A recent addition to the Taksim scene is Tektekçi. This tiny venue, always overflowing with fearless dancers who can see the bottom of several shot glasses in less than minutes, is Istanbul’s first shot bar to open in the lively Tomtom Mahallesi right across from Indigo.

Here, you’ll find a wide variety of interesting shot combinations, from the sweet to the sour, to the spicy to the sweet-and-sour. And then there is the straight up rakı, beer, whiskey shots. You won’t get anything in a bottle or a regular glass, but you’ll surely get them in regular-sized or humongous shot glasses - it all depends on where you want the night to go.

Some can’t make it to the next venue after Tektekçi, swearing to never to step foot inside again, only to go back there the next weekend for another night of shameless drinking.

Wobbling aside, Tektekçi is truly the place to be at the moment. Concert-goers as well as rakı-drinkers do their shots side by side with groups of soon-to-be-very-drunk people off to an endless night of barhopping in Taksim.

It has to be said, although the concept of Tektekçi is to warm up for a long night out, the music is so good that many end up spending the majority of their night at Tektekçi. If you like to dance to a mix of upbeat songs – anything from Adele and Lily Allen to the golden oldies pieces like “Let’s Twist Again” – you may have to cancel your post-Tektekçi plans.

Now - the logistics. There is no coat check but there are several overhead shelves and hooks under the bar where you can put your coats.The venue is very crowded and you may have to wait a while to get to your long-awaited shots, but the wait is definitely worth it. The sweet bartenders are more than helpful in helping you choose what to drink. The menu is quite comprehensive, which may make the decision process painful. But the menu is arranged for even the most wasted in the room: there are separate sections for sweet, sour, sweet-and-sour, spicy, and straight. The easiest option may be to order the tray where you get 10 or 20 shots at once to avoid waiting and to try as many delicious shots as possible. Beware that this technique requires much more caution - it is pretty much a one way street to hangover hell.

Tektekçi; Tomtom Mahallesi, Akarsu Sokak No. 2/1, Beyoğlu; P: 0533 774 74 60

You may be gobsmacked at the idea that science can enhance your buzz, but once you try the molecular cocktails at Vogue, you’ll see how things like liquid nitrogen coupled with lots of creativity can result in the most unexpected sights and tastes.

First, let’s get the facts right. What’s this molecular mixology all about? It’s quite simple actually—at least for those who didn’t flunk in chemistry and physics in high school. The concept is to alter the texture, flavor, density, viscosity, and presentation of cocktails using scientific methods. I won’t get into the specifics but let’s just say that molecular mixologists think of cocktails from the molecular level, and use fancy techniques, equipments, and ingredients that result in unique mixtures. Foams, alginates,gels. You get the idea.

So what does this mean for you? Getting a cocktail that may or may not be liquid. And that's just scratching the surface.

Although this trend is taking the world by storm, it’s quite new in Istanbul. If you want to experience this drinking adventure, Vogue has an impressive molecular cocktail menu for those who want to give the taste of science a chance. Take your pick from the Moleküler Applelini, which is made with apple, martini, and mint caviar; the Magic Martini with cotton candy, dry ice, and vodka; Ego with cookie-flavored champagne, raspberry, and caviar; or Cracking Cosmo, the combination of Cosmopolitan and popping candy.

Seemingly odd combinations can result in unexpectedly tasty cocktails. Go ahead and give it a try.

Vogue; Süleyman Seba Caddesi BJK Plaza A Blok, Akaretler; P: (0212) 227 44 04

You enter the Ice Bar through two successive airtight doors, whose purpose is to maintain the -5 degree Celsius temperature in the room. (The temperature is cold enough to keep the ice from melting, without making patrons too uncomfortable.) Before entering the bar, all patrons are provided with thick thermal capes with attached woollen mittens. The inside of the Ice Bar, designed by Sofi Ruotsalainen and Mikael Nilsson, is one of the most original interior spaces in Istanbul. The bar itself, as well as the walls, the bench in the corner with its low circular drinks table, the thick decorative screens – all are made of semi-transparent blocks of Torne River ice, with designs specially carved by Ms. Ruotsalainen. You could be forgiven for thinking you’re at a bar on the planet Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back – but that’s the fun of visiting the Ice Bar.

