Euro 2024 promises to be an unmissable event for all football fans, and Istanbul, a city where football is more than a sport but a passion, will offer a vibrant atmosphere during the Euro especially as the the Turkish national team is participating. You will find many spots where you can enjoy the matches of Turkey’s national team or other teams in the tournament.

Whether you’re looking for an immersive experience with other fans or a quieter setting to enjoy the matches, here’s a guide to the best places, so you can choose your side on match day.

The best places to experience football in June in Istanbul

The safe bets: The fan districts – Beşiktaş, Nevizade (Galatasaray) and Kadıköy

Generally the districts of Beşiktaş, Nevizade in Beyoğlu and Kadıköy are known for their fervent support for local teams and are perfect for those looking to experience the games in an vibrant atmosphere. Cafes and bars in these areas set up giant screens for matches, allowing fans to gather and support their favorite teams. There is not necessarily one bar better than another, the best is to let yourself be carried away according to your desires to where you will find the friendliest vibe.

BEYOGLU

Nevizade Bar Street: This historic street is the beating heart of Istanbul’s nightlife. It is the stronghold of Galatasaray supporters, it is lined with traditional bars and restaurants where the flags and scarves of the Bosphorus Lions wave in the windows. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in Turkey’s passion for football, surrounded by the chants and cheers of local fans.

Address: Nevizade sokak, İstanbul

Corner Irish Pub (Beyoğlu): The Corner Irish Pub, an Irish pub located in Galatasaray, is very popular both for its location and for the variety of beers it offers. The place where many pub specialties are available is also a favorite bar for foreigners in Istanbul. You will feel like you are in the stadium watching the matches, and you can also experience the pleasure of meeting football fans from different countries.

Address: Asmalı Mescit Meşrutiyet Cd. No:11/A Galatasaray, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul

James Joyce (Beyoğlu): Travelers to Istanbul, as well as the local expat community, love this Irish pub located in the central Beyoğlu district. With an atmosphere that has all the trappings of a classic Irish pub (including wooden booths, bar stools and many varieties of international beers), the bar not only hosts live music, but also broadcasts all major international sporting events on very large screens.

Address: Hüseyinağa, Balo Sk. No:26, 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul

The Populist (bomontiada & Galataport) : The Populist c’est un grand pub qui fait ses propres bières artisanales.  Dans les deux succursales bomontiada et Galataport, The Populist offre à ses clients une combinaison parfaite de football, bonne musique et délicieuse nourriture, avec des événements spéciaux prévus pour l’Euro.

Adresse Bomonti : Cumhuriyet, Tarihi Bomonti Bira Fabrikası, Birahane Sk. No: 1/D, 34381 Şişli/İstanbul

Adresse Galataport : Galataport, Kılıçali Paşa Mah. Meclis-i Mebusan Cad L5 Blok No: 8/2D Kat: Zemin +1, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul

BEŞİKTAŞ  

Çarşı (market) of Beşiktaş: located behind the Dolmabahçe Palace, the Çarşı is a vast labyrinth of small alleys which are the paradise of Istanbul street food but also the stronghold of Beşiktaş supporters. You will find many bars there to watch the match but also many stalls to taste local gastronomy on the go

Address: Beşiktaş Çarşı İstanbul

Günaydın Maçka: Günaydın Maçka in Istanbul offers a unique experience for watching Euro 2024 matches, combining delicious grilled kebabs with the excitement of football. Located in Maçka Park, this elegant restaurant provides screens so that customers don’t miss any of the game while enjoying their meal in a natural and refined setting. It is the perfect place for those looking to combine sport and gastronomy during major sporting events.

Address: Vişnezade, Bayıldım Cd. No:2, 34400 Beşiktaş/İstanbul

Macka Demokrasi Park: This large urban park transforms into a gigantic open-air lounge during major sporting events. With its vast green spaces, it is perfect for those who prefer to watch the matches outdoors, providing a more relaxed and family-friendly experience.

Taps Brewery (Bebek): Who said games can’t be watched overlooking the sea? This venue welcomes fans wanting to escape the crowds while enjoying a craft beer in the trendy Bebek district on the banks of the Bosphorus. In addition to the matches of the Turkish national team, other international matches are also broadcast there.

Address: Cevdetpaşa Cad. No: 119, Bebek, İstanbul

KADIKÖY

Kadıköy Fanzone: Istanbul City Hall organized an exciting experience for football fans at Kadıköy Festival Park, . The Fanzone Istanbul event there will broadcast Euro 2024 matches on a big screen by the sea.

Opened by the municipality body in 2022, Festival Park Kadıköy is a multidisciplinary outdoor space that continues to open up to various experiences. Between June 14 and July 14, spectators will be able to follow the Euro 2024 matches. In addition to the broadcast of the matches, the site will offer a festive atmosphere with dining and drinking areas, DJ performances, as well as various sporting activities and games, in order to maximize the festive experience and enthusiasm for football.

Address: Caferağa, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul

Kadıköy Bar Street: This lively market is a rallying point for Fenerbahçe fans, with bars as far as the eye can see that create a party atmosphere.

Address: Barlar Sokağı, Kadıköy, İstanbul

Maçkolik (Fenerbahçe): located next to the Şükrü Saraçoğlu stadium right in the Canary stronghold of Fener, in the Kadıköy district, this historic building is a must-see for football fans, offering an incomparable atmosphere with a big screen and excellent acoustics.

Address: Zühtüpaşa Mahallesi, Şefikbey Sokak, No 1, Kadıköy, İstanbul

OTHER NEIGHBORHOODS

Akbiyik Caddesi (Sultanahmet): Located in the tourist district of Sultanahmet behind the Blue Mosque, this street in the historic district is a pleasant place to watch the matches surrounded by international fans.

Address: Akbıyık Caddesi Sultanahmet

Many other places will be made public in the days to come, including fan zones organized by the councils of the different neighborhoods, so stay tuned!

With these numerous choices, every football fan will find what they are looking for to experience Euro 2024 in Istanbul, surrounded by the enthusiasm and passion of other supporters. Get ready to experience the thrill of football in one of the most dynamic cities in Europe!