Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DRINKING & NIGHTLIFE
There are hundreds of bars in Beyoğlu. The most popular bar precincts have traditionally been Balo
and Sofyalı Sokaks, but the recent ban on outdoor drinking has forced many long-standing and much-
loved venues to close. As a result, drinkers are migrating to cafe/bars and small clubs around the dis-
trict. Fortunately, the outdoor terraces at Beyoğlu's glamorous rooftop bars remain undisturbed. Note
that many of the Beyoğlu clubs close over summer (mid-June-August), when the party crowd moves
down to Turkey's southern coasts. We've listed some popular gay bars and clubs; for other options,
Galata & Tophane
| NARG İ LE CAFE
TOPHANE NARGİLE CAFES
OFFLINE MAP
(off Necatibey Caddesi, Tophane; 24hr; Tophane)
This atmospheric row of nargile cafes be-
hind the Nusretiye Mosque is always packed with locals enjoying tea, nargile and snacks.
Follow your nose to find it - the smell of apple tobacco is incredibly enticing. It's great fun
to watch live Süper Lig football matches on the televisions here, as patrons and waiters like
to make their allegiances clear.
MAVRA
OFFLINE MAP
| CAFE
(Serdar-ı Ekrem Caddesi 31a, Galata; 8am-midnight; Karaköy, then funicular to Tünel)
Serdar-ı
Ekrem Caddesi is one of the most interesting streets in Galata, full of ornate 19th-century
apartment blocks, avant-garde boutiques and mellow cafes and bars. Mavra is the best of
these, offering tasty cheap food and good tea and coffee amid decor that is thrift-shop chic.
There's always good music on the turntable here, too.
LE FUMOIR
OFFLINE MAP
| BAR
GOOGLE MAP
là! This atmospheric but small bar in the French restaurant of the same name is an elegant
venue for an aperitif or nightcap. It's also a good spot for breakfast, as the French-style
pastries and coffee are excellent.
X BAR
| BAR
