Istanbul Nightlife (Photo by zolakoma)

I think one of my favourite things about frequenting the local bars is that many of the best give you a real insight into the city’s culture. So, even if you’re on an all-inclusive holiday like a cruise (which you can find out more about here), they’re still well worth going to.

Cukurcuma 49

Address: Turnacibasi Sokak 49/A Cihangir

First up is a bar that’s also a restaurant and live music venue. In fact, it’s got a particularly good reputation for its deliciously thin and crispy pizzas. There are a fair few vegetarian toppings on the menu too, which makes this a decent spot for veggies looking for something a bit different to eat.

But, of course, our focus should be on the drinks. The highlight here is the wine, since the bar actually serves up its own, which is bottled on the island of Bozcaada.

Buyuk Londra

Address: Grand Hotel de Londres, Mesrutiyet Caddesi 53, Beyoglu

My next suggestion is in the Grand Hotel de Londres, and it can actually be looked at as two bars. The first, the Lobby Bar, has quite an old-world atmosphere, trying to recapture the bohemian vibe this part of the city was once famous for. Upstairs is the Terrace Bar, which has some great sea views – but bear in mind this is closed in the winter. A good thing about both bars is that they tend not to get crowded, making them a wise choice for a quiet drink.

Zeplin Pub

Address: Moda Caddesi 11, Moda

Zeplin Pub has become a top destination for local beer lovers, thanks to its excellent selection on tap. Those available either on draught or bottled include Leffe, Kasteel and Hoegaarden. Indoors is simple but comfortable, cosy and welcoming, while there’s some decent outdoor seating too, which is perfect for enjoying those warm evenings.

360

Address: Istiklal Caddesi 311, Misir, Apartman floor 8, Beyoglu

360 is one of those venues whose charm lies largely in its location. You see, as it’s located high above street level this bar offers some utterly amazing panoramic views of the city. That said, I don’t want to imply that the drinks here aren’t great, because they are – some of its original cocktails have even won awards – but the scenery is, for me, just as much of a draw as the drinks.

Susam Cafe

Address: Susam Sokak 11, Cihangir

I thought I’d save my personal favourite ’til last. Susam Cafe is a great little venue that has a reputation for being popular among a really diverse clientele – it seems there’s no-one this bar can’t charm. Full of mismatched furniture, Susam Cafe has a really homely, welcoming feel, while still having a buzzing atmosphere. Due to its popularity it gets especially busy on weekends, when you’ll nearly always see the outside seating packed with locals. Be sure to try the cocktails, while there’s also a decent selection of snacks on offer if you get peckish.

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