Istanbul – After Dark, Eating, Drinking & Partying

by chris
December 27, 2012
in Bars & Clubs, Destinations, Istanbul, Restaurants, Turkey
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360 East bar and restaurant

Istanbul is famed for its night life, If anyone recommends a bar or restaurant to you the chances are its a rooftop venue with amazing views over the city or a sunset spot by the Bosphoros River. The other chic evening alterative is Bebek. This is Istanbul’s trendy party area, filled with bars and restaurants. Here is The Style Travellers choice of the best restaurants, bars and clubs in Istanbul.

Lacivert bar and restaurant

Much of Istanbul’s night life centres around restaurants located on the Bosphoros River. One side of the Bosphorus is in Europe and the other side is in Asia, so you can party in two different continents in one night. The best place to watch the stunning sunsets is on the Asia side. I recommend

Lacivert restaurant above, great for sundown drinks and dinner, then take the house boat across the water and carry on partying in trendy Bebek.

A boat trip down the Bosphorus is also a must, I know its on every tourist agenda, but a blissful glide down the river with a crisp chilled glass of wine is a great way to see the city at night, all lit up with twinkling lights. Dont miss it.

Lucca bar in Bebek

Bebek

Bebek is Istanbul’s party area. Who goes there? Turkish celebrities, the art set and the cities cool kids. A few places of note here are Lucca, with its minimal white interior and chic black and white photographic print filled walls. The vibe is relaxed, eat, drink or chill by the bar. When it gets busy the crowd spills out onto the terrace outside. Luxurious Chilai across the road is also a popular restaurant/bar choice.

Photo of Reina taken by Uruk Sarasen

Istanbul – Clubbing

In the summer if you’re looking for DJs and full on Ibiza style clubbing the best places are Reina (above) and Angelique (see below). Both open till the early hours, check listings for DJ’s.

Formal dining with a view at Ulus 29

Istanbul – Rooftop Restaurants

Ulus 29 (above) serves up a delicious traditional Turkish menu whilst looking out over the rooftops of the city.

360 East bar and restaurant

Also try 360

On the 8th Floor of the Hilton Double Tree Hotel, this sleek bar, restaurant and night club is Istanbul’s number one spot to see (the view) and be seen. Its sister bars and restaurants are also worth checking out when you’re in the city.

Vogue Restaurant

Maybe more of a lunch spot but I highly recommend a veranda table at Vogue restaurant. Its located around the corner from The W Hotel.

The Lounge Bar at The W

W Hotel

If you fancy throwing some shapes on the dance floor head to the W hotel. Tuesday night is the Richie Rich party which guarantees great tunes, cocktails and a cool crowd. (check listings before you go).