Best Places to Visit in Istanbul at Night

Few cities have as much historical and cultural context as Istanbul. The Ottoman sultans, whose power spanned several centuries, called this immense metropolis home.

Before them, the Byzantines, who left countless artefacts as a memento of their rule over what was then Constantinople, called it their capital. Istanbul, located at the intersection of Europe and Asia, has grown significantly since the first colony, which was relatively small in area.

Where to Visit in Istanbul at Nights

From 4 to 7 pm, several of Istanbul's most well-known attractions close, including Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, the Grand Bazaar, and Dolmabahce Palace. However, there are many things to do in Istanbul at night, including going to museums. Istanbul's supper options are varied, and Turkish food is well-known worldwide. Istanbul's nightlife is vibrant overall, and dining out is a big part of it. To keep you entertained for how long you decide to stay in this magnificent city, here are the 20 best places to visit in Istanbul at night.

1. Get a Bosphorus Cruise With Dinner

A Bosphorus cruise might be a peaceful way to eat, or it can be romantic. Given that you may select the kind of dinner cruise you want to take, the Bosphorus dinner cruise is the perfect surprise for your partner.

Let us say you have a passion for history and culture. If so, the private yacht you board could transport you to view the sultans' summer residences, which are all the Ottoman palaces that are located on the Bosphorus strait.

All the attractions on the Asian and European sides, including the Ortaköy Mosque and even the Maiden's Tower in the middle, will be visible to you. The Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, or even the Galata Tower may be seen from the seraglio if you are fortunate enough to visit the Golden Horn. Those sights may leave you speechless since seeing Istanbul at night is breathtaking.

A dinner cruise with a Turkish night performance is an alternative. It may also have belly dancers, a whirling dervish display, Turkish music, and enough booze to match the nightlife in Istanbul.

2. Take a Bath in a Turkish Bath

The renowned Turkish bath has a mysterious feeling. After the calming oil massage and energizing body wash, you can feel like an entirely different person. Also, seeing the steam dance around the domes above you is a sublime experience that has captivated both tourists' and residents' imaginations. After a long day of touring, you might find it helpful to unwind at one of Istanbul's hammams (bath), which stay open late.

Turkish bath facilities may be found all across Istanbul. However, Sultanahmet or Beyoğlu are likely to be the most well-known. The oldest Turkish bath in Istanbul, "Çemberlitaş Hamamı," is the greatest! It is located right next to the Grand Bazaar.

It is crucial to understand that there is no need to feel ashamed if you want to experience a Turkish bath. Visitors often want to unwind with a soothing bath and get much-needed skin care. There is no need to worry about your look if you fall asleep in the bath; it is pretty standard!

3. Watch Whirling Dervish Ceremonies

In the 1300s, the whirling dervishes first appeared. They adhere to Rumi's teachings (also known as Mevlana). In 2008, UNESCO declared them a part of the world's cultural heritage. A dinner cruise is one location where you may attend the whirling dervish act as an event. Yet, the Mevlevi Lodges frequently offer the simple whirling dervish ceremony.

The Galata Mevlevihanesi is a fantastic place to observe whirling dervishes. There is a whirling dervishes performance every Sunday at 5 o'clock. Please get your tickets before Saturday afternoon when they go on sale through the museum, as they are rapidly sold out. If a Sunday is out of the question, whirling dervishes perform daily at Hodjapasha in Sirkeci.

4. Enjoy Dining at a Rooftop Restaurant

Nothing is better than a nice pub crawl to get you in the mood for the night if you're searching for activities to do in Istanbul at night (ones that entail a few beverages). In addition, it is among the most significant ways to enjoy Istanbul's nightlife. Hoping in and out of some of the most fantastic pubs and bars while sampling the best Turkish beverages and meze (snacks) is part of a good Istanbul pub crawl.

In Istanbul, several great rooftop pubs provide magnificent city views and are ideal for a date or a night out with friends. These pubs are great for dancing the night away since they frequently include DJs and live music. The majority of rooftop pubs have a dress code, so make sure to dress up a bit.

