Hold up! Before you book your flights to Turkey, make sure you check out our specially hand-picked 3 best hostels in Istanbul.
You won’t be disappointed.
We’ve worked hard to find great budget hostels, including the best party hostels in Istanbul. This is your insider guide to the TOP hostels in Istanbul.
Good To Know: We have a detailed guide to the best party hostels in Istanbul.
Our favorite hostels in Istanbul are:
- Cheers Hostel - best for Solo Traveller
- Stanpoli Hostel - best for Digital Nomads
- Wabi Hostels - best for Families and Couples
- Extra: Hush Hostel Lounge - best for Female Solo Traveller
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Cheers Hostel
2. Stanpoli Hostel
3. Wabi Hostels
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
We condensed it all to the 3 coolest hostels in Istanbul. If you’re planning on traveling throughout Turkey, these guides might also come in handy: Best Hostels in Turkey, Best Hostels in Antalya, Turkey, and the Best Hostels in Cappadocia.
As you may or may not know, Hostelgeeks finds the finest hostels in the world, the 5 Star Hostels.
And guess what? We’ve included our awesome 5 Star Hostel in Istanbul right here. You’ll have to keep scrolling to read more about Wabi Sabi Hostel Istanbul.
We’ve also created a wonderful collection of 5 Star Hostels in Europe for avid travelers like you. Find all our guides to the best hostels in the world here.
Quick Introduction to Istanbul Hostels
Average price for a bed: A bed in a dorm costs 10€ to 15€ per night. This highly depends if you are traveling on a weekend and the quality of the hostel.
A private room in great hostels in Istanbul starts from 55€ up to 100€ per night.
This is a rough average to give you an idea. Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Hostels in Turkey are in general very cheap.
Please always check the exact rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Check-In and Check-Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the check-out time is before 11:00 (11 am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Party vs. Boutique Hostel: Make sure you know what type of hostel you want. There are many basic hostels. Many Istanbul hostels are perfect for Backpackers, such as the Cheers Hostel. Set your expectations right and make sure you pick the right type.
In this guide, we highlight each traveler type for each hostel e.g. best for families, couples, parties, and solo-traveller.
Taxi Scams: Please do not trust any random Taxi driver on the street. They might scam you in terms of prices, overcharge, and drive off without giving you change. Taxis scams are common here. Here’s a good guide about taxis in Istanbul and what to avoid.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 Best Hostels in Istanbul are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Istanbul.
- Cheers Hostel – best for Solo Traveller
- Stanpoli Hostel – best for Digital Nomads
- Wabi Hostels – best for Families and Couples
- Extra: Hush Hostel Lounge - best for Female Solo Traveller
These are our favorite hostels in Istanbul. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. Cheers Hostel
2. Stanpoli Hostel
3. Wabi Hostels
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Cheers Hostel |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Hush Hostel Lounge |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | Bahaus Guesthouse Hostel |
| 👩❤️👨Couple Hostel: | Wabi Hostel |
| 🎒 For Backpackers: | Stanpoli Hostel |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Wabi Hostel |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Stanpoli Hostel |
1. Cheers Hostel (terrace bar views)
If I were you, we would stay here. Cheers Hostel is the best hostel in Istanbul for Solo-Travellers.
The comfortable atmosphere dominates Cheers Hostel, followed closely by the breathtaking views.
The rooms are made up of 6, 8 and 10 bed mixed dorms.
Private rooms, including double, triple and twin-bed, are available in additional buildings. This means you can stay in private accommodation, yet come over using the common areas to mingle and meet.
Lovely inclusions such as air-con, linen and heating are found in every room.
Note: full payment in cash is required on arrival. Credit card payments are not accepted.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Other things that make this hostel great:
- 24-hour reception – yippee!
- Free breakfast included
- Luggage storage + locker
- Bicycle rental
- free WiFi and free internet
- Air Conditioning
After a long day exploring Istanbul, relax in the lounge.
If you have a bit of energy left; try your hand at a game of darts or backgammon.
