Istanbul is a beautiful and historic city that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia. It is a city with a rich culture, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals. It’s no surprise that Istanbul is a popular tourist destination, and with a variety of accommodation options available, hostels are an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers.
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, serving as a crossroads for trade and culture between the four corners of the globe.
Istanbul, like Rome, has layers upon layers to discover as you wander its bustling streets. It was once the capital of the Byzantine Empire and now has a population of over 15 million people (the inheritor of the Roman Empire). It was once the heart of the Ottoman Empire, which lasted over 600 years before dissolving in 1922.
In this article, we will explore the seven best hostels in Istanbul, taking into consideration their location, facilities, cleanliness, and overall value for money.
- Hush Hostel Lounge
Located in the heart of Istanbul, Hush Hostel Lounge is an excellent choice for travelers who want to explore the city’s historic sites and nightlife. The hostel is just a few minutes’ walk from the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. The hostel features a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, and the city skyline.
The dormitory rooms at Hush Hostel Lounge are spacious, clean, and comfortable, with each bed equipped with its own reading light and power socket. The hostel also has private rooms that are perfect for couples or families. The shared bathrooms are modern and well-maintained. The hostel offers free Wi-Fi throughout the property, and there is a communal kitchen for guests to use.
Hush Hostel Lounge also has a lively bar that serves a variety of drinks and snacks. The hostel staff is friendly and helpful, and they organize various activities, including pub crawls and city tours.
- Bahaus Hostel
Bahaus Hostel is located in the heart of Istanbul’s trendy Beyoğlu district, just a few steps away from the vibrant Istiklal Street. The hostel is housed in a beautiful 19th-century building that has been renovated to provide modern amenities while retaining its historic charm.
The hostel offers both dormitory rooms and private rooms that are clean, comfortable, and tastefully decorated. The shared bathrooms are spotless and well-maintained. The hostel has a communal kitchen, a cozy lounge area, and a rooftop terrace that offers panoramic views of the city.
Bahaus Hostel also has a friendly and knowledgeable staff that is always ready to provide tips and advice on the best places to visit and eat in Istanbul. The hostel also organizes walking tours, pub crawls, and other activities for its guests.
- Cheers Hostel
Cheers Hostel is located in the heart of Sultanahmet, the historic district of Istanbul, just a few minutes’ walk from the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. The hostel is housed in a beautifully restored Ottoman building that has been modernized to provide all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay.
The dormitory rooms at Cheers Hostel are spacious and clean, with each bed equipped with its own locker, reading light, and power socket. The hostel also has private rooms that are perfect for couples or families. The shared bathrooms are modern and well-maintained. The hostel offers free Wi-Fi throughout the property, and there is a communal kitchen for guests to use.
Cheers Hostel also has a lively bar that serves a variety of drinks and snacks. The hostel staff is friendly and helpful, and they organize various activities, including walking tours and pub crawls.
- Bunk Taksim
Bunk Taksim is located in the trendy Taksim neighborhood, just a few steps away from the famous Taksim Square. The hostel is housed in a modern building that has been designed to provide a comfortable and stylish stay for its guests.
The dormitory rooms at Bunk Taksim are spacious and clean, with each bed equipped with its own locker, reading light, and power socket. The hostel also has private rooms that are perfect for couples or families.
- Cheers Lighthouse Hostel
Cheers Lighthouse Hostel is located in the lively neighborhood of Kadikoy on the Asian side of Istanbul. This hostel offers both private and dormitory rooms, all equipped with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and lockers. The hostel also provides guests with free breakfast, and there is a rooftop terrace with great views of the Marmara Sea.
One of the best things about Cheers Lighthouse Hostel is its location. The hostel is just a few minutes’ walk from the Kadikoy ferry terminal, where you can take a short ferry ride to the European side of Istanbul. The Kadikoy area is also known for its great street food and nightlife, so there is plenty to do in the area.
The staff at Cheers Lighthouse Hostel are also very friendly and helpful. They can provide you with tips on what to do in Istanbul and help you plan your stay.
- Hostel One Istanbul
Hostel One Istanbul is located in the trendy Beyoglu neighborhood, which is known for its nightlife and artsy vibe. The hostel is housed in a historic building that has been renovated to provide guests with modern amenities.
The hostel offers both private and shared dormitory rooms, all equipped with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The dormitory rooms have individual lockers for each guest, and there are also private rooms available for those who prefer more privacy.
One of the highlights of Hostel One Istanbul is its social atmosphere. The hostel has a common area where guests can hang out and meet other travelers, and there is also a rooftop terrace with great views of the city.
The staff at Hostel One Istanbul are also very friendly and helpful. They can provide you with tips on what to do in the area and help you plan your stay.
- Puffin Hostel Istanbul
Puffin Hostel Istanbul is located in the historic Sultanahmet neighborhood, which is home to many of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks, including the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia. The hostel is housed in a restored Ottoman-era building, and the interior features traditional Turkish decor.
The hostel offers both private and shared dormitory rooms, all equipped with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The dormitory rooms have individual lockers for each guest, and there are also private rooms available for those who prefer more privacy.
One of the highlights of Puffin Hostel Istanbul is its location. The hostel is just a few minutes’ walk from many of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks, as well as many restaurants and cafes. The hostel also offers guests a free breakfast.
The staff at Puffin Hostel Istanbul are also very friendly and helpful. They can provide you with tips on what to do in the area and help you plan your stay.
Conclusion on the 7 best hostels in istanbul
If you’re traveling to Istanbul on a budget, staying in a hostel is a great option. Hostels are affordable, social, and often located in some of the city’s most interesting neighborhoods. Whether you’re looking to stay in the heart of the historic Sultanahmet neighborhood or the trendy Beyoglu area, there are plenty of great hostels to choose from in Istanbul.
When choosing a hostel, consider factors such as location, price, amenities, and atmosphere. All of the hostels on this list offer great value for money and are located in some of the best areas of the city. With so many great options, you’re sure to find the perfect hostel for your stay in Istanbul.
