Navigation among the calling touts of Istanbul’s Nevizade area is not an easy thing to do. The selection of restaurants and bars is vast, and you don’t even have to look for fish and mezze to eat, or beer and raki to drink – they will look for you, thanks to the multi linguistic waiters.

Nevizade is very crowded on weekends, even by Istanbul standards, but not all the city’s nightlife is equally amusing. I usually head to Peyote, located on a side alley to the main street of Nevizade, where amusingly enough it’s not a question of managing a tout, but more to convince the doorman to actually let one in.

Peyote doesn’t accept men only groups or male individuals on weekends. They believe women will be able to control otherwise uncontrollable men, and don’t give a damn whether you are a regular, a foreigner, sober or well dressed. Guys only groups cannot enter. Period!

If you are a man who doesn’t have female company, you can try to sneak in with a group who does, or try to convince any female coming in or out or passing by, to accompany you through the door. Once inside the GT’s on the roof top terrace are a pleasant, but strong reward. It’s the genuine and relaxed atmosphere on the roof that has earned Peyote its name among Turks in their 20’ies and 30’ies and expat residents.

Peyote, Kalyoncukulluk Caddesi. No. 42, Beyoglu, Istanbul

Go further: Read Mashup Culture's guide to the best roof top bars (including Peyote) in Istanbul here.

Cahide is probably your most unexpected experience in Istanbul. It’s yet another of the city’s well kept secrets, this time hidden in Macka Park, below Taksim Square, where a fabulous drag show takes stage.

The drag queens are a peculiar mix of artists in all sizes, some of them more fascinating by their big bellies than by their dress and some probably better performers than singers.

So what make the show such a marvellous experience, is not the artists themselves, but the combination of drags and the huge enthusiasm by the audience. The age of the spectators vary from youngsters in their early 20’ies to seniors of 60 or 70 years, and despite the fact that Turkey to a large extend is considered intolerant towards sexual minorities, the crowd has nothing but love and affection for the drags.

After their show, they are treated like rock stars when they circle the floor to collect hugs and have their pictures taken with members of the audience. The cabaret also features some of the city’s best belly dancers and other shows, but they all remain a side act to the drags.

Cahide, Kadirgalar Caddesi, Macka Parki, Macka, Istanbul. The show is only on in winter

On hot summer nights in Istanbul, a key element is a possibility for open air, with spectacular views and a cool breeze. The following 5 places are a variety of Istanbul spots, where the rooftop adds great value.

Dogzstar

Dogzstar (www.) is run by people who are passionate about live music and giving their costumer new experiences. The first small version of Dogzstar was in a small back alley and was one of the only truly underground styled music clubs and bars in the city.

The upgrade to the new Dogzstar brought along a large dancefloor, a great live stage and a rooftop terrace overlooking the city. In the above image you can see the Galatasaray High School and the 360 Club in the upper right area. 

The terrace is decorated like a red light district brothel and in the very late night with many Dogz Juice's and Efe's beers under the belt, naughty girls and boys live it up like the there was no tomorrow.

Dogzstar has been showcasing many of Istanbul's best DJ's, such as the above DJ Taylan. However, the main focus is on live music and finding young new talent that usually has a hard time finding spots where they showcase new talent. It is located on Kartal Sokak no.5 right off the main walking street Istiklal, close to the Galatasaray Square.

360 Istanbul

Essentially it is all about the view at 360 Istanbul on Istiklal Caddesi, but South African-born chef Mike Norman's global cuisine also takes you to higher grounds. The cherry marinated duck might just be some of the best duck I ever had. It brought back memories of childhood Christmas dinners and while overlooking the city sipping some of the delightful house wine it is worth every Lira you spend. Yes, it is rather expensive! 

The inside restaurant is a lively area where they in the evening showcase live music, DJ's and local talent.

Find out more about 360 here. 

Peyote 

At Peyote you don't need to take it (...peyote that is) to get high, they actually have a lovely rooftop with a small bar. Peyote also have a small kitchen where they make great snacks and other eatable things that go perfect with an Efes beer and a shared bottle of Raki. 

Peyote is also one of the Istanbul's main spots for live music and most of the city's music scene plays here on a regular basis. One of the house bands are Replikas, that can be seen in the above poster.

Balance Tonique 

Balance Tonique is a club venue with both DJ's and live music. It is located in the heart of Istanbul's main club- and bar area around Balo Street. You have a great view over the below street or the stars and half moon in the sky above from the large outdoor bar area while mingling with the lovely loyals.  

The place is also known for its special theme nights, including Michael Jackson karaoke nights and record label events with international known live acts.

Araf 

Getting its name from the imaginary land between Heaven and Hell, Araf is a hot spot for live Balkan Beat, Gypsy music, Oriental Blues, Turkish Folk and pop music on a rotating schedule. There are also DJ's in the weekends playing everything from salsa to hip hop and from Balkan rhytms to punk. It is jam packed and you can be sure that dancing is a key element at this little gem of a place, of course also with an open air option on Balo Street 32.

It’s hard to be bored in Istanbul – the city is full of small, sly spots, restaurants transforming into clubs and lots of very hip places that can easily compete with their Mediterranean equivalents in St. Tropez. In the summer, the most intense nightlife takes place outdoors on huge roof terraces with spectacular views over the city and the water.

There are lots of places to go out and party – seek out the small side streets around Istiklal Caddesi, where you will easily get in the party mood. Check out:

360º

Istiklal Caddesi is one of the cooler alternatives to the Bosporus clubs. (SEE “GO EAT”)

360,
Istiklal Caddesi, 32/309, Mısır Apt., 8th floor
www.360istanbul.com

Babylon

The city’s top venue for live music, guitar bands and international DJs.

Babylon,
Seyhbender Street 3, Tünel
www.babylon.com.tr

Nardis Jazz Club

Is the best place to get a sample of Istanbul’s surprisingly thriving jazz scene.

Nardis Jazz Club,
Kuledibi Sok 14, Galata
www.nardisjazz.com

Yesil Ev Beer Garden

In Sultanahmet you will find Yesil Ev Beer Garden, a perfect spot for hanging out after sightseeing and as a warm-up to partying, while looking out at the minarets of The Blue Mosque.

Yesil Ev Beer Garden,
Kabasakal Caddesi 5

Blackk Istanbul

One of the new and hip places in the city with a view of the Bosporus. The place houses three different concepts under the same roof: the Blackk restaurant, the Blackk Club and Levendis Tavern, which is located on the balcony.
You must go here for partying. If you order a bottle of Absolut Vodka, it will be served in a disco ball.

Blackk Istanbul,
Muallim Naci Cad. 119
www.blackk.net

By Mette Lomholdt