch the beautiful silhouette of Istanbul as it is illuminated by evening light with spectacular views of Istanbul’s beautifully illuminated palaces, mosques, and Bosphorus bridges. Enjoy a sumptuous and delicious dinner accompanied by belly dance, whirling dervishes, and a folklore show for an unforgettable night.

5. Whirling Dervish Show: See the stunning Mevlevei Sema ceremony known for its whirling dervishes and dances. Enjoy a complex musical repertoire called Ayin and go on a mystical journey representing man’s spiritual ascent through mind and love to perfection. The most famous place to watch this amazing show is at Hodjapasha a former hamam dating back to the heyday of the Ottoman Empire.

6. Pera Museum: Pera Museum is an art museum that focuses on Orientalism in 19th-century art. The museum hosts regular and international exhibitions, along with permanent collections of orientalist paintings, Anatolian weights and measures, and kütahya tiles and ceramics. The most famous masterpiece painting in Turkish art history The Tortoise Trainer by Osman Hamdi Bey is showcased at the museum.

Antalya has one of the most vibrant nightlife in Turkey. During June, July, August, and September it is flooded with people. The award-winner Harbour and its surroundings host a wealth of discos, bars, and pubs all of which are very popular with locals and tourists alike.

Antalya Kaleiçi harbor is renowned for nightlife among locals and visitors. As you walk along the narrow, winding streets of Kaleici you will find nightclubs, clubs, and bars playing a variety of music from rock, techno, and hip hop to the latest musical trends along with restaurants.

It’s a historical town that presents the Ottoman Era remaining and culture. There are a lot of bars in and around the old town of Kaleiçi, each of them based on a different concept. For instance, you can have cocktails while listening to rock classics, watch live performances by local musicians, or just grab a cold beer and watch football.

Antalya, nestled along Turkey’s stunning Mediterranean coastline, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re a beach lover, history buff, or nature enthusiast, Antalya offers a wealth of attractions to explore. Here are some of the best areas to visit in Antalya for an unforgettable experience:

1. Kemer: Kemer is the craziest nightlife spot in Antalya. The clubs and bars in this area cater to the elite offering quality drinks and food. It is famous for the best nightlife events, worldwide nightclubs, DJ shows, and foam parties. There are various kinds of bars, Karaoke bars, cafes, and restaurants waiting its guests in Kemer.

2. Alanya: Alanya’s nightlife is popular and is the most crowded district in Antalya. There are various nightclubs, bars, crazy foam parties, and well-known DJ performances. The most popular nightclubs are located at Alanya Bar Street and offer fun and full entertainment until the first lights of the sun.

3. Kas: Kas Turkey is a small coastal tourist resort on the Turquoise Coast, hallway between Fethiye to the west and the city of Antalya to the east. It sits below the mountains that are a feature of the region and the small harbor, and the subsequent development of a new modern marina has made it a favorite stopping-off point for the yachts and gulets that cruise these seas, visit Blue Cruise Kas for options.

4. Kalkan: Kalkan is a little town located in Antalya province, built on a steep hillside and dotted with whitewash houses covered in bougainvillea. The town comes to life after dusk as the restaurants, cafés, bars, and nightclubs become quite vibrant. You can go to the many rooftop terrace bars to enjoy a drink while watching the sea sparkle in the darkness and listen to a band performance. It is famous for its high concentration of fascinating fine dining restaurants scattered throughout the town from trendy and market eateries to local taverns. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view of the harbor and the surrounding mountains from their rooftop.

Izmir has a colorful nightlife with bars, jazz clubs, and pubs. Some beaches and clubs offer a great pastime for visitors, especially in summer. Other entertainment venues outside the city center are generally located in the seaside towns of Çeşme, Seferihisar, Dikili, and Foça.

Some restaurants also provide live music in club-style locations with open-air or garden sections and are generally reservation-based offering live concerts of famous musicians at some evenings. The street vendors and the small boutiques that provide freshly cooked food are the best experience offering local flavors.

Izmir, a vibrant coastal city on Turkey’s Aegean coast, boasts a dynamic nightlife scene with a variety of options to suit every taste. From lively bars and clubs to quaint cafes and waterfront promenades, Izmir offers an array of exciting areas to explore after dark. Here are some of the best areas for nightlife in Izmir:

1. Alsancak-Basmane & Konak: Alsancak, Basmane, and Konak offer many different entertainment venues with various characteristics. There are many cafes, dining and music restaurants, bars, nightclubs, clubhouses, pubs, hotel bars, taverns, karaoke bars, escape houses, etc. on almost every street in the Alsancak region, especially in the Kıbrıs Şehitleri Caddesi. Some places cater to every budget, and you may go to them with your family, spouse, or friends.

