Istanbul Pub Crawl: Nightlife Tour with Shots & Party Games

Summary

Party through Istanbul’s bars with locals and travelers

You’ll jump right into Istanbul’s real nightlife—meeting locals and travelers over welcome shots, wild party games, and music that keeps you moving. With friendly guides leading the way and entry sorted at every venue, you’ll forget your nerves fast—and maybe even pick up a new dance move or two before sunrise.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I remember is squeezing past a group of laughing students outside RocknRolla Bar—music thumping, air thick with cigarette smoke and that sweet-sour smell you only get in old city bars. Our guide, Cem, waved us over like we were already friends. He handed me a neon-green shot (I didn’t ask what was in it) and started up some game where you had to say “cheers” in your own language. I tried Turkish—“Şerefe”—and Cem grinned, correcting my accent. Everyone loosened up after that first round. It’s funny how fast strangers start to feel familiar when there’s music and something weirdly sticky underfoot.

We moved from bar to bar—four stops total on this Istanbul pub crawl—and each place had its own vibe. One had walls covered in old concert posters, another felt almost too fancy for us but nobody cared after the second shot. There were drinking games I’d never heard of (one involved balancing a lemon on your head?), and at one point someone from Brazil taught us a dance move that made my knees crack. At every stop, the guides kept things rolling—shouting out challenges or just making sure no one got left behind. The club at the end was loud enough to rattle your ribs; I lost my voice shouting over the DJ but honestly didn’t mind.

Somewhere between bars two and three, I realized I’d stopped checking my phone entirely. Instead, I was swapping stories with a girl from Poland about night buses and bad hostel breakfasts. The city outside was all neon reflections on wet pavement—classic Istanbul weather in spring, drizzly but not cold enough to care. By the time we stumbled out into the early morning air (was it 3am? 4?), my shoes were wrecked and my head was spinning—but in a good way. Still think about that last song we danced to.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Istanbul nightlife pub crawl experience

• Meet at RocknRolla Bar 9:30pm
• Enjoy welcome shots and ice-breakers
• Visit second bar with shots and games
• Go to third bar for shots and dancing
• End night at dance club party

Top questions

What time does the Istanbul pub crawl start?

The tour meets at 9:30 pm at RocknRolla Bar every Friday and Saturday.

How many bars are included in the Istanbul pub crawl?

The crawl includes four different bars or clubs throughout the night.

Are drinks included on this pub crawl?

You get four welcome shots included as part of the experience.

Is there a local guide during the pub crawl?

Yes, friendly party guides lead you through each venue and organize games.

Do I need to book in advance for this Istanbul nightlife tour?

Advance booking is recommended as spaces can fill up quickly.

Is transportation provided between venues?

No private transport is included; all venues are within walking distance.

Is this suitable for solo travelers?

Yes, solo travelers are welcome—the ice-breaking games help everyone connect easily.

Are photos taken during the tour?

Professional party photos are included as part of your night out.

What’s included

Your night includes four welcome shots across different venues, entry without waiting at five party spots, ice-breaking challenges plus drinking games led by local guides, professional party photos to remember (or piece together) your night, and plenty of new friends by sunrise.