Kusadasi at Night — photo by Jonathan via Flickr
Kusadasi is not known for its beauty. In fact, many consider the Aegean city quite the opposite. Few historical structures remain and rest consists mostly of uninspiring apartment and business blocks. Nonetheless, Kusadasi is one of Turkey’s most popular destinations for domestic and international tourists in the summer, especially British. Its proximity to Ephesus, less than 10 miles, makes it an ideal base and the beaches, although crowded in summer, are generally good. But the main driver of the economy is the nightlife in Kuşadası. Countless clubs and pubs cater to docking cruise ships and natives seeking a taste of the West. In general, Kusadasi nightlife is divided into three areas.
Barlar Sokak (Bar Street)
As the name suggests, few people could pass a roadside test for drunkenness after 11:00 p.m. on this bustling street, considered the epicenter of Kusadasi nightlife. Dominated by a string of Irish pubs like Kitty O’Shea’s, Paddy’s and the Shamrock, Bar Street is also one of the city’s loudest, with rock and dance music blaring from the windows and doors. The later it gets, the more encouragement revelers receive to get on the tables and shake it. Drinks can be pricey here, so the pubs really don’t fill until near midnight, when people have oiled the gears more cheaply elsewhere.
Ladies Beach
Ladies beach runs about half a mile on the Kusadasi waterfront alongside an even longer promenade. After sunset, the area becomes another center for nightlife, with bars, cafes and nightclubs along the track that offer a bit mellower vibe, if only for the openness of the sea in the background. Further south along the water, you’ll find two of the city’s top nighttime hot spots at Jade and Miracle beach clubs, both with views of the sea, salt in the air and young people dressed to the nines.
Old Town
A more Turkish flavor can be found in the old part of Kusadasi, known as Kaleiçi. The labyrinthian narrow streets are home to a variety of bars like Ex Club and Heaven. There’s also a Turkish Night held Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights in the beautiful Caravanserai, a 17th-century Ottoman Castle and city landmark. At night, the courtyard becomes the stage for folk and belly dancers, musicians and other performers. Guests’ bellies are also tamed with a large open buffet of traditional mezes, entrees and desserts.