6 Best Nightlife in Beyoğlu, Istanbul

This top-notch performance space is housed in the headquarters and cultural center of the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV), one of the city's most important arts organizations. The concert lineup for this intimate venue features both local and international acts spanning a wide range of genres, including jazz, rock, alternative, and world music.

A sixth-floor bar and lounge, Balkon has excellent views of the Golden Horn and a laid-back outdoor deck atop the By Murat Crown Hotel. Drink prices are reasonable compared to those at most other rooftop bars in the area.

A hip spot in the Cihangir neighborhood, Geyik is known for its well-balanced, expertly prepared cocktails. It can get crowded on weekends, with patrons often spilling out onto the sidewalk.

One of Istanbul's few dedicated jazz venues, the well-regarded Nardis Jazz Club hosts mainly Turkish musicians, with the occasional big name from abroad. The cozy, intimate space only has room for 110, so reservations are strongly recommended.

On a narrow street lined with basic beer joints and meyhanes serving mostly identical food menus, Şahika offers something more unusual. The lively, multistory venue has a different concept and ambience on each level, ranging from a pub atmosphere on the street level to casual lounge areas on the middle floors to a clublike vibe on the terrace, which also has excellent views of the Golden Horn.

This intimate, dimly lit wine bar near Galatasaray Square has a long, mostly Turkish wine list and a knowledgeable staff to guide you through it.