You can breathe the sea air and stroll, sit on the grass at Gündoğdu Place, and drink whatever you want while eating iced almonds and watching the stars in the area between Cumhuriyet Place and Liman, which is called Kordon.

The inner part of Alsancak, especially the Kıbrıs Şehitleri Caddesi, hosts locations that mostly cater to young people. Pubs, cafes, and taverns concentrated on the Can Yücel, Muzaffer İzgü, and Gazi Kadınlar Streets are open every day of the week.

Most of the nightclubs on the Şair Eşref Bulvarı and in Liman Caddesi, are open only certain days of the week and can only be accessed through reservations. These places mostly offer concerts by famous musicians.

In addition to dining and music restaurants that also offer alcoholic drinks, cafes, Turkish folk song bars, taverns, beer houses, nightclubs, pubs, and hotel bars are located in the Konak and Basmane areas. Basmane region features special programs of hotel bars, in addition to nightclubs certified by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

2. Çeşme: Çeşme is one of the most important destinations of İzmir are attraction centers that are highlighted by their beautiful sea and beaches and their active nightlife. There are many pubs, nightclubs, taverns, hotel bars, and beach clubs in Çeşme. Many local and foreign famous musicians give concerts in large nightclubs during the summer months.

3. Bayraklı-Karşıyaka: There are various cafes and restaurants on the ground floor of Folkart Towers in Bayraklı. Turan region of Bayraklı offers nightclubs that throw very exciting parties along with live music.

The seaside of Karşıyaka offers many luxurious meat and fish restaurants, beer houses with live music, taverns, bars, and cafes that offer valet parking, open areas, and food along with light music and sea views. In Bostanlı and Mavişehir, there are bars, pubs, beer houses, and cocktail bars where you can listen to live music.

4. Bornova: Bornova is defined as a university area and it offers entertainment venues that students and young people prefer, in addition to nightclubs where famous musicians give private concerts. Bars, rock bars, beer houses, and cafes are generally concentrated around Küçükpark, and nightclubs are generally around Kazım Dirik Neighborhood, Süvari Caddesi, and Yüzbaşı İbrahim Hakkı Caddesi.

5. Balçova-Güzelbahçe-Narlıdere: Balçova, Narlıdere, and Güzelbahçe cater to all segments and this is a region that mostly offers dining places, meat-barbecue style restaurants, nightclubs, taverns, bars, beer houses, and pubs.

In Üçkuyular, on the seaside, the area between Levent Marina and İnciraltı and Sahilevleri regions is generally filled with fish restaurants, luxury restaurants, taverns, cafes, and night clubs. These places open up near noon and are open for service until 1 AM.

6. Urla: Urla is the cute seaside town of İzmir and is highlighted by fish restaurants and small local restaurants along with beer houses, pubs, and bars that mostly open in the summer months.

7. Buca: The entertainment venues in Buca are generally located on the Menderes Caddesi near downtown and Şirinyer. The district also houses university campuses and contains many cafés that cater to young people and students. Buca also hosts many taverns, beer houses, bars and nightclubs.

8. Seferihisar-Gümüldür: The entertainment venues in Seferihisar are concentrated in the Sığacık region on the seaside. Around Sığacık castle, there are fish restaurants, cafes, and bars where you can take in the wonderful sea view. In Seferihisar and Gümüldür, some bars and cafes offer live music, especially in summer.

9. Gazi Kadınlar Sokağı: Gazi Kadınlar Sokağı is Izmir’s most popular nightlife street and is crowded on the weekends with people going to and fro between venues. The renovated historic homes that line the street, the fish restaurants with their live fasıl music, and the rock bars all come together in this amazingly lively place.

Kusadasi offers an electric nightlife with boundless choices of bars, nightclubs, cafes, and fine dining restaurants with belly dancing where you can dance the night away till the sunrises in the morning. The city offers something for everyone across all tastes and budgets.

Kusadasi, a popular resort town on Turkey’s Aegean coast, is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and lively atmosphere. From beachfront bars and clubs to bustling streets lined with cafes and restaurants, Kusadasi offers an array of exciting areas to explore after dark. Here are some of the best areas for nightlife in Kusadasi:

1. Bar Street: Bar Street is the busiest and loudest street for nightlife in Kusadasi. There are many bars and clubs and most are free to get into, as well as having no dress code. With music playing from every pub, people dancing on bars and tables and some bars performing a fire show it makes for a very lively night in Kusadasi. Bar Street opens all day usually until around 4 AM.

