Much of Istanbul's nightlife is clustered in the Taksim area of Beyoglu with the majority of gay venues located along Istiklal Street. Visitors will enjoy the neighborhood's gay bars and clubs in addition to saunas and Turkish baths. Popular gay and lesbian attractions include Bigudi Café, Rocinante Cafe Bar, Teykon Club, Club Pride and X-Large.
While there are no gay-exclusive hotels in Istanbul, many hotels are openly friendly to gays and lesbians. Hotel Petrol Palace, Diva's Hotel, Sarnich Hotel, Hot Suits Taksim and Hotel Nomad are a handful of hotels recommended by Istanbul Gay, a website created by local gay people living in Istanbul. Prior to listing a hotel on their website, the people behind Istanbul Gay meet with administrators from each hotel to ensure that the location is able to meet the expectations of gay and lesbian travelers.
Travelers to Istanbul will notice that there is no shortage of dining establishments in the city. Those specifically looking for gay-friendly restaurants can consider Besinci Kat Restaurant, 360 Restaurant, Cok Cok Thai Restaurant, Nar Pera Cafe & Restaurant, Cooking Alaturca and Frappe Cafe & Restaurant.
Besides the vibrant nightlife, travelers can enjoy a wide array of local attractions displaying the city's rich history. Hagia Sophia, one of the area's most popular attractions, is known for its massive dome, stunning Byzantine mosaics, marble columns and Islamic calligraphy inscriptions. Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace Museum, Turkish and Islamic Art Museum, Covered Bazaar, Sunken Palace and Galata Tower are other must-see architectural wonders.
While homosexuality isn't shunned, discretion is recommended when it comes to displaying affection in public.
