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15 Best Lesbian Bars in Istanbul

*Originally published by Purity in November 2022 and updated by Felix in May 2024

Istanbul, Turkey is a popular tourist destination for many reasons. It is home to breathtaking historic sites and landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, amazing architecture, tasty Mediterranean food, and trendy nightlife. When you’ve strolled through the street, shopped for some Turkish souvenirs, checked into a museum or a hotel for some Turkish food, and the night falls, a refreshing beer at a bar is welcome. Lesbian or gay travelers need not worry too much since it is legal to be homosexual in Turkey.

However, open public displays of affection may not be as tolerated in various parts of the city. The Beyoglu district is home to most of the LGBTQ-friendly spaces, and even exclusively lesbian bars and clubs. While the latter are not too many, you’ll still find a safe space that’s welcoming of the LGBTQ community around. Some of these are located near Taksim Square in Beyoglu. The nightlife begins at 10 pm or midnight and lasts till morning. We have compiled 15  of the best bars to check out if you’re a lesbian traveler looking to have fun and freely be yourself in Istanbul.

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Bigudi Club

Established in 2008, Bigudi Club is the first exclusively lesbian bar in Istanbul. You’ll feel comfortable, and have fun at the same time. With an incredible round of DJs, a lively dance scene, great drinks, and a warm, welcoming crowd, Bigudi offers an amazing experience for LGBTQ travelers. Although the indoor space can be said to be relatively small, the terrace is beautiful, and the cozy atmosphere makes up for it. Prices here are however relatively on the higher side, especially for tourists, so come prepared to dig deep into your pocket. The establishment also requires a reference to allow entry.

Practical Information

Address: Bigudi Club, Sehit Muhtar Mahallesi, Mis Sokak No:5, 34437, Turkey

Call: +90 535 509 09 22

Open: Wednesday-Sunday 9 pm to 3 am

Love Dance Point

Looking for an energy-filled bar to dance the night away over drinks and great company? Love Dance Point is an LGBTQ-friendly bar popular for its dance scene, and you can tell from its name. Fun is an understatement when describing the experience here, and they mostly play Turkish music although electronic and western pop features too. The downside here is that the place can get quite crowded late at night since it’s a relatively small space. You have to pay an entrance fee as well, but the great thing is, you can have drinks on the ticket they give you after paying. Smoking is also allowed inside the bar, so beware if you’re allergic to cigarette smoke.

Practical Information

Address: Ergenekon Mh, Cumhuriyet Caddesi/Hastane No:349, 80270 Istanbul, Turkey

Call: +90 212 232 56 83

Open: Friday & Saturday 9 pm to 3.30 am

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Chianti Pub

Located in the Beyoglu district, Chianti doubles as a café by day and a bar by night. It is LGBT friendly with a diverse but welcoming crowd. Although the drinks are on the higher side, the amazing music and karaoke nights are a huge plus to the experience. The atmosphere is quite laid back though, with the music toned down to allow conversations. You can therefore comfortably mingle and chat over a drink, and make new friends. They also have parking spaces and they accept credit cards.

Practical Information

Address: Huseyinaga, Kameriye Sk, 34435 Beyoglu/Istanbul, Turkey

Call: +90 541 629 89 70

Open: Monday-Sunday 5 pm to 4 am

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Tekyon Club

Tekyon is the largest gay and LGBTQ-friendly bar in all of Istanbul, offering daily entertainment and fun times. Located near Taksim Square, it is also one of the most advanced clubs in town and has been in operation for 15 years now. It features modern décor, fun stage shows, great music, a lively dance scene, and of course, amazing drinks for a good price. If you’re into Turkish mixes, you’ll enjoy a music night out at Tekyon. The place receives both English and Turkish patrons, so finding an English speaker shouldn’t be impossible. It also does not charge an entrance fee unlike most bars around.

