As I am slowly integrating myself into this Turkish "Miami", I might have to stop writing about it as I will upgrade myself from traveller to local.
But I am still fresh here and my day to day life feels more or less like a holiday or somewhat unusual adventure. Today I want to write about nightlife in Antalya as it is a big part of many travellers experiences. I will try to sumerise few nights into one, so it will be some composition of memories (if any left) and places mixed together into kind of chronological order
So as with the photos, I am kick-starting my night in Patrick's bar close to my apartment. I do not live in the old town but in a rather "better" address near Düden park and waterfall. Also quite popular place to visit, but not so overly polluted as it further from the center. The only place where there are normal prices and it resembles European or American style bar is Patrick's bar ten minute walk from my place. Two dollars is considered cheap draft beer in Turkey. It is cold for this part of year, but as in most subtropical climates they like their beer ice cold. Have to live with it right. Problems of the first world citizens...
Downing two of famous Efes, probably the best Turkish beer and I am off to the center. Jumping on my bike, it is half an hour drive for me to get there. Assuming I have a chance to slalom through the traffic successfully.
First place I have on my mind when it comes to the old town is Gagarin Pub. Another "bar" themed place where I feel more or less welcomed and random conversation with a strange has a chance to occur. As it happened last time I was there. Met a Turk, which name I couldn't pronounce nor remember. But it was a decent champ and we had a good chat about him going all in on Cardano :) and staking Cake at the top of its recent bull run...
We than wander around in search of some music and more alive place than this rather chilled bar. Streets are full of people and walls are covered with art. Good to just walk around if you don't like to drink...
We than successfully avoid traps like Terrace club, where they ask us for 5 dollar entry fee to listen to loud music for two hours before midnight comes and the club closes anyway. Avoid that at any cost, it is not worth it.
Just go around for a little longer and you'll surely find some place with Turkish rock with free entry and tequila shots with every beer you order. That is when it gets bllury.
Next thing you know you're draged by a group of another drunk people into a busy club with rather funky music choices. But alright, at that time one can live with that. Throw some stupid dance moves, laugh at every joke you hear (if you can here anything) and a great night out is guaranteed. The way home on my bike is always a bit sketchy and I am happy I make it in one piece.
You might also find out the very next day when scrolling through your gallery that it was Helloween and you didn't even know it.
All the best,
Global Local