The drinks are doled out in rectangular goblets of ice with cylindrical holes carved out in the middle. Try not to let your lips or tongue freeze as you sample any of 21 different alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks served “in the rocks.” Among the other choices on the drinks menu, the Ice Bar offers eight varieties of cocktail made with Absolut vodka, with inventive names like Northern Light, Midnight Sun, and Aurora Borealis.

Due to high customer demand (and a maximum capacity of 50 people) reservations are highly recommended, which you can do on the Ice Bar’s website. The duration of each visit is 45 minutes, and payment must be made in advance. While we can’t guarantee that you and your companions will – dare we say it – “break the ice” at the Ice Bar, you should still try to find time for a visit to this unique Istanbul venue.

Rookis the last venue to open in the increasingly trendy Şişhane district. Billed as a café, bistro, and bar, Rook has a relaxed and laid-back vibe. With the front garden facing the always packed Meşrutiyet Caddesi, and the balcony at the back overlooking the Golden Horn, Rook has the best of both worlds.

The menu is designed by award-winning chef Eyüp Gül and includes small bites, pizzas, and salads for a healthy alternative. The bar turns out tasty and original cocktails. An interior designed by Emir Uras and performances from renowned DJ Alain Silifkeli make Rook a very cool addition to Şişhane’s ever-evolving nightlife scene.

A recent addition to Istanbul’s nightlife scene is Indigo Lounge in the lively Tomtom Street. Unlike the name suggests, the venue is not a typical lounge—it’s an experimental project that brings together DJ performances, live acts, visual shows, open-air film screenings, exhibitions, and talks under one roof. One day you might be at Indigo Lounge sipping fruity cocktails and dancing the night away with anything from indie, disco, and funk to post punk, new wave, and brit rock. The next day you may find yourself watching Turkish movies that you grew up with. An interesting concept, isn’t it?

In June, Indigo Lounge’s program included a night of disco and funk (a.k.a “Diskoloji Semineri”) by DJ Cihan Aksoy, who had dominated the DJ booth at various clubs around Istanbul, including Nu Pera, Lokal and Otto. Nostalgia was the theme of a party called “Copacabana - A Tribute to 70s Istanbul Nightlife & Discotheques” that witnessed party-goers dance the night away to 70s Far-East pop, Cumbia, Mambo, cheesy disco delights, and much more.

Indigo Pub has also updated its concept, taking on a more retro atmosphere. Friday and Saturday nights are now dedicated to 70s-80s tunes. With the recent addition of their lunch menu, you can practically spend the entire day at Tomtom hopping from Indigo Pub to Indigo Lounge, dancing the night away, indulging in some delicious cocktails, and simply letting your hair down.

As June rolls over, dancing and drinking will move to Ghetto’s summer venue Ghetto Teras that offers fantastic views of Istanbul, a new décor, an updated menu, summer cocktails, and much much more.

The open-air restaurant that turns into a club in the evening features Feraye Restaurant’s special dishes for Ghetto, including goat cheese salad, cheese plate, Bailey’s pudding, and nugget combo dish. The new lounge area is definitely fit for after-work nibbles and drinks.

In addition to the classics, the drinks menu is filled with frozen cocktails made with martini and fresh fruits. But what’s better is the spontaneous discounts that will get you running to the bar for another drink. When the bell rings, you’ll know that it’s time to get the reduced-priced drink of the bartender’s pick for an hour.

During the hot summer nights from Wednesdays to Saturdays Ghetto Teras will be home to the best of disco, funk, indie, and house.

Keep following our Agenda to keep up with what Ghetto Teras has on offer for the summer.

The underground music scene is alive again as the legendary alternative music venue MiniMüzikhol returns.

Cihangir’s hotspot MiniMüzikhol became a legend in Istanbul’s nightlife scene in the blink of an eye, attracting the hippest, artiest, and coolest to its cave of fun. After a successful year of booty-shaking, MiniMüzikhol closed its doors in January due to an unfortunate and horrible event. After the venue’s official closing time, a woman was kept on the premises against her will, attacked, and brutally beaten by the landowner. The owners of MiniMüzikhol were shocked, repulsed, and immediately shut down the place, announcing that MiniMüzikhol would not re-open again.

For two months, the cool, the hip, and the arty were sad, deplored, and bored. Finally, the owners gave in to the persistence of MiniMüzikhol’s loyal fans and re-opened the venue in the same location (having taken all property rights and ending all relations with those involved in the above-mentioned incident).

