Historically, smoking nargile was considered to be a status symbol, with the highest honour reserved for those who smoked pipe with the sultan. In those days, the pipe contained just tobacco. However, in recent years, a flurry of flavours, including mint, strawberry, apple, rose and cappuccino, have become fast favourites with the locals.
Today, the area of Tophane in Istanbul, also known as “nargile central”, is where the action’s at. Immerse yourself in Turkish culture and hang out with the locals by visiting one of the many nargile joints in the city. We’ve picked out the best ones for you.
1. Azure the Bosphorous
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Where’s it at?
Overlooking the Bosphorous and a stunning skyline, this restaurant cum hookah lounge offers enthralling views of the Turkish strait – a sight best relished with scrumptious food, potent cocktails, and puffs of hookah
What’s great about it?
Mesmerizing views, very chill ambiance and of course, good quality hookah in myriad flavours
Will my bank balance be happy after I see the bill?
Azure the Bosphorous does lie on the fancier (and by extension, costlier) end of the spectrum, but we daresay that given the ambiance and service, the experience is well worth the money.
Anything else that I should know?
Azure the Bosphorous is an upscale establishment with luxury dining – so expect the very best of everything here; be it the service, view, beverages, food, or hookah. The seafood here is especially delicious.
2. Çorlulu Ali Paşa Nargile Café
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Where’s it at?
Sitting snugly in an alley close to the Grand Bazaar and the Blue Mosque, Erenler serves as an excellent pitstop for shoppers/tourists looking to rest their weary feet and have their senses bewitched by a round of Hookah. Popular for its Shisha and Turkish beverages, this atmospheric Ottoman-Madrasah-turned-nargile-cafe boasts a culturally rich history – something that comes through its decor. Add Erenler to your list of must-visits if you’re a fan of Shisha, Turkish coffee, and cozy, vintage cafes steeped in dazzling colonial history.
What’s great about it?
Famed for its top-notch hookah, Erenler is more than just a waterpipers’ paradise. Its beverages are just as adept at ensnaring your faculties as its Shisha; Apple Tea and Turkish Coffee being the most popular drinks among customers.
Will my bank balance be happy after I see the bill?
A marriage of affordability with quality, Erenler caters to customers hailing from all kinds of cultural and economic backgrounds; drawing in a diverse demographic of tourists and locals alike. Rest assured, your bank balance will be happy after paying a visit to Erenler; and as will you.
Anything else that I should know?
The servers here aren’t very fluent in English, so consult a dictionary (or keep google translate handy) so you can throw in some basic and commonly used words around. This is sure to be of great help when placing an order.
3. Lulu Hookah Lounge
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Where’s it at?
Perched on top of the Zimmer Hotel in Istanbul, Lulu Hookah Lounge offers splendid views of the Bosphorus, and of course, excellent quality Shisha. Head here to unwind and relax after a day full of touristy excursions, and spend your evening soaking in the views of Bosphorous amid twinkling city lights.
What’s great about it?
What isn’t? The view’s to die for, the food’s delish, and the Shisha is puff-ect (hehe geddit?)
What’s especially interesting are the vibrantly-colored bottles; and the glass, which have encased within them slices of fruits – contributing to the aesthetics as well as flavor.
Will my bank balance be happy after I see the bill?
Sometimes, with great experiences comes a sizeable bill. Placed somewhere between moderate-to-expensive, Lulu Lounge doesn’t exactly scream cheap, ergo it’s advisable to set aside some money for visiting this lounge if you’re on a budget.
Anything else that I should know?
We recommend making reservations in advance, for this place is exceedingly popular and jam-packed round the clock.
4. Harab’be Cafe
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Where’s it at?
Popular amongst tourists and locals alike – Harab’be cafe is famous for its delectable food and great quality shisha, but above all, for its hospitable service and friendly staff. Located in Sultanahmet, you’ll be greeted warmly by the servers as you enter this cozy cafe, followed by an experience often prompting a second visit.
What’s great about it?
Famous for having the “best hookah in Istanbul,” its loyal patrons swear by Harab’be’s quality service. Don’t just take the internet’s word for it though. Check the place out yourself!
Will my bank balance be happy after I see the bill?
With all its services priced reasonably, Harab’be goes quite easy on its visitors’ pockets while also giving them a quality experience – and perhaps it is this that makes the cafe a hit amongst its patrons.
Anything else that I should know?
Fret not if you’re a vegetarian or a vegan; the cafe has delicious options for all. Gluten-free options are available as well.
5. Serbethane
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Where’s it at?
Located in close proximity to Hagia Sophia, Serbethane is a popular haunt amongst Shisha connoisseurs and offers a plethora of flavours to choose from.
What’s great about it?
Cozy ambiance, delicious food, and tobacco-filled nargiles – Turkish water pipe (as opposed to the fruit-filled ones served by other Shisha outlets).
Will my bank balance be happy after I see the bill?
Shishas are reasonably cheap here, and the food’s supposed to be pretty delicious while also being priced reasonably – you and your bank balance will most likely leave Serbethane well-fed and on a happy high.
Anything else that I should know?
Sütlac, Tauviks, and Testi Kebabs are amongst their most popular dishes here.