5. Explore The Luminous Istiklal Street

Istiklal Street is the place to go if you are in Istanbul at night. Istiklal Street, a 1.4-kilometre-long pedestrian avenue that is one of Istanbul's most well-known streets, is also known as the Grand Boulevard of Pera. During the day, many people visit the stores and eateries in this region. You have honestly never seen that many people on a single street!

Istiklal Street is well-known for its nightlife at night. Many restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs are located adjacent to the street. Istiklal Street, which is close to Taksim Square, is a perfect place for individuals who want to experience various forms of nightlife without going too far from the city centre.

In addition, this Istanbul nightlife district is reasonably priced, so even modestly-priced tourists may enjoy it!

6. Ascend the Galata Tower

Climbing Galata Tower is a fantastic choice if you want to take in some of the city's history and architecture while taking in the fantastic views. An elevator takes you to the seventh level of the Tower, but to reach the observation deck, you must go two other flights of steps.

The lift frequently has an extensive daily line, so guests might have to wait an hour. Galata Tower is calmer at night, allowing visitors to enjoy their stay more. The Bosphorus Channel, the Golden Horn, and both of the Asian continents are all visible from the Galata Tower.

It is unquestionably among the top locations in Istanbul to visit at night.

7. Stroll Taksim Square

The centre of Istanbul's thriving nightlife, Taksim Square, is situated on the European side, a steep ascent from the Bosphorus. It is a neighbourhood with several pedestrian-friendly streets, bars, eateries, and lodging.

Taksim Square is the final stop for any bus leaving one of Istanbul's two passenger airports.

Likewise, the bus departs at Taksim Square, where there is also a metro stop if you are travelling from either airport.

Trams are a common way to move around here, but it is also worth investigating the various side streets that branch off the plaza.

8. Book a Restaurant With a View of The Bosphorus Bridge

The stunning Bosphorus Bridge, a 1560-meter-long suspension bridge that links Istanbul's European and Asiatic sides, is one of the city's most recognizable icons that come to life at night.

The bridge and its steel towers become a stunning sight to see at night when they are illuminated. Unfortunately, it is not possible to walk on the bridge. However, you may enjoy the spectacular views in plenty of places.

Many rooftop bars in Ortakoy on the European Side, like Sortie and Ruby, provide breathtaking views. You can also see the Ortakoy Mosque, which is illuminated at night.

Zippline Nakkaştepe Park lies on the Asian side and is close to the Bosphorus Channel. The viewpoint from Çamlıca Hill is likewise quite good. It is more difficult to access because it is higher up. The Çamlıca Mosque, Turkey's largest mosque, is located in this park.

9. Spend Some Time in the Sultanahmet Park

Sultanahmet, Istanbul's historic district, might offer something other than the city's most extraordinary nightlife. Nonetheless, it does boast breathtaking views of some of Istanbul's most significant structures, including the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Even though mosques are not open at night, their exteriors are illuminated.

In addition to being less crowded than during the day, the evening provides a distinctive viewpoint of these historical sites. Sultanahmet Park is the best location to appreciate Istanbul's stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia are both visible at once from this location.

The Hurrem Sultan Fountain, a classic water feature that shines at night, is one of Sultanahmet Park's outstanding features. Because of its light and water performance, which makes the water appear to be dancing, it is also known as the Dancing Fountain.

A fantastic and cost-free activity in Istanbul at night is visiting Sultanahmet Plaza, which has an otherworldly atmosphere and is located in the heart of the city's historic district.

10. Do a Nighttime Food Tour

Maybe your family is with you in Istanbul, or you are among the numerous people who visit this lovely nation alone. In such a scenario, a food tour is ideal for learning about the city's various eateries and meeting new people. Because you sample a range of delicious foods and the walking aids with digestion, a tour is also preferable to a three-course supper. In addition, you have an abundance of Turkish tea.

You will see the best tourist attractions and savour delectable cuisine if you choose the right tour.

