This local favorite located in the lively Asmali Mescit district opened its doors in 1999 and has remained Istanbul's top music venue ever since. The cozy interior has exposed brick walls with a bar at the back, a stage at the front, and a mezzanine level from where audience members can enjoy the best view. There's live music most nights of the week, with a good mixture of local and international bands from a whole range genres such as jazz, rock, electronica, reggae, and world music. As well as gigs by big-name artists including Patti Smith, The National, Roy Ayers, Four Tet, and the Gotan Project, look out for regular gigs by one of Turkey's most experimental bands, Baba Zula, and for something more familiar head to one of the Golden Oldies DJ parties. Babylon is one of the few live music venues that adheres to the no-smoking law, which means you come back without the smoky smell, but can mean there’s sometimes a larger crowd outside than in. It also has a sister venue, Babylon Lounge, located on a parallel street that features mostly local DJs and offers happy hours, making it a good venue to start the night. Tickets can be bought online or from small box office opposite the club. Closes during the summer months when it moves operations to the buzzing Aegean town of Çeşmeç