Remember those breathtaking views we mentioned?
Head on up to the in-house terrace bar and sit with a Mojito whilst staring out over the Blue Mosque. In the wintertime, sit by the cosy fireplace with a Turkish coffee.
All the must-see places of the Old Town are at your doorstep. This includes:
- Hagia Sophia,
- Topkapi Palace and
- Basilica Cistern.
Cheers Hostel Istanbul is a top pick for:
- Solo-Traveller
- Friends
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Stanpoli Hostel
If you want a hostel that feels more like a boutique hotel—but with hostel prices — Stanpoli Hostel is exactly what you’re after. Seriously—this is easily one of the top boutique hostels in Istanbul for travellers who want comfort without blowing the budget.
Stanpoli Hostel gets it right in all the ways that matter. It’s got that homely, laid-back vibe, but also feels like a boutique hotel, especially with those charming little design touches you’ll notice throughout the place.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Let’s talk rooms: you’ve got the option of mixed dorms (6 or 8 beds) if you’re up for making new friends, or you can opt for private rooms—double, twin, or triple—for a bit of personal space. All the rooms come with their own private bathrooms, plus air conditioning, heating, and fresh linen and towels.
But one of the real highlights here is the rooftop terrace. Every morning, you’ll sit down to a proper Turkish breakfast (included in the price) with stunning views over Istanbul’s skyline. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes you want to stay longer than planned.
The hostel also hooks you up with:
- 24-hour reception
- Free WiFi throughout the building
- Luggage storage
- Airport shuttle service (extra cost)
- Tour desk with handy local recommendations
Location: As for location? You’re right in the heart of the Sultanahmet area. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace—they’re all within walking distance. Seriously, you can practically roll out of bed and land in front of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks.
A great choice for
- Solo travellers, couples, and friends who want a relaxed, central, and well-run hostel with one of the best rooftops in the city.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Wabi Hostels (European part of Istanbul)
At Wabi Hostels they believe that just because you are on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on style.
Yep; we’ve found you the best boutique hostel in Istanbul – our 5 Star Hostel.
Style, comfort, art, culture, and fun are perfectly balanced here.
Update: Bunk Hostel Taksim has been renamed. The new name is now Wabi Sabi Hostel Istanbul. It is the exact same hostels, no worries!
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
It’s certainly a super cool hub, with 170 beds up for grabs! Of course that then that means there are plenty of room types to choose from.
Read: Hostel room types – what are the differences?
Choose between 4-6 bed mixed/female dorms and private double/twin rooms.
The bespoke bunk beds come with personal reading lights and plugs.
You’ll be happy to hear linen, fluffy towels, and pin code-operated lockers are all yours for free during your stay.
Let’s touch upon what else to expect at #bunk:
- 24-hour reception = no curfew
- Free continental buffet breakfast
- Free secure luggage storage
- Air conditioning throughout the hostel
- Marble bathrooms
Take the lift and discover the rooftop terrace for awesome views. There is also a bar and cafe up there.
Go on, indulge yourself!
#bunk also has a cinema screen especially dedicated to sports matches and film nights.
Taksim Square is only 750 yards away – the nightlife, shopping, and dining district. The Old Town is just over 1 mile away.
If you are looking for super social vibes, we recommend hostels #1 and #2. It is a really great hostel with friends, to hang out on the rooftop terrace and enjoy one of their famous pizzas and cocktails.
Wabi Sabi Hostel Istanbul is a top pick for:
- Families
- Couples
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
4. Hush Hostel Lounge
If you’re keen to experience Istanbul beyond the tourist crowds, Hush Hostel Lounge is calling your name. Located on the cool, artsy Asian side of the city, this hostel is a breath of fresh air for travellers who want a more local, authentic vibe while still having all the comforts of a top hostel.
