The 10 Best Bars Around Taksim Istanbul

The Taksim Area is framed by Istiklal Caddesi, where everything happens from day to night in Istanbul. The side streets, districts, and neighborhoods surrounding Taksim, such as Beyoğlu and Cihangir, offer some of the most happening bars and clubs in all of Turkey. Here are 10 of the best bars around Taksim, Istanbul.

Kara Kedi

The name Kara Kedi means “Black Cat,” which is apt for this rather mysterious bar that seems to change locations almost seasonally. Kara Kedi hosts live performances on weekend nights starting after 9PM that often go into the wee hours of the morning. Though the venue is constantly changing, this bar has a cozy feel and welcoming staff. This lively venue occasionally screens indie films and documentaries, and gives local musicians a chance to show off their unique sound. Usually located somewhere off of Istiklal Street (most likely past the middle point, getting into the Beyoğlu area), keep a look out for its newest location. Or better yet, if you are in the mood for a fun quest, ask around on Istiklal past 11pm.

1. Nargilem Cafe

Cafe, Turkish

The Turkish water pipe, or nargile, dates back to the 16th century when it traveled from India to the Ottoman Empire. Becoming a status symbol by the 17th century, smoking tobacco from nargile is still a popular social activity in Turkey. Nargilem Caféin Tophane, near Beyoğlu, is inspired and based around this 500 year old Turkish tradition. Here you can play backgammon and sink into the fruity smells of the smoke-filled room. Even if you are not an avid smoker, trying nargile as a tradition is best done at Nargilem, where fruits and nuts circulate between tables and the atmosphere is warm and communal. The dim, red lighting and loud Turkish tunes in the background can transport you back into time, where you can imagine sharing a nargile pipe with an emperor.

Price: Low to Mid-Range

Watch out for: Nargile