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 own place with a strong personality.

The former seat of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires is also a grandiose sight to behold. The 16-million-plus city takes you back to historic Constantinople as grand mosques, ancient markets, bustling bazaars, and magnificent palaces reflect a rich and fascinating past shaped over the centuries by the Greeks, Persians, Romans, Venetians, and Ottomans. It also makes for a great 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’s important to remember that this is still a city within an Islamic country, where conservative values influence society. However, as long as you proceed with a little discretion, you’ll find the people of Istanbul to be some of the most welcoming in the world, more than happy to show off their dynamic city to all visitors, LGBTQ+ or otherwise.

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Table of Contents

1. General Tips
2. Transportation & Airport Transfer
3. Gay Hotels in Istanbul
4. Sightseeing & Activities in Istanbul
5. Gay Tours in Instanbul
6. Restaurants and Cafes in Istanbul
7. Istanbul Gay Bars and Clubs
8. Day Trips from Istanbul

General Tips

Istanbul’s peak tourist season is summer starting in June and lasting through August when daytime temperatures can reach the low 80s (27°C). This is also when accommodation prices rise, and the city is most crowded. The best times to visit are March to May and September to November, when the days are more temperate, and you’ll find the city and sights to be much more pleasant. A visit from December through February can get you the best deals, however, be prepared for cold (37°F/3°C), wet, and even snowy weather. For more info about whether or not you need a visa to visit Turkey, click here.

Homosexuality is not illegal in Istanbul, however, there are no legal protections for gay and transgender people who often face violence and discrimination. Certain acts may be deemed “offenses against public morality” creating a gray space for the LGBTQ+ community. LGBTQ+ tourists generally shouldn’t experience any issues when visiting Istanbul, but it’s also recommended to be cautious with public displays of affection in order to maintain your safety. If you take precautions, you can enjoy Istanbul’s thriving LGBTQ+ scene with its many gay bars, clubs, and cafes most of which are located in or near Taksim Square and Beyoglu. Istanbul also makes a great jumping-off point for exploring other parts of Turkey like Cappadocia, a place known for its distinctive rock formations.

Transportation & Airport Transfer

As of early 2019, the new Istanbul Airport (IST) opened and became the new international hub, replacing Atatürk Airport. It’s located about 25 miles (40 km) northwest of Istanbul in the Arnavutköy district, near the Black Sea. Depending on your nationality, you might need to apply for a Turkey visa in advance, so be sure to consult the appropriate authorities to prepare for your arrival.

After arriving, there are several transit options to reach the city center. Although appealing, taxis are among the most expensive options and can be time-consuming due to traffic and the long distance. Havaist is an airport shuttle bus that will take you to various spots throughout Istanbul. The trip takes about 100 minutes (longer during rush hour) and is relatively comfortable. Alternatively, a private shuttle service can be booked in advance and provides a more relaxed journey at a fixed rate, dropping you off in front of your hotel. Public transit is a bit more adventurous and cumbersome, as there isn’t a direct line into the city center. A future metro line is currently under construction. Book airport transfer →

If you’re arriving at Istanbul’s other international airport, Sabiha Gökçen, you’ll find yourself on the Asian side of Istanbul. Again, taking a taxi is not recommended, as it’s expensive and can take over an hour. Havabus is a reliable airport shuttle service that takes you to destinations like Beşiktaş and Taksim (about 90 minutes). From Taksim, you’ll need to hail a taxi to reach Sultanahmet. As mentioned earlier, a private shuttle can also be arranged in advance, providing one of the most comfortable and relaxed experiences.

Gay Hotels in Istanbul

There aren't currently any gay hotels in Istanbul, but there are many gay-friendly options.

Luxury

Tomtom Suites – Located in the heart of the city, this 5-star hotel is a great base for exploring Istanbul. The suites offer views of Sultanahmet and the Sea of Marmara. Rooms are air-conditioned and feature a minibar, spa bath, iPod docking station, flat-screen TV, slippers, and a private bathroom with bathrobes.

W-Hotel Istanbul – This historic 5-star accommodation is close to the Sinan Pasha Mosque, restaurants, and shops. Guests can enjoy a sauna, valet parking, and a spa and wellness center, as well as an in-house restaurant offering a unique dining experience. Rooms are air-conditioned and include a minibar and telephone.

