22 year old male going to Istanbul for 7 days next month. Where is the nightlife center? (place, travel)

[Jadedfadedisbae]

Hi there, I am going with parents. At night it is understood I go my way and explore the city. My interests include nightlife, debauchery, partying, etc. Not too different from any 22 year old male. Where is Istanbul's "Time square"? Where is the center of the city?

Outside of the party/city center, what is there for my parents to do? They are relatively healthy adults who want to experience more of the city's culture. For them (and me too), what are some things a tourist needs to do/see in Istanbul?

Also, what is one place to go in Turkey outside of Istanbul? Time is a factor so we are only going to be able to go to one other city. I hear Rumi's tomb is worth a visit.

[LaBuenaVida]

Turkey is fantastic - Istanbul is my favorite city in the world.

Sultanahmet would likely be the tourist center. Taksim Square may be considered the modern center. Lots of bars on Istiklal Street near Taksim Square, in Beyoğlu, and also Karaköy. Always good to Google since the "hot" bars change from time to time.

Things to see/do:

Blue Mosque
Hagia Sophia
Topkapi Palace
Grand Bazaar (don't shop here!)
Spice Bazaar/Egyptian Bazaar
Walk across the Galata Bridge
Eat at on of the restaurants under the bridge
Have a fresh fish sandwich served from a fishing boat near the Galata bridge
Dolmabahce Palace
Take a ferry ride on the Bosphorus (get off at a stop or two and explore)
Various Mosques (each unique): Yeni Camii, Rustem Pasa Cami (for its Iznik tiles), Suleymaniye Cami (for its size and beauty), and Sokollu Mehmet Pasa Rustem (for its elegance and harmony).
Go to the top of the Galata Tower for great views
Basilica Cistern
Rahmi M. Koc Museum
Kumkapi Fish Market - Have dinner at one of the restaurants in the Kumkapi area across from the market
Chora Church

Istanbul has great food - and great street food as well...and delicious tea and baklava!

It is SO difficult to choose only one other place to visit but if I had to I would say Cappadocia to see the fairy chimneys. It is unlike any place you will ever visit. You will need to take a flight from Istanbul (Turkish Airlines has a budget airlines with good pricing the earlier you book) and then drive a couple of hours. With traveling I would say you need minimum 4 days. If you go, stay in a cave hotel and go for the early morning balloon ride.

Enjoy!

[LaBuenaVida]

Just saw that you are only going for 7 days...Cappadocia may be tight - if you can time the flights right, you can probably do it in 3 days, although it might be a bit rushed.