Live music on Istanbul's Asian side
Many visitors never cross the Bosphorus after dark, and they miss half the city's music. The Asian side, called Anadolu yakası in Turkish, has its own thriving scene: rock bars and jazz nights in Kadıköy, Turkish folk and fasıl along the Maltepe and Kartal coast, Black Sea music in Üsküdar and big concert stages in Ataşehir. If you live on this side as an expat, there is plenty right on your doorstep.
Go.
Kadıköy: where to start
Kadıköy is the Asian side's music capital and the easiest to reach from Europe: just take the ferry. Moda Kayıkhane, Dorock XL Kadıköy, Kadıköy Sahne and Ağaç Ev Kadıköy are well-known stages, covering rock, alternative, jazz and folk. For big concerts, look at Bostancı Gösteri Merkezi and the beautiful Süreyya Opera House.
Venues are small and friendly, and the crowd is a mix of locals, students and expats. It is a great place to start if you are new to the city.
Base yourself between Moda and Bahariye and you can walk between rock, jazz and folk venues in minutes. On weekends, arrive early if a band you like is playing.
Maltepe: the seaside tavern strip
Along the coast, Maltepe is known for Turkish folk and meyhane nights. Ferda Sahne, Anka Sahne and Maltepe Nevizade host türkü evenings; Çakılkeyf Fasıl, Nevâli Meyhane and Bir Bakan Meyhanesi are about fasıl and dinner. Şahane Cabaret and Neccla Yeni Nesil Meyhane are louder and more party-focused.
This is a very local scene with few tourists, which is exactly what makes it interesting. Book a table on weekends.
Kartal: from arena shows to folk bars
Jolly Joker Kartal İstMarina hosts larger concerts in a waterfront complex. Düşler Sokağı Türkü Bar and Vakt-i Zaman Meyhane are for folk and tavern nights, while Beyrut Performans and Sahne Marin book rock and other live acts.
Kartal is on the Marmaray line and the M4 metro, which makes getting home simpler than you might think.
Ataşehir and Üsküdar
Ataşehir, a newer business district, has Masal Sahne, Muamma Ataşehir and JJ Arena Ataşehir for live shows, plus meyhanes like Mor Meyhane and Big Meyhane. It is handy for an after-work evening.
Üsküdar has a different flavor. Çayona Karadeniz Akustik and the Kemençe Horon Tulum workshop celebrate Black Sea music, with kemençe fiddle and the energetic horon dance. Hayal Kahvesi Emaar Square and Bistro Terrazza offer live music evenings too.
Further east: Tuzla and Çekmeköy
Venues thin out as you head east, but there are local gems: Şehla Zamanın Meyhanesi, Ajda Tuzla Port and Meyhane Tuzla in Tuzla, and Civar Çekmeköy in Çekmeköy. Some only have music on certain nights, so check their own announcements first.
These are neighborhood places, perfect if you live nearby and want a relaxed night without a long trip.
By genre
Rock: Kadıköy and Kartal. Jazz: Kadıköy. Turkish folk: Kadıköy, Maltepe and Kartal. Fasıl: Kadıköy and Maltepe. Black Sea music: Üsküdar. Big concerts: Kadıköy, Ataşehir and Kartal. GIGO's genre pages show venues on a map so you can pick the closest one.
Labels on the site are in Turkish, but venue names, districts and pins need no translation.
Getting around
The Marmaray rail line and the M4 metro connect most Asian-side districts, often faster than a taxi in evening traffic. From the European side, the ferry to Kadıköy or Üsküdar is the most pleasant crossing. Check last departure times before a late night.
GIGO's data comes from community research and venue announcements. We don't publish prices or hours; confirm with the venue before you go. Find the gig. Go.
Read more
This guide walks you through it district by district. The venue list below is pulled live from the GIGO database, so it reflects what is open now.
Venues
1–10 / 93- Ajda Tuzla Port | Yeni Nesil Eğlence
Ajda Tuzla Port | Yeni Nesil EğlencePerformance › Live music · Live · DJTuzla
FAQ
Is the Asian side of Istanbul good for nightlife?
Yes. Kadıköy is one of the city's liveliest nightlife areas, and Maltepe and Kartal have a strong local scene for Turkish folk and tavern music.
How do I get to the Asian side at night?
Ferries run from Karaköy, Eminönü and Beşiktaş to Kadıköy and Üsküdar, and the Marmaray rail line crosses under the Bosphorus. Check last departure times.
Where can I hear Turkish folk music on the Asian side?
Ferda Sahne and Anka Sahne in Maltepe, Düşler Sokağı Türkü Bar in Kartal, and Heybeli Sahne and Fil Sahne in Kadıköy are good options.
What's on tonight?
See GIGO's Tonight page and confirm with the venue.
Is GIGO free?
Yes, GIGO is free and you don't need an account.