Bars in Istanbul

Albura Kathisma sits on Akbıyık Caddesi in Istanbul's historic Cankurtaran quarter, close to Sultanahmet but with a neighbourhood feel that sets it apart from the area's more tourist-facing venues. It works best for couples or small groups who want to eat within the old city's fabric. Easy to book, and worth contacting directly to confirm table arrangements for parties of four or more.

Araf is a small, local-feeling bar on Balo Sokak in Beyoğlu, better suited to a date or quiet drinks than a large group night out. The room is intimate and fills fast on weekends, so arrive early. A solid choice if you want a genuinely neighbourhood feel in Istanbul's busiest bar district rather than a tourist-facing venue on İstiklal.

Aret'in Yeri is one of Nevizade Sokak's enduring meyhanes in Beyoğlu, built around rakı and traditional meze rather than cocktails. If you want to drink the way Istanbul actually drinks, this is the right address. Walk-ins are easy and the format is straightforward: order rakı, order meze, and stay as long as the table allows.

Beyoğlu is Istanbul's most visited entertainment district — high on atmosphere, variable on individual venue quality. For groups or special occasions, it works best with advance reservations at a specific venue rather than a walk-in strategy. Cross-reference Pearl's Istanbul guides before booking to find the right spot inside the district for your occasion and group size.