Nightlife

The nights in Istanbul are rocking and full of life. There are so many places that cater to and entertain tourists who are nighttime revelers that it would be impossible to visit all of them even if you spent a lifetime in Istanbul. A rich variety in entertainment is available and people will find everything from belly dance clubs to hip hop bars. Most places open after ten and continue to entertain till late in the night or early in the morning as you may choose to perceive it.

The nightspots in Istanbul can be expensive and so caution is advised before you visit one. If there is no menu with price range displayed outside, consider retracing your steps elsewhere because usually only outrageously expensive places refuse to put up the price list. Also, the nightclubs are rather aggressive when it comes to money. They don't spare tourists if they are shortchanged.

Ortakoy, the Istiklal Street from Taksim to Tünel on the Bosphorus or European side offer a variety in nighttime entertainment. For an experience in red, head unabashedly to Aksaray on the European side and Kadikoy on the Asian side.

A. Favorite Spots

Club Academia

Location: Sekbanbasi Sokak No: 10, Beyazit

Techno music and traditional dances are best enjoyed with the available range of exotic drinks. That is what club Academia promises. Also its exotic location in the underground cistern of Emperor Theodosius makes it unique.

Ortakahve

Location: Ortakahve - Büyükparmakkapi/Tel Sokak No: 4 - Beyoglu

This place takes the concept of a traditional Turkisk coffee shop and twists it into something reflecting the ferocious past yet cool. One of the few legitimate places where you can actually partake the nargile pipe or hookah.

Jazz Cafe

Location: Istiklal Avenue. Hasnun Galip Street. No:20 Beyoglu

Phone: 90 0 212 245 05 16

Web: www.jazzcafeistanbul.com

Email: posta@jazzcafeistanbul.com

Now don't let the jazz tag fool you, this is one hangout joint for those who wish to have some decent fun with members of their own sex. Not that there is no Jazz, in fact it is an added bonus, with many local and international artists performing live most times.

Exen Dance Club

Location: Siraselviler Cad. No: 103/6

Phone: 0212 292-2219

Once you decide that tonight you do not want to be good and turn your head to all things naughty, head to the Exen Dance Clib for like-minded company. You can dance away to eternity in this club to the music of one of the best live bands in Turkey. Keep emergency services on call.

Babylon

Location: Tünel

This club has become of the most rocking places to party in Istanbul. The best local bands and occasional international artists perform here making it a haven for the lovers of alternative rock. Great crowd, better music, and a rocking party!