Being the only city in the world built on two continents, Istanbul
stands on the shores of the uniquely beautiful Bosporus where the
waters of the Black Sea combine with those of The Sea of Marmara and
the Golden Horn. Istanbul is a province designed to be the capital
and it has been the capital of three empires which used to dominate
the world. No wonder, Istanbul is in the
top 10 list of the most visited
cities in the world, welcoming over 10 million tourists every year
from all around the world. Today Istanbul is the capital of unique
and special gay culture of Turkey.
Let yourself embrace the colorful atmosphere and
enjoy the inclusive spirit of this cosmopolitan
city!
The gay scene in Istanbul is vibrant and diverse.
LGBTQ events and activities have gained visibility
since the late 1980s. Over the past few decades, the
number of gay venues has grown significantly. The
Taksim neighborhood in Beyoglu, on the European side
of Istanbul, serves as the epicenter for most major
gay establishments. Taksim is not only the hub for
gay nightlife but also a central district for
overall entertainment. Around Taksim, you’ll find an
array of gay bars, nightclubs, and gay-friendly
saunas and Turkish baths. Additionally, there are
exclusive clubs catering to transvestites,
transsexuals, and their admirers. Istanbul also
boasts several officially recognized LGBT solidarity
groups.
Click here
for more detailed information about LGBT life in Turkey
Turkey is a constitutionally secular country and there
is not any law against homosexuality since it was
founded in 1923. The age of consent is 18, which also
applies as the age limit to be able to enter bars and
clubs serving alcoholic drinks.
Majority of the gay bars and clubs are located in and
around Taksim and Beyoglu. Taksim is the central
district of Beyoglu Municipality. Most bars and clubs
are scattered on the smaller streets along the famous
pedestrian avenue, Istiklal street which starts from
Taksim Square.
Istanbul’s gay nightlife becomes more prominent around
and after midnight. While most gay nightclubs don’t get
crowded until 1:00 a.m, there are a number of gay bars
that are open and lively even before midnight as well.
In Istanbul, gay bars and clubs experience their peak
activity on Saturday nights, much like other European
cities. Fridays would also be quite busy, though not to
the same extent. Tuesday and Wednesday nights tend to be
livelier compared to other midweek evenings, but this
can vary based on special events hosted at each venue.
Mondays are the least popular night of the week, often
with trendy gay nightclubs remaining closed.
During the winter season, gay bars and clubs see more
traffic compared to the summer months when many locals
leave the city for their summer vacations. Consequently,
Istanbul’s gay nightlife becomes quieter, particularly
in July and August. Some venues may temporarily close
their doors during this time for renovations and
restoration. It’s worth noting that most gay bars and
clubs do not have dark rooms, and while sexual intimacy
is generally not permitted, kissing and hugging are
typically well-received
Contrary to expectations, gay bars in Istanbul are not
inexpensive, unlike other everyday items. This is
primarily due to high taxes and the relatively lower
drinking habits of Turkish people, as well as the
smaller capacity of clientele in gay bars compared to
regular ones. Thus, the prices of drinks in gay bars
would be some % 50 more than the regular bars in the
vicinity. Therefore, don’t automatically assume that
you’re being overcharged just because you’re a tourist,
which is not a very common incident in gay venues. The
price of a single drink typically falls within the range
of $4 to $7 for local beverages and $10 to $15 for
imported drinks (such as Whiskey) and most cocktails.
These prices are originally charged in Turkish liras,
naturally. While some venues accept cash payments in
Euros and US Dollars, they often apply unfavorable
exchange rates. Most places also accept credit cards,
although not all do. It’s advisable to carry some
Turkish lira in cash when you visit gay bars and clubs.
According to statistics, Istanbul is listed among the
safest metropolises in the world. However, like any
other major city, there are inherent risks associated
with nightlife and being gay. While ordinary Turkish
people are often hospitable and friendly, not everyone
you meet will fit this description. In the bustling
nightlife and tourist districts of Istanbul, expect to
encounter a diverse range of personalities. While
exploring the vibrant scene, exercise caution and be
aware of potential dangers.
Cruising Places - Whether you’re in Istanbul or any
other city, it’s advisable to be cautious in cruising
areas. Keep your wits about you and stay safe.
Tourist-Hustlers - In Taksim and Sultanahmet
districts, watch out for overly friendly individuals who
might be tourist-hustlers. They mainly try to take
tourists to some very expensive, infamous night clubs.
Their stories may sound convincing, but it’s best to
maintain a healthy skepticism.
Taxi Drivers - Some taxi drivers may take advantage
of tourists by overcharging. Bargain in advance if
necessary. Remember that regular taxi fares in Istanbul
are much more affordable than in most European cities,
so this should not be a reason to panic, even though it
is not a pleasant experience.
Assert
Your Rights - Familiarize yourself with local
laws. If you encounter any criminal issues, don’t
hesitate to seek help from the police. Being gay should
never discourage you from standing up for your rights.
Be persistant and snob if necessary.
Ultimately, Istanbul is a cosmopolitan metropolis where
you’ll find all kinds of people. Feel at home, but also
stay vigilant.
If you can afford,
hire a guide from the local travel agency which operates
private gay nightlife tours in Istanbul for almost two decades.
Remember, your safety matters, and being
informed can enhance your experience in this vibrant
city.
Attention!
Constantly updated by the local Pink Guides representatives
living in the major Turkish cities, Turkeygay.Net, serves as
the most dependable resource you can find providing information on
LGBT venues and gay-friendly events in Turkey. However, it’s
important to acknowledge that there might be occasional
discrepancies in the provided information, as we may not have
captured all recent changes. Please use the details provided with
this in mind. Additionally, please be aware that many of the venues
listed on the website lack official owner approval and they all are
not gay or gay-friendly places necessarily.
Please let us know via our forum
page if you would like us to add or remove any venues.
Click here for up-to-date
Gay Map of Istanbul & Turkey.
Click here for private tours to discover
Istanbul's gay night life.
Click here for detailed information about public
transportation in Istanbul.
A private gay guide will accompany your first nights in Istanbul
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