If you haven’t explored Istanbul at night, you are certainly missing out on something. After all, the city has a rocking nightlife that allows the visitors to enjoy the warmth of the Eastern pleasures.

It is a completely different experience to see the vibrant and dazzling side of Istanbul at night.

Ready To Travel? Don't Go Without Travel Insurance.

I recommend SafetyWing Nomad Insurance, an affordable travel insurance offering automatic monthly payments that you can cancel anytime. I've been using it since 2019, and I can assure you it's the perfect solution for nomads like you and me. Learn more by reading our SafetyWing review.

There is so much to explore and do in the city at night that you will come home exhausted. Life starts in Istanbul only when the sun sets, and all you need to do is plan a great trip here.

That being said, Istanbul is one of the best places to live in Turkey, so if you’re thinking of moving there, you’ll find there are many things to do there.

Here are some of the best things to do in Istanbul at night.

istanbul at night

Turkish Bath

There can’t be a better way to spend the night than at a Turkish bath, especially if you are exhausted after a long day. As there are dozens of such baths or hammams across Istanbul, you can go ahead and pick one based on your whims and fancies.

You could get your feet scrubbed in a five-hundred-year-old hammam or look for one which is the most Instagrammable.

Dinner Cruise

Why not go for the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise on the waterway that connects the Black Sea to the Marmara and divides Istanbul into two continents. 

Look for cheap hotel booking in Istanbul with a sea view and get ready for an unforgettable experience. Get ready for a night that you will remember for a lifetime. What you can expect is unlimited local beverages, wine, and soft drinks, and the guest can enjoy delicious dinner and shows.

There are even hotel pickups, and drop-offs and the cruise will last for about 3 hours. Gaze at Istanbul’s bridges, palaces, and mosques that are beautifully illuminated at night, as well as glittering shows by local artists and belly dancers.

Grand Bazaar

Locally known as Kapali Carsi, the Grand Bazaar is the largest and oldest covered market in the world. This is indeed one of the best spots to explore at night.

You will find the market crammed with locals and tourists. Enter the market from any of those 11 gates and explore more than 400 shops that sell everything under the sun, such as textiles, jewelry, and carpet.

Just be careful as it is easy to get lost in the streets of the Grand Bazaar. Take catching photographs once inside the lively bazaar and shop for souvenirs and authentic Turkish goods.

Pub Crawl

If you love pubs, you can certainly have the time of your life when you go for a good pub crawl at night in Istanbul. There would be opportunities to hang out with other people and make friends.

This is a great option for solo travelers as well as couples to enjoy a great evening. You can explore different bars and some secret local hotspots and look ahead for a fun-filled night with some great company.

There are some great meeting points where you can enjoy a couple of drinks and have some fun card games, surrounded by great music and friendly vibes.

Casino 

Take a casino tour from Istanbul to Svilengrad, which is just a two-hour drive away. Svilengrad has more than 20 casinos, and you can enjoy some free time in any of those casinos.

This is a great way to spend the night in Istanbul, especially for those who love casinos. An air-conditioned vehicle will drive you around, and you get free snacks and beverages.

About Melissa Giroux

Melissa Giroux founded abrokenbackpack.com in 2015 and has been living abroad since 2014. Originally from Canada, she has embraced a digital nomad lifestyle, working online from various destinations worldwide. Melissa is passionate about travel, technology, entrepreneurship, and CrossFit. Her extensive travels have taken her across Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America. Currently, she resides in Thailand.


☑ Book your flight: Who said you won’t be able to find cheap flights? My top saving tip is flexibility. If you're flexible, you should be able to find a cheaper flight. Check out Skyscanner or Google Flights for the hottest deals.

☑ Book your accommodation: Want the comfort of being at home or the luxury of a hotel? I love using Vrbo and Booking.com for those very reasons. If you're a solo traveler, Hostelworld offers a wide variety of hostels you should take a look at. Alternatively, if you're a budget traveler, sign up for Worldpackers to get FREE accommodation in exchange for work.

☑ Rent a car or an RV: Make your trip more comfortable by renting a car with DiscoverCars.com. This website allows you to compare car rentals around the world. If you're traveling in the United States, find an RV rental on RVshare.

☑ Stay safe: Travel mishaps happen – so, better be safe than sorry by covering your back with travel medical insurance. I would suggest SafetyWing, Genki or Heymondo as they offer the best rates, especially for long-term travelers.

☑ Pack the essentials: Universal charger, check; power bank, check; passport, check! What else could you forget? I've put together this ultimate packing list just for you!

☑ Do you need a visa? If you aren't sure if you need a visa, it’s highly recommended for you to double-check. You can use iVisa - it's super useful and easy to use.

Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.