Nardis Jazz Club

Nardis Jazz Club opened on 29 October 2002 in a small space on Galata Kulesi Sokak, the lane running downhill from the Galata Tower, and over more than two decades it has become a fixture of Istanbul's jazz scene. It is the kind of club where the music comes first: a compact room, tables close to the stage, low lighting and an audience that has come to listen.

The programme changes nightly and features Turkish and visiting musicians, from established names to younger players, with styles ranging from straight-ahead jazz and standards to fusion, Latin and vocal jazz. The guitarist Önder Focan, one of the best-known figures in Turkish jazz, is closely linked with the club and features in its programme. Shows usually start at around 21:30 and run until about midnight. Tickets are priced per show, and the programme with prices is published on the website.

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially at weekends and for well-known performers, as the room is small and fills quickly. Book through the reservation button on the website, by phone or by email. Arrive early to choose a good table, order a drink and settle in before the music starts. Drinks are served at the tables, but the focus is on the performance, so keep conversation quiet while the band is playing.

Check the monthly programme before you go, as the artists and styles vary considerably from night to night, and pick an act that suits your taste. The club is not a late-night party venue; most people come for the show and leave afterwards, which makes it a good choice for a civilised evening. Smart casual dress fits in. If you want to make a night of it, have dinner in one of the restaurants around the Galata Tower first, then walk down for the first set.

Nardis suits couples, music lovers and solo travellers who want an authentic, intimate night of live music. The club is a few steps from the Galata Tower, so it is easy to combine with dinner in Galata or Karaköy. The walk down to Karaköy tram stop takes about ten minutes, and the Tünel funicular and Şişhane metro station are a short climb up the hill towards İstiklal Avenue.