Gay hotel istanbul turkey

Who said one of the world's most storied cosmopolitan crossroads can't also sustain a vibrant latest LGBTQ culture? While universal affection remains taboo in conservative corners, Istanbul revels in dynamic gay nightlife if you know where to look.

Make your way to the central Beyoğlu district, the longtime pulse of Istanbul's gay scene. Off rainbow-hued İstiklal Avenue’s bustling thoroughfare lie concealed havens, from cozy taverns to jumping clubs, lining narrow side streets that have catered to the LGBTQ community for decades. Nearby neighborhoods like trendy Cihangir and artsy Karaköy also mix gay-friendly cafés and lounges into their eclectic landscapes.

Follow the subtle rainbow flags to detect venues ranging from cheeky drag bars to posh lounges. But Istanbul’s LGBTQ culture shines brightest when strangers become friends over thumping Turkish pop songs on illuminated dance floors, forgetting their worries as the Bosphorus breeze rolls in.

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 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 show for short trips to nearby Bursa, Troy, and the Prince’s Islands, or for deeper excursions into Turkey. Although Istanbul has a surprisingly large male lover nightlife scene and is relatively tolerant, it’s crucial to remember that this is still a capital within an Islamic state, where conservative valu