Mid-range 

Marmara Sisli – Located in the upscale Şişli area, this hotel offers views of Istanbul, an in-house restaurant, express check-in and check-out, valet parking, and 24-hour room service. Rooms provide a stylish space to relax, complete with a minibar. Staff are available 24/7 and can assist with booking tours and tickets.

Marmara Pera – Situated in Beyoğlu, a short walk from the Pera Museum, this 4-star hotel features an outdoor pool, an in-house restaurant, a rooftop terrace with skyline views, and a fitness center with a swimming pool. Rooms are air-conditioned and include tea and coffee-making facilities, a minibar, and wireless internet access.

Budget

The Fox Taksim – Located in the Taksim district, near the Istanbul Lütfi Kırdar Convention & Exhibition Center, guests have access to currency exchange, a safety deposit box, and on-site parking. Each of the 33 rooms is equipped with a minibar and LCD TV. Electric kettles, dishwashers, and refrigerators are available upon request.

The Public Hotel – Right in the heart of the action on the vibrant Istiklal Avenue, with its shops and nightlife, this luxurious hotel is a beautifully styled Turkish masterpiece and a great base to explore the city. Its comfortable, air-conditioned guest rooms feature stylish 19th-century architecture and retro appliances, with loft rooms offering balconies with panoramic views of the city. The lobby bar has a beautiful courtyard, perfect for enjoying a coffee or cocktail.

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Sightseeing & Activities in Istanbul

Blue Mosque – One of Istanbul’s most iconic sights, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque is adorned with six minarets and a massive courtyard. Built in the early 17th century, it earned its popular name due to the blue tiles surrounding the interior walls. Since it’s an active mosque, avoid visiting during one of the five daily prayer times, as the mosque is closed for 90 minutes each time. Book tour →

Hagia Sophia – Located directly across from the Blue Mosque (which was built to rival and surpass the Hagia Sophia), it is one of the greatest marvels of architecture. Originally constructed as a Byzantine basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, it was converted into a mosque in 1453. Today, it serves as both a museum and an active house of worship. Book tour →

Grand Bazaar – One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar boasts over 4,000 shops selling everything from antiques, jewelry, and gold to carpets, leather goods, and souvenir items. For the best deals, try your hand at haggling for a bargain. Book tour →

Topkapi Palace – Once the heart of the Ottoman Empire and home to sultans and the women of the Harem for over three centuries, this palace complex features low buildings, pavilions, and courtyards, which once formed a self-contained city. Allow at least half a day to explore the complex, including the outer terraced gardens with views over the Golden Horn.Book tour →

Taksim Square – The modern city center of Istanbul, Taksim Square, is home to many hotels, restaurants, and shops, as well as Istiklal Street, a pedestrian avenue lined with numerous bars, nightclubs, and movie theaters. Visitors can also explore the cultural center and opera house, or take a ride on the historic tram. The most notable landmark is the Republic Monument, which commemorates the formation of the Turkish Republic in 1923.Book tour →

Gay Tours in Instanbul

Top Sites of Istanbul Tour – This walking tour, offered by Istanbul Gay Tours, is one of the best ways to see the historic sites of Old Istanbul in one day. Enjoy the flexibility of a private tour guide and the ability to set your own pace. Lasting about 7 hours, you’ll visit top attractions like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar.

Off the Beaten Path Istanbul Tour – A full-day, LGBTQ+-friendly tour that begins at the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar. You’ll then stop for Turkish coffee or tea, a pastry, and shisha (hookah). Afterward, explore the old book bazaar and the Mosque of Suleymaniye, sample Turkish delights in the Spice Bazaar, and head to the old Greek and Jewish district by bus before taking a ferry back to the old town.

Istanbul Layover Tours – Make the most of your layover with these customized tours that start as soon as you arrive at either Istanbul or Sabiha Gökçen Airports. You’ll be met by expert tour guides who will take you to the top sights before returning you to the airport or your hotel to continue your journey.

Restaurants and Cafes in Istanbul

360 Restaurant – A multi-award-winning modern and sophisticated restaurant located in a penthouse atop a 19th-century building, offering guests stunning panoramic views. Open for lunch and dinner, the menu features a modern fusion of Turkish and international cuisine with an exclusive wine list. On weekends, it transforms into Club360, the perfect spot for cocktails, DJs, singers, and live performances.

