Babylon Bomonti

Top choice in Nişantaşi, Bomonti & Harbiye


İstanbul's pre-eminent live-music venue has been packing the crowds in since 1999 and shows no sign of losing its mojo, especially now that it has moved to a larger space in an atmospheric old beer factory in the upmarket arts enclave of Bomonti, reasonably close to the Osmanbey metro stop.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Nişantaşi, Bomonti & Harbiye attractions

1. Bomontiada

0.01 MILES

Now a bohemian arts, music and entertainment hub, this section of the old Bomonti beer factory hosts workshops, exhibitions, live performances, screenings…

2. Military Museum

0.78 MILES

This sprawling museum located in a former 19th-century military school 1km north of Taksim has a huge collection of militaria dating from the 13th century…

3. Maçka Park

1.16 MILES

On a sunny weekend afternoon, you’ll find this slender green oasis in central İstanbul full of picnicking families, canoodling couples and slackline…

4. ARTER

1.18 MILES

Opened to great fanfare in September 2019, the new home of the Koç Foundation's collection of contemporary art – one of the most impressive in Turkey –…

5. Republic Monument

1.48 MILES

This monument in the middle of Taksim Meydanı was designed by Italian sculptor Pietro Canonica. It commemorates the Turkish War of Independence and the…

6. Taksim Meydanı

1.49 MILES

Named after the 18th-century stone taksim (water storage unit) on its western side, this square is the symbolic heart of modern İstanbul. Hardly a triumph…

7. İstanbul Fransız Kültür Merkezi

1.51 MILES

Set in a distinctive yellow building just off Taksim Square, the French Cultural Centre in İstanbul hosts regular art exhibitions (with a particular focus…

8. Akbank Art Centre

1.54 MILES

Turkey's big banks and philanthropic trusts vie to be seen as the greatest sponsor of the arts. İstiklal is a showcase for their generosity, and with this…