Kadıköy—where Hush Hostel Lounge is based—is packed with coffee shops, record stores, street art, and buzzing nightlife. And when you’re ready to dive back into the tourist highlights, the ferry to the European side is just a short walk away.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
The hostel itself is beautifully laid out, with mixed dorms (4, 6, or 8 beds) and female-only dorms available. Prefer more privacy? No worries—there are private rooms too, with double and twin options. Everything comes with lockers, comfy beds, and air conditioning for those hot summer nights.
One of the things that really sets this place apart is the atmosphere. It’s social without being a wild party hostel. Think more like afternoon coffees in the garden courtyard, sunsets on the rooftop terrace, and maybe a BBQ night or live music if you’re lucky.
Here’s what else you can expect:
- Free Turkish breakfast every morning
- Fully equipped guest kitchen
- Free WiFi throughout
- Regular events to help you meet other travellers
- Book exchange, laundry facilities, and bike rental
It’s that perfect balance of social, comfortable, and local that makes people extend their stay here again and again.
Location: Set in lively Kadıköy, Hush Hostel Lounge gives you the best of both worlds—local Istanbul life and easy access to the European side by ferry.
This is one of the best Istanbul hostel for:
- Solo travellers, digital nomads, couples, or anyone who wants to explore Istanbul like a local while staying somewhere genuinely cosy.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
What about the Best Party Hostel in Istanbul?
Something tells me there are some of you looking for that party vibe. Get on down to
The rooftop atmosphere will kick things off. Smoke a hookah, play some games, and make new friends here. It is not so much the best party hotel in Istanbul, but more of a hostel really, although it states guesthouse in the name.
Organized activities at Bahaus Hostel Istanbul include:
- karaoke,
- belly dancing
- shows and
- pub-crawls.
Bahaus Party Hostel says: “We are a sociable and party-loving hostel- we hope you are social too!”
Another fun party hostel is Chillout Lya
They have their own hostel bar where travelers celebrate their travels with 1, 2, 3 drinks and more.
There is also many clubs and bars nearby, in case you want to head out. The Chillout Lya Bar is open until 4am – Fiesta is on here!
When staying at this Istanbul hostel taksim square is literally a 3 minutes walk away. So again, you are surrounded by great nightlife, yet you can also stay in and take on the hostel bar.
More Hostels worth a mention
Of course, there are many more hostels in the city. In fact, there are more than 120 hostels in Istanbul Turkey.
That is a bunch! This is exactly why we always handpick our favorite 3 hostels; so you do not have to do this research and have a reliable website to find top hostels.
That being said, here is a simple short list of other good hostels Istanbul lets you choose from.
- Stay Inn Taksim Hostel
- Second Home hostel
- Cheers Lighthouse hostel
- Cheers Vintage Hostel
- Big Apple Hostel
Stay Inn Taksim Hostel
A luxury hostel offering cheaper prices than a hotel would do.
Stay Inn Taksim Hostel is just a few steps from the lively streets of Istiklal Avenue. The district is called Beyoglu district.
Good to know: Stay Inn is the former brother hostel of BUNK Hostel.
Second Home hostel
Catchy name for a backpacker place, right?! After all, a hostel is supposed to be your second home, your home on the road.
Second Home Hostel would be the most typical Istanbul youth hostel you can find: a mix of all ages, nationalities, and travel styles! The hostel offers cool services and organizes several events such as:
- Delicious Turkish Breakfast
- Homemade Turkish Food every day
- Free Walking Tour
- Pub Crawl
- City Sightseeing Tours
Also fun to know, it welcomes Social Media & Youtube Phenomenons & Travel Bloggers. A fun hostel for travel bloggers to stay at.
About the location, it is in the heart of Istanbul, just a 5-minute walk from the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. The terrace cafe serves a local and international breakfast.
Cheers Lighthouse hostel
In the beginning, we mentioned Cheers Hostel! Please do not be confused.
There are several Istanbul Cheers Hostels across the town! Our favorite is the General Cheers Hostel. Please refer to the map to see their different locations.
Then there is also the super fun Lighthouse and Vintage Hostel (see below)
Only a 5 minutes walk from Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque away, Cheer Lighthouse is a hostel in Istanbul Sultanahmet.
