Been there | Tips http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. Sultana's Restaurant http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18375 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18375 Lokanta Restaurant http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12277 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12277 Leb-i Derya http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5265 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5265 James Joyce Irish Bar http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5167
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.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5167 Istikal Street http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5095 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5095 Nevi http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5093 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5093 A mixture of history and modernity http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5092 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5092 Reina http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5086 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5086 An evening in Kadikoy http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5080
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.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5080 Roof bar at Ceylan International Hotel http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5055 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5055 Stay in Beyoglu http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1385 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1385