Whether it’s for your I’m-still-29 birthday soiree or a long-postponed meet up with friends from college, there is an appropriate venue for your special event.

Old-school fun:Istanbul is filled with a variety of Turkish taverns or meyhanes. For a traditional venue with a bit of history, head to Refik or YA & RE. For a more upscale meyhane with a contemporary twist, go to Münferit, Kalamata Meyhanesi, or Meze by Lemon Tree.

All in one:If you want to have dinner and do some serious booty shaking afterwards without getting in traffic, do it all in one venue. If a Bosphorus view is a must, Ulus 29 is a great choice. Bird in Taksim gets going after dinner with a full crowd as well. Keep in mind that Bird is quite small and popular so consider this place for a small get-together and way in advance.

Exotic: If a party is not a party without some glitzy belly dancing show, head to Nomads or Arabesque.

Small and cozy:For a more personal get-together with your favorite people, head to Juno or Minyon. Remember that you have the option to close down the entire venue at Minyon. But even if you don’t, there is always a party going on there.