Bars and Pubs to Enjoy in Istanbul
Whether you want to have a drink with friends, make new friends, have a decent bite while tasting craft beers, or dance your heart out to your favorite genre of music while getting cocktails, I’ve got a couple of places that will fit your mood and insure you’ll have a nice night.
European side:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/WbL83C5qUqCVkVGu9
In a busy street in Karaköy, under a very nice hotel, this bar offers you a nice collection of drinks, and turns into a little dance party with a DJ at night, especially on the weekends.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/UaYzwxGnZY4sMwi1A
Another Karaköy bar with a rooftop. They offer great cocktails, and amazing service, with an actually good DJ. It’s not as crowded as the bars on the main street but it’s fantastic for a large group of friends. It’s on the pricey side but nothing crazy.
The Populist Galataport (also with a location in Bomontiada)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/u7NFNZn2Z5Yuggdh8
You can go to either of this famous bar’s branches to try their craft beers, and unique Turkish classic dishes with a twist like kokoreç balls and kokoreç pizza. Their prices aren’t cheap but they’re worth the money, especially when you find the beer that will fit your pallet.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/fWFFbdp8cKPdCqyH9
Very similar to The Populist when it comes to making their own beers and being on the pricy side, but without the unique dishes, they do however offer really good food. When in beşktaş it’s a must visit.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gxVX5Tec6Tw2jQTW8
In a hidden corner in istiklal street you find a very beautiful area with coffeeshops, a chimney cakes and ice cream shop, an Irish pub, the museum of illusions, and this restaurant/bar with a gorgeous design, lovely view on the whole area, a giant gorilla statue, a hall of beer bottles and coasters, movie posters and art, and a Shrek pinball machine. One of my favorite spots in the city.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/25PsGDRs5GsqfGyy8
Would you be surprised if I told you this is a heavy metal club? Dorock is a known name for metal fans, you can enjoy your favorite drinks and some live metal performance. It rarely disappoints.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/x7JMDc2DvA4jNdQCA
If you want to have some shots with friends on a lovely terrace late at night, drop by Kosmos. Enjoy the shots’ offers and the cold beers in this fantastic location.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/B2p1S6rYu3Qytzar5
On the Karaköy side of Galataport sits this little cocktails bar with the best view of the Marmara sea. They have nice local beer, and cocktails, but they’re definitely way overpriced. It’s still worth the visit for the view, but make sure no cruise ships are blocking it first.
Anatolian side (Asia):
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1ndghFtK6JgVhpAD8
On a side road in Kadıköy, two bars face each other and share the same staff, they’re often not as crowded as the other bars in the area, wth a nice upstairs saloon, a good collection of beers, cocktails, Turkish craft beers, and a decent vegan menu, this is one of my personal favorites.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8gHt3zWg7g4Vdqnh9
One of the most popular bars in Istanbul, with a small stage that hosts local rock bands. It is known to be the spot for college students, and is pretty crowded on the weekends, but it’s worth it if you wanna check out some live rock music, dance, and have some beers.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/SRkcq3FrFNXY814F7
Right next to the previous bar you can find this gem, it has two floors with three different vibes, rock on the ground floor, techno DJ on the first floor, with an open area that hosts after parties and gatherings.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/PDFX61aFvRBLAqU1A
Great and affordable for cocktails, and if you have a sweet tooth try their Heyy Apple cocktail, my personal favorite.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4NaXS2fP8dMsxM4n9
For the metalheads. Your typical menu of beers and liquors, with a heavy metal playlist and very nice staff that can play your requests.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Uz4aDKzTCb2HErVt6
A popular, dark, and very loud spot that’s often full of twenty-something year olds, drinking, and dancing to live techno. It has a more calm area for smoking a cigarette, having a chat with friends or making new ones.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/oLhSVn8XLVWyD5Ak9
One of my favorite bars, the staff are very friendly, the drinks and the prices are decent, the music is good, and it has a stage underground where they host a local band every night with different genres of music, with a list of the bands posted weekly. They sometimes switch into 80’s music, which is a delightful surprise.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/PfbFUcJGR5uHv5Sh7
Very popular Irish bar with a pool table and all the Guinness you want. Very basic which isn’t a bad thing. Good meeting point for a couple of drinks before going into Kadıköy through the night.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/CU3wNLsvH59C9c288
Right on top of The Harp Irish pub, a lovely terrace bar that has a dancing area. It’s d for when you don’t want to walk after your Guinnesses downstairs.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/cRsCX4xUQUMAEkbYA
Nice rock bar, but often too crowded and can’t find a table. If you can find a place to sit you can enjoy your drinks surrounded by cool locals.
About The Author
Alaa H
Food enthusiast, music lover, scenery seeker.