Practical Information

Address: Cihangir, Siraselviler Cd. No: 63/C, 34433 Beyoglu/Istanbul, Turkey

Call: +90 531 522 69 63

Open: Monday-Sunday 8.30 pm to 3.30 am

 

Lost Pub

By now you know Taksim is where nightlife in Istanbul is at a climax. Lost Pub is located right there, and both locals and tourists come here to party and hang out till dawn. It has a mixed crowd, and it is LGBTQ friendly. Popular for its lively after-party sessions, it makes a great spot to hop in with your friends for a night out. Begin the experience by having drinks downstairs, then top it all up by partying on the rooftop. The music DJ hardly stops, and they regularly host parties all week. Prices are reasonably fixed. It is pretty spacious, but it can get crowded late at night.

Practical Information

Address: Sehit Muhtar, Bekar Sk. No: 23, 34435 Beyiglu/Istanbul, Turkey

Call: +90 546 687 80 84

Open: Monday-Sunday 3 pm to 5 am

Super Fabric

Located near the Consulate General of India office, this is an LGBTQ-friendly bar and club. It is relatively small in terms of space, so dancing maybe not be particularly your go-to activity here when it gets crowded. Its refreshing cocktails are one of its major highlights, and although the prices are on the higher side, it does seem like a good deal. You also pay an entrance fee, like many other touristy clubs in Istanbul. Music is great, especially if you don’t mind a Turkish rap vibe all night. They have fun drag and belly dancing shows regularly, so be sure to check their website for the lineups.

Practical Information

Address: Harbiye Mah. Cumhuriyet Cad, Elmadag Cd. No:42, 3500 Sisli, Istanbul

Call: +90 530 848 52 52

Open: Wednesday to Sunday 11 pm to 5 am

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Pinokyo Bar

Pinokyo has been in operation since 2011, curating a safe space for the LGBTQ community in Istanbul. The crowd is however diverse, given that the bar is not exclusively gay and lesbian.  It is conveniently located on the popular Istiklal Street, so you shouldn’t have a hard time finding it. It features massive entertainment choices, including drag shows, DJ performances, belly dancers, and themed music nights such as Latino night. The drinks are great, tasty, and in plenty, and the prices are reasonably moderate. Catch a party on set nights, or just pull up for some cold drinks on a slow night.

Practical Information

Address: Katip Mustafa Celebi, Mh. Istiklal Cd, Buyuk Parmakkapi Sk.No 19, 34433 Beyoglu/Istanbul

Call: + 90 533 039 58 75

Open: Monday-Sunday 6 pm to 5 am

Mor Kedi

Just a few meters off the Taksim Metro Station lies Mor Kedi Bar, a locals’ favorite which is equally frequented by tourists. It is located on the third floor, above the Tibestan restaurant. It is LGBTQ friendly, and both the staff and the mostly young crowd here are accommodating. The atmosphere is quite laid back, and the place makes a great fit for an easy, chill evening over a drink or two. They serve tasty small bites as well, so you don’t have to wait until the next café to beat your hunger. You can have it all here, delicious Mediterranean food and amazing drinks for the night.

Practical Information

Address: Katip Mustafa Celebi, Ipek Sk. No.16. 34433 Beyoglu/Istanbul

Call: +90 537 037 20 65

Open: Monday-Sunday 11 am to 2 am

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DRAFT Gastropub-Caddebostan

This club has several locations, but the one in Caddebostan makes the list for this one. It is a charming, welcoming, and accommodating bar, attracting the LGBTQ community for a good time in a safe, friendly space. The menu offers craft beers at reasonable prices, and a variety of dishes for your palate before the night kicks in. Most dishes are American, so you’ll be sure to find some hamburgers, nachos, or chicken wings on your plate. DRAFT is strategically located in the breathtaking Caddebostan area, popular for its Bagdat shopping street. If you’re in the mood for some souvenir shopping before grabbing some drinks, then this is just the right spot for both.

Practical Information

Address: Caddesbostan, Bagdat Cd. 349/D, 34728 Kadikoy/Istanbul

Call: +90 216 467 29 31

Open: Monday-Sunday 12 pm to 12.30 am

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Rocinante Café Bar

Interestingly, this bar used to operate mainly as a lesbian bar, but it now attracts a diverse crowd. Either way, you can be sure to have a great time just being yourself here since everyone is friendly. The bar is quite lively, offering live entertainment music, and themed shows every other night. Meet new people as you sip some vodka, then dance the night away before checking out. The bartenders are quick and friendly, and the overall vibe here is laid back but fun. The prices are reasonably fixed.

