Truth is, we're not really the major clubbing types, so you may be better off browsing some other websites if you're looking for those hidden gems that only your very local guide would know. I came across this aricle in the guardian which goes in to different genre's of music and scene, however we do have some idea of the more obvious spots, along with the help of some friends.. We have not visited all of the venues below, but they come highly recommended so check them out. Ranking goes from "must see" to "optional" somewhere around Lucca. One thing you should know, many of these venues are restaurants before they become clubs (somewhere around midnight).
Reina
Say you're in Istanbul for one night, actually forget that. Say your friend has been to Istanbul, and they've told you to definitely check out this club, it's outdoor, next to the ocean (it's actually a strait). Chances are they're talking about Reina. Reina has become one of Istanbul's tourist attractions. Inside you will find a number of restaurants with wonderful views of the water and one of twos bridges connecting either side of Istanbul. Guests range from 16-17 year old rich kids who have managed to secure a fake ID or contact at the door to grandparents of those very same kids, and pretty much anyone in between. While Reina is quite exclusive, and therefore not the easiest place to get into if you are just going for clubbing, it shouldn't be a problem to get a reservation in one of the restaurants, where obviously you can stay for the after-dinner shenanigans without having to deal with the bouncers. The best way to get more information about their restaurants is through their website, and obviously you can call up for a booking. Their Phone numbers are: (0212) 259 59 19 - (0212) 259 59 21 and the location is in kurucesme (near ortakoy), you will have to take a cab to get there.
Sortie
Sortie and Reina have been competing for a number of years on who's the top spot for clubbing in Istanbul, but it seems that in the last 3-4 years, Reina has taken the lead outright so I would only recommend Sortie if you don't manage to get into Reina. It's pretty much next door, and offers more or less the same experience as Reina in terms of venue and view. But Reina will generally have a better energy because it's more popular with locals and tourists alike. In our restaurants section, we mention Venge as our favorite Kebab restaurant in Istanbul, and even though I have not been to the one in Sortie, I would assume it's of the same high standard as their other venue. Further details below:
Sunset Bar and Grill
Probably the most romantic, beautiful view of Istanbul I have seen. Sunset Bar and Grill is a must-see in my opinion. If you have a dinner reservation go a little bit early for a drink at the bar, soak up the atmosphere and have yourself a lovely time. The food is very good too! It's one of the most expensive restaurants in Istanbul, but it's still good value for money considering what you get. Without alcohol, it's about $80-100 per person, so if you're not looking to spend that much you may want to go to the bar for a drink instead. Sunset Bar and Grill is located in Ulus, which is not far from the Levent metro station, but you would still need to take a taxi.
Ulus 29
Ulus 29 is more of a restaurant than a club. Like the three venues above, it could be described as ultra-chic, with excellent food and service but rather than being on the water, it is elevated, offering a fantastic view of the city. Before the music gets pumping, it's a good place to have a good meal and you can actually hear what the person across the table has to say. I've never stuck around after dinner to be honest, so I can't say what the club scene is like, but this ranks high up on the list mainly for its spectacular view. Also a great place to go with your partner if you are looking for a romantic evening.
Cahide
If you like seeing something different when you travel, (depending on where you've come from) Cahide offers something truly unique. A fantastic food experience, with a bizarre and slightly outrageous show, along with a pretty good clubbing experience afterwards. Definitely worth it if you're not put off by drag queens, and even better if the people you are with don't know what's in store. It's nothing x rated really, but some people may be uncomfortable with seeing men in drag. If you're not one of those people then Cahide is an experience you won't forget for a while.
Al Jamal
I'm going to have to come clean and tell you that I've never actually been to Al Jamal, however, I have always wanted to but it never seemed to happen. From what I understand, they have a venue in Besiktas, as well as a boat-restaurant/club which seems far more interesting! The boat requires advance booking but it's a great way to see all of Istanbul while enjoying a great experience at the same time. How do you know it's a great experience I hear you ask. Well, although I have never been to Al Jamal, I have a. heard great things about it, and b. it is the creation of the same person/company that did Cahide, so it's got to be somethingg a bit different. Al Jamal's concept is actually more Arabian than Turkish, but many of the themes are common to both, e.g. bellydancers.
