While most of Istiklal is full of rock bars, rooftop restaurants and Western shops, Cicek Pasaji is here to remind you that you are in fact in the Orient. Having opened in 1876, this domed passageway/bazaar is one BarChick’s most interesting hook-ups for food and booze in the city.

With windows looking out into the courtyard below, it almost feels like you're in an elongated opera stage, with people viewing from their boxes above and orchestras of violas and violins serenading diners and drinkers alike. Get involved as people break into dance, hustled by the bands that weave between the tables in search of a tip, it’s awesome.

Mingle with locals and holiday-makers and down raki, wine and beer. If you get peckish get stuck into some Turkish mezze including wonderful fried calamari. Culture vultures will love this place for its old school Istanbulli charm.