After dark · Istanbul, Turkey

15 Best Bars & Nightlife Spots in Istanbul

Where Istanbul actually drinks: rooftops, cellars and corner counters, ranked by the people who closed them out.

Order reflects real review volume, out of 92 tracked Istanbul places. Refreshed monthly.

  1. Celtic Irish Pub Istanbul

    Bar

    Celtic Irish Pub Istanbul is a beloved bar located in the historic Narmanlı Han on İstiklal Avenue, one of Istanbul's most famous streets.

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  2. Pleasure terrace roof top restaurant

    BarFree entry

    Pleasure Terrace Roof Top Restaurant is a stunning rooftop bar located on the fifth floor of a building in the Fatih district of Istanbul, near the historic Sirkeci area.

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  3. Loti Roof Lounge

    BarFree entry

    Loti Roof Lounge is a chic rooftop bar located on Divan Yolu in the historic Sultanahmet district of Istanbul.

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  4. Ararat Terrace Restaurant & Rooftop

    BarFree entry

    Ararat Terrace Restaurant & Rooftop is a highly-rated dining spot perched on a rooftop in Istanbul's historic Sultanahmet district.

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  5. Corner Irish Pub

    BarFree entry

    Corner Irish Pub is a beloved watering hole nestled in the vibrant Asmalı Mescit neighborhood of Beyoğlu, Istanbul.

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  6. Queb Rooftop Restaurant

    BarFree entry

    Perched atop The Byzantium Hotel in the heart of Sultanahmet, Queb Rooftop Restaurant combines a sophisticated bar with breathtaking vistas of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks.

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  7. Ritim Roof (Teras)

    Bar

    Ritim Roof (Teras) is a chic rooftop bar perched atop a building in the bustling Beyoğlu neighborhood, near Taksim Square.

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  8. U2 Istanbul Irish Pub

    BarFree entry

    U2 Istanbul Irish Pub is a beloved institution in the heart of Beyoğlu, Istanbul's entertainment district.

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  9. Irish Pub The James Joyce

    Bar

    The James Joyce Irish Pub is a beloved spot in the heart of Istanbul's Beyoğlu neighborhood, offering a taste of Ireland in a vibrant city.

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  10. Rounders İrish Bar

    BarFree entry

    Rounders İrish Bar is a beloved watering hole in the heart of Istanbul's Sultanahmet neighborhood, just a short walk from the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.

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  11. THE IRISH CORNER PUB

    BarFree entry

    The Irish Corner Pub is a beloved watering hole nestled in the heart of Istanbul's Sultanahmet district, just a short walk from the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.

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  12. Tower Pub

    BarFree entry

    Tower Pub is a popular rooftop bar situated right next to the historic Galata Tower in Istanbul's Beyoğlu district.

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  13. FLEKK

    Bar

    FLEKK is a popular bar located in the heart of Istanbul's Beyoğlu district, on Yeni Çarşı Street.

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  14. Just Bar

    BarFree entry

    Just Bar is a charming neighborhood bar nestled on Akbıyık Street in the historic Sultanahmet area of Istanbul.

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  15. Harmony Hilltop bar

    Bar

    Harmony Hilltop bar is a hidden gem perched atop a hostel in the heart of Istanbul's historic Fatih district.

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How we pick these

Bars, pubs and nightlife in Istanbul ranked by how highly people rate them, drawn from the 92 places we track. Updated monthly.

Good to know

When it gets going

Most bars in Istanbul fill up later in the evening rather than right after work.

Dress codes

A few rooftop and cocktail spots have a smart-casual door policy.

Getting home

Check the last metro or line up a ride before a late night out.

Common questions

Where is the nightlife in Istanbul?+

This list ranks the best-rated bars and nightlife spots in Istanbul so you can find the right area for the night you want.

What time do bars close in Istanbul?+

Closing times vary by venue and neighborhood; late-night spots are noted where we have hours.

Is Istanbul good for a night out?+

Yes — from relaxed pubs to late bars, the highest-rated options are all here.

Daylight plans? Best things to do in Istanbul · where to eat · hidden gems

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