It is a tourist-only hostel, so no local residents can actually stay here. It has also an age limit of 18 to 40 years.
Cheers Vintage Hostel
Located in Istanbul, within a short 5-minute walk of Hagia Sophia and 10 to Blue Mosque, Cheers Vintage has cheap accommodations with a bar and free WiFi. If you are looking for a cheap hostel in Istanbul, it is an ok option for low-season; but not great.
In high season, though Cheers Vintage is a super cool hostel! It really depends on how many people are staying here. If you are the only one, it will be obviously too quiet for a hostel.
Their small rooftop terrace is the absolute highlight. Come here to have a drink with your fellow mates.
The dorms come with wooden, bright bunk beds. Unfortunately, they do not have privacy curtains.
Big Apple Hostel
A top-rated accommodation is the Big Apple Hostel. It was recently renovated and added a few “perks” to the hostel dorm experience. Now all bunk beds come with curtains.
Yes, we all love curtains in the dorm rooms!
Yet, the dorms feel packed and could have more space. Nevertheless, a cool place to hang out thanks to the atmosphere and location.
Same as Cheers Vintage, in fact, it is around the corner, and the hostel is located in the old city. It is only a few minutes from the world-famous Blue Mosque, St. Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Underground Cistern, and Historical Turkish Baths.
Good to know: it takes you 10 minutes to Grand Bazaar; totally worth your time!
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.
It is completely free to join!
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Istanbul best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
What about cheap hostels in Istanbul?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels in Istanbul.
We think it’s not worth it to go with the cheapest hostel out there.
Why?
The difference is usually 1-2€ ($1-2), and a lot of amenities are not included. This can be breakfast or linen. However, keep in mind a bad location far away from the city center costs you more in transport. It is worth it to pick a hostel in the center of Istanbul to avoid extra transport costs.
However, if you are travelling on a shoestring budget and you wanna save every penny, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Istanbul.
- Open Hostelworld with full list of budget accommodation
- Order the listing by price
Simple as that.
We already mentioned a few Istanbul cheap hostels above. These are
Here is our guide on how to book hostels with Hostel World.
Our Favorite Hostels in Istanbul put on a map + sights
Right then. Let’s get planning!
Pinpoint your chosen hostel on the map below, and check out our top recommendations whilst you’re in vibrant Istanbul.
These include:
- Experience the spiritual Whirling Dervishes show
- Enjoy the traditional Turkish Dance
- Gather your energy for a 7-hour Pub Crawl
It’s a must to cross the Bosporus Bridge into Asia.
By far one of the most liberating experiences in Istanbul is to take a traditional Turkish bath. There are many tourist-friendly options, but we suggest going to a local public bath.
We personally went to Sifa Hamami and loved it. It’s the real Turkish experience!
Any questions about hostels in Istanbul? 🤔
Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
5 Local Things to Do in Istanbul, Turkey
Besides this guide on where you can sleep, we put together a simple travel guide, featuring 5 unique local recommendations. Sounds awesome? Indeed! You won’t find these recommendations in any top ten Istanbul guides.
Besides all the classics, here is your answer to what are good places to visit in Istanbul:
1. Sunset: Ortaköy
This is one of the best spots to get a beautiful view of the sunset and the Bosporus Bridge, connecting the two continents of Europe and Asia. You can enjoy traditional stuffed potatoes, local beers, coffee shops, and waffles there.
Address: Mecidiye Köprü Sk. No. 11 Ortaköy, Istanbul
2. Food: Karaköy Lokantası
This family-run restaurant lies just a stone’s throw away from the shipping docks at the Bosporus and is one of the popular lunch spots.
The menu is classic Turkish food with a lot of attention to detail and very reasonable prices. The best spot for cheap food Istanbul has in place for you.
Especially famous is their Hünkar beğendi, a leftover from the Ottoman imperial kitchen: slow-cooked beef served on a bed of smoky eggplant puree. For dinner, they offer various mezes, grilled fish, and meat dishes. We love the delicious, very tender grilled octopus. And make sure to not miss their homemade yogurt on the side.