After reincarnating a few weeks ago with a special weekend hosted by DJ Fuchs Efendi, Analog Astral Bülent Bey, Mr. Pink, and Mr. Fattish, the streets of Cihangir have been filling up with hipsters waddling to MiniMüzikhol. Long live alternative music! Long live MiniMüzikhol!

1- Chill-out Festival:The 6th Chill-Out Festival will take place on May 22nd from 12pm until midnight at Kemer Golf & Country Club. A chillaxing day under the sun with music...it doesn’t get any better than that! This non-stop, 12-hour music fest will host the legendary Kruder & Dorfmeister (who will play songs from itsThe K&D Sessionsalbum), the funky Kraak & Smaak, Waldeck (with its fusion of swing, trip-hop, acid jazz, and tango) accompanied by Zeebee, the world-famous downtempo and jazz group Belleruche, The Swing Ninjas, and Turkey’s own Ömer Faruk Tekbilek. (Note: Only those over 24 years of age can attend the festival.)

2- Freshtival:The innovative and unique music and arts festival Freshtival is on May 28th at Küçükçiftlik Park for a day of house, soul, and electro music with Leftfield, Noisettes, Crystal Fighters, and Turkey’s own Can Bonomo. Doors open at 2pm. (Note: Only those over 24 years of age can attend the festival.)

3- Sonisphere Festival:Sonisphere Festival is coming back for its 2nd year with an incredible line-up. The greatest rock bands and musicians Iron Maiden, Slipknot, Alice Cooper, In Flames, and Mastodon will be at Küçükçiftlik Park for an incredible rock event on June 19th. (Note: Only those over 18 years of age can attend the festival.)

4- One Love Festival:A mid-summer night’s dream, the two-day One Love Festival will be held on July 2nd and 3rd at Santral Istanbul. This year, the festival will host Suede, Editors, Cake, and Nneka. (Note: Only those over 24 years of age can attend the festival.)

5- Rock’n Coke:Rock’n Coke Festival is playing it cool this year. The two-day festival will be held on 16-17 July, yet there is an air of mystery around the event; the festival is withholding information regarding the bands and musicians who will be performing at the festival. If you’re curious, you’ll have to go to their website because they will announce the names of musicians on their website when 10,000 users log into their website with their facebook accounts. (Note: Only those over 18 years of age can attend the festival.)

Don’t postpone and get your tickets ASAP to secure a spot.

1. Deep purple: Quiet? No. Soft? Definitely not! The king of heavy metal and hard rock, Deep Purple is coming to Istanbul on May 18th for a loud and rowdy concert at Küçükçiftlik Park.
2. Roxette:Best known for hits like “Listen To Your Heart”, “Joy Ride”, and “It Must Have Been Love”, The Swedish pop music duo Roxette is coming to Küçükçiftlik Park on May 25th.
3. Amy Winehouse:Known for her amazing vocals (and also her substance abuse and mental issues), Amy Winehouse is coming to Istanbul for an open-air concert in Küçük Çiftlik Park on June 20th.
4. James Blunt:If you’re prepared to shed a few tears with “Goodbye My Lover”, then head to Küçükçiftlik Park on June 24th.
5. Bon Jovi:After 18 years, Bon Jovi is coming back to Istanbul on July 8th as part of their Greatest Hits Tour for what will certainly be a memorable concert at Türk Telekom Arena.
6. Interpol: Best known for hits like “Evil” and “Slow Hands”, The American alternative rock/post-punk band Interpol is coming to Istanbul for the first time on June 1st. The open-air concert will be held at Küçükçiftlik Park and the opening act for the night will be Turkey’s own Mor ve Ötesi.
7. Elton John: The legendary Sir Elton John is coming to Istanbul’s Küçükçiftlik Park for an open-air concert on July 5th.

Don’t postpone and get your tickets ASAP to secure a spot.

At Chilai bistro & lounge, decorated with a minimal touch and wooden details, you’ll hear DJ Doğuş Çabakçor’s jazzy and funky house music. And just steps away you’ll find an upscale dining hall with a menu selected by Chilai’s executive chef Hazer Amani.

In case you get a sudden urge to indulge in Asian food, that’s easy too, as Chilai offers a sushi bar as well. This multi-floor locale also contains a Godiva chocolate store for chocolate addicts and an art gallery for those who think that art is the true food for the soul. In this all-in-one venue you can pursue different pleasures while enjoying a beautiful view of the Bosphorus.