Istanbul: Nightlife

Babylon Excellent acoustics ensure that Babylon lands most of the big-name foreign and Turkish bands (Patti Smith, Mercan Dede) to hit town, except in summer when the club closes and migrates to Cesme. Beyoglu/Tunel; Seyhbender Sokak 3; 011-90-212-292-7368; www.babylon.com.tr
trendy | dancing | cover charge | nightclub

Gabile Dancing and drag shows star at this happening gay and lesbian hangout in the heart of Istanbul’s nightlife center. A superb terrace-bar keeps things hopping in this cozy, bi-level space. Beyoglu; Yesilcam Sokak 7; 011-90-538-277-1699; www.gabile.com
gay | nightclub

Harbiye Acik Hava Tiyatrosu During the summer big-name Turkish pop stars like Ajda Pekkan and Tarkan perform in this open air theater, next to the Istanbul Congress Center. Harbiye; 011-90-212-296-3630
live music

Nardis Jazz Club Jazz is the music of the moment in Istanbul and the Nardis, in a cozy historic space, is where the crowds head to listen to the best live music while tucking into pasta. Galata; Beyoglu; Kuledibi Sokak 14; 011-90-212-244-6327; www.nardisjazz.com
jazz | trendy | cover charge | live music

Roxy Slightly scruffy live music venue that grabs an eclectic collection of live offerings ranging from jazz to pop. Beyoglu; Siraselviler Caddesi; Aslanyatagi Sokak 7; 011-90-212-249-128; www.roxy.com.tr
trendy | dancing | cover charge | nightclub

Ulus 29 This superb, late-night restaurant overlooks the Bosphorus from the hills. After dining on Mandarin duck, hit the adjacent Club 29 for dancing. Both establishments were conceived by local nightlife designer Metin Dadillioglu. Ulus Park; Adbab Saygun Caddesi; 011-90-212-358-2929; www.group-29.com
smart splurge | trendy | nightclub