Galata Meyhanesi
Galata Meyhanesi is not a typical bar, but rather a mixture between an excellent restaurant and a pub. Choices of food and drinks are many and the live traditional Turkish music only makes the ambiance an even more comfortable place for having a good time. The staff is hospitable, knowledgeable and ready to party with you all night if necessary. Certainly worth visiting.
Address & telephone number: Orhan Adlı Apaydın Sk. No:11, +90 212 245 6705
Bar | © Jorge Royan/Wiki Commons
Maxigala
Maxigala is the place for a great beer, especially the Efus draft beer that, if you wish, could be accompanied by great nargile (hookah). Although not the most budget-friendly place in Istanbul, it gives you a beautiful view over the river. To make your visit even more pleasant, the friendly staff will give out blankets at night, so that you can still sit outside and enjoy Istanbul gorgeous sunsets.
Address & telephone number: Yeni Galata Köprüsü No:6-10, Fatih/İstanbul, +90 212 511 1666
Gin and Tonic | © Brandon Leon/Flickr
Nardia Jazz Club
Nardia Jazz Club is a great little gem in the Galata area of Istanbul.If you like jazz music, aren’t looking for a loud crowd, and enjoy a diverse audience, then the Nardia Jazz Club is perfect for you. The club itself is owned by a famous jazz guitarist Onder Focan and it has a good selection of wines. It is located in the heart of Istanbul near the Galata Tower.
Address & telephone number: Galata Kulesi Sk. No:8, +90 212 244 6327
Liquor Cabinet | © xlibber/Flickr
Sensus
Sensus is a great place to visit for a quick bite and some delicious Turkish wine. Although not the fanciest of bars, the place still carries a unique charm, and it will exceed your expectations for a Turkish bar.
Address & telephone number: Büyükhendek Caddesi 5, Kuledibi, +90 212 245 5657
Beer | © traveljunction/Flickr
Zeno Cafe
Zeno Cafe is another popular place in the Galata area. It offers a relaxing ambiance, decent service, a recommendable selection of drinks, and satisfying meals. The view will leave you breathless. Right under the Galata Bridge, it gives you a perfect gaze over the Meditteranean. Although the music seems loud at first, it still fits perfectly with the overall atmosphere and mood of the place.
Address & telephone number: No: K, Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Çamlık Altı Sk. No:2, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, +90 212 292 8062
Rum © Marler/WikiCommons
Atolye Kuledibi
Atolye Kuledibi is a very pleasant bar with a friendly character. The owner and staff are very welcoming and at your disposal during your time there. Venues in Istanbul that function only as bars can be hard to find because most places are restaurants or coffee shops, but Atolye Kuledibi is different – it is a real bar with a focus on real drinks. Their snack platters and margaritas are among the most popular orders.
Address & telephone number: Galata Kulesi Sk. No:4, 34000, +90 212 243 7656
Beer | © Alan Levine/Flickr
U2 Istanbul Irish Pub
The U2 Istanbul Irish Pub is a small but welcoming bar. It only has about five tables and wooden chairs, but it serves great Guinness. The bar usually hosts sports fans from all over the world who enjoy the typical Irish craic (communal fun) ambiance.
Address & telephone number: Şehit Muhtar Mh., Bekar Sokak No:21, Beyoğlu, Şht. Muhtar, 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, +90 212 243 4045
5. Kat Restaurant & Bar
The 5. Kat Restaurant & Bar is one of the best rooftop bars in the world. The view is splendid, food is excellent, service is professional and the bar welcomes all menu and custom orders. Their cocktail menu is simply wonderful, and you could easily find a meal on their menu that goes with them.
Address & telephone number: 5. Kat Restaurant & Bar, Siraselvier Cad., Soğancı Sk., Cihangir, Beyoğlu, İstanbul, +90 212 293 3774
The Bar at Babette’s | © Jordana Hoffman
Indigo
Indigo is a one-of-a-kind bar. If you are expecting to find the typical European nightclub, Indigo is not exactly it. The bar shares its music with the bar opposite of it, which creates an amazing street party between the two places. Indigo mostly offers shots, but you can find other alcoholic beverages too. If you are looking for serious clubbing, nice drinks and a simply fun time, Indigo is the place to go. The place is always busy and hopping.
Address & telephone number: Tomtom Mah. Istiklal Cd. Akarsu Sk. No:1-2-4-,, İstiklal Cd. No:5, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, +90 212 244 8567
Wine | ©Rob Stamm
Balcon Cafe Bar
Balcon Cafe Bar is a casual rooftop bar that still offers one of the best views in Istanbul and amazing cocktails, all combined with an excellent vibe. Since its clientele is mostly Istanbul citizens, you’ll have a memorable experience of being among Turkish residents, which can be rare in the Galata area. On their menu you can find meals comprising a few dishes plus few different drinks from the bar. The staff is friendly, quick and experienced. They offer blankets if you are cold.
Address & telephone number: Şehbender Sok. No:5, +90 212 293 2052
By Silviya Topchiyska