Rooftops, wine houses and terraces by the water.
Sunset over the Bosphorus, a list of Turkish wines, or cocktails on a terrace by the water. These are the best places to drink around Karaköy, Galataport and Pera.
On İstiklal, Bağ Pera is a wine house built around Turkish wine, and reviewers call it the best place in the city to taste local bottles. The staff guide you through the list with real care, and small tapas plates, a cheese board and hummus keep pace with the glass. A favourite for dates and birthdays.
Try thisA tasting of Turkish reds chosen with the staff, with the cheese plate
At Galataport, The Populist is a big, easy-going bar with a terrace facing the Bosphorus. Reviewers come for the sea view and the cocktails first, then the food, which holds up well: brisket, cheeseburgers, fried chicken and nachos to share. It gets lively in the evenings, so it suits groups more than quiet conversation.
Try thisA cocktail on the terrace, with the brisket
On the roof of the JW Marriott, Sky Karaköy has the widest view on this list: the Bosphorus, the old-city skyline and Galata Tower all at once. The view is what nearly every review mentions, followed by the cocktails and the DJ sets. Prices are above average, so come for one drink at sunset rather than a long night.
Try thisA cocktail at sunset, facing the Bosphorus