2. Ladies Beach: Ladies Beach has few bars and clubs at night, not too loud but not quiet either. The atmosphere is more relaxed than Bar Street without as much hassle.

3. Old Kusadasi: The old part of Kusadasi is known as Kaleici. It is a labyrinth of narrow streets filled with restaurants and a variety of different bars, some playing live music.

4. Dolphin Square: The range of clubs up and down Dolphin Square makes it a fantastic place to have a good time. While it’s farther to the north than some other bars in the area, it’s close to the string of hotels, meaning that most of the people you meet are also tourists in search of a fun night out.

Bodrum is known for its sophistication and glamorous nightlife and has more bars per area than any other place in Turkey. It has numerous intimate seaside cafes offering magnificent views of the illuminated castle.

The nightlife is concentrated between bar-street in the old town and along the seaside with nice beach bars in Gumbet. Bodrum offers exclusive clubs oriented towards upscale Turkish and international visitors, while in Gumbet nightlife is more popular with regular visitors from all over the world.

Summer evenings pulsate with old and new music, dance shows, and laser displays, where you can let your hair down vibes as locals, holidaymakers and expats gather to soak up an open-air partying ambience.

Beach clubs are known as the day-to-night concept, coastline beach clubs offer relaxation and swimming during the day but turn into party venues when the sun goes down.
Bar Street in the town centre is a long cobbled path lined on both sides with bars. It is the favourite destination for the young who want to party until sunrise. Each establishment has its unique decor and theme but general similarities revolve around exotic cocktails and the latest dance music, whether it is Western or Turkish pop. Certain bars also have the bonus of a seaside view, which looks out onto the Bodrum Castle sitting proudly on the coastline and at nighttime is lit up projecting a stunning appearance.

Nighttime cruises in Bodrum are becoming more popular. Sometimes called party boats with food, music and drinks where you can party while enjoying beautiful views of the sea,

You can also attend a Turkish night show held at many hotels and restaurants, which includes performances by belly dancers, live Turkish singers and local folk will perform their village dances of which routines have been handed down through many generations of families.

Konya is one of the most conservative cities in Turkey. Therefore, the nightlife scene isn’t that great with bars usually at big hotels. The most famous event in Konya is the Mevlana Festival which takes place every year. It is a commemoration festival that marks the anniversary of Rummy one of the greatest mystic and spiritual leaders. It bears the traces of an old tradition that started in December.

Ankara’s nightlife revolves mainly around cafés, bars, and restaurants where music thumps until late at night. From May to September, the cafe terraces, gardens, and open courtyards all come to life after dark.
Kizilay has the biggest selection of nightlife in Ankara. The biggest draw of Kizilay is the outdoor seating where you can relax and have a drink and eat. The restaurants serve a variety of cuisines to enjoy such as American-style burgers, seafood, kebabs, and authentic Turkish delicacies.

Fethiye area has plenty of nightlife places and entertainment to suit most tastes. You can start your night in the town at one of the many bars that you will find scattered throughout the city.

Hisaronu also known as Bar Street is a great place for nightlife with an abundance of bars and nightclubs. The bars play international music and have live music shows. The nightclubs are open till the early hours and play a good mix of Turkish and international music with well-known DJs visiting in the evening.

The majority of Fethiye’s nightlife is centered in the old town of Paspatur, with a strip of bars and nightclubs mostly frequented by locals. The strip gets very busy later in the evening with seating areas lining the street and live music playing the atmosphere is electric.

Oludeniz is the seafront place for those who want to enjoy the sea pleasure and the night entertainment. The restaurants and bars turn into dance places after 10:30 PM with many organizing regular party nights, themed nights, and occasional guest DJs.

Along the pretty seafront in Fethiye, you will be spoilt for choices when it comes to restaurants. Whether you are after some fresh seafood, a traditional kebab, or just a refreshing drink there will be somewhere for you in this beautiful harbour setting.

Cappadocia offers a laid-back nightlife. There are a few bars, restaurants, and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy. The most famous night activity in Cappadocia is the Turkish night show at a cave restaurant. It highlights the dance traditions of various regions of Turkey with traditional costumes and exhilarating belly dancers. This lively performance is a great way to enjoy traditional Turkish music, dancing, food, and drinks.