Istanbul After Dark

Nightlife in Istanbul is not squeezed into a single district; each area has its own character and its own hours. Knowing what is where makes planning an evening easier. Beyoglu and Istiklal The street itself stays open and crowded until late. The real venues are in the side lanes; Nevizade and the Cicek Pasaji lean to taverns, Asmalimescit to bars. Small venues with live music concentrate in this area. Check the time of the last metro, after which taxis and shared minibuses are what remain. Kadikoy The night centre of the Anatolian side. In the streets around the Kadikoy market, taverns, bars and cafes sit side by side, and prices are generally lower than in Beyoglu. Bahariye and its surroundings are quieter, the market interior livelier. The ferries stop early but the Marmaray runs at night. Besiktas The area around the market is student-heavy and lively, its character set by small venues and people sitting out in the street. You can also walk down to the shore, with cafes open along the way to Ortakoy. Stages and concerts Zorlu PSM is for large-scale shows and concerts; the AKM, the Sureyya Opera House and CRR run their season programmes in evening performances. In summer the Harbiye Open Air Theatre and the concerts on the terrace of Istanbul Kitapcisi Kadikoy come into play. Concerts at the Serefiye Cistern run all year. A night walk If you want an evening away from crowds, shore walks are a good option. Moda, Bebek, Ortakoy and the Uskudar shore are lit and safe at night. The anglers stay on the Galata Bridge after dark too. Eating late There are tradesmen's restaurants open late in the Kadikoy and Besiktas markets. The fish sandwich boats at Eminonu work in the evening as well. Beyoglu has more late options. Getting around The metro and Marmaray run through the night at weekends; check last services on weekdays. Night buses run on certain routes. Ferries finish early in the evening, so the Marmaray is the safest option for crossing between the two sides.