How to find the best hostels in Istanbul for your trip
Istanbul has more than 2,000 years of history and boasts a variety of cultures, religions and traditions. It’s a city with both Asian and European heritage, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Get lost in Istanbul’s incredible architecture, where ancient times are in perfect harmony with modernity. There is so much to see in Istanbul and so much to discover: explore the old quarter of Sultanahmet with amazing mosques and minarets and the charming Taksim Square in the Beyoglu quarter with its many art galleries and so much more! Once again, Hostelworld is here to help you plan your trip and show you the best hostels in Istanbul.
The right way to discover Istanbul is to let yourself go, open up your mind for the unexpected, and enjoy the amazing and buzzing atmosphere. You know us, we love hostels because they give us the perfect way to explore a new city, so get ready to experience one of the most amazing cities ever! You’ll be starstruck by the beautiful sunsets over Bosphorus, the strait that runs between Asia and Europe, so brace yourself for one of the best moments of your life!
Istanbul has so many amazing hostels, and we want to give you only la crème de la crème – the best hostels in Istanbul. Expect to find comfy, safe and warm places to rest your head after a day spent exploring. Here you’ll find hostels that are more than just a place to stay, they’ll give you plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded travellers, and #MeetTheWorld in the best way possible!
Jump straight to:
Best hostels in Istanbul for solo travellers
Cheers Lighthouse Hostel
Located in the buzzing cobbled streets of the oldest part of Istanbul, Cheers Lighthouse Hostel, is the perfect place to meet new people. The amazing hostel staff organise social events every day, such as pub crawls on Fridays, Turkish Night on Saturdays (featuring amazing belly dancers), walking tours, happy hours and so much more! It’s basically impossible to get bored here. Every room has been freshly renovated and you’ll get a typical Turkish buffet breakfast every day, for free! Don’t forget to jump in the sauna (or the Jacuzzi) after a long day spent wandering around. Dreams DO come true after all!
Hostel highlights:
- Free breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
- Sauna and Jacuzzi available
- Amazing view over Marmara Sea
Address: Küçük Ayasofya Mh., Çay?ro?lu Sk. No:18, 34122 Fatih/?stanbul, Turkey
Neighbourhood: Sultanahmet
Nearest station: Sultanahmet tram stop
Second Home Hostel
The name of this hostel speaks for itself! This is definitely one of the best hostels in Istanbul if you are travelling solo and you want a real taste of Turkey. Located between the old and the new town, it’s the perfect base to explore the city, with all the hotspots in walking distance. Second Home Hostel organises weekly Turkish dinners and pub crawls in Taksim – which is the heart of Istanbul’s nightlife. You’ll be able to smoke some hookah on the rooftop terrace with fellow backpackers while exchanging life stories.
Hostel highlights:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Turkish tea 24/7
- Awesome rooftop terrace
Address: Hocapasa Mahallesi Ebussuud Caddesi No: 19 Sirkec, Istanbul, Turkey
Neighbourhood: Sirkec
Nearest station: Gulhane tram stop
Bunk Hostel
This is not only one of the best hostels in Istanbul, but probably one of the most beautiful too! With its laid-back and fun atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to meet other backpackers and it’s also a great place to start your Istanbul adventure. Bunk Hostel is very close to Taksim Square and Istiklal Street, where you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants. There’s a free Turkish breakfast served every day, a rooftop terrace overlooking Istanbul, and not to mention this hostel’s perfectly designed interiors.
Hostel highlights:
- Free breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
- Towels and linen included
Address: No: 34 Papa Roncalli Sokak, Elmadag, Istanbul, Turkey
Neighbourhood: Elmadag
Nearest station: Taksim Square
Cheers Hostel
Award-winning Cheers Hostel is the real deal! Situated in the heart of the Old City in Sultanahmet, it’s walking distance from the iconic Hagia Sophia’s Cathedral, the Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque and many other hot spots. Cheers Hostels has a unique and quirky design that will fire up your Insta feed! Get ready to make everyone jealous with your pics from the hostel’s Winter-garden Panoramic Terrace Bar, with a breathtaking view over the city. If you decide to visit Istanbul during the summer, you’ll be able to enjoy their free Turkish breakfast on the terrace while sunbathing and having a chat with fellow backpackers. Cheers Hostel is definitely one of the best hostels in Istanbul!
