PLAN YOUR TRIP - Istanbul - page 55

Gay & Lesbian
Beyoğlu is the hub of the city's gay clubbing scene, and there are a number of venues to
choose from. Most welcome both gay and straight clubbers, although the latter will feel
vastly outnumbered. The monthly Time Out İstanbul magazine has Gay & Lesbian pages
listing the top LGBTT venues in town.
Occasional police raids on gay venues occur (homosexuality has an ambiguous legal
status - or lack thereof - in Turkey), but the general tenor in Beyoğlu is gay-friendly and
inclusive.
Drinking & Nightlife by Neighbourhood
» Sultanahmet & Around ( CLICK HERE ) A limited choice of cafes and çay bahçesis (tea
gardens), but few bars worth considering.
» Bazaar District ( CLICK HERE ) An atmospheric array of çay bahçesis and nargile cafes,
but no nightlife to speak of.
» Beyoğlu ( CLICK HERE ) The city's entertainment hub, with hundreds of bars, cafes and
clubs to choose from.
» Beşiktaş, Ortaköy & Kuruçeşme ( CLICK HERE ) A string of upmarket cafes, bars and
nightclubs alongside the Bosphorus.
NEED TO KNOW
Business Hours
» Opening hours of cafes, çay bahçesis , bars and clubs vary wildly; we have included specific
hours in our reviews.
» Clubs are busiest on Friday and Saturday nights, and the action doesn't really kick off until 1am.
Cover charges are levied at many of the clubs on these nights.
» Many of the Beyoğlu clubs close from June or July until the end of September. Most of the Bos-
phorus clubs close over winter.
What's On
The monthly Time Out and The Guide magazines include useful listings sections. Time Out also
produces the Istanbul Beat ( CLICK HERE ) blog.