The 7 Best Hostels in Istanbul

Istanbul is a dynamic, sprawling, and historic metropolis known as the bridge between Europe and Asia. For centuries it was one of the most important cities in the world, a hub for trade and culture between the four corners of the earth.

Like Rome, Istanbul has layers upon layers to unravel as you wander its bustling streets. Now home to over 15 million people, it was once the capital of the Byzantine Empire (the inheritor of the Roman Empire). Then it was the center of the Ottoman Empire, which lasted over 600 years before dissolving in 1922.

Istanbul used to be a very cheap place to visit. However, prices have risen in recent years due to rampant inflation. But it’s still relatively inexpensive and home to several fun, social, and affordable hostels that can save you some money — money you can then spend on delicious food, aromatic Turkish coffee, and any of the amazing sights and activities the city has to offer, such as the Hagia Sophia or relaxing in an authentic hammam (steam bath).

But before you book your hostel in Istanbul, here are four things you need to remember:

1. Location – Istanbul is huge. It’s divided by the Bosphorus Strait, so picking a hostel in a location you want to be based in is essential.
2. Price – As in any city, you get what you pay for. If you pick a really cheap hostel, you’re probably going to get one that is small and cramped and doesn’t offer great service.
3. Amenities – Every hostel in town has free Wi-Fi, and most have self-catering facilities so you can cook your own meals. Many — but not all — include free breakfast, so be sure to do your research to find the one that best meets your needs.
4. Staff – All the hostels listed here have amazing staff who are super friendly and knowledgeable. Even if you don’t end up staying at one of the places listed below, be sure to look up reviews so you’ll know you’ll have staff who are helpful and friendly. They can make or break a hostel!

Below is my list of the best hostels in Istanbul. If you don’t want to read the longer list below, the following are the best in each category:

Want the specifics of each? Here’s my breakdown of the best hostels in Istanbul and why I love them:

Price legend (per night):

• $ = Under 600 TRY
• $$ = 600-800 TRY
• $$$ = Over 801 TRY

 

1. Tilas House

Located on a quiet side street in Kadiköy, a cool, laid-back residential neighborhood, Tilas House is a favorite among budget travelers and backpackers. The 150-year-old building is filled with comfortable furniture, colorful drapes, and eclectic art, and each room’s walls are hand-painted and reflect various aspects of the culture and history of this city. It feels less like a hostel and more like a large family home or B&B.

The staff here are legendary for their warmth and friendliness. The hostel is also close to everything you might need (restaurants, grocery stores, the metro) and is kept very clean (including the bathrooms). While the dorms aren’t anything fancy, the beds are comfortable. Bring your own padlock for the lockers. Also, there is sometimes a two-night minimum so keep that in mind when booking.

Tilas House at a glance:

• $$$
• Great location near cafés and restaurants
• Unique, historic building
• Very welcoming staff

Private rooms from 2,100 TRY.

Book here!
 

2. Hostel Le Banc

If location is your priority, Le Banc is the hostel for you. It’s located steps from Taksim Square, the modern heart of the city, so if you yearn to feel the intensity that is central Istanbul, this is the place to stay.

Le Banc has a cozy common room where you can hang out, chat with other travelers, and relax after a day of exploring. The lovely terrace has an outstanding view of the skyline too. The dorm beds are cozy, with privacy curtains and thick mattresses, and the bathrooms are modern and clean. It’s one of the more affordable choices on this list too.

Hostel Le Banc at a glance:

• $
• Excellent central location near Taksim Square
• Chill terrace for hanging out
• Nice on-site café

Beds from 940 TRY per night, private rooms from 3,135 TRY.

Book here!
 

3. Yolo Hostel Kadiköy

Yolo is a very social hostel. The staff organizes a lot of gatherings and activities, plus there’s a lovely terrace, leafy communal garden, and open, fully equipped kitchen in which you can relax and talk to other travelers (and cook your own meals if you’re on a budget).

The wooden dorm beds are wide and have privacy curtains and comfy mattresses so you can actually get a good sleep here. There are also lockers in each dorm room as well as individual reading lists. Overall, it’s a comfy and chill spot in a great part of the city.

