Istanbul Pub Crawl: Party Bus, VIP Club Entry & Free Shots

Summary

Party bus rides, drinking games and late-night clubs in Istanbul

You’ll jump straight into Istanbul’s nightlife with a local guide—starting in Sultanahmet’s Just Bar for games and drinks before riding a party bus to top clubs in Taksim. Expect free shots, real connections with locals and travelers alike, and help getting home if you need it. There’s laughter and late-night dancing—plus that wild rush when you realize you’re living your own story here.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re definitely going to regret that last shot,” our guide Ezgi grinned at me as I tried to keep up with the group at Just Bar in Sultanahmet. It was only 9:30 but the place was already buzzing — some hostel folks from Germany, a couple of solo travelers swapping stories, and us trying (badly) to pronounce Turkish tongue-twisters between sips of raki. The air had that mix of citrusy cleaning spray and warm beer, which somehow felt right for the start of a proper Istanbul party pub crawl.

By the time we piled onto the party bus around 10:15, someone had started a playlist that bounced between Turkish pop and 2000s hits. There were disco lights flickering over our heads and someone passed around a bottle of raki (I’d never tasted anything quite like it — sort of sweet, sort of fiery). We laughed too loud and tried not to spill our welcome shots as the bus wound its way toward Taksim. Ezgi kept us all together, making sure no one got left behind — she even helped one guy order a taxi later when he realized he’d lost his hotel key. That’s what I liked about this tour: you’re not just shuffled from bar to bar; there’s this real sense of being looked after.

We hit three clubs in total — honestly, I couldn’t tell you all their names now (blame the tequila), but I do remember the second place had this sticky floor and a DJ who played remixes of songs I thought only my cousin knew. The crowd was half locals, half Erasmus students; everyone just kind of blended together under those neon lights. At some point, someone handed me another shot and I found myself dancing with a group from Spain who insisted on teaching me their moves (I failed miserably).

It was nearly 3 am when we finally spilled out into Taksim Square — sweaty, grinning, shoes in hand for some of us. The city felt different at that hour: quieter but still alive in its own way. Ezgi made sure everyone got sorted for rides home before she waved us off into the night. I still think about that feeling — being part of something chaotic but safe, strangers turning into friends for one Istanbul night.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening party pub crawl in Istanbul

• Meet at Just Bar in Sultanahmet
• Drink and play drinking games
• Party bus departs to Taksim
• Take tequila and raki shots on bus
• Visit three top clubs in Taksim
• End party around 3 AM in Taksim

Top questions

Where does the Istanbul pub crawl start?

The pub crawl starts at Just Bar in Sultanahmet, about five minutes from the Blue Mosque.

What time does the party bus leave for Taksim?

The party bus departs for Taksim at 10:15 PM after drinks and games at Just Bar.

How many clubs do we visit during the pub crawl?

The group visits three top-rated clubs during the night.

Is transportation included in the pub crawl?

Yes, private transportation by party bus is included from Sultanahmet to Taksim.

Are drinks included on this tour?

You get a welcome shot at each club plus a bottle of raki shared on the party bus.

What time does the Istanbul pub crawl end?

The tour ends around 3 am at the last club in Taksim Square.

Can someone help me get home after the tour?

Yes, the team will help you arrange an Uber or taxi if needed after finishing in Taksim.

Is this pub crawl suitable for solo travelers?

Yes, many solo travelers join—it's designed for meeting people easily.

What’s included

Your night includes private party bus transportation from Sultanahmet to Taksim, entry fees for three top-rated clubs with VIP access so you skip lines, one welcome shot at each stop plus a bottle of raki shared on board—and your local guide is always there if you need help getting home at 3 am.