Turkey's largest city has a scene as vibrant as any in Europe, Asia or North America. Here's how to find the best of it

Istanbul nightlife has earned a reputation as a scene where revelers, whatever their entertainment poison, are spoiled for choice.

Super-clubs beside the Bosphorus, back street jazz bars, a live music venue that has played host to the likes of Patti Smith, Marianne Faithful and Stereolab –- Istanbul has them all and more.

With a capacity of 120, fabulous acoustics and a location in trendy Galata, Nardis is the real jazz deal.

Named after a track by the king of cool, Miles Davis, Nardis is where Istanbul jazz fans hang.

Run by Turkish jazz guitarist Önder Focan and his wife, the venue, with its exposed brick walls and dim lighting, welcomes mainly local musicians onto its small stage six nights a week (it’s closed Sundays), with an international artist making an appearance around once a month.

Nardis Jazz, 14 Kuledibi Sokak, Galata; +90 212 244 6327