Nightlife is synonymous with music, culture and food. What makes the rhythms and flavors of Turkish nights stand out are the unique colors representing this fascinating cultural crossroad, a cornucopia of rich diversions that features succulent spreads of traditional Turkish delicacies washed down with raki, Turkey’s national drink, a glass of home grown wine or a dense brew of Turkish coffee.

The big cities, especially Istanbul, cater for a wide variety of tastes, including cinemas, where most films are shown in their original language with Turkish subtitles; nightclubs, ranging from the exclusive with restaurants, bars and discos in the 5-star hotels or along the Bosphorus, to the more traditional variety featuring live shows, Turkish music and belly dancers.

At various times throughout the year, Istanbul hosts cultural festivals including music, dance, and theatre. The International Istanbul Festival takes place annually between June and July and features some of the world’s top artists in Jazz, Pop and Classical music. Check with your tour guide or the information desk in your hotel for more details.