Istanbul is a city that eats and sleeps late and those wishing to sink a few early drinks without doing so alone must be selective. Beyoglu, the area stretching south down Istiklal Caddesi from Taksim Square is a good place to start. The area itself is rumouredto boast over 950 bars.
Classical Music
Borusan Centre for Culture and Art
This space alternates ‘conceptual' Turkish and international exhibitions, and has an enormous music library and concert space for classical music performances.
Music and Dance
Atatürk Cultural Centre (Atatürk Kultur Merkezi)
The 900-seat Atatürk Cultural Centre is shared by the State Opera and Ballet, the State Theatre and the State Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Istanbul Festivals.
Bars
Dogzstar
Dogsztar was a pioneer of Istanbul's new and youthful nightlife scene. Having grown out of its original home, its has moved to a new address off Istiklal Caddesi, where it continues to be one of the best places in town for a fun Friday or Saturday night with a mixed crowd, live music and DJs playing the latest cutting-edge sounds for a young and hip audience.
Karga
Like Dogsztar, Karga is a much-loved stalwart of the 'new' nightlife scene in Istanbul. However, it is more than a nightspot - during the day, its cool courtyard is a pleasant place for a break from the city heat. After dark, expect local house and techno DJs and visiting bands.
Clubs
Anjelique
When it opened, Anjelique helped to pave the way for a new generation of super-trendy bar-restaurant-dance club venues in Istanbul. Facing serious competition from other contenders, it is still a landmark on the city's nightlife map, with the requisite super view of the city skyline and a slightly less aloof crowd than some of its rivals.
Istanbul is a popular tourist destination, with millions of tourist’s visiting the city every year and this city plays host to a large number of festivals, events and conferences. If you are planning to visit Istanbul, it is a good idea to plan your City Breaks in Istanbul around one of these festivals.
