Expert recommendations of the top dance, theater, and classical music performances.
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Babylon
Iconic venue for world, rock, jazz, and experimental Turkish music. “Exposed-brick warehouse has made this neighborhood the hippest part of town.”—Murat Patavi, founder, 34, Istanbul-based international design quarterly. Open September-June. Advance tickets from www.biletix.com, from $16. Şehbender Sokak 3, Asmalımescit, Tünel; tel. +90 212 292 7368. www.babylon.com.tr
Kuruçeşme Arena
Al fresco shoreline venue with a sparkling Bosporus backdrop, in hopping entertainment district. Where Shakira and Sting perform when in town. Seats 3,850. Advance tickets at www.biletix.com from $35. Tip: Take ferry from Kadıköy, Üsküdar, or Beşiktaş. Muallim Naci Caddesi 60, Kuruçeşme; (no telephone).
Aya İrini
Byzantine church in courtyard of Topkapı Palace. Setting renders classical music performances mystical. “Best acoustics for a cappella and strings.”—Kerem Görsev, internationally renowned Turkish jazz pianist. Advance tickets from www.biletix.com; prices vary, sometimes free. Topkapı Sarayı Avlusu, Sultanahmet; tel. +90 212 522 0989.
Tophane-i Amire
Imperial cannonball foundry converted into an international culture center. Hosts major events, such as Istanbul Biennial, Gotan Project’s tango electronica. Boğazkesen Caddesi, Defterdar Yokuşu 2, Tophane; tel. +90 212 252 1600.
Cemil Topuzlu Harbiye Açıkhava Tiyatrosu
Central open-air theater. Seats about 4,000. “Even the worst music cannot damage the remarkable experience of this amphitheater.”—David Judson, editor, Turkish Daily News. Jan Garbarek to Norah Jones to Deep Purple. Advance tickets at www.biletix.com, from $25.Taşkışla Caddesi, Harbiye; tel. +90 212 240 7720.
Garaj İstanbul
Former Beyoğlu garage reborn as center for contemporary music, dance, and theater. “The cutting-edge performance venue of the city.”—Görgün Taner, general manager, Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts. Tickets from $9. Tomtom Mahallesi, Yeni Çarşı Caddesi, Kaymakam Reşat Bey Sokak 11/A, Galatasaray; tel. +90 212 244 4499. www.garajistanbul.com
