( CNN ) -- Istanbul may be two millennia old , but there 's nothing dated about its cultural scene . While the domed city is best known for its ancient attractions , it 's also buzzing with a vibrant contemporary arts and design scene . Modern galleries , late-night music venues and chic fashion boutiques have cropped up in recent years , and Istanbul 's status as a 2010 European Capital of Culture has given it a platform to showcase its vitality . CNN explores some of the most exciting hotspots of this global center of cool , from cutting-edge art galleries and boutiques to the clubs and lounges that make Istanbul a city that never sleeps . SEE : The first private museum showing modern and contemporary art exhibitions in Turkey , the Istanbul Modern has been at the forefront of the city 's contemporary art movement since it opened in 2004 . Occupying a former warehouse on the shores of the Bosphorus , it displays work from its permanent collection as well as organizes temporary exhibitions . A retrospective of Turkish designer Hussein Chalayan is currently being shown as part of the city 's Capital of Culture program . Mixing old with new , Pera Museum is another must-stop . In addition to its permanent collection of traditional tiles and ceramics , it hosts a number of modern exhibitions throughout the year . A number of smaller galleries in the city are fostering up-and-coming Turkish talent . Spaces to watch include x-ist and Dirimart , both of which are located in the trendy Nisantasi quarter . Garajinstanbul , an international non-profit performing arts center , reflects the city 's cosmopolitan bent . It collaborates with artists from around the world and is dedicated to fostering `` the new '' in theater , music and dance . A prime example is the company 's production of `` Cihangir Insomnia . '' Involving actors from across Europe , the show uses a mixture of dialogue , video and music to tell the story of Istanbul 's funkiest district . Read more about Istanbul 's bohemian quarter of Cihangir . LISTEN : A resurgence of alternative music venues means there 's no shortage of places to check out live gigs . For a hipster , world music vibe , chill out at Ghetto music lounge , which plays host to a number of local and international bands . Visit Nardis for jazz beats , and for an eclectic mix of sounds , check out infamous cafe Badehane , which features everything from local gypsy music to edgy new rock bands . If you are n't sure what you 're in the mood for , there 's always Salon . Located in a newly restored building , it hosts a variety of jazz , rock and classical concerts , as well as Monday night theater , art exhibitions and literary talks . Have varied music tastes ? So does Babylon . One of the most popular live music venues in Istanbul , it features a variety of acts , from electronica and jazz to world music , indie pop and reggae . A guide to Istanbul 's best Turkish restaurants . SHOP : Innovative Turkish designers have gained an international following in recent years , and their boutique fashion labels can easily be found in Istanbul . Designer Umit Unal has established his private atelier in the city , while veteran of European runways Arzu Kaprol 's couture showroom overlooks the Bosphorus . For a twist on tradition , Gonul Paksoy uses naturally hand-dyed fabrics in his reinterpretations of classical Ottoman design . CNN 's Yesim Comert contributed to this report .
A 2010 European Capital of Culture , Istanbul is a city of the moment . Its ancient sights are a must-see , but so are its modern art galleries and music clubs . Istanbul Modern and Garajinstanbul are at the forefront of the contemporary arts movement .