Yolo Hostel Kadiköy at a glance:

• $$
• Located near a lot of galleries and hip cafés
• Organizes lots of activities
• Fully equipped kitchen

Beds from 858 TRY per night, private rooms from 2,070 TRY.

Book here!
 

4. Cheers Hostel

Cheers is located on the European side of the Bosphorus, just a few minutes’ walk from some of Istanbul’s most iconic historical sites (including the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque). I love that they offer regular walking tours (in English and in Spanish), as that’s a great (and easy) way to see the sights and meet other travelers. The hostel also has a terrace and bar with great views overlooking the city. Cheers Café provides a cozy place to sip Turkish coffee in the morning or nurse a beer in the evening.

The bunks are basic (they are wood and there are no privacy curtains), but the beds are comfy, and there are lockers available to store your bags. There are also female-only dorms. Note that they only allow travelers aged 15-40 to stay in the dorms.

Cheers Hostel at a glance:

• $$
• Organizes regular walking tours and other activities
• Relaxing common spaces (including a café and a terrace)
• Female-only rooms available

Beds from 657 TRY per night, private rooms from 3,098 TRY.

Book here!
 

5. Stanpoli Hostel

At Stanpoli, just steps from the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, the Basilica Cistern, and the iconic Hagia Sophia, you can indulge in a Turkish-style breakfast feast on the lovely rooftop terrace, which has a great view of the historic Sultanahmet district. The hostel also has a friendly staff who know the city well and can share their insider tips and advice to help you make the most of your trip.

Each bed in the spacious dorms has its own reading light, power outlet, and privacy curtain. The mattresses are thick, so you can actually get a decent night’s sleep too! Note that they only allow travelers aged 18–45 to stay in the dorms.

Stanpoli Hostel at a glance:

• $$
• Excellent location in the heart of the Sultanahmet area
• Tasty complimentary breakfast on the rooftop terrace
• Very friendly staff

Beds from 630 TRY per night, private rooms from 2, 193 TRY.

Book here!
 

6. Bahaus Guesthouse Hostel

Social activities are the name of the game at Bahaus, located on the European side of Istanbul, just a short walk from numerous historical sites (such as the Blue Mosque). Bahaus offers daily walking tours — which include a deep dive into the Grand Bazaar, a stroll around the Asian side of town, and a tour of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia — as well as organized gatherings in the evenings (such as barbecue and drinks on the rooftop terrace). All the bunk beds have wrap-around curtains for extra privacy, and all rooms have an attached bathroom, air conditioning, and ceiling fans, so you won’t be sweltering during the hot summer months.

The in-house bar stays open late every night, so if you’re traveling alone and want to meet fellow travelers, this is the place to stay. Just note that they only accept guests between 14-40.

Bahaus Guesthouse Hostel at a glance:

• $$
• Excellent location in the heart of the Sultanahmet area
• Bar on-site
• Lots of activities make it easy to meet people (Happy Hour, dinners, BBQ, drinking games

Beds from 675 TRY per night, private rooms from 2,532 TRY .

Book here!
 

7. Second Home Hostel

If you have to work while you’re on the road or you’re a digital nomad, Second Home (located on the European side of town) is your best option. Not only is the Wi-Fi fast throughout the property, but there are desks in the guest rooms and the common room.

The hostel offers a nice Turkish breakfast for just 175 TRY and regular communal dinners so you can get to know your fellow travelers. The staff organize walking tours and pub crawls too.

While the beds are basic (cheap metal bunks with no curtains), there’s a chill rooftop terrace for hanging out, the bathrooms are clean and spacious, and the staff go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. Note that dormitories have an age limit of 40 years old.

Second Home Hostel at a glance:

• $
• Excellent location in the Sultanahmet area
• Tasty and affordable Turkish breakfast
• Lots of organized activities so it’s easy to meet other travelers

Beds from 487 TRY per night, private rooms from 1,102 TRY.

Book here!

***

Istanbul is one of the most historic, iconic cities in the world, literally bridging the gap between east and west. It’s lively and energetic, and while prices have risen in recent years, it’s still very affordable — especially if you stay in one of the city’s fun, safe, and low-cost hostels.