5 very trendy cocktail bars in Istanbul

Touted as Istanbul’s best cocktail bar, this little imbibing haunt is big on experimentation. Unique ingredients from all over Anatolia are turned into cocktails you’ve never tasted before, like the Mardini made with gin, sumac, pomegranate molasses and parsley or the Martı with whisky, sesame, barley malt and ayran.

When a secret bar opens up in Çukurcuma (known for its many antique shops) then it’s bound to be inspired by the past. Think of Salon Cuma as a speakeasy inspired cocktail bar with dimly lit antique chandeliers, shiny mahogany surfaces, Chesterfield-style vintage leather sofas and classic cocktails served true to imbibing authenticity.

In a narrow and descending cobblestoned street, Flekk is a real neighbourhood cocktail bar with people usually standing outside with their drinks and chatting away. Follow their Instagram account for upcoming DJ parties and enjoy their syrup-free cocktails of great delicious-ness.

This stylish neighbourhood cocktail bar and coffee roastery has been around for years and is still the place for Cihangir’s locals to meet up for a drink. Classic and innovative craft cocktails take centre stage and people often spill out onto the sidewalk outside, standing around, drinking and talking the night away.

This extremely hip and liberated cocktail bar and restaurant is where Istanbul’s cool kids like to hang out and dance to the city’s hottest underground DJs. Pop by early for dinner or come later just to enjoy cocktails and really good electronic music. If it’s too crowded, hang out a NOH next door, their cool DJ bar neighbour.