Living in Turkey and Istanbul Nightlife

People move to Turkey to soak up the culture, enjoy the weather and take in the history.  Whilst not every would-be expatriate is interested in what happens after the sun goes down, some very much are!

If you’re getting ready to move to Istanbul you’re going to find quite a few more options for after-hours entertainment than you realised – living in Turkey and the Istanbul nightlife are seriously exciting prospects and ones that increasing numbers of younger expatriates are considering exploring.

Whilst it’s true that Turkey is primarily a Muslim country, Istanbul is an international, cosmopolitan city.  With millions of people of all backgrounds living within its metro area, this is one Turkish destination that does know the meaning of cutting a rug and painting the town red!!

In this article we’ll explore nightlife in Istanbul.  The options for dancing, drinking and enjoying live entertainment are plentiful in this ancient metropolis, in some cases they are more plentiful than many a Westerner can even imagine!

Some of the main choices for enjoying a night of dancing and partying when living in Turkey include:

Traditional.  If an actual Turkish experience is desired, the meyhanes are probably going to be to your liking.  These tavern-type locations serve appetizer type foods known as a meze and a light selection of beer and wine.  Some expatriates report these locations can get a bit rowdy as the night wears on and that they are all the better for that!! 

Another choice involves birahenes.  These tend to follow a more classic bar type style with drinking being more important than the menu selection!  Foreign women are generally tolerated here, but Turkish women generally do not enter.  It is advised that foreign women do not go to birahenes alone simply because they will be stared at.

Eastern clubs.  Belly dancers, Romanian troupes and other eastern attractions are often found across Istanbul as well.  They are easy to find but they are considered a little shady by many expats and natives alike!!

Western clubs.  Holidaymakers and new expatriates are often a little surprised to find that Istanbul is home to a large number of Western-style clubs.  This city is, in fact, gaining quite a reputation for its nightlife thanks to these.  Within Istanbul you will find classic rock bars, discos, cover band bars and even rave, grunge, alternative and techno clubs.  What’s better is that most expatriates say the prices within these tend to be cheaper than in other European destinations.

Many Westerners do not think of Istanbul as a city that would have a large and thriving nightlife.  If you’re planning to pick up and move to live in Turkey’s most fascinating city you’re in for a rather big but positive shock!  Drinking and dancing establishments in Istanbul are in abundance and they tend to stay open until the wee small hours of the morning…