Gay Local Tips in Istanbul

Discover Istanbul like an Insider

Saad is an engaging and caring host from Istanbul. He loves hosting and he loves this city that straddles two continents. Get to know Istanbul with his tips. Explore Istanbul. Experience your pride.

How gay-friendly is your city? What’s gay life like there?

According to the statistics Istanbul is listed among the safest metropolises in the world. Being gay and living in Istanbul is a normal thing. This city would welcome you no matter what is your gender, race or sexuality. Especially if you are a foreigner visiting the city, you will find the locals very friendly and warm. You will notice how gay-friendly this city is when you see the LGBT flags on the windows of the cafes, and bars. Istanbul also has its own gay nightlife. Many Gay clubs, Bars, Cafes, and Hammams. these places are totally safe and secure. All these places are always full of gays and no one has caused them any kind of issues.

What are the best gay events that take place in your city each year?

The gay events and activities have become more visible since the late '80s. The number of gay venues increased rapidly in recent decades. Vicinity of Taksim quarter of Beyoglu town on the European side of Istanbul is where almost all major gay venues are located. In fact, this district is the center of nightlife in general. There are many gay bars, night clubs, gay-friendly saunas and Turkish baths around Taksim. There are also a number of clubs exclusively for transvestites and transsexuals and their admirers around Taksim neighborhood. Indeed, gay life in Istanbul is very colorful and vibrant. Istanbul is hosting gay pride parade every year since the early 2000s, which is one of the biggest LGBT gatherings in Eastern Europe. There are several LGBT solidarity groups in Istanbul, including Lambda Istanbul, SPoD and Istanbul LGBT. Lambda Istanbul is the first gay and lesbian organization of Turkey.

Here is some of the events:

1- NEW YEAR PARTIES IN GAY BARS AND CLUBS ISTANBUL

The night of the new year's Eve (December 31st) is the busiest time of the year in all night clubs all over Turkey and the same goes for gay bars and clubs as well. Therefore, it is automatically a party time. Most gay clubs organize some kind of shows on that night such as GoGo boys, drag performances, male belly dancers and the like. The clubs usually advertise what they will do on their social media pages several weeks before.

2- HAPPY "BAYRAM" PEOPLE !

Did you know that Ramadan Eid Holiday ("bayram" in Turkish) is also party time in nightlife in Turkey. Consequently most of the gay bars will organize special parties and they will be very busy for 3-4 nights, starting the first day of "bayram" on June 25

3- Zorlu PSM Jazz Festival

The festival program has been, featuring blues, electronic, world, funk, indie, classic, pop and rock under the roof of jazz

We only have 48 hours in your city. What can’t we miss?

If this is your first time in Istanbul and you have only 2 days of stay, Here is a recommended program:

Day one: Start from Taksim Square and enjoy the walking down in Istiklal street which is full of restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars. you see people playing music in the street and dancing all the way until you reach Galata Tower where you can go up and check the panorama view of the whole city. after that continue your walk down until you reach Karakoy. cross the bridge to Old City where you can visit Egyptian Pazar, Aya Sofia, Sultanahmet, Topkapi Palace, and Sulaymania. after that take the ferry to the Asian Side and Visit Kadikoy, one of the most beautiful and gay-friendly neighborhood and enjoy the sunset in Moda Cost.

For the night, first, visit Espresso lab (Gay Cafe) as warm up ;) and enjoy the atmosphere on the rooftop. at midnight head to Love dance point club where you can enjoy best International and Local Music with Dj Performance, GoGo dancers and Drags queens. for the people how likes after parties, you may want to check Cheeky Club.

Day Two: Take the ferry to the Princes Islands where you can enjoy the trip in the sea and take a magical ride with a horse cart around the island. have a nice lunch with a charming sea few and in the afternoon you will need to get back to the city or you will be stuck on the island :)

for the Evening, check Ortakoy where you can enjoy the Bosphorus Bridge view and eat delicious Kumpir and waffle.

At midnight, you can visit the Superfabric or Tekyon Club. both of them have nice music and shows. as you will have a flight the next day, I don't recommend after party so you wouldn't miss your flights :P

What’s your favorite gay place to grab a bite for lunch? A nice dinner?

Mellow Restaurant in Cihanger (10 minute walk from Taksim Square). Amazing food, affordable prices, and a very cozy place.

A gay place for brunch on weekends?

