How to Find the Best Hostel in Istanbul
Exploring Istanbul on a budget doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice comfort. The best hostels in Istanbul offer affordable and enjoyable stays, making them perfect for all types of travellers. Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple, or a digital nomad, choosing the right hostel will help you make the most of your trip to Istanbul.
Located in the heart of the city, many hostels are just a few steps away from major attractions like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Stanpoli Hostel, for instance, offers a prime location in Sultanahmet, putting you close to Istanbul’s rich history and vibrant culture. Other options, like Yolo Hostel and Le Blanc Hostel, provide excellent social environments, perfect for meeting fellow travellers.
Choosing the right hostel can make your Istanbul experience even more enjoyable. When booking your stay, you should keep an eye out for unique offerings like free walking tours, rooftop terraces with stunning views, and cosy common areas. These features will not only add value to your stay but also give you a chance to connect with other like-minded travellers and make friends.
Key Takeaways
- The top hostels offer a blend of affordability and comfort.
- Many hostels are located near major Istanbul attractions.
- Extra features like free tours and social spaces help provide a better travel experience.
- Choose carefully which Istanbul neighbourhood to stay in.
- Look out for extra charges, e.g., breakfast, cancellation fees, etc.
Criteria for Selecting Top Hostels
Choosing the right hostel in Istanbul requires several critical considerations. These include
- Location
- Cost
- Amenities
You should also read 2024 reviews to get up-to-the-minute opinions from previous guests. Each of these factors plays a significant role in ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Which Neighbourhood in Istanbul
Istanbul is huge, and choosing the right location for your hostel is very important. Hostels situated in prime areas, such as the European side of Istanbul, close to Galata Tower, Taksim Square, and Istiklal Street, are extremely popular for those seeking entertainment and nightlife. (See guide to Istanbul).
Staying in the heart of the Old City is better for travellers who want to explore historic sites and museums. Sultanahmet is the most popular neighbourhood due to its proximity to most historical and cultural sites. This is the neighbourhood where I stayed the first time I visited Istanbul as a backpacker, when I was a teenager.
Hostels on the Asian side of Istanbul tend to offer a unique experience and are often located in trendy and laid-back neighbourhoods like Kadikoy or Moda. This side of the city gives visitors a more authentic Turkish travel experience.
Map of Istanbul Hostels
Accessibility and Transportation
Proximity to public transport, such as trams and buses, is also essential for hassle-free travel around the city. If you are located on the Asian side of the city, you will be in close proximity to Sabih Gocken Airport, which is Istanbul’s smaller airport and the destination for most budget flights.
When visiting the city from the Asian side, daily ferry or metro travel is required to reach most of its main tourist attractions. In relation to your Istanbul hostel, check where the airport shuttle bus (Havaist) drops you off and calculate how long it takes to walk from the bus stop to your hostel. Buying an Istanbulkart (travel pass) is a must and will help you explore the city very inexpensively.
Value for Money
Value for money is another critical factor. It’s important that the cost matches the services and facilities provided. Hostels that offer free breakfast or airport shuttles provide additional savings for budget-conscious travellers. Some hostels provide free airport shuttles, but only if you spend a minimum of around 350 euros on accommodation.
Dorm rates and private room rates should be competitive. For example, dorm beds starting at €14 can be an attractive option. However, for that price, you may need to stay in a 12-person dorm instead of paying a little more for a 4-person dorm. Balancing reasonable pricing with quality services is key to achieving the best value for money. Many hostel have kitchens that you can use, but in my experience you always end up eating out, as it is fairly easy to find delicious and inexpensive Turkish meals.
Hostel Features and Amenities
The amenities and features offered by a hostel can have a significant impact on the quality of your stay. A social hostel, like those known for organising events such as walking tours or pub crawls, helps travellers meet and connect. Hostels with modern facilities such as free Wi-Fi, communal kitchens, laundry facilities, and comfortable common areas are highly desirable.
