In movie theaters, most of the films are screened in original language with Turkish subtitles. Some popular films may need early reservation especially for their first screening days.

There are three major film festivals in Istanbul – the most traditional one is “Istanbul International Film Festival” (first two weeks of April); the other two are “If Istanbul” (in mid February) and “Filmekimi” (in mid October). Most of the Beyoglu theaters host the films during the festivals; and it’s highly recommended to watch the exceptional movies there.

1 – Istinye AFM Park Imax:
One of the newest movie theater complex in Istanbul in Istinye Park Mall with Imax technology. Click here for info about Istinye Park Mall.

2 – Kanyon Levent Cinebonus:
Another modern movie theater complex in Kanyon Mall. Click here for info about Kanyon Mall.

3 – Beyoğlu Emek:
The nostalgic temple of film festivals also offering seats in the balcony. It’s on Yeşilçam Street which is on the right of Istiklal Street before Galatasaray when you walk from Taksim.

4 – Rexx Kadıköy:
It’s one of the most crowded meeting spots in Kadıköy for Anatolian side residents, very close to the “street of bars”. The newly renovated theater no.1 can be recommended. Adress: Sakizgulu Street No.22.

1 – İnci Pastanesi

If you like chocolate, you must taste delicious “profiterol” in İnci before you leave Istanbul. It is a very old pastry shop with 5 small tables, most of the time you have to wait at the queue just to get a portion but when you taste it we bet you will order the second immediately. It on the right of Istiklal Street No. 124/2.

2 – Bahar Pastanesi

Since 1973, they are popular with their pastries. They are the right adress for breakfast or for 5 o’ clock tea, and they have several branches.

a) Bahar pastanesi at Tesvikiye, very small shop, maybe it is better to pack the breakfast. (Atiye Street No. 3/A).

b) Bahar pastanesi at Arnavutköy, beautiful view of Bosphorus, freshly brewed Turkish tea and simit (Turkish bagel). (1st avenue no.48).

c) Bahar pastanesi at Kınalıada, it is on one of the Prince’s Islands, easy to go by ferry (suggested for summer), it can be a very good choice also for breakfast before renting a bike or making an island tour. (Ali Boran Square 1/1).

3 – Baylan Pastanesi

It is located at Asian side of Istanbul, if you have time to take the ferry from the port of Karakoy or Besiktas, close to the old city, you will also enjoy the nostalgic ferry trip. They are serving amazing tastes since 1923 but mostly famous with ‘Cup Griye’ vanilla ice cream with caramel sauce, toasted almond, pistachios and served with freshly baked cats’tounge biscuits.

4 – Gezi Pastanesi

Next to İstanbul Opera and Ballet center (AKM) in Taksim Square, they are famous with home made chocolates but all type of pastries are delicious, it is very convenient to have a cup of coffee with small snacks after a tiring day or just before a concert (For your information, AKM is under reconstruction).

1 – Babylon

Famous American jazz magazine Downbeat has listed Babylon among world’s best 100 jazz clubs in 2002 and 2004. It is also one of the venues for major jazz festivals in Istanbul. It’s located in Tunel – Asmalimescit Street – the end of Istiklal Caddesi before Galata. The program of Babylon is not always “jazz” it features from Balkan music to Cuban rapsters; but it is obviously the best indoor live music venue in Istanbul expressing the energetic side of the city.

2 – Ghetto

It’s a night club in a renovated historic building with beutiful, high ceilings and a cozy atmosphere. Live performances are available from Thursday to Saturday nights varying between Latin, jazz, funk, house music.

3 – Balans Music and Performance Hall

Just in front of Nevizade Street, with a good ambiance and music acoustic, Balans is one of the best places for live music in Istanbul. Live performers are mostly Turkish well-known groups, musicians and singers playing from rock to pop.

4 – Mojo

Mojo is a popular bar in Beyoğlu featuring local cover groups playing rock music. It can be too crowded in weekends full of university students, so Wednesdays are reccommended not for comfort but also for the famous local cover group Circus.

