If you’re looking for a city that never sleeps, look no further than Istanbul. Due to its international reputation, you may not realize that Istanbul nightlife is always thriving. There is certainly no shortage of places to visit and things to do in this vibrant and bustling metropolis, even after the sun goes down. From buzzing nightlife districts to atmospheric cafes and restaurants, there’s something for everyone in Istanbul at night.
No trip to Istanbul is complete without exploring the city’s amazing nightlife.
While there will be some days when you explore so much of what there is to do in the city that you come home exhausted, there will be other days when you’re ready to get out and party (or cruise or shop) the night away.
You’ll also get to see some of Istanbul’s most beautiful neighbourhoods come alive with locals and visitors. Don’t miss the flavours, lights and fun you can experience when the sun goes down in this famous Turkish city.
Enjoy A Turkish Bath
After a long day of countless sightseeing, there is no better way of relaxing in the evening than taking a Turkish bath.
The Turkish bath or Hammam is a legend and famous activity in Turkey, so you’ll be able to find a number of hammams. And since most Hammans are open till 10 or 11 pm, taking a Turkish bath is one the best things to do in Istanbul at night.
Since there are many Hammans in Istanbul, you can just hop into any hotel that offers the service, but if you want to make even your experience better, opt for the historical one.
Book a Bosphorus Cruise with Dinner
A Bosphorus cruise can be romantic or just a relaxing way to enjoy a meal. The Bosphorus dinner cruise is the perfect gift as you can choose the type of dinner cruise you wish to go on.
Suppose you’re interested in culture and history. In that case, the private yacht you embark upon may take you to see the summer houses of the sultans: i.e., all the Ottoman Palaces that are on the Bosphorus strait.
You’ll get to see all the sights on the Asian and European sides, such as the Ortaköy Mosque or even the Maiden’s Tower in the center. If you’re lucky, you may even travel up to the Golden Horn to see the sights on the seraglio, such as the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, the Hagia Sophia, or even the Galata Tower. All of those sites may take your breath away as Istanbul at night is something to be marveled at.
Casino
Take a casino tour from Istanbul to Svilengrad, which is just a two-hour drive away. Svilengrad has more than 20 casinos, and you can enjoy some free time in any of those casinos.
This is a great way to spend the night in Istanbul, especially for those who love casinos. An air-conditioned vehicle will drive you around, and you get free snacks and beverages.
Istanbul Sapphire
The Istanbul Sapphire observation deck provides an unrivalled view of the city. It's on top of Europe’s 2nd-tallest building, which stands at a whopping 238 metres. The observation deck is open until 10 pm, making it a wonderful spot for a sunset or night view of the city's iconic sites, rivers and bridges.
You don't need a reservation to visit the Istanbul Sapphire observation deck. Other attractions at the deck include a cafe and restaurant, as well as a 4D SkyRide adventure that simulates flying above the city. The Istanbul Sapphire is an unmissable photo-op and a popular attraction for families.
Dance at a Rooftop Bar
There are some fantastic rooftop bars in Istanbul and they offer stunning views of the city – perfect for a romantic night or an evening with friends. Many of these bars have DJs and live music, so they’re perfect for dancing the night away
Be sure to dress up a bit, as most rooftop bars have a dress code.
Smoke a Bit of Shisha
While you can find great Hookah bars all over the
Balkans, there is something special about smoking shisha in Istanbul – though you should call it a nargile instead of a hookah when you’re in Turkey.
Visit The Pera Museum
Located in Beyoglu district in close proximity to the Taksim square, Pera museum is one of the leading private art museums in Istanbul.
The museum has a number of art collections from Oriental painting collection, Kutahya tiles and ceramic collection to Anatolian Weights and measures collection.
The museum also has a cafe to enjoy either the famous Turkish tea or coffee and an Artshop to purchase some pieces of artwork you might have liked.
Istanbul Dervish Ceremony
The Istanbul Dervish Ceremony is a civic centre that hosts whirling dervish shows. Located in Fatih, the venue offers a great chance to experience traditional clothing, history, music, and dance all at once. The movements are not intended to be a dance but a form of meditation or devotion by a religious group, the Sufi Dervishes.
Enjoying a show provides the unique opportunity to share the Dervishes' culture and get lost in their fascinating ritual. You can catch whirling dervish shows all over the city, but the best performances are rooted in tradition. Other great spots include the Hodjapasha theatre and the Galata Mevlevihanesi Museum.
Turkish Night
Wondering what to do in Istanbul at night? Immerse in an evening of traditional music and dancing over dinner. During a typical night in Istanbul, you will see brightly lit mosques but this experience is so much different, as you can watch and take pictures of a rhythmic lively dance while savoring Turkish fare. And there’s more; as you get to drink great wine and enjoy a four course dinner.
Relax on your chair for an alluring and exciting show. Get ready to watch a traditional Anatolian folk group play festive music and glimmering belly dancers perform. Do not forget to record a video or snap pictures of the performances as they are uniquely Turkish and fond memories to look back on.