Those labelled as the best party hostels provide lively atmospheres with entertainment options. Having great views of the city from the hostel can improve your overall experience. Digital nomads place particular importance on spaces equipped for working, like dedicated lounges or co-working areas, along with an excellent and reliable free Wi-fi connection.
Check to see if the hostel where you want to stay has a large locker, where you can keep your bags safe. Most hostels sell padlocks and keys at reception, but bring your own if you remember. If a hostel doesn´t have lockers, I would not consider staying there. You can rent towels at some hostels, which is helpful when traveling. Alternatively, take a light and quick drying towel with you. Is breakfast included? If not, how much would it be? Breakfast prices can vary considerably, starting from 4 euros and rising to 8 euros or more. If the breakfast is free, it can make a difference to your budget.
Dormitories: Male, Female, Mixed
Most hostels offer both dorms, double rooms, and single rooms. The size of the dorm can vary between 4 and 12 people. The general rule is that a room becomes more affordable when it accommodates more people, but it also increases the likelihood of encountering anti-social behaviour that could disturb you. For example, noisy or drunk people arrive at 4 a.m. and wake you up. Sometimes it is better to pay a little more, have a few people in the room, and improve your hostel experience.
Check how many bathrooms there are in a dorm. If there is only one bathroom for a 12 person dorm, I would probably not stay at that hostel. There are a few hostels that offer male-only dorms, such as the Windrose hostel in Taksim. This may be more suitable for some people, e.g., travellers with certain religious beliefs.
Most dorms are mixed, a practice that most Westerners find acceptable these days. However, for most Turkish and Arab people (especially females), this would not be considered an option. Finally, good news for solo female travellers: one of the best things about hostels in Istanbul is that there are many that offer female only dorms, which can make your stay more comfortable.
10 Best Hostels in Istanbul by Neighbourhood
Looking for a place to stay in Istanbul? This guide to the best hostels in Istanbul includes all the hostels that previous guests have recommended, based on their positive experiences, amenities, and location.
If you are looking for comfort, culture, or a lively atmosphere, these options should offer something that is suitable for your preferences and budget. We have divided the hostels into different neighbourhoods to simplify your selection process. They are not in order of preference, as you should look for a hostel that best meets your needs.
Sultanahmet Neighbourhood
Stanpoli Hostel: Highly recommended and has a good location.
Location: Sultanahmet
Prices start at 24 euros per night.
Description: The hostel is located in the heart of Istanbul, in the Sultanahmet neighbourhood, close to major Istanbul attractions. The hostel offers mixed and female dorms, breakfast, wi-fi, air-conditioning, and a terrace.
Hanchi Hostel is recommended.
Location: Sultanahmet. Prices start at 14 euros per night.
The hostel is conveniently located near the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, offering amenities such as wi-fi, a garden, a terrace, a bar, and complimentary breakfast. The hostel is a wonderful place for travellers on a budget.
Taksim Neighbourhood
Sanat Hostel Istanbul: Recommended and Cheap
Location: Taksim. Prices start at 16 euros per night.
Description: An affordable hostel located in the heart of the Taksim district, within walking distance shops, bars and public transport. The hostel offers 6/8/12-person mixed dorms, female dorms, a garden, a terrace, breakfast, and wi-fi. The hostel is perfect for those on a tight budget.
Hostel Le Blanc: Highly recommended for solo travellers.
Location: Taksim. Prices start at 28 euros per night.
Description: The hostel caters to solo travellers. Large and smaller mixed dorms, female dorms, wi-fi, and roof terraces are on the expensive side of the lively Taksim area. It is one of the best hostels in Istanbul for solo travellers, thanks to its fantastic social vibe.
Istanbul Taksim Hostel Green House: Good
Location: Taksim. Prices start at 23 euros per night.
The hostel is a budget option, located approximately 1 km from Taksim. It features air conditioning, female dorms, mixed 8-person dorms, family rooms, a garden terrace, and Wi-Fi.
Stay Inn Taksim Hostel: Recommended
Location: Taksim. Prices start at 23 euros per night.
