Istanbul Gay Bars & Cafés
Gay bars in Istanbul often serve as cafés during the day. Most venues are located around Taksim Square in Beyoglu district.
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Taksim, with its characteristically Turkish dome roofed mosques, trundling trams and high-end shops, is also Istanbul’s main gay district. It’s on the narrow streets surrounding the iconic Taksim Square that you’ll find a plentiful selection of gay bars and clubs. Many operate as cafes during the day, but as the sun sets, and the city’s LGBTQ+ population begin to descend, Taksim’s streets are invigorated with the sound of gay revelry.
Istanbul Gay Bars & Cafés
Chaplin Café
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
Istiklal Cad., ipek Sokak 6 D:3, Beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey
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Audience Rating
Based on 21 votes
Small upstairs gay bar Chaplin Café draws a young, local pre-party crowd. Fun, relaxed atmosphere and budget-conscious prices.
Located a 10-minute walk from Taksim metro station.
Located a 10-minute walk from Taksim metro station.
Features:
Bar
Music
2 Reviews
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PhoneChianti Bar
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
Istiklal Caddesi, Balo Sokak 31, Beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey
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Audience Rating
Based on 18 votes
Café by day, bar by night. This friendly local gay bar has a laid-back atmosphere and gets busiest early evenings.
There's karaoke, too. Open from 3pm daily.
There's karaoke, too. Open from 3pm daily.
Features:
Bar
Cafe
Karaoke
Music
Rocinante Bar
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
Şehit Muhtar, Öğüt Sk. No:6 kat:2, 34435 Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey
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Audience Rating
Based on 2 votes
Rocinante Bar is a gay bar in Istanbul. It opened as a gay bar in its current capacity in 2017. They often have DJs and live entertainment. It used to be more of a lesbian bar but now attracts a mostly gay male crowd.
Features:
Bar
WebsiteWeekday: 12pm-4am
Weekend: 12pm-4am
Last updated on: 22 Aug 2023
Last updated on: 22-Aug-2023
Cafe MorKedi
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
Istiklal Cad., Imam Adnan Sokak 7/3, Beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey
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Audience Rating
Based on 22 votes
Long-running gay café bar, attracting a younger local crowd. Open daily from 10am.
Features:
Bar
Cafe
Music
Pinokyo Café & Bar
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
Istiklal Cad., Büyükparmakkapı Sokak 26/1, Beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey
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Audience Rating
Based on 13 votes
Gay-popular café bar (since 2011) with live Turkish music, singing and drag shows on different nights. Located off Istiklal Avenue, on the first floor of a building.
Note: Pinokyo has been reported as being "now a straight venue." (September 2018)
Note: Pinokyo has been reported as being "now a straight venue." (September 2018)
Features:
Bar
Drag Shows
Live music
Istanbul · transgender bars & clubs
The transgender community is long-established in Istanbul where a few bars for transvestites and transsexuals can be found.
At these venues, there are regular-attending trans-girls acting as 'hostesses.' If one of them sits and talks with you at your table, then you are expected to pay for their drinks. To avoid this, make sure you notify the bar staff that you are not paying for their drinks.
Trans-girls can go out with clients, but the bargain should be done clearly in advance.
At these venues, there are regular-attending trans-girls acting as 'hostesses.' If one of them sits and talks with you at your table, then you are expected to pay for their drinks. To avoid this, make sure you notify the bar staff that you are not paying for their drinks.
Trans-girls can go out with clients, but the bargain should be done clearly in advance.
Sahra Club
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
Istiklal Caddesi, Sadri Alısık Sokak 40, Beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey
Show on map2.9
Audience Rating
Based on 20 votes
Istanbul’s long-running transgender bar with two floors, attracting a mixed local crowd including drag queens. Also known as "Sahara Bar"
Features:
Bar
Music
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