1 – Hotel Armada

It is situated at the heart of the Old City, within walking distance of many of the major attractions. Delightful rooftop terrace provides a breathtaking close-up view of the Saint Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Sea of Marmara. The most important distinguishing element of the Armada Hotel is its professional staff, most of whom have been here since the hotel’s foundation in 1994. They are Armada family members who attend to each Armada guest with individual care and respect.

2 – Divan City Istanbul

It is a member of local hotels group chain in Turkey located in Mecidiyeköy (business district). You will have direct access to ring roads, airports, metro station and just walking distance to shopping malls. Divan City Istanbul meets all your professional and business needs with its contemporary design, fresh interiors, functional style and modern facilities.

3 – Larespark Taksim

It is very close to the Taksim square where is alive for 24 hours and Beyoğlu (Pera) is at walking distance that means you will have chance to walk around Nouveau art buildings by feeling their energy or you can get relaxed and totally refreshed in your hotel’s health club by a Turkish bath.

4 – The Marmara Pera

The Marmara Pera is another superior 4-star hotel in Beyoglu very close to the historical Pera District. You can enjoy the mystique of old Istanbul and the charm of Istiklal Street at the chic cafes and bistros around the hotel or you can enjoy  the marvelous view  of Galata tower besides the Marmara Sea from your comfortable room.

Taksim is a 24-hour live district, so when you come to Taksim, and you don’t know the time, you cannot easily distinguish what time of the day you are in. People in Istanbul mostly go to a stand up diner to have a snack after long hours of standing, dancing and drinking in the bars or clubs of Beyoglu District.

1 – Bambi

You should try dürüm (wrap with meat) with yellow cheese and drink atom (fresh fruit juice made from several kinds of fruits). Bambi is located just in Taksim Square, on right side of the beginning of Sıraselviler Street.

2 – Kızılkayalar

You should try the phenomenon dewy garlic hamburger of Kızılkayalar – its best partner is an ayran (drink made by yoghurt). It is located in Taksim Square, just in the middle of Istiklal and Sıraselviler entrance from Taksim.

3 – Marmaris Büfe

Another Turkish fastfood restaurant where you can eat delicious toasted sandwiches, the most populer one is the toast with yellow cheese and tongue. It’s located in Büyükparmakkapı Street, the second street on the left of Istiklal from Taksim.

4 – Çılgın Dürümcü

It’s another local fastfood cafe, the meat wrap (dürüm) with mashed potato is unique, delicious and officially registered. Fresh fruit juice choices are also savory. It’s located in Taksim Square, on the right side of the beginning of Sıraselviler.

Authentic local cuisine of east Meditterenean and the city of Gaziantep is served here with an ultimate taste. Except for the kebabs, the menu changes everyday; the kebabs are also delicious but the rest of the menu is more unique. Eat as much as you can, the soups, the main courses with or without meat, salads, pilafs, desserts and sorbets are wonderful. The restaurant is located in a crowded street of Kadikoy – Guneslibahce Street No.43 walking distance from the harbour. Their website is inviting: http://www.ciya.com.tr/index_en.php

2- Haci Abdullah

A traditional restaurant in Istanbul with history of more than 100 years, Hacı Abdullah is one of the best places to taste traditional Turkish food. From the main courses Beğendili Kebap (kebab with eggplant puret), Elbasan Tava (lamb casserole with yoghurt) are the favorites. Check their website: http://www.haciabdullah.com.tr/wp-content/English/index.html

3 – Hünkar

The food is delicious and less olive is involved when compared to other traditional Turkish restaurants, so you do not feel discomfort even if you eat forcing your limits. You can see the varities of the menu from an open counter; and choose from there. Hünkar Beğendi (sultan’s delight, lamb stew served on mashed eggplant) would be good choice of main course. Oven baked rice pudding is also worth trying as a dessert.

4 – Abracadabra

You can taste modern interpretations of Turkish food at this prototype restaurant in a waterside residence. Most of the fresh and natural ingredients of the menu is directly brought from the producers, and provides a real taste. If you’re looking for experimenting Turkish food, first go to the classic ones (as above) to understand, then visit Abra Cadabra for well-modified versions. The restaurant is located on Arnavutkoy Street just across the dock of Arnavutkoy.