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Nightlife in Istanbul, Turkey

by Rachel_Paiste, 09/20/2009 08:09

Category: Trip Ideas

Let’s face it:  Istanbul has become hip.  In the past few years the city has poured money into certain areas, making neighborhoods like Taksim, Nişantaşı and Ortaköy nighttime destinations for wealthy locals and tourists alike, and giving the city a reputation as one of the world's best.
    Many of the finest clubs offer services all night- transitioning smoothly from dinner to dancing.  Taksim is home to many of the mid-priced clubs.  Dinner and dancing are offered at top-floor establishments 360 and Leb-I Derya, both offering views of the city and water below.  If you’re looking for an out and out fun time, try Mono, which plays some old techno, but mostly American 80’s and 90’s music (on more than one occasion the whole bar has broken out in the Makarena).
    For bars that are a bit more artsy and relaxed, try the upscale neighborhood of Nişantaşı.
    Ortaköy is home to the biggest clubs, where you are likely to run into many soccer stars and actors if you know who you’re looking for.  The two biggest clubs are Reina and Angelique.  Reina held the title of #1 club in Istanbul for years, but due to sound regulations they had to install a curtain between the club and the water, which seriously takes away from it’s appeal.  That said, if you get table service in the back you can watch all the action from a nice leather couch while eating an unlimited supply of fresh fruits and nuts.  Though expensive even by American standards, it makes for an incredibly pampered and pleasant evening.  Angelique is a bit further from the water (you can arrive at Reina by boat) but still offers views of the Bosphorous, the lit cross-continental bridge, and the Mosque just below.  The plus side of Angelique is that it's a bit bigger, so though always busy it does not feel as tightly packed as Reina can on a weekend night.
    Though Turks don’t dance the way Americans do, the ambiance of the club is upbeat, and people are more than willing to speak with each other throughout the night.  Chances are you’ll step out of the club just in time to hear the morning call to prayer (a beautiful, peaceful way to end your night.)

 

Filed under:  Trip Ideas, Turkey, Istanbul, Nightlife
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