Description: The budget hostel is located about a 15-minute walk from the airport shuttle service bus top (Havaist). It is very clean and offers travellers free breakfast, café/bar, air-conditioned rooms, a mixed dorm, a female dorm, or individual rooms.
Wabi Sabi Hostel Istanbul: Very highly recommended and well located.
Location: Taksim. Prices start at 19 euros per night.
Description: Laidback hostel, located five minutes from Taksim. It’s a convenient place to stay in the city for travellers looking for excellent nightlife. The hotel boasts impressive architecture, a rooftop terrace offering breathtaking views, a communal kitchen, both dorms and individual rooms, breakfast, and wi-fi. They have a reputation for going above and beyond when it comes to offering a fantastic experience for travellers backpacking Turkey.
Windrose Hostel Istanbul – recommended and well located.
Location: Taksim. Prices start at 19 euros per night.
Description: A budget hostel situated about 400 m from Taksim. The hostel features a communal kitchen, a lounge, a terrace, a male dormitory, and accommodations for singles, doubles, and triples. Nestled in a quiet part of Taksim, the hostel offers easy access via the airport shuttle bus.
Kadıköy Neighbourhood (Asian Side)
Hush Hostel Lounge – Highly Recommended for Digital Nomads
Location: Kadıkoy. Prices start at 19 euros per night.
Description: The hostel is situated in Kadikoy on the Asian side, 15 minutes from the ferry station, which is a great way to travel, It has a lovely garden, breakfast, mixed dorms, female dorms, individual rooms, and wi-fi. It´s quite luxurious for a hostel, you could almost say it’s like a boutique hostel. It is one of the best hostels for long term digital nomads.
Yolo Hostel Kadikoy: Highly recommended
Location: Kadikoy. Prices start at 27 euros per night.
Description: Hostel situated across the Bosphorus in the trendy Kadıköy, a more residential and less touristy area of Istanbul. The hostel offers a shared kitchen, a mixed 6-bed dorm, wi-fi, and a terrace area. It is a little expensive, but the hostel is great if you want to get a taste of authentic Istanbul.
Best Cheap Hostel in Istanbul
Chillout Lya Hostel & Bar – Recommended for Party People
Location: Beyoğlu. Prices start at 14 euros per night.
Description: A lively hostel with its own bar, known for its lively social atmosphere. Located in the heart of Istanbul’s nightlife district and a trendy part of the city, rooms are basic but clean, and offers breakfast. It is near Taskim Square and is one of the best cheap hostels to stay in the city.
Not on the Recommended Hostel List
Cheers Hostel, Cheers Midtown Hostel, Cheers Vintage Hostel, Cheers Lighthouse Hostel, Bucoleon by Cheers and Bauhaus Hostel
I haven´t added these hostels to the list, despite the fact that they have all been recommended by previous guests, simply because of their discriminatory policy regarding the age of guests, (15 to 40 years old only). Yes, that´s right, if you are 41 years old or above, they don´t want your money.
Practical Information and Tips
Whether you’re a solo traveller or a backpacker, making the most of your stay in Istanbul requires some practical knowledge, including booking strategies.
Booking and Cancellations
It’s highly recommended to book your hostel in advance, particularly during peak tourist seasons. Websites like Hostelworld and Booking.com often offer the best deals and have updated 2024 reviews to help you choose the right place.
Check the cancellation policy of each hostel. Booking.com usually offers free cancellations up to 24 hours before check-in, while Hostelworld has stricter policies. When travelling in Turkey, plans can change, and you need to know that you can cancel your hostel booking easily, if it is ever necessary.
For more ideas and tips on all types of accommodation in Turkey, see the budget-friendly guide to budget accommodation in Turkey.
Final Thoughts on Best Hostels in Istanbul
Staying in a hostel in Istanbul doesn´t sound like a home away from home experience, but it can be a great way to travel, especially if you are on a budget. You just need to do a little research before deciding where to stay. It is not just a good way of saving money on accommodation; it´s also a fantastic way of meeting other travellers and having a wonderful travel experience.