Taksim, with its characteristically Turkish dome roofed mosques, trundling trams and high-end shops, is also Istanbul’s main gay district. It’s on the narrow streets surrounding the iconic Taksim Square that you’ll find a plentiful selection of gay bars and clubs. Many operate as cafes during the day, but as the sun sets, and the city’s LGBTQ+ population begin to descend, Taksim’s streets are invigorated with the sound of gay revelry.
Istanbul Gay Bars & Cafés
Gay bars in Istanbul often serve as cafés during the day. Most venues are located around Taksim Square in Beyoglu district.
Istanbul Gay Bars & Cafés
Chaplin Café
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
Istiklal Cad., ipek Sokak 6 D:3, Beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey
Show on mapAudience Rating
Based on 21 votes
Small upstairs gay bar Chaplin Café draws a young, local pre-party crowd. Fun, relaxed atmosphere and budget-conscious prices.
Located a 10-minute walk from Taksim metro station.
Chianti Pub
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
Istiklal Caddesi, Balo Sokak 31, Beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey
Show on mapAudience Rating
Based on 18 votes
Café by day, bar by night. This friendly local gay bar has a laid-back atmosphere and gets busiest early evenings.
There's karaoke, too. Open from 3pm daily.
Latest Istanbul Hotel Offers
Fabulous deals, amazing hotels
Rocinante Bar
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
Şehit Muhtar, Öğüt Sk. No:6 kat:2, 34435 Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey
Show on mapAudience Rating
Based on 2 votes
Rocinante Bar is a gay bar in Istanbul. It opened as a gay bar in its current capacity in 2017. They often have DJs and live entertainment. It used to be more of a lesbian bar but now attracts a mostly gay male crowd.
Weekday: 12pm-4am
Weekend: 12pm-4am
Last updated on: 25 Sep 2023
Last updated on: 25-Sep-2023
Cafe MorKedi
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
Istiklal Cad., Imam Adnan Sokak 7/3, Beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey
Show on mapAudience Rating
Based on 22 votes
Long-running gay café bar, attracting a younger local crowd. Open daily from 10am.
Pinokyo Café & Bar
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
Katip Mustafa Çelebi, 34433, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Türkiye, Istanbul, Turkey
Show on mapAudience Rating
Based on 13 votes
Gay-popular café bar (since 2011) with live Turkish music, singing and drag shows on different nights. Located off Istiklal Avenue, on the first floor of a building.
Note: Pinokyo has been reported as being "now a straight venue." (September 2018)
Sahara Bar
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
42a Sadri Alışık Sokağı, 34433, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Türkiye, Istanbul, Turkey
Show on mapAudience Rating
Based on 20 votes
Istanbul’s long-running transgender bar with two floors, attracting a mixed local crowd including drag queens.
Istanbul · transgender bars & clubs
At these venues, there are regular-attending trans-girls acting as 'hostesses.' If one of them sits and talks with you at your table, then you are expected to pay for their drinks. To avoid this, make sure you notify the bar staff that you are not paying for their drinks.
Trans-girls can go out with clients, but the bargain should be done clearly in advance.
Sahara Bar
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
42a Sadri Alışık Sokağı, 34433, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Türkiye, Istanbul, Turkey
Show on mapAudience Rating
Based on 20 votes
Istanbul’s long-running transgender bar with two floors, attracting a mixed local crowd including drag queens.
Have we got something wrong?
Are we missing a new venue or has a business closed? Or has something changed and we have not yet updated our pages? Please use this form to let us know. We really appreciate your feedback.