Fun and entertainment Istanbul

After a visit to the Eyüp Mosque, do not miss this place, much appreciated by the famous writer, for its view of the Golden Horn from the terrace, and its magnificent interiors. Many people, especially on weekends, the best time is the sunset. No food, but a cold drink, tea or Turkish coffee are welcome. The place has obviously become very touristy and prices are affected, but the magic of the landscape makes you forget everything!

While in Istanbul, you absolutely must attend a ceremony, a real one, of whirling dervishes. Traditional Ottoman and Anatolian dance performances are also offered. The performances take place in a 550-year-old hammam. Flashes are prohibited and of course, silence is required. Drinks and loukoums are free. If you are interested in attending one of these ceremonies, this is the place to go and nowhere else. The best address in the city in the purest tradition.

Open for more than thirty years, Mr. Salim's café is frequented mainly by students and regulars of the neighbourhood. You can sit quietly to smoke a hookah and drink Turkish tea or coffee. In the early morning, people from the neighbourhood buy a simit (sesame bread) and come here to enjoy it with a hot drink. Rug dealers are also installed but no harassment is practiced, on the contrary, it gives a colorful and very pleasant touch to the decor. Somewhere quiet and peaceful.

A dizzy person could easily miss the entrance. Beneath the minarets of Sainte-Sophie, nestled in an old 16th century Koranic school (medrese), the Caferağa, the work of Master Sinan (bust inside), is more than just a tea garden: an art school with shops and exhibitions. Turkish tea, herbal tea or coffee can be taken in the courtyard, where a kind of sarcophagus is enthroned (it would actually be an antique fridge!). The place is really worth the detour, but the staff is not very welcoming and one waits a long time before being served.

Known as the Cat Café, this charming and nostalgic place is one of the first trendy cafés to be established in the popular and picturesque Balat district. After it, many others of the same style have made their way around, but Naftalin K remains the darling. There's not a huge selection but you'll find plenty of snacks and everything is vegetarian: toast, omelets, grape leaves, tost (croque-monsieur with tomato and cheese). Besides the classic Turkish coffee, flavored coffees are offered (cinnamon, cardamom...).

To get there, just leave Sainte-Sophie on the left, walk a hundred meters, and there, below, is a perfect place to smoke a hookah. The waiters are rather funny, one of them invariably comes out with the same joke: "My name is Al Pacino ! " (and there is some truth to it). Every evening, whirling dervishes dance, it is then advisable to stop playing tavla at that time (from 8pm to 10pm). You can also eat there, but the food is rather expensive, without the quality being there.

As its name indicates, you come to the Karaoke to sing. You can choose to exercise your talents in the main room or in one of the private rooms that you will be looking for beforehand (16, 40 and 100 people). Kitsch, retro or fun, it's discussed, but karaoke likes if the ingredients are gathered, which is the case here (the Dj also passes pieces on demand between two singers).

Much nicer to drink a drink than to eat, it is on two floors, Greek style. Music is often French (very popular in Turkey). Chimneys on each floor make the place particularly pleasant in winter. Even spirit, right next door, at the Mosaik Café, a little cheaper perhaps.

A concert room located underneath the Blanco Teras. A good alternative to Babylon: local and international artists (see their site for programming). Some concerts on the ground floor also. They manufacture their beer and the room was built around the drums. Very good atmosphere. Rather lively in winter.

The name is somewhat misleading because there is no terrace... Obviously the atmosphere like all the same, and for this reason all roads and styles of music are offered, but with a preference for electronics, live concerts (local and international groups), guest DJS, evenings.

This bar overlooking the street, but also having a beautiful terrace on the ^3rd floor of this charming building of Beşiktaş, is the one in vogue in Istanbul today. You will find a relaxed preppy atmosphere. Always difficult to find a place, but their homemade cocktails, each one more original than the next, are worth it! The Stambouliotes come here for an afterwork and on weekends this place is even more crowded. For those who are a bit hungry, you will find mini-burgers, sandwiches and salads.

ANY opened in 2014 and quickly became a popular neighbourhood restaurant and bar along the popular avenue of Arnavutköy's seafood restaurants. The interior design remained faithful to the traditional elements of the building, keeping the high ceilings and stained glass above the doors, while adding leather armchairs and round marble tables. The menu offers international dishes, wraps and hamburgers, pasta, pizzas, a good selection of healthy salads and of course grilled meat and fish.

Good address with a terrace on the first floor with a breathtaking view. The place is quite well decorated, in a modern style with industrial tendencies but still keeping a cosy effect. You'll find a wide range of Turkish coffees here, with of course the classic Turkish coffee, but an Ottoman version is also offered. For a change, you can try the mint flavoured coffees or, more commonly, the damla sakızı (mastic gum). For the hungry, there are some burgers and tost (croque-monsieur). The service is pleasant, one spends a good time there.

Its success is such that all Turks know the Vefa Bozacısı ! Boza is a traditional Turkish drink that is best enjoyed in the evening or in winter. Fermented with millet, it has a thick consistency and a coffee-milk colour. Cinnamon and roasted chickpeas are added. The store has been in existence since 1876. It is even claimed that Atatürk came to taste the famous beverage. Let us add that the new generations are drinking this creamy drink less and less. Who knows, maybe fashion will come back?

The Coffee Department is a great place to work. Not only is the coffee very good, but everything is done to make you feel comfortable, with spacious tables and a good wifi connection. If you're feeling peckish, you'll find sweet and savory snacks and sandwiches. Located right next to the Kariye Mosque, you'll be sure to take a stroll around the neighborhood after your day's work or during a well-deserved break. And if you really like its coffee, you can also buy some to take home.

This cocktail bar is not for dancing, but rather for drinking and enjoying a good time with friends. You'll feel as comfortable as if you were at home, standing at the counter or in an armchair, doing as you please. The cocktails are among the best in Istanbul, with forgotten recipes, classics and signatures. You can also meet some great people on the small but welcoming terrace: expats, locals and others passing through, it's an interesting melting pot to discover.

It's a good vantage point as long as you can find room. With its history of over 60 years, the establishment is also known as Asmalı Kahve. A place that has suddenly become fashionable, the clientele has diversified. The youth of the neighborhood enjoy its garden and meet there in the late afternoon. The first customers of the day would be the followers of the mosque. Right next door, the Firuz Ağa Sanat Kahve attracts intellectuals. Very nice as well.