The 7 Greatest Hostels in Istanbul (Up to date 2023)

Posted: 1/3/23 | January third, 2023

Istanbul is a dynamic, sprawling, and historic metropolis generally known as the bridge between Europe and Asia. For hundreds of years it was probably the most essential cities on this planet, a hub for commerce and tradition between the 4 corners of the earth.

Like Rome, Istanbul has layers upon layers to unravel as you wander its bustling streets. Now dwelling to over 15 million folks, it was as soon as the capital of the Byzantine Empire (the heir of the Roman Empire). Then it was the middle of the Ottoman Empire, which lasted over 600 years earlier than dissolving in 1922.

Istanbul was a really low-cost place to go to. Nonetheless, costs have risen in recent times on account of rampant inflation. But it surely’s nonetheless comparatively cheap and residential to a number of enjoyable, social, and reasonably priced hostels that may prevent some cash — cash you’ll be able to then spend on scrumptious meals, fragrant Turkish espresso, and any of the wonderful sights and actions town has to supply, such because the Hagia Sophia or stress-free in an genuine hammam (steam bathtub).

However earlier than you ebook your hostel in Istanbul, listed here are 4 issues it’s essential to keep in mind:

1. 1. Location – Istanbul is large. It’s divided by the Bosphorus Strait, so selecting a hostel in a location you wish to be primarily based in is important.
2. 2. Worth – As in any metropolis, you get what you pay for. In the event you choose a extremely low-cost hostel, you’re in all probability going to get one that’s small and cramped and doesn’t provide nice service.
3. 3. Facilities – Each hostel on the town has free Wi-Fi, and most have self-catering amenities so you’ll be able to prepare dinner your personal meals. Many — however not all — embrace free breakfast, so make sure you do your analysis to seek out the one which greatest meets your wants.
4. 4. Employees – All of the hostels listed right here have wonderful workers who’re tremendous pleasant and educated. Even if you happen to don’t find yourself staying at one of many locations listed beneath, make sure you lookup opinions so that you’ll know you’ll have workers who’re useful and pleasant. They will make or break a hostel!

Beneath is my record of the very best hostels in Istanbul. In the event you don’t wish to learn the longer record beneath, the next are the very best in every class:

Greatest Hostel for Price range Vacationers: Second Home Hostel or Hostel Le Blanc
Greatest Hostel for Partying: Bahaus Guesthouse and Hostel
Greatest Hostel for Solo Feminine Vacationers: Cheers Hostel
Greatest Hostel for Digital Nomads: Second Home Hostel
Greatest Hostel for Historical past Buffs: Cheers Hostel
Greatest General Hostel: Hostel Le Blanc

Need the specifics of every? Right here’s my breakdown of the very best hostels in Istanbul and why I like them:

Worth legend (per evening)

• $ = Underneath 400 TRY
• $$ = 401-500 TRY
• $$$ = Over 501 TRY

1. Tilas Home

Positioned on a quiet facet avenue in Kadiköy, a cool, laid-back residential neighborhood, Tilas Home is a favourite amongst price range vacationers and backpackers. The 150-year-old constructing is stuffed with snug furnishings, colourful drapes, and eclectic artwork, and every room’s partitions in are hand-painted and replicate varied elements of the tradition and historical past of this metropolis. It feels much less like a hostel and extra like a big household dwelling.

The workers listed here are legendary for his or her heat and friendliness. The hostel can be near every thing you would possibly want (eating places, grocery shops, the metro) and is stored very clear (together with the loos). Whereas the dorms aren’t something fancy, the beds are snug.

Tilas Home at a look:

• $$$
• Nice location close to cafés and eating places
• Distinctive, historic constructing
• Very welcoming workers

Beds from 1,340 TRY per evening, non-public rooms from 1,354 TRY.

2. Hostel Le Banc

If location is your precedence, Le Banc is the hostel for you. It’s positioned steps from Taksim Sq., the fashionable coronary heart of town, so if you happen to yearn to really feel the depth that’s central Istanbul, that is the place to remain.

Le Banc has a comfy frequent room the place you’ll be able to hang around, chat with different vacationers, and loosen up after a day of exploring. It additionally provides a complimentary, hearty natural breakfast. The beautiful terrace has an impressive view of the skyline too. The dorm beds are cozy, with privateness curtains and thick mattresses, and the loos are trendy and clear.

Hostel Le Banc at a look:

• $
• Wonderful central location close to Taksim Sq.
• Complimentary breakfast
• Good on-site café, frequent room, and terrace with views

Beds from 335 TRY per evening, non-public rooms from 970 TRY.

