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Gay & LGBTI+ Friendly Clubs in Istanbul

Istanbul, the cultural capital of Europe, is a city brimming with history, architecture, and a growing LGBTQ+ scene. As a bridge between Europe and Asia, Istanbul has been influenced by both continents, resulting in a diverse and welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. The city's gay districts, Taksim and Beyoglu, are home to numerous gay bars, clubs, and venues that cater to LGBTQ+ individuals and allies.

A Welcoming and Lively Nightlife

When the clock strikes midnight, Istanbul's gay nightlife comes alive. While some clubs and bars start filling up around am, others open their doors earlier. Saturdays are the busiest nights, followed closely by Fridays. Adj events and occasions can also attract crowds on other days of the week, although Mondays tend to be quieter as locals recover from a long Sunday night.

Unlike in some other cities, most gay bars and clubs in Istanbul do not have obscure rooms or enable sexual intimacy. However, kissing and hugging are generally accepted and encouraged. These establishments provide sa

Gay Istanbul

Who said one of the world's most storied cosmopolitan crossroads can't also sustain a vibrant modern LGBTQ culture? While public affection remains taboo in conservative corners, Istanbul revels in dynamic gay nightlife if you know where to look.

Make your way to the central Beyoğlu district, the longtime pulse of Istanbul's gay scene. Off rainbow-hued İstiklal Avenue’s bustling thoroughfare lie disguised havens, from cozy taverns to jumping clubs, lining adj side streets that have catered to the LGBTQ community for decades. Nearby neighborhoods like trendy Cihangir and artsy Karaköy also mix gay-friendly cafés and lounges into their eclectic landscapes.

Follow the subtle rainbow flags to find venues ranging from cheeky drag bars to posh lounges. But Istanbul’s LGBTQ culture shines brightest when strangers become friends over thumping Turkish pop songs on illuminated dance floors, forgetting their worries as the Bosphorus breeze rolls in.

Berlin has earned its stripes as one of the superb gay capitals of the world, with a huge LGBTQ+ community, one-of-a-kind queer bars and an attitude to life that encourages inhabitants to be whoever they please. Over time, this has lent itself to a ton of fantastic club nights, bars and saunas, and new venues are popping up all the time. 

Berlin is a town that is always moving forward, often at a lightning pace. Things relocate so quickly, it can be strenuous to keep up with. But we’ve got you covered. Our Berlin writer Nathan Ma knows this city enjoy the back of his hand, and has handpicked the best LGBTQ+ spots all over the city for cocktails, dancing and a lot of queer joy. Here’s our picks of the best. 

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This guide was recently updated by Berlin-based writer Nathan Ma. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, spot o

Gay Istanbul &#; the best gay hotels, bars, clubs &#; more

Istanbul is quite literally where East meets West. In fact, it is the world’s only transcontinental city, with the Bosphorus Strait running through the city and dividing it into a European and an Asian side. The influences of both continents combine within Istanbul’s culture, cuisine, and the more liberal attitudes of its people—at least in comparison to its neighbors. However, Istanbul is very much its retain place with a strong personality.

The former seat of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires is also a grandiose sight to behold. The million-plus city takes you back to historic Constantinople as grand mosques, ancient markets, bustling bazaars, and magnificent palaces reflect a prosperous and fascinating past shaped over the centuries by the Greeks, Persians, Romans, Venetians, and Ottomans. It also makes for a wonderful jumping-off point for short trips to nearby Bursa, Troy, and the Prince’s Islands, or for deeper excursions into Turkey. Although Istanbul has a surprisingly large gay nightlife scene and is relatively tolerant, it’