Practical Information

Address: Sehit Muhtar, Ogut Sk. No: 6, 34435 Beyoglu/Istanbul

Call: +90 537 571 33 08

Open: Monday-Sunday 12 pm to 4 am

While nightlife in Istanbul is one of the most thriving scenes in the city, there’s so much more to explore for travelers. The historic center of Sultanahmet district for example will leave you awestruck with breathtaking sites such as the Roman-era hippodrome, sending all who tour through the city back in time.  For exquisite guides through the gems of Istanbul by day, check out our tours  here and happy travel!

Stay Club Istanbul

Stay Club in Istanbul is a welcoming and LGBTQ+-friendly place where both local and international people are free to have fun. Located in the famous Beyoglu district, Stay Club offers a large space for visitors. The club spans two floors offering these diverse groups enough space to enjoy drinks and dance. This is one of the most popular spaces in the city for socializing. The club is not exclusively for lesbian women but also accommodates other nonbinary groups leading to a huge clientele. Therefore if you are in the city, or visiting, this is the best place to have fun for a night.

Practical information

Address: Cihangir, Sıraselviler Cd. No:35 no : 2, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

Contact: +90 544 100 04 81

Opening hours: 10 pm – 4 am Wednesday to Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesday

Pence Bar and Club

If you are in Istanbul, and looking for a lesbian bar where you will be treated as a special guest, head to the famous Pence Bar and Club. Located in the busy region of Taksim, this bar is known for its welcoming and energetic environment, which is ideal for music and dance lovers. What makes the club special is the treatment that every guest gets while inside. Here you will encounter friendly staff who are well equipt to serve you according to your needs. As you enjoy the atmosphere, you will also make new friends in Pence.

Practical information:

Address: Kuloğlu, Gümüşsuyu, Sadri Alışık Sk. No. 36, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

Contact: penceclub34@gmail.com

Opening hours: 11 a.m – 2 a.m. every day

Last Ship

Last Ship is not necessarily the last option, but rather one of the best lesbian bars in Istanbul. This venue boasts of a welcoming environment and lively ambiance that makes both locals and visitors comfortable. The bar is also famous for hosting themed nights and events that create a dynamic environment for a fun night. Meet new friends in this bar and expand your LGBTQ+ family in Istanbul.

Practical information:

Address: Caferağa Mühürdar Caddesi &, Güneşli Bahçe Sok No:52, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye

Contact: +90 536 379 17 40

Opening hours: 10:30 am -2 am every day

Parantez Bistro

Parantez Bistro is a well-known spot for the LGBTQ+ community in Istanbul in the Asmalimescit region of the city. The bar is famous for creating a welcoming atmosphere for people from all parts of the world and sexuality. While in the bar, you will not only enjoy the drinks but also have options for different dishes to pair with drinks. Therefore you will leave this bar on a full stomach and a smile on your face.

Practical information:

Address: Asmalı Mescit, Jurnal Sk. 1/A, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

Contact: +90 532 553 88 28

Opening hours: 4 pm – 2 am from Thursday to Tuesday, closed on Monday and Wednesday

Basinci Kat

Basinci Kat has several names including 5 Kat which translates to Fifth Floor. This is a lesbian bar in Istanbul that has, for many years created an inclusive environment for the LGBT community. This is also the place where you can have a beautiful view of the city from the rooftop. In addition, there are different variety of drinks for you to choose from. Enjoy your nightlife inside this beautiful environment with red walls.

Practical information:

Address: Cihangir, Soğancı Sk. No:3, 34427, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

Contact: +90 212 293 37 74

Opening hours: 5 pm -2 am Monday to Friday, 10 am to 2 am Saturday and Sunday

Istanbul is one of the most vibrant cities that I have seen with beautiful scenes that are welcoming to everybody. This busy city boasts lively and cozy neighborhoods as well as thriving lesbian bars that have a welcoming atmosphere for people from different parts of the world to connect. Whether you are a resident of the city or visiting for the first time, there is an inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community that welcomes people from around the world for nightlife.