3. Yolo Hostel Kadiköy

Yolo is a really social hostel. The workers organizes loads of gatherings and actions, plus there’s a stunning terrace, leafy communal backyard, and open, totally outfitted kitchen in which you’ll loosen up and speak to different vacationers (and prepare dinner your personal meals if you happen to’re on a price range).

The picket dorm beds are vast and have privateness curtains and comfortable mattresses. There are additionally lockers in every dorm room.

Yolo Hostel Kadiköy at a look:

• $$
• Positioned close to loads of galleries and hip cafés
• Organizes numerous actions
• Absolutely outfitted kitchen

Beds from 430 TRY per evening, non-public rooms from 935 TRY.

4. Cheers Hostel

Positioned on the European facet of the Bosphorus and only a few minutes’ stroll from a few of Istanbul’s most iconic historic websites (together with the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque), Cheers provides common strolling excursions (in English and in Spanish) for simply 185 TRY.

The hostel additionally has a terrace and bar with nice views overlooking town. Breakfast is included, and the Cheers Café gives a comfy place to sip Turkish espresso within the morning or nurse a beer within the night.

The bunks are primary (they’re wooden and there are not any privateness curtains), however the beds are comfortable, and there are lockers out there to retailer your luggage. There are additionally female-only dorms.

Cheers Hostel at a look:

• $$
• Organizes common strolling excursions
• Stress-free frequent areas (together with a café and a terrace)
• Feminine-only rooms out there

Beds from 428 TRY per evening, non-public rooms from 1,080 TRY.

5. Stanpoli Hostel

At Stanpoli, simply steps from the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, the Basilica Cistern, and the enduring Hagia Sophia, you’ll be able to take pleasure in a Turkish-style breakfast feast on the stunning rooftop terrace, which has an amazing view of the historic Sultanahmet district. The hostel additionally has a pleasant workers who additionally know town effectively and might share their insider suggestions and recommendation that will help you take advantage of your journey.

Every mattress within the spacious dorms has its personal studying gentle, energy outlet, and privateness curtain. The mattresses are thick, so you’ll be able to truly get an honest evening’s sleep too!

Stanpoli Hostel at a look:

• $$
• Wonderful location within the coronary heart of the Sultanahmet space
• Tasty complimentary breakfast on the rooftop terrace
• Very pleasant workers

Beds from 430 TRY per evening, non-public rooms from 1,210 TRY.

6. Bahaus Guesthouse Hostel

Social actions are the secret at Bahaus, positioned on the European facet of Istanbul, only a brief stroll from quite a few historic websites (such because the Blue Mosque). Bahaus provides day by day strolling excursions — which embrace a deep dive into the Grand Bazaar, a stroll across the Asian facet of city, and a tour of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia — in addition to some organized gatherings within the evenings for barbecue and drinks on the rooftop terrace.

The in-house bar stays open late each evening. In the event you’re touring alone and wish to meet fellow vacationers, that is the place to remain.

All of the bunk beds have wrap-around curtains for additional privateness, and all rooms have an hooked up toilet, air-con, and ceiling followers, so that you gained’t be sweltering throughout the scorching summer time months.

Bahaus Guesthouse Hostel at a look:

• $$
• Wonderful location within the coronary heart of the Sultanahmet space
• Complimentary breakfast on the rooftop terrace
• Plenty of actions make it straightforward to satisfy folks

Beds from 430 TRY per evening, non-public rooms from 1,136 TRY.

7. Second Dwelling Hostel

If it’s a must to work whilst you’re on the street otherwise you’re a digital nomad, Second Dwelling (positioned on the European facet of city) is the best choice. Not solely is the Wi-Fi quick all through the property, however there are desks within the visitor rooms and the frequent room.

The hostel provides a pleasant Turkish breakfast for simply 55 TRY and common communal dinners so you may get to know your fellow vacationers. The workers arrange strolling excursions and pub crawls too.

Whereas the beds are primary (low-cost metallic bunks with no curtains), there’s a chill rooftop terrace for hanging out, the loos are clear and spacious, and the workers go above and past to make you are feeling welcome.

Second Dwelling Hostel at a look:

• $
• Wonderful location within the Sultanahmet space
• Tasty and reasonably priced Turkish breakfast
• Plenty of organized actions so it’s straightforward to satisfy different vacationers

Beds from 335 TRY per evening, non-public rooms from 835 TRY.

Istanbul is likely one of the most historic, iconic cities on this planet, actually bridging the hole between east and west. It’s vigorous and energetic, and whereas costs have risen in recent times, it’s nonetheless very reasonably priced — particularly if you happen to keep in one of many metropolis’s enjoyable, secure, and low-cost hostels.