A great place to watch an authentic folklore and dance show and for dinner. Very happy and friendly atmosphere.

On Cumhuriyet Caddesi, 10 min walk from Taksim Square towards Hilton.

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With lamb shank with pomegranate and tomato salsa, and cognac chocolate pot on their menu, this is the place to be for a taste of Istanbul's fusion offering. This one stands out in the trendy Beyoglu neighbourhood and is a bar and restaurant, so perfect to start a night out. For a 3 course dinner with wine, it came to £26 a head and was excellent value.

Mesrutiyet Cad. No. 149/1, Tepebasi Tel: (212) 245 60 70

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One of the best views of Istanbul, nice service and food. It's kind of expensive but just go and drink a cup of tea or a glass of wine, because you'll never forget the view.

www.lebiderya.com/en/ana.htm

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Every city has an Irish bar (or several), and this one isn't at all bad, and for those who can't get into the swing of the disintegrating chaos of Istanbul, this is a good bolt-hole.

It is based in an Irish Cultural Centre,just off Istikalal Street (Tram Street, leading from Taksim Square) has a lively basement club called U2 and two other bars (the Lemon Tree and the Sports Bar).

It was pretty lively when Ireland beat South Africa in 2005, (or was it 2004?) friendly staff, who are generously vague about the dollar price of Guinness, and decent Irish pub food. Watch out when leaving, a friend was mugged in the rather seedy street outside, and on another night there was a serious knives and bottles gang fight on the next corner.

Istiklal Cad. Hüseyinaga Mah,
Balo Sok. No.26 Beyöglu
Istanbul 80070;
tel : 224 20 13

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Street in Taksim? If your answer is no, you should take time to see it. It’s a great place to people watch. In addition, there are buildings from the Ottoman period, bookstores, consulates, exhibitions, bars and cafes.

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This place is spread over three floors. If you want a relaxing drink, Nevi is your place.

Nevizade Street in Taksim

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Istanbul mixes history and modernity. You can go to Topkapi Palace if you are interested in history and at night you can visit Reina and Mojito for a wonderful nightlife. There are lots of perfect nightclubs such as Mojito/Levent and Reina/Ortaköy and historical places such as Sultan Ahmet Mosque/Sultan Ahmet.

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Where Istanbul’s beautiful people come to be seen. Pricey and pretentious but a sumptuous bankside setting beneath the Bosphorus bridge.

www.reina.com.tr

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To escape from the crowds in Sultanahmet and/or Taksim why not spend an evening (or two) on the Asian side of the city? Hop on a ferry from Eminonu, Karakoy or Besiktas and get off at Kadikoy.

For a great, quality meal of meze and grilled meat or fish head for the restaurants opposite the ferry terminal. Olympiat I and II are particularly good with muscle-bound waiters wobbling under trays piled high with a bewildering selection of hot and cold appetizers.

Only a short walk away (admittedly uphill) you can find a whole street of bars, full of the young, trendy and beautiful. Particular highlights are Isis (possibly Istanbul's only Egyptian theme bar) and Masal Evi (fairy house) a haven for couples.

When you're done, the hotels of Taksim are only a dolmus ride away, or taxi for the heavier of wallet.

Kadikoy - opposite the ferry terminal and then off Bahariye Caddesi

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The bar at the top of Ceylan International Hotel is wonderful for sipping classy cocktails while watching the Bosphorus. It’s especially great at night when, because the hotel is high enough to avoid the city’s lights, the only lights that pierce the darkness of the sea are those of the ferries and the floodlights of the mosques and palaces. Drinks are not cheap by Turkish standards but then neither is the view.

The hotel is towards Harbiye from Taksim Square

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Beyoglu District, is the most cosmopolitan area of Istanbul. Full of shops, bars and restaurants. Definitely the best area to stay and then get taxis out to the various sights like the Haghia Sofia and Topkapi Palace.

See this link for a taste of the district www.turkeytravelplanner.com/WhereToGo/Istanbul/Sights/Beyoglu/

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