Hostel highlights:
- Free breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
- Beautiful outdoor terrace overlooking the city
Address: Alemdar Mh., Zeynep Sultan Cami Sk. No:21, 34110 Fatih/?stanbul, Turkey
Neighbourhood: Sultanahmet
Nearest station: Gulhane tram station
Best hostels in Istanbul for couples
Cheers Vintage Hostel
Are you one of those couple that likes to socialise but still have your own privacy? Well, we’ve got you sorted! Cheers Vintage Hostel is one of the best hostels in Istanbul with the most amazing private rooms! Located in Sultanahmet, 5 minutes’ walk to Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, it’s a beautiful place to stay, with incredible views from the private rooms and the terrace. We’re SOLD!
Hostel highlights:
- Free breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
- Organised tours
Address: Cankurtaran Mahallesi Kutlugün Sokak No 18, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey
Neighbourhood: Sultanahmet
Nearest station: Zeytinburnu Metro Station
Bucoleon By Cheers Hostel
Bucoleon is another spectacular hostel from the Cheers Hostel family! You can find Bucoleon in the historical quarter of Sultanahmet, 5 minutes’ walk from Hagia Sophia. This is one of the best hostels for couples in Istanbul, I mean just look at that room! 
Walking tours and pub crawls are organised weekly and you’ll have free breakfast every day.
Hostel highlights:
- Free breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
- Suites available
Address: Küçükayasofya Mah., Çay?ro?lu Sk. No:22, Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey
Neighbourhood: Sultanahmet
Nearest station: Sultanahmet stop
Cheers PortHouse
Located in an art-nouveau building, Cheers PortHouse is a very nice spot for those couples that love to #MeetTheWorld together! One of our backpackers said: “Everything about Port is great. Location especially cool because it’s in more local area instead of very touristy Sultanamet, but very close to tourist attractions. Also, I have to say the manager, Lutfi, is so insanely helpful, probably one of the most helpful staff members I have ever met.”
Hostel highlights:
- Free breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
- Fully equipped kitchen
Address: Mumhane Cad, 31, Kemankes Mah. Karakoy, Istanbul, Turkey
Neighbourhood: Karakoy
Nearest station: Karakoy and Tophane
Best party hostels in Istanbul
Bahaus Guesthouse Hostel
If you came to Istanbul to socialise and make new friends, this is the spot! Bahaus Guesthouse Hostel has more than 8K reviews and a 9.5 rating, really impressive! One of you said: “Awesome place, amazing balcony view. The hostel has good tours which are well priced and convenient. Staff is really friendly and social and organise nights out with guests. Shout out to Nurlan for great advice on getting around the city and for philosophical conversations at 3am. Also, the location is literally only a 100m from Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, many museums, tram station, and the ferry pier!” Bahaus Guesthouse Hostel organises cool parties and BBQs on the rooftop. They really do everything they can to make sure you have the best time ever!
Hostel highlights:
- Free breakfast
- Free Wi-FI
- Cool events
Address: Akbiyik Cadessi, Bayramfirin Sokak No 7, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey
Neighbourhood: Sultanahmet
Nearest station: Sultanahmet
Best hostels in Istanbul with private rooms
Cheers Downtown
Cheers Downtown is the perfect starting point for your Istanbul adventure. This super cute hostel is located in the heart of the Ottoman district, making it very easy to visit all the main highlights of the city. Start your day by waking up in one of its amazing private rooms, roll out of the comfy bed and join the rest of the guests for a delicious free breakfast! The hostel staff are very friendly and willing to help you discover the city. Words from a backpacker: “Ali (the host) was very helpful. He gave us plenty of information on tourist attractions and places to eat and was very accommodating!”
Hostel highlights:
- Free breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
- Towels included
Address: Firuzaga Mah. Bogazkesen Cad. NO:68 Taksim, Istanbul, Turkey
Neighbourhood: Beyoglu
Nearest station: Tophane tram stop
Levanten Hostel
Love your privacy but also love to make new friends too? Levanten Hostel is the perfect place for both! One of the backpackers who stayed there said: “The staff was so nice. They were so willing to help with everything! They helped me a lot with discovering the fun areas and they even print our boarding passes! It is also really easy to meet new people from all over the world. I will come back soon!”
Hostel highlights:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Linen and towels included
- Pub Crawls
Address: Cihangir mahallesi, purtelas sokak.No:42 Beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey
Neighbourhood: Beyoglu
Nearest station: Findikli Station
Jumba Hostel
Looking for a home away from home? You’ve just found it! Jumba Hostel is a stylish and cosy hostel in the Cukurcuma district, run by three sisters who will provide you with everything you need. They organise events, pub crawls, they cook amazing breakfasts and they take care of this cute hostel like a boss! 
