Istanbul Vibrant Night Life Alley Scene in Beyoglu

Although Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country, it is first and foremost a secular country. Secularism however is not really strictly enforced which is why, amongst many other things, the EU has not totally warmed up to the realistic idea of the country joining the union. Still, Turkey enjoys much freedom and less stigma when it comes to adapting western hedonistic lifestyles as compared to other Muslim countries in the region.

I have only been to Istanbul and several parts of the Turkish Riviera and I can say that it is quite open. I do not have to cover myself up as a woman. And alcohol is sold mostly everywhere.

Now that goes to say that the night life scene in Istanbul is very much alive and you can find this in the neighbourhood that never sleeps -- Beyoglu. This is the hilly part across the bridge from the old historical city where you can see the Galata Tower rising above the pile of old buildings. When Fatih, the older sister city closes down, Beyoglu her younger sister wakes up.

So what’s great about Beyoglu in the evening? Where to go?

Istiklal Street – This pedestrian shopping street is open even way past midnight. Yup, midnight shopping! This street is so full of people especially in the weekend, it is crazy. Just walking up and down this street will give you an exhilarating experience.

Nevizade Street – The most popular alley in Beyoglu. The small street is lined with outdoor cafes and restaurants, and located just off Istiklal Street. It is very near to the Galatasaray Market and the Flower Passage.

Rooftop bars – These bars are usually overlooking the Bosphorus. I did not go rooftop bar hunting in the evening because I find it too limited. It is also not me to go to these kinds of places. I did not want to get stuck alone inside an establishment with highly strung strangers. However, I have been to one of the popular and chic rooftop bars during lunch, if that counts =). The 360 Istanbul transforms into a zippy club when dusk falls.

And lastly, the ALLEYS!

There are many small alleys around the perimeter of Istiklal Street which are full to the brim with bars and cafe terraces, often called as meyhanes in Turkish. Many of these meyhanes double up as shisha lounges. Some of them sell alcohol while others not, although I have to say that you can get alcohol everywhere in Istanbul easily. I have seen locals consuming alcohol casually as well so I really do not know about Islam forbidding this, unless these people are not? Raki anyone?

Nevertheless, it is still very typical to see local men hanging out together drinking tea at night and blowing shisha pipes. And there is not a single sight of alchol on the table.

Speaking of shisha, I have tried this before when I was in Jordan, which interestingly they call there hubbly bubbly. Honestly, I am not really that impressed with this water pipe phenomenon. It was great for the experience I guess, but it did not have anything in common with me.

Let me also add that the night life scene in Istanbul is very local and tourists are still a minority. The Istanbulites definitely have a vibrant night life scene in their city!

You will find the pedestrian shopping street – Istiklal Caddesi on the map below.

You can see many bars and cafes (meyhanes) around it on the tiny alleys. I am sure many are not even listed here in Google Maps, but these bars and cafes form a great entertainment and hanging out ground for Istanbul’s night life scene in Beyoglu.

The pictures below will show you what these alleys look like.

You can see the sisha pipe stands out on the streets.

This is a more modern bar cafe on the alley.

Some of the alleys look a bit seedy bit it does not give you a scary feeling. It is safe and there are many women everywhere, locals and visitors alike.

Travel Period: May 2015
Destination: Beyoglu, Istanbul (Marmara), Turkey

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