The Best Bars in Istanbul

Bar Gabriel

Bar Gabriel calls itself a neighbourhood bar for cocktails and small bites, first come first served, with no reservations.

Writers Bar

Writers Bar is the modern, speakeasy style bar of Raffles Istanbul in the Zorlu Center. The hotel describes a literature inspired setting that pairs luxury with comfort and elegance, a room of bookshelves, deep armchairs, chandeliers and a long communal table.

Çırağan Bar

Çırağan Bar sits on the entrance floor of Çırağan Palace Kempinski, the palace hotel on the Bosphorus. It offers a refined setting with a collection of premium spirits, signature cocktails and gourmet snacks, built around pre dinner aperitifs to live music. Reservations are not taken, and the dress code is chic casual.

Mathilda's Cocktail Bar

Mikla Bar

Mikla Bar is the roof terrace bar at the top of The Marmara Pera, run alongside the Mikla restaurant. The setting is chic and minimal, with an outdoor pool, a DJ playing mellow music and views over Galata and the old city as the sun sets. Martinis and signature cocktails lead the drinks, backed by a wine list focused on Turkish producers.