Angelique
Anjelique is a much smaller, less snobby version of Reina/Sortie. It is in the heart of Ortakoy, literally next to House cafe and I have never eaten there (I'm not even sure they have food) but it is a pretty good place to go clubbing. It's actually extremely popular and has been for a while, so if you're in Istanbul for more than a couple of nights, or if you didn't manage to make your way to Reina, definitely check out Angelique.
Galatasaray Adasi
Remember MTV The Grind, back in the 90's, it literally seemed like heaven on earth didn't it? Galatasaray Adasi, also known as Suada is literally a small man-made island in the middle of the bosphorus which serves a social/recreational club for the famous Istanbul sports club Galatasaray. In the summer, you will find from time to time events that take place on this island so if you think you have a half decent body and enjoy mixing alcohol with sunshine (neither of these apply to me) Suada is the place for you. Probably more of a 20-something year olds venue, I have included it purely because I thought it is quite unique to be partying in the middle of such a huge city on the water..
360
After writing reviews on the above locations, 360 seems far more serious in comparison. It is really more of a Bar/Restaurant than a club. I thought the food was quite good, although it's been a couple of years since I've been and it doesn't have the best view of the bosphorus, but it has a lovely view of the famous Galata tower and the Galata area overall. If you are staying in or around Taksim, you can walk to 360, it is in Misir apartment, just a short walk down from Galatasaray high school past the halfway point down Istiklal street. IF you're not sure about it, pop-in if you happen to be in Istiklal street and check it out during the day. You will get a good idea of the type of place it is.
Asmali Mescit
Although the ultra chic sort of places are definitely nice to see if you want to be impressed on your trip to Istanbul, if you are like me, after a few days you will be looking for something more low-key. Asmali Mescit is a small, cute little avenue by Tunel at the bottom of Istiklal street. It's a super-chilled out place to visit during the day, perhaps for a lunch, and the side streets in and around that area are really picturesque (go back up towards Taksim square from the side roads rather than further down). In the evenings, again the whole area is quite vibrant and less snobby, it consists more of everyday places locals would go to rather than Reina & Co. which are more serious outings.
Bird
Ok, so I haven't been to Bird, so I can't say much about it.
Lucca
Lucca is, as this picture suggests, one of the hot spots for the rich and famous of Istanbul. Ok, it's not a Rolls Royce parked outside, but still. I've never been to Lucca, although I absolutely love the Bebek neighborhood where it is located. Whetheer you go to Lucca or not, definitely check out Bebek (you need to take a taxi but the closest Metro would be Levent, tell the driver to go down the Etiler hill). Lucca is a restaurant during the day, so again you can always pop-in and see if it looks like somewhere you would like to come back to. In the evenings it gets pretty packed, but even if you don't get in, the neighborhood has several nice bars/restaurants and cafe's where you can enjoy a pleasant evening.
Munferit
Munferit is another place I have not visited, but I included it for two reasons. One, it came highly recommended by my friend Basak, and secondly it is the only "Meyhane" featured in this website. Meyhane is a Persian word, it literally means wine (mey) house (hane) and as you can imagine, it is a place where people drink. Historically, Meyhane's in Istanbul are quite interesting, because even when restrictions on alcohol were present during Ottoman times, Meyhane's would exist to serve non-muslims (and muslims secretly would visit). As the Pera and Galata areas of Istanbul had many Greek's, Armenians, Italians, etc. you will find many of the Meyhane's were in that area too. Munferit is quite a new venue in Istanbul (depending on when you are reading this) and it is sort of like a modern methane. Apparently the food and atmosphere are excellent, so if you are looking for something quite local, this is your spot.