Pub Crawls in Istanbul

If you’re up for a night out in Istanbul with new friends and a few drinks, pub crawls are an easy, social way to navigate the city’s nightlife. Unlike some tourist-packed spots, the best pub crawls usually start in neighborhoods like Kadıköy or Beyoğlu, which have that authentic mix of locals and expats. You might hit up a cozy meyhane for raki, then a basement bar with live jazz, and maybe end at a rooftop spot overlooking the Bosphorus. And don’t expect everything to be fancy , a few dives here and there often make for the best stories.

My personal tip? Try to avoid weekend nights if you're not into massive crowds. Weekdays, particularly Thursday or Sunday, can be surprisingly chill and more fun for chatting with bartenders and fellow crawlkers. Also, keep cash on you; some places still prefer it even though cards are widely accepted elsewhere in Istanbul. The vibe changes with the seasons , summer means outdoor terraces with the city’s skyline glowing, while winter calls for snug indoor bars with hearty mezes and warming drinks like mulled wine or sahlep.

You don’t have to be an expert on Istanbul’s sprawling nightlife to have a blast. Just be curious, pace yourself, and you’ll quickly figure out why the city’s pub scene draws so many back again and again.