Midpoint, In Istiklal street, would be a nice choice. They have and a big mixed menu and an amazing sea view.

Best gay place and day for a cheap beer or happy hour?

Leman bar, in Istiklal street, very nice vibes and usually they make LGBT parties.

We’re ready to party! What are the best gay clubs?

1- Love Dance Point Club: best music ( English & Turkish) and the best quality of people you can find in this place, entrance is around 50 Turkish Lira (7€, 8$).

2- Superfabirc: for people who like GOGO dancers, this is the perfect place. Entrance is around 45 Turkish Lira (6€, 7$)

3- Tekyon: for people who like Bears, man above 30s and Arabic music, this is your place, entrance 30 Turkish lira.

Cheeky: if you are afterparty lovers, this one is the best place to finish your night with. cool techno music and friendly people, this place has a dark room too. entrance is around 40 Turkish lira.

What are the best alternative gay bars and clubs where you live?

Cafes & Bars

1- Bar Geyik

2- Mor Kedi Cafe & Bar

3- Chaplin Cafe & Bar

4- Chianti Bar

5- Espresso Lab

Clubs:

1- Tekyon

2- Superfabric

3- Love Dance Point

4- Cheeky

6- Depo

Are there any places related to LGBT history?

1. Spoken Word Istanbul

Spoken Word Istanbul gives everyone a platform to read poems or stories, play music, dance, perform stand-up comedy, or any other type of performance in any language, although the Tuesday event is predominantly English, while the Wednesday event is predominately Turkish. If you want to perform, sign up with the convivial host, Merve. Spoken Word attracts many talented writers and performers, as well as many queer people and allies. It has a firm policy against homophobic (as well as racist and sexist) commentary on stage. Spoken Word English meets every Tuesday night at 8:30 at Arsen Lüpen Bar at İstiklal Cd, Mis Sokak, No. 15, Fourth Floor.

2- Lambda Weekly LGBTI Tea and Talk Hour

Lambda Istanbul is the first gay rights organization in Istanbul that tragically no longer has its own space. The group holds most of its activities in Turkish, but it also holds an English tea and talk every Wednesday night at 7:30, alternating between the Asian and European sides. They meet in various cafes, bars, and restaurants to provide a forum for the queer community. Many artists, students, teachers, and activists come to meet new friends and reconnect with old ones. Both Turks and foreigners are frequent participants. While the times do not change, the locations do, so like their Facebook page, “Lambda Weekly LGBTI Tea and Talk Hour” to stay updated.

3- Leyla Teras and Alt Bar

These two bars in the same building and run by the same people proudly display rainbow flags and attract many gay patrons. Both have also a nice mix of foreigners and Turks, and many people speak English. Leyla Teras sometimes features live music. Like their Facebook page to stay updated.

Leyla Teras and Alt Bar are located at İstiklal Caddesi Mis Sokak, No:6 on the 6th and 7th floors. Look for Boş Zamanlar Bar and walk upstairs.

4- Gizli Bahçe

This club is a popular hangout spot for the gay community. The DJs usually play ambient trance music which is fun to dance to. They also have lounges and a large terrace area where patrons can chat with one another. The bartenders are friendly and welcoming.

Gizli Bahçe is located at Nevizade Sokak No. 27 near Taksim.

5- Piramid Sanat Art Gallery

This charming gallery in Tarlabaşı attracts many gay visitors and exhibits work by many gay artists, even some homoerotic artists. It holds some of the most momentous and festive gallery openings in the city, replete with wine and cheese and also has a café downstairs for socializing. Most of the staff and visitors will speak English. The best way to stay updated is through their website. Piramid Sanat is located outside Taksim at Feridiye Cad. No:25.

Can you share a secret or little-known place to visit in your city?

For a perfect breakfast place in a charming garden and gay-friendly check "Kahvalti 6"

Any beaches, parks or best other places to chill-out?

1- there is Suma Beach, you will enter the beach on a long walkway of painted with rainbow colors and enjoy Beach parties with Dj performance.

2- Yildiz park, this park in Besiktas is one of the most beautiful places in Istanbul, perfect for chill out and taking nice pictures.

Where you can we get the best view of Istanbul?

You can get the Panorama view from the top of Galata tower, 360-degree stunning view from the the high tower where you can see the whole city (Asian & European sides) and you can see the islands as well.

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Thinking of visiting Istanbul? Check out our Accommodations for this great gay city!

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