Istanbul
ISTANBUL - BEST RESTAURANTS & HIPPEST NIGHT CLUBS
Introduction
Istanbul is the only city in the world situated on two continents, with its infamous Bosporus Strait that separates the European from the Asian part. Cultures, tradition, modern influences, a city with many faces and multiple personalities which most are unveiled after the sun goes down. Yes, it snows in winter and the traffic sucks, but this time machine really goes off in summer, with its wads of rooftop and shoreline spots to chill or party. Young Turks show off with their latest 'toys for boys', whether it be on wheels or in the sea. But climbing up the hills and visiting the Topkapi Palace where Ottoman Sultans and their harems resided to the Hagia Sophia – a part cathedral let you remember where you are.
Night Clubs
Party with the A-listers, the locals and hip crowd in every city.
Here the coolest and best Night Clubs:
Al Jamal/Cahide
Lebanese lust-for-life nightclub. Picture lots of red velvet, tickling feather boa's, opulent bellydancers and schools of bachelorette parties. Traditional Mediterranean music for starters, popping euro hits to sway into the night.
Anjelique
upscale
Address: Muallim Naci Caddesi, Salhane Sokak 5, Ortakoy, Istanbul, Turkey
Opening Hours: May - October. Daily: 6pm – 4am
Web: http://www.istanbuldoors.com/en/
Phone: +90 212 327 2844/5
Waterfront paradise for the tame and fame. Chill out and dine in an all white interior. Majestic view of the starry skyline and Bosphorus. Tons of girls and boys in tight t-shirts by midnight. Pier in front for sea access.
Crystal
afterhour
Address: Muallin Naci Cd 65, 34347 Ortakoy, Istanbul, Turkey
Opening Hours: Wed - Sat: midnight - late
Web: http://www.clubcrystal.org
Phone: +90 212 229 7152
Escape to insanity for natives. Neon tubed walls, stroboscope flashes, a crystal clear sound system and international headliners. A super trendy version of a thundering afterhour club. Drop in time is 4am.
Reina
upscale
Address: Muallim Naci Cd 44, Ortakoy, Istanbul, Turkey
Opening Hours: Daily: 5pm – 4am
Web: http://www.reina.com.tr
Phone: +90 212 259 5919
Gigantic waterfront oasis at the edge of the Bosphorus bridge. An outdoor patio resembling a cruise deck. Fun-filled venue with a crowd as neat as a pin. DJ's play big hits and turk tunes. Dress up and you're good to go.
Samdan
commercial
Address: Nispetiye Cd 30, Etiler, Istanbul, Turkey
Opening Hours: Call to enquire
Web: http://www.etilersamdan.com
Phone: +90 212 263 4898
Beloved home of the local glitterati for more than three decades. Frog legs served in the restaurant, hot chickens on the second floor nightclub. Gone are the paparazzi days, but the place remains a classic. Dress code applies.
Sortie
Summer sizzle at the banks of the Bosphorus. Stunning view, posey crowd. A maze of bars, lounges and dineries that turn into a massive dancefloor after midnight. Rsvp upfront or slip the bouncer a nice bill on the scene.
Ulus 29
Bling wine nursery for the jeunesse dorée. Stylish setting with the city's best bay view! DJ's merge western and oriental beats. Relaxed and cool in summer, sh*t-hot party spot in winter. Club nights on weekends.
* This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm opening hours, door- and reservation policy directly with the club.