Cocktail bar by Jose Fernandez-Pixabay

10 Best Lesbian Bars in Istanbul


 

Istanbul, Turkey is a popular tourist destination for many reasons. It is home to breathtaking historic sites and landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, amazing architecture, tasty Mediterranean food, and trendy nightlife. When you’ve strolled through the street, shopped for some Turkish souvenirs, checked into a museum or a hotel for some Turkish food, and the night falls, a refreshing beer at a bar is welcome. Lesbian or gay travelers need not worry too much since it is legal to be homosexual in Turkey.

However, open public displays of affection may not be as tolerated in various parts of the city. The Beyoglu district is home to most of the LGBTQ-friendly spaces, and even exclusively lesbian bars and clubs. While the latter are not too many, you’ll still find a safe space that’s welcoming of the LGBTQ community around. Some of these are located near Taksim Square in Beyoglu. The nightlife begins at 10 pm or midnight and lasts till morning. We have compiled 10  of the best bars to check out if you’re a lesbian traveler looking to have fun and freely be yourself in Istanbul.

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Bigudi Club

Image by Helena Yankovska-Unsplash

Established in 2008, Bigudi Club is the first exclusively lesbian bar in Istanbul. You’ll feel comfortable, and have fun at the same time. With an incredible round of DJs, a lively dance scene, great drinks, and a warm, welcoming crowd, Bigudi offers an amazing experience for LGBTQ travelers. Although the indoor space can be said to be relatively small, the terrace is beautiful, and the cozy atmosphere makes up for it. Prices here are however relatively on the higher side, especially for tourists, so come prepared to dig deep into your pocket. The establishment also requires a reference to allow entry.

Practical Information
Address: Bigudi Club, Sehit Muhtar Mahallesi, Mis Sokak No:5, 34437, Turkey
Call: +90 535 509 09 22
Open: Wednesday-Sunday 9 pm to 3 am
Website

Love Dance Point

Image by Anthony Delanoix-Unsplash

Looking for an energy-filled bar to dance the night away over drinks and great company? Love Dance Point is an LGBTQ-friendly bar popular for its dance scene, and you can tell from its name. Fun is an understatement when describing the experience here, and they mostly play Turkish music although electronic and western pop features too. The downside here is that the place can get quite crowded late at night since it’s a relatively small space. You have to pay an entrance fee as well, but the great thing is, you can have drinks on the ticket they give you after paying. Smoking is also allowed inside the bar, so beware if you’re allergic to cigarette smoke.

Practical Information
Address: Ergenekon Mh, Cumhuriyet Caddesi/Hastane No:349, 80270 Istanbul, Turkey
Call: +90 212 232 56 83
Open: Friday & Saturday 9 pm to 3.30 am
WEBSITE

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Chianti Pub

Image by Jonas Jacobsson-Unsplash

Located in the Beyoglu district, Chianti doubles as a café by day and a bar by night. It is LGBT friendly with a diverse but welcoming crowd. Although the drinks are on the higher side, the amazing music and karaoke nights are a huge plus to the experience. The atmosphere is quite laid back though, with the music toned down to allow conversations. You can therefore comfortably mingle and chat over a drink, and make new friends. They also have parking spaces and they accept credit cards.

Practical Information
Address: Huseyinaga, Kameriye Sk, 34435 Beyoglu/Istanbul, Turkey
Call: +90 541 629 89 70
Open: Monday-Sunday 5 pm to 4 am

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Tekyon Club

Image by Jose Fernandez-Pixabay

Tekyon is the largest gay and LGBTQ-friendly bar in all of Istanbul, offering daily entertainment and fun times. Located near Taksim Square, it is also one of the most advanced clubs in town and has been in operation for 15 years now. It features modern décor, fun stage shows, great music, a lively dance scene, and of course, amazing drinks for a good price. If you’re into Turkish mixes, you’ll enjoy a music night out at Tekyon. The place receives both English and Turkish patrons, so finding an English speaker shouldn’t be impossible. It also does not charge an entrance fee unlike most bars around.

Practical Information
Address: Cihangir, Siraselviler Cd. No: 63/C, 34433 Beyoglu/Istanbul, Turkey
Call: +90 531 522 69 63
Open: Monday-Sunday 8.30 pm to 3.30 am
WEBSITE
 

Lost Pub

Image by Marcela Laskoski-Unsplash

By now you know Taksim is where nightlife in Istanbul is at a climax. Lost Pub is located right there, and both locals and tourists come here to party and hang out till dawn. It has a mixed crowd, and it is LGBTQ friendly. Popular for its lively after-party sessions, it makes a great spot to hop in with your friends for a night out. Begin the experience by having drinks downstairs, then top it all up by partying on the rooftop. The music DJ hardly stops, and they regularly host parties all week. Prices are reasonably fixed. It is pretty spacious, but it can get crowded late at night.

