Where to Watch the Game in Istanbul: 10 Sports Bars and Restaurants Football Fans Love

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Where to Watch the Game in Istanbul: 10 Sports Bars and Restaurants Football Fans Love

We wanted to share in the excitement that surrounds game days, so we put together this list of venues to enjoy the match with friends!

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Best venues to watch a game

Chocolate Kalamış (Kalamış)

Chocolate's Kalamış branch has a bar to the right as you enter, with long bar tables and raised dinner tables. The brass reliefs on the ceiling are lit by spotlights and catch your eye as you walk in.

Hard Rock Cafe (İstiklal Caddesi)

Ready to enjoy 90 exciting minutes at the Hard Rock Café? This branch's one-of-a-kind design concept for Istanbul was inspired by two different continents and the coexistence of different cultures. Besides food and drink, Hard Rock Café is a popular meeting spot and events venue — a rock legend thanks to its stage, bars, private rooms and terrace. Booking ahead of the game is recommended.

Havelka (Caddebostan)

Broadcasting games across five separate floors is a big feature of this popular venue among Caddebostan locals, with each floor having its own giant screen. The wooden tables and vibrant wall posters are the most memorable design touches.

Maçkolik Complex (Kadıköy)

Maçkolik is probably the only complex in Istanbul where you can watch a game. Right next to Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saraçoğlu Stadium, it has private viewing rooms, a large number of HD TVs, projection screens and an interior that recreates match-day atmosphere. Watching a tournament held every four years here is priceless.

Mars Athletic Club (Beşiktaş)

Inside Kanyon MAC, this café opens its doors to all football fans, not just gym members — though it's mostly filled with familiar gym faces. The game is projected with a high-quality sound system, ideal for those who want a calmer, less crowded watch.

Me Gusta (Taksim)

If the heart of Istanbul is Taksim, the most popular place to watch a game there is Me Gusta. A few steps down you're greeted by high ceilings, bright light and plenty of mirrors, with a long bar table in the middle and comfortable booths in the corners. On big match days, both floors screen the game on two large projectors, and the 280-capacity venue is usually packed.

Ortaköy Kahvesi (Ortaköy)

Climb the café's stairs and you'll find each floor quaint, charming and homely, with the aroma of hookah always in the air — every flavour imaginable, from apple and melon to coconut and mint. The terrace offers an expansive view over the Esma Sultan Mansion, Ortaköy Mosque and the Bosphorus.

Public House (Asmalımescit)

A venue ideal for large groups who want to chat the night away, it also runs live music programmes for those who'd rather skip the pub-and-football scene.

Polat Champions Bar&Restaurant (Bakırköy)

The most popular spot to watch a game in Yeşilyurt, this American sports bar-restaurant sits inside Polat Renaissance and spreads over 1,500 m² across two storeys plus a balcony. Inside you'll find pool tables, arcade games, pinball, darts and giant screens, with every corner decorated with Turkish and international sports memorabilia.

The North Shield (Kadıköy)

Whenever your team plays, no matter where you are in the city, there's bound to be a North Shield nearby. Every branch is packed on game days, portions are generous, and the light Mexican flavours like Argentinian steak, nachos and quesadillas come recommended.