More famous for its historical sites and its carpets, most visitors come to Istanbul not expecting to find much in the way of nightlife. Nothing could be further from the truth. Istanbul's recent economic growth and increasing prosperity had had enormous effect on the vitality, energy and variety of its nightlife. The range of night entertainment is huge, from traditional male-dominated birahanes to techno and rave nightclubs, with new venues opening by the week. As a result, Istanbul's nightlife is quickly gaining recognition as one of the liveliest in Europe.

Nevizade Sokak, a side street 1 block from Istiklal Caddesi, is an area popular with locals for it's many small "meyhanes" - Turkish taverns, and outdoor sitting areas for chatting and drinking. All along Nevizade, primarily on nice evenings, you will find tables set up outside with loads of people chatting away; snacking on "meze" - small Turkish dishes, and sucking down Efes beer or some "raki" - a Turkish liquor. The taverns and bars here are generally quite small, but are great places to hang out with friends. Many of them play a variety of music, anything from traditional Turkish tunes to Rock. But if you really want to experience Nevizade, grab a spot outside on the street. When we were here, it got so packed outside, people were sitting anywhere they could, even on the curbs of the street. It was great! A excellent place to do some interesting people watching as well!

	Blackk Given the name it’s no real surprise that pretty much everything in this elegant Istanbul nightclub is black: floors, curtains, tables, seating (though there is art on the walls and pools of blue light to break up the monotony). Even the bar staff wear black. But, despite that, it’s not a morbid spot. The atmosphere’s more high-end fashion house than funeral home. Opened in 2005, in a superb location on the Bosphorus, the venue does indeed attract a high fashion crowd with a high VIP count. Hugely popular, it goes without saying that reservations are essential on weekend nights.   Black's website
	Anjelique Chilled and summery, Anjelique revels in its majestic view of Bosphorus, something the mirrored interior only enhances. Though the upper floors house a pleasant dining area, in the main people come here to party. So, while it is possible to have a laid-back meal here in the evening, soaking up the views as the sun sets, you need to bear in mind that it turns into a full on club as the night progresses. There may be bigger, flashier venues in the area but few can match Anjelique in terms of atmosphere. Open from may to October, it attracts a young, fun-loving crowd, keen to let their hair down and dance into the early hours of the morning on the large dance floor. If you find yourself getting too steamed up, grab a seat on he terrace under the stars and you'll soon cool off.   Anjelique's website
	Reina Reina is less of a club than a vast entertainment emporium that includes several bars, restaurants and dance floors that can accommodate more than 2500 people. Cosy. Packed with Turkish celebs, models, millionaires and media players, the restaurants run the gamut from Italian to Sushi to more traditional local fare: try Köþebaþý for kebabs, Ninja Sushi for Japanese or Brasserie D'oeuf for French. To avoid confusion, drinks prices are the same at all the venues, and the vast main dance space spinning Eastern and European club sounds is never far away. Located at the foot of the European side of the Bosphorus Bridge, the 'world under one roof' concept is in many ways a metaphor for multicultural Turkey. "A passport to the European Union" is the philosophy of creator Mehmet Koçarslan and we reckon he achieves just that.   Reina's website
	Club 29 To get to Club 29 you must cross the Bosphorous by boat. Once there you'll find a lavish al fresco space, a series of spacious, tented Oriental-style rooms. There's a pool, a sun terrace and a canopied restaurant filled with oil lamps, muslin drapes and floor cushions to lounge on. The restaurant has spectacular views of the river as does the club adjoining it, and there are various open-air areas to catch your breath. Models, moguls, celebrities and rocks stars, among them David Byrne, are regulars, and the staff and husband-and-wife team behind this gem are the most gracious and generous of hosts. Despite the Oriental appearance music is a cutting-edge mix of Western and Oriental beats, and there's not a belly dancer in sight.   Club 29's website
	Ghetto Located in a historical building in the heart of Beyoglu, is GHETTO, a music lounge with architecture in striking contrast with its name. Founded in February 2007, Ghetto has created its own niche in Istanbul in a remarkably short time, thanks to a unique musical vision and the contributions of an impressive array of local and international artists. GHETTO is now a leading venue in the Istanbul live-music scene.   Ghetto's website