Tuğra Restaurant – A great option if you’re looking to splurge and dine like a sultan, as it’s located inside Çırağan Palace itself. It serves Ottoman cuisine of the highest quality, with a stunning view of the Bosphorus Strait to complement the experience.

Benazio Coffee – A quaint café in Kadıköy that is popular with the gay community. It’s an ideal spot to relax, have coffee and a vegetarian sandwich, and watch the world go by.

Yeni Lokanta – A hidden gem for sampling modern Turkish food, using locally sourced ingredients. Tucked away on a side street off the main road, Istiklal Caddesi, it offers a wide selection of cocktails and wines to pair with your meal.

Astek Meyhane – Located in the gay-friendly Kurtuluş district, this local treasure has grown in popularity due to its quality mezze—a selection of bite-sized foods, dips like hummus and baba ghanoush, flatbreads, and salads. Despite its fame, it maintains a humble, local feel and has expanded to two floors.

Meat Moot Restaurant – After some quality Turkish meat on your trip…of the food variety? You could do worse than this atmospheric chain restaurant, designed like a traditional Istanbul butcher shop. Its wooden “meat locker” interior gives it an authentic vibe, perfect for tucking into a juicy steak.

Istanbul Gay Bars andClubs

Pinokyo Cafe Bar – A popular gay bar located off Istiklal Avenue on the 1st floor (upstairs). Enjoy live Turkish music, DJs, drag performances, and a mixed clientele of both gay and straight patrons. It’s busiest on the weekends.

Rocinante Cafe & Bar – A trendy pre-party spot that was once a lesbian bar and has since reopened to a mixed LGBTQ+ crowd. It’s small but vibrant, especially between 10 pm and 1 am. Live music and shows are featured on different nights.

Cafe Mor Kedi – This cozy, casual gay bar is a staple of Istanbul’s gay scene, attracting a young, local pre-party crowd. Enjoy a chill and friendly atmosphere with great food and drinks. You can grab a coffee during the day, but the vibe picks up in the evening.

Love Dance Point – For over a decade, this gay institution has been a popular nightclub. Resident DJs, house drag queens, and go-go boys keep the crowd dancing all night. Themed parties often take place on Friday nights.

Tek Yön Club – One of the city’s most famous and largest gay dance clubs, open every night and attracting a mixed crowd of locals and tourists. Enjoy drag shows on weekdays and Sunday evenings, and hit the packed dance floor on Friday and Saturday nights. It has an open-air garden for cruising and smoking and occasionally hosts BayBears Club events.

Super Fabric – A 10-minute walk north of Taksim Square, this popular LGBTQ+ nightclub attracts a mixed crowd and hosts themed parties with DJs, performers, and go-go dancers. The modern interior and excellent sound system make it worth the cover charge on Friday and Saturday nights.

Stay Club – One for the bears, but any are welcome really. Tucked away on the second floor of 8 İmam Adnan street, this dance club is small but immensely fun during the weekends.

Cheeky Club – True to its name, this is a fun, cheeky place to party after the bars close. It doesn’t get busy until around 3 am, offering DJs spinning house music, a packed dance floor, go-go dancers, and a dark room for those looking for a little adventure.

Day Trips from Istanbul

The Princes’ Islands – A chain of nine small islands in the Sea of Marmara, popular as an escape from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul. Several ferries take you from Istanbul to the islands, with the trip lasting anywhere from 55 to 100 minutes. The islands are known for lush pine forests, Victorian-style cottages, and being free of motor vehicles—horse-drawn carriages and bicycles are the main modes of transportation. Book tour →

Bursa – The best way to reach the first capital of the Ottoman Empire is by ferry across the Sea of Marmara, followed by a short bus ride to the city center. Explore historic landmarks such as the Green Mausoleum (Yeşil Türbe) and the Green Mosque (Yeşil Camii), famous for their tile decor. Don’t miss the 14th-century Great Mosque (Ulu Cami) and Koza Han, the ancient heart of the silk trade. Book tour →

Troy – Although a day trip is possible, it’s recommended to spend two days in the area (Çanakkale or Eceabat) if you have time. The journey from Istanbul takes about six hours by bus or car and includes a ferry/taxi ride to arrive in Troy. Start early, as the entire excursion will take 14-16 hours. Once there, discover ancient ruins from various civilizations, see a replica of the Trojan Horse, and visit the Roman Temple (Bouleuterion) and museum. Book tour →

Featured image credit: “Istanbul” by szeke is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

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