10 Popular Bars Near Taksim, Istanbul

Istanbul is a city with a vibrant and diverse nightlife scene that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away at a trendy club, enjoy a relaxed evening at a cozy bar, or take in some traditional Turkish music and dance, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from.

There are many options to see and experience in Istanbul’s nightlife and drinking scene. However, in this list, we wanted to curate an exclusive list around the Taksim area where locals hang out too!

If you want to know more about Istanbul nightlife, you can check our Introduction to Istanbul Nightlife article!

If you’re looking for the best bars in Istanbul, you’re in luck – this city has no shortage of great places to grab a drink. Here are 10 of the best bars in Istanbul that are sure to impress:

Mikla

Located on the rooftop of the Marmara Pera hotel, Mikla offers breathtaking views of the city and a sophisticated atmosphere. The bar serves a range of creative cocktails, as well as a selection of wines and beers. Let’s not forget that Mikla has made it to the Michelin Guide with one star. So it is important to book before you go. Moreover, you need to dress up in shirts and pants. Prices are high but the cocktail quality is definitely a match to the prices.

Mikla doesn’t only serve up great food and amazing bar experience in Istanbul but also has an amazing view of the Galata as well.

Location: Google Maps

360 Istanbul

Located in the heart of Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district, 360 Istanbul is a trendy bar that offers panoramic views of the city from its rooftop location. The bar serves a range of creative cocktails, as well as a selection of beers and wines.

360 Istanbul has one of the best views in Istanbul. From the panoramic view, you can see the spectacular Bosphorus view. The reason it is called 360 is, with 360 degrees you have an amazing Istanbul view.

Istanbul 360 isn’t just a bar in Istanbul but also gives you an exclusive Istanbul nightlife experience. It serves amazing food, delicious cocktails, and stunning night shows.

360 Istanbul is a cornerstone of Istanbul nightlife and we definitely recommend you to visit here.

Location: Google Maps

Zoe Garden

Zeo Garden is located on top of the Grand Pera shopping mall in the middle of Istiklal Street. This venue has a wide selection of beer with special house cocktails which you will love. Zoe Garden is a known bar in Istanbul with its spectacular view. Also a busy spot in Istanbul’s nightlife.

As Zoe is in the middle of Istiklal street, it is a great pre-drink stop for many locals. As it is on top of the building, it has an amazing Istanbul view. Great spot for Istanbul nightlife and we highly recommend you to stop by.

Location: Google Maps

Bosphorus Brewing Company

Bosphorus Brewing Company: Located in the Gayrettepe district, Bosphorus Brewing Company is a craft brewery that offers a range of locally-produced beers. The bar has a cozy atmosphere and serves a selection of pub-style food.

Cocktails are not their strong side but if you want to try locally brewed beers, then this is your spot. Bosphorus Brewing Company is a good pre=drinking spot in Istanbul nightlife. Before going to clubs or bars, Bosphorus Brewing company can be a good spot for pre-drinking in the Istanbul nightlife.

Location>

Emily’s Garden

Emily’s Garden has an open-air garden where you can get delicious food with your in-house special cocktails. The open-air makes Emily’s Garden spacious bar in Istanbul. As it is between buildings if feels like you are in a secret Istanbul Bar.

It is a good spot to start your night out in Istanbul’s nightlife scene.

Location: Google Maps

Ritim Galata

Ritim Galata is a bar just next to the Galata tower on a narrow street. This famous Istanbul nightlife bar lets you feel the Istanbul heritage with its ambiance. By ambiance, we mean as the bar is really small you usually take your beer in the narrow old streets of Istanbul.

It is a good pre-drink spot with low prices and no dress code. Good spot to start your Istanbul nightlife adventure.

Location: Google Maps

The Corner Irish Pub

Located in the heart of Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district, The Corner is a cozy bar that serves a range of craft beers and cocktails. The bar has a laid-back atmosphere and is a great place to relax and unwind.

It is in just one street parallel to Istiklal Street just across from the British Embassy. As it is on the corner of the street, it is in a vibrant bar spot. While sitting outside, it is a good bar to experience Istanbul’s nightlife scene.

Just have your beer, sit outside and watch people walking. A great people-watching spot in Istanbul nightlife. Also, beers are cheap and you don’t need to dress up. It is a bar spot where you can hang out with your shorts and T-shirts in Istanbul nightlife.

Location: Google Maps

Flekk

Flekk is a local-specific tiny cocktail house with a vibrant Istanbul nightlife scene. It is mostly preferred by locals and hard to come by any tourists.

Wide selection of bar-specific cocktails. It is just next to 45’lik a party venue that specifically plays Turkish songs. That is why Flekk is also a good drinking bar too!

The street where Flekk is located is very crowded for the Istanbul nightlife scene. There are many bars and clubs nearby, so just follow the crowd.

Location: Google Maps

Moretenders’ Cocktail Crib

Located in the heart of Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district, The Cocktail Room is a trendy bar that serves a range of creative cocktails, as well as a selection of wines and beers. The bar has a chic atmosphere and is a popular spot for after-work drinks.

Location: Google Maps

Limonlu Bahce

Limonlu Bahce is a hyper-local bar in Istanbul nightlife. The entrance may seem somewhat dodgy, and in the beginning, you may think you got into the wrong spot. However, don’t worry. You are in the right spot.

It is a garden just behind the buildings, with an open garden. This bar has a wide food menu along with beers and cocktails. Definitely a bar to get drunk and start your adventure in Istanbul nightlife.

Location: Google Maps