Karaköy, Nightlife & Rooftop Bars

Karaköy

Karaköy is Istanbul's most up-and-coming district — the former port area at the foot of the Galata Tower has transformed in just a few years into a hotspot for creativity, gastronomy, and design. Old warehouses have been converted into galleries, cafés, and boutiques. Here you find the Istanbul of the young generation: third-wave coffee, craft beer, designer shops, and an art scene that plays on an international level.

• Istanbul Modern: Turkey's most important museum for contemporary art — new building by Renzo Piano right on the Bosporus. Turkish and international contemporary art. Admission: 12€.
• Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam: Istanbul's most beautiful historic hamam (1580, by Sinan!) — lavishly restored and reopened as a luxury hamam. Complete package (scrub + massage): 60–80€. The experience is worth every cent.
• SALT Galata: Cultural center in a magnificent former bank building — exhibitions, library, and a café with one of the city's best interiors. Admission: free.

Nightlife

Istanbul's nightlife is legendary, diverse, and late. The night begins with Meze and Raki in a Meyhane, continues through cocktail bars, and ends (perhaps) at dawn.

• Meyhane Culture: The traditional Meyhane is Istanbul's soul: A tavern where Meze (cold and warm appetizers) and Raki (aniseed spirit, mixed with water to become milky-white) are served, often with live music (Fasıl). The best Meyhanes: Asmalımescit and Nevizade Street (Beyoğlu). Expect 20–40€/person (Meze + Raki + fish).
• Rooftop Bars: Istanbul is a rooftop city — the terraces above the roofs offer views that are second to none. The best: Mikla (fine dining + bar in the Marmara-Pera Hotel), 360 Istanbul (İstiklal), 5. Kat (Beyoğlu), Leb-i Derya (Bosporus view). Cocktails: 10–18€.
• Craft Beer & Cocktails: In Karaköy and around the Galata Tower, new bars are constantly emerging: craft beer at Bira Fabrikası, cocktails at Under (speakeasy bar behind a door without a sign).