Izmir offers a good range of nightlife options, with different areas suiting various preferences.
Alsancak is perhaps Izmir's most well-known nightlife district. It's packed with bars, pubs, and clubs, especially along Kordon and Gazi Kadınlar Street. You'll find everything from places with live Turkish music to venues playing international pop and electronic music, often staying open quite late. Many establishments here have outdoor seating, which is lovely in the warmer months.
Pasaport, located near the ferry port, offers a slightly more sophisticated evening out. It features several upscale restaurants that transform into lounges with music later in the evening. There are also a few bars here that specialise in cocktails and have a more refined ambience.
Konak, particularly around the Kemeraltı Bazaar area, has a selection of traditional Turkish tavernas (meyhanes) where you can enjoy local food, raki, and often live fasıl music. These places tend to be more focused on dining and conversation, with music as a background element.
Bornova, especially around the university campus, has a lively option driven by its student population. You'll find more casual pubs, cafes that serve alcoholic drinks, and some smaller live music venues here. It's generally a more relaxed and budget-friendly area for a night out.
Çeşme and Alaçatı, while not strictly within Izmir city centre, are popular coastal towns nearby that come alive in the summer. They're known for their beach clubs, fashionable bars, and restaurants that often feature DJs or live music.