Jumba Hostel is very close to all the main attractions, so it’s very easy to explore the city too.
Hostel highlights:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Towels and linen included
- Family vibe
Address: Cukurcuma Caddesi, Hacioglu Sokak No:3 34010 Beyo, Istanbul, Turkey
Neighbourhood: Cukurcuma
Nearest station: Taksim Square
Best hostels in Sultanahmet, Istanbul
Istiklal Hostel
If you decide to stay in Sultanahmet, this hostel is a very good choice. It’s in the perfect location, only a few minutes from the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Istiklal Hostel has a beautiful outdoor terrace overlooking the city where you can hang out and have a chat with other travellers.
Hostel highlights:
- Free breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
- Towels included
Address: Divanyolu cad no 70, Sultanahmet/Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
Neighbourhood: Sultanahmet
Nearest station: Sultanahmet Station
Big Apple Hostel
Freshly renovated, Big Apple Hostel is another great spot if you want to stay in the Sultanahmet quarter. It’s made our list, not only for its favourable location, but also for the gorgeous terrace overlooking the sea, where you can enjoy free breakfast and Turkish tea. A backpacker said: “Awesome!!! This hotel was just a blessing! Walked into a very clean room and even cleaner bathroom (looks like it’s cleaned daily). Bed was comfortable, storage was big enough for my 3 bags and the staff so kind. Walking distance to lots of the main tourist attractions and tram!”
Hostel highlights:
- Free Breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
- Outdoor terrace
Address: Akbiyik Caddesi Bayramfirin Sok no:12, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey
Neighbourhood: Sultanahmet
Nearest station: Sultanahmet station
Best hostels in Taksim, Istanbul
Puffin Hostel
Puffin Hostel is renowned for its perfect location and great atmosphere, the staff are really friendly and helpful. Make yourself at home and enjoy some real Turkish vibes while sipping tea with your new hostel friends! One of you said: “If you are looking for a place to live in real Istanbul and make some traveller friends, look nowhere else.”
Hostel highlights:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Linen included
Address:Sinanpa?a Mh., Çelebi O?lu Sk, 34398 Be?ikta?, Istanbul, Turkey
Neighbourhood: Taksim
Nearest station: Taksim
Chambers Of The Boheme Hostel
Literally a few steps away from Taksim Square, this hostel is in a restored 19th-century building with a great rooftop terrace where you can chill with a book and a Turkish tea. The area around the hostel is filled with bars and restaurants, so make sure to ask the staff for tips, as they are some of the nicest people ever!
Hostel highlights:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Linen and towels included
- Outdoor terrace
Address: ?stiklal Avenue, Kucukparmakkapi sokak No 13, Beyoglu, Istanbul, Turkey
Neighbourhood: Taksim
Nearest station: Taksim
Best hostels in Kad?köy, Istanbul
Hush Hostel Moda
Hush Hostel Moda is a fun, clean and cheap place to stay in Istanbul. This hostel is located in the trendy district of Kad?köy, where you’ll find loads of bars and pubs, live music and restaurants. This hostel is in a historical bazaar and it has an awesome rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy the view and some tea, while you chat with fellow backpackers. A delicious (and free) breakfast is served every morning, so make sure to start your day right! 
Hostel highlights:
- Free breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
- Linen inclulded
- Outdoor terrace
Address:Caferaga mah. Guneslibahce sokak No:50/B Kadikoy, Istanbul, Turkey
Neighbourhood: Kad?köy
Nearest station: Iskele Cami
Hush Hostel Lounge
Hush Hostel Lounge (sister hostel of the one above), has great backpacker vibes, you’ll also have a graffiti gallery: The Hush Art Gallery! This area of Istanbul is very lively and has great nightlife too, so make sure to gather some of your new hostel friends and go experience the Turkish way of fun! Hush Hostel Lounge also has great common areas, both outdoor and indoors. Definitely one of the best hostels in Istanbul!
Hostel highlights:
- Free breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
- Bike rental
Address: Rasimpasa Mah. Iskele Sok. 46 Kadikoy, Istanbul, Turkey
Neighbourhood: Kadikoy
Nearest station: Hamza Yerlikaya
We hope this guide helps you to discover the perfect hostels for your trip to Istanbul. Let us know in the comments if you’ve stayed in one of our recommended hostels, or if you’d like to share a hostel that you think other backpackers shouldn’t miss.
Now that you know about the best hostels in Istanbul, it’s time to plan the rest of your trip!
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