Practical Information
Address: Sehit Muhtar, Bekar Sk. No: 23, 34435 Beyiglu/Istanbul, Turkey
Call: +90 546 687 80 84
Open: Monday-Sunday 3 pm to 5 am

Super Fabric

Cocktails by Ben Landers-Pixabay

Located near the Consulate General of India office, this is an LGBTQ-friendly bar and club. It is relatively small in terms of space, so dancing maybe not be particularly your go-to activity here when it gets crowded. Its refreshing cocktails are one of its major highlights, and although the prices are on the higher side, it does seem like a good deal. You also pay an entrance fee, like many other touristy clubs in Istanbul. Music is great, especially if you don’t mind a Turkish rap vibe all night. They have fun drag and belly dancing shows regularly, so be sure to check their website for the lineups.

Practical Information
Address: Harbiye Mah. Cumhuriyet Cad, Elmadag Cd. No:42, 3500 Sisli, Istanbul
Call: +90 530 848 52 52
Open: Wednesday to Sunday 11 pm to 5 am
WEBSITE

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Pinokyo Bar

Pinokyo has been in operation since 2011, curating a safe space for the LGBTQ community in Istanbul. The crowd is however diverse, given that the bar is not exclusively gay and lesbian.  It is conveniently located on the popular Istiklal Street, so you shouldn’t have a hard time finding it. It features massive entertainment choices, including drag shows, DJ performances, belly dancers, and themed music nights such as Latino night. The drinks are great, tasty, and in plenty, and the prices are reasonably moderate. Catch a party on set nights, or just pull up for some cold drinks on a slow night.

Practical Information
Address: Katip Mustafa Celebi, Mh. Istiklal Cd, Buyuk Parmakkapi Sk.No 19, 34433 Beyoglu/Istanbul
Call: + 90 533 039 58 75
Open: Monday-Sunday 6 pm to 5 am

Mor Kedi

Image by Kelsey Chance-Unsplash

Just a few meters off the Taksim Metro Station lies Mor Kedi Bar, a locals’ favorite which is equally frequented by tourists. It is located on the third floor, above the Tibestan restaurant. It is LGBTQ friendly, and both the staff and the mostly young crowd here are accommodating. The atmosphere is quite laid back, and the place makes a great fit for an easy, chill evening over a drink or two. They serve tasty small bites as well, so you don’t have to wait until the next café to beat your hunger. You can have it all here, delicious Mediterranean food and amazing drinks for the night.

Practical Information
Address: Katip Mustafa Celebi, Ipek Sk. No.16. 34433 Beyoglu/Istanbul
Call: +90 537 037 20 65
Open: Monday-Sunday 11 am to 2 am

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DRAFT Gastropub-Caddebostan

This club has several locations, but the one in Caddebostan makes the list for this one. It is a charming, welcoming, and accommodating bar, attracting the LGBTQ community for a good time in a safe, friendly space. The menu offers craft beers at reasonable prices, and a variety of dishes for your palate before the night kicks in. Most dishes are American, so you’ll be sure to find some hamburgers, nachos, or chicken wings on your plate. DRAFT is strategically located in the breathtaking Caddebostan area, popular for its Bagdat shopping street. If you’re in the mood for some souvenir shopping before grabbing some drinks, then this is just the right spot for both.

Practical Information
Address: Caddesbostan, Bagdat Cd. 349/D, 34728 Kadikoy/Istanbul
Call: +90 216 467 29 31
Open: Monday-Sunday 12 pm to 12.30 am
website

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Rocinante Café Bar

Live music by Bobby Hendry-Unsplash

Interestingly, this bar used to operate mainly as a lesbian bar, but it now attracts a diverse crowd. Either way, you can be sure to have a great time just being yourself here since everyone is friendly. The bar is quite lively, offering live entertainment music, and themed shows every other night. Meet new people as you sip some vodka, then dance the night away before checking out. The bartenders are quick and friendly, and the overall vibe here is laid back but fun. The prices are reasonably fixed.

Practical Information
Address: Sehit Muhtar, Ogut Sk. No: 6, 34435 Beyoglu/Istanbul
Call: +90 537 571 33 08
Open: Monday-Sunday 12 pm to 4 am

While nightlife in Istanbul is one of the most thriving scenes in the city, there’s so much more to explore for travelers. The historic center of Sultanahmet district for example will leave you awestruck with breathtaking sites such as the Roman-era hippodrome, sending all who tour through the city back in time.  For exquisite guides through the gems of Istanbul by day, check out our tours  here and happy travel!

 

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