Iconic venue for world, rock, jazz, and experimental Turkish
music. "Exposed-brick warehouse has made this neighbourhood the
hippest part of town."-Murat Patavi, founder, 34, Istanbul-based
international design quarterly. Open September-June. Advance
tickets from www.biletix.com, from $16. Şehbender Sokak 3,
Asmalımescit, Tünel; tel. 90 212 292 7368. www.babylon.com.tr
Al fresco shoreline venue with a sparkling Bosporus backdrop, in
hopping entertainment district. Where Shakira and Sting perform
when in town. Seats 3,850. Advance tickets at www.biletix.com from
$35. Tip: Take ferry from Kadıköy, Üsküdar, or Beşiktaş. Muallim
Naci Caddesi 60, Kuruçeşme; (no telephone).
Byzantine church in courtyard of Topkapı Palace. Setting renders
classical music performances mystical. "Best acoustics for a
cappella and strings."-Kerem Görsev, internationally renowned
Turkish jazz pianist. Advance tickets from www.biletix.com; prices
vary, sometimes free. Topkapı Sarayı Avlusu, Sultanahmet; tel. 90
212 522 0989.
Imperial cannonball foundry converted into an international
culture center. Hosts major events, such as Istanbul Biennial,
Gotan Project's tango electronica. Boğazkesen Caddesi, Defterdar
Yokuşu 2, Tophane; tel. 90 212 252 1600.
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Cemil Topuzlu Harbiye Açıkhava Tiyatrosu |
Central open-air theatre. Seats about 4,000. "Even the worst
music cannot damage the remarkable experience of this
amphitheatre."-David Judson, editor, Turkish Daily News. Jan
Garbarek to Norah Jones to Deep Purple. Advance tickets at
www.biletix.com, from $25.Taşkışla Caddesi, Harbiye; tel. 90 212
240 7720.
Former Beyoğlu garage reborn as centre for contemporary music,
dance, and theatre. "The cutting-edge performance venue of the
city."-Görgün Taner, general manager, Istanbul Foundation for
Culture and Arts. Tickets from $9. Tomtom Mahallesi, Yeni Çarşı
Caddesi, Kaymakam Reşat Bey Sokak 11/A, Galatasaray; tel. 90 212
244 4499. www.garajistanbul.org/
Veteran nightclub. "Attracts the glitterati of Turkey."-Vildan
Yahni, editor in chief, The Guide magazines. Intimate villa in
fashionable neighbourhood. Mediterranean cuisine, unembellished
interior. Open October-June. Nispetiye Caddesi 30, Etiler; tel. 90
212 263 4898. www.etilersamdan.com/index.html
Internationally acclaimed jazz musicians (Freddy Cole Quartet,
Mike Stern) and top home-grown talent. Sleek terrace for pre-show
entertainment and dinner in the summertime; intimate, elegant
interior of low tables and pillowed divans. LCD screens in
restrooms broadcast the show so you don't miss a beat. Tip: With
$30 minimum for non-diners, plan on trying the sophisticated sea
bass kebab. Main-act tickets charged separately at the door, on
their website, or via www.biletix.com. Tickets from $15. Çırağan
Caddesi, Salhane Solkak 10, Ortaköy; tel. 90 212 327 5050.
www.istanbuljazz.com
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Q Jazz Bar by Les Ottomans |
Opened in 2006, this waterfront entertainment club at a luxury
boutique hotel seats 200. Predominantly features international jazz
artists, like Barbadian-born singer Joy Voeth. $25 cover charge
plus drinks. Muallim Naci Caddesi 68, Kuruçeşme; tel. 90 212 359
1500. www.lesottomans.com
White-on-white, three-level dining and dance club in the
Bosporus-front village of Ortaköy. Dazzling view of the lit bridge.
"More intimate than the other hot spots. Mature crowd."-Giancarlo
Baltazzi, vice president, Turkish tour agency Karavan Travel. Open
May-October. Fee. No drink minimum. Muallim Naci Caddesi, Şahane
Sokak 5, Ortaköy; tel. 90 212 327 2844. www.istanbuldoors.com