11. Try Smoking Hookah in a Hookah Bar

Try smoking hookah in an A Hookah Bar if you want to smell like an authentic Istanbulite. Turkish-speaking for "nargile," hookah lounges are the ideal setting for individuals to mingle, hang out, chat, and simply unwind.

In contrast to conventional nightlife locations like pubs and clubs, hookah lounges are typically cosier, making them ideal for a relaxing evening out.

You can still hang around and enjoy the company even if you do not like shisha. In most cases, a hookah lounge is enjoyable.

12. Visit Ortakoy

Pick up a baked potato, as this is the first time you have seen one by arriving a bit early. Kumpir, or Turkish baked potatoes, are legendary, particularly those from Ortaköy. They are prepared from the daddy of all potatoes and then loaded with so many ingredients that you could find it challenging to carry them. You can leave some time to tour the Ortaköy mosque if you arrive early.

Afterwards, after having a satisfying meal and feeling warm inside, you might want to see the lights on the Bosphorus Bridge. Seeing the lovely colours reflected in the water is always a special night. Seeing the lights of Istanbul at night can be just what you need, whether you are trying to conduct some soul-searching or want an inexpensive romantic date.

13. Observe The Sunset and Maiden's Tower from Uskudar

Go to Uskudar on the Asian side of Istanbul if you are seeking the ideal place to watch the sunset. In addition to its famous fish markets, this beachfront district is home to stylish cafés and pubs.

Visitors to Uskudar typically come to watch Maiden's Tower, a historic tower situated just a few hundred meters from the shores of Uskudar, even if this is different from what people typically do when they arrive.

Maiden's Tower has served in several capacities over the years, including as a lighthouse, a defensive tower, and even a quarantine hospital.

It is now considered to be among Istanbul's top tourist destinations, especially during the gorgeous sunsets!

14. Go to Resturants in Kadikoy

Go bar hopping in Kadikoy if you want to experience Istanbul's nightlife in a less touristy and more authentic way. On the Asian side of Istanbul, in the Kadikoy neighbourhood, there are a few streets with many fantastic pubs.

Tourists may visit several bars and sample the various local delicacies and beverages. You will also be able to experience the more real nightlife here because it is less touristic.

Kadikoy includes lively bars with live music and quieter places to relax with a drink. Moreover, here is our expert advice: the following day, get back early for some of Istanbul's most excellent breakfasts as you heal your hangover.

15. Eat Fish on the Bosphorus's Shores

If a cruise on the Bosphorus does not appeal to you, you may still enjoy this famous canal by dining on fish at one of the many establishments that line its coast. Freshly made bread, salads, olives, and seafood are all served at restaurants. 

The restaurant will not require your table, so there will not be any pressure to eat quickly and leave. So sit back, unwind, and have a special dining occasion. In other parts of the world, hamsi are known as anchovies. They are a seasonal, simple meal that is often gently fried in breadcrumbs and served with a salad; you can try it, too.

Is It Safe to Walk in Istanbul at Night?

Istanbul is generally safe at night as long as you are in the correct areas. Although most of the nightlife areas are relatively safe, you should still be on the lookout for thieves and pickpockets. Istanbul has some unsafe areas, but travellers are unlikely to happen across one merely.

Last Word

Istanbul is a remarkable metropolis that the Bosporus Strait between two continents straddles. This is one of the best cities in the entire world, where you can witness modernism coupled with the city's traditional and numerous historical locations and landmarks. It is a blending pot of several civilizations and ethnic groups. This location is a must-visit for travellers because of the fusion of east and west, history, and the kindness of the locals.

When the sun is gone, Istanbul is a fascinating city to explore. This dynamic city has a ton of alternatives for entertainment, whether you are seeking some of Turkey's most incredible street foods or want to spend an evening with your friends and family at one of the numerous pubs.

In this blog, we introduce you to the 20 best places to visit in Istanbul at night; we hope you enjoy your trip to this lovely city.