Address: Kemankes Cad. No: 37, Karaköy, 34425 Istanbul
3. Shopping: Bağdat Caddesi
Bağdat Caddesi is located on the Asian side of Istanbul.
This part of the city is where the locals live. The street is approximately 14 km long.
It is full of local and international brands, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. After shopping at a very well-known street, you can enjoy a bottle of cold beer near the seaside on the grass.
Address: Kiziltoprak – Bostanci arasi, Istanbul
4. Coffee Shop: Kronotrop
Kronotrop Coffee Bar & Roastery aims to take the “specialty coffee” trend to its highest level.
It is located in Cihangir.
According to the owner: “Kronotrop isn’t merely a place where you can find coffee beans and roasting techniques, but also somewhere where we can organize free workshops which allow coffee enthusiasts to become intimately acquainted with coffee, and where we can become a kind of spokesman for decent coffee.”
If you are into coffee, check out that place.
Address: Kuloğlu Mah. Firüzağa Cami Sok. No. 2/B, Istanbul
5. Nightlife: Fosil Lounge
Fosil is in Karaköy, located directly on the Bosporus, and offers a breathtaking view to the historical peninsula Sultanahmet as well as to the Asian side.
Often you can even catch a glimpse of the enormous world cruisers there. If one needs a breeze of fresh air, step out onto one of the little balconies and enjoy the view. Although Fosil also offers finger food and some dishes, most people come here to have some drinks, especially the different flavored shots Fosil is known for.
Later in the night, it gets really crowded and DJs ensure the vibe to stay vibrant and fun.
Address: Kemankeş Mah. Kemankeş cad. No. 34/C K:3 Karaköy, Istanbul
FAQ
Alright, you should have found your accommodation already. Below we list all the frequently asked questions. Have a look.
Which are some cheap safe hostels in Istanbul?
All hostels mentioned in this guide are safe!
Some of them are cheaper though, others come with a higher price. The best way to compare prices is by visiting Hostelworld and Booking.com. Check the above links, they take you directly to each hostel profile.
What are some good hostels in Istanbul?
As a regular backpacker looking for a good place, I would pick Cheers Hostel. It really depends on your personal travel style.
- Cheers Hostel - top pick for solo-traveller (both male and female!)
- Wabi Hostel - best for Families and Couples
What is a good source to find hostels in Istanbul?
Well, you have just found the absolute best source! In case you have any questions left, then please leave us a comment below!
What should I pack for staying in a hostel?
There is a few things you always have to pack.
This is for instance the ear plugs, sleeping mask, flip-flops, light towel.
We have written up the perfect hostel packing list. We also included a downloadable PDF for print.
Should I stay on the European or Asian side of Istanbul for a visit and why?
That is a fantastic question and there is a fairly simple answer: The European side!
All the major tourist spots are located on the European side. The Asian side does not have too many things to see. We really preferred the European side. Plus, the majority of hostels in Istanbul are located on the European side.
Flights to Istanbul?
This new website has super cool features like a so-called radius search. Just draw a circle over Istanbul and find the cheapest rates for the area.
Maybe there is a cheaper flight to Ankara and Izmir? If your plan is backpacking Turkey, it won’t make a big difference starting in one of these places.
Especially the area around Izmir is beautiful!
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More handwritten guides
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Istanbul.
Here is another hostel guide if you’re planning on staying in other places in Turkey as well:
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations:
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- best backpacker hostels in Dubai
NEW: best hostels in Sofia, Bulgaria
You can find all our new and updated articles for Best Hostels here.
We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list, and more.
Over to you
So by now, you’ve chosen your favorite budget hostel in Istanbul, right?
You now have our permission to go ahead and book your flights. After all, now you know where to stay in Istanbul.
Seriously, we really hope you love our hand-picked hostels as much as we do.
Do you have any questions? Is anything not clear? Did we miss something crucial?
Please, please get in touch and drop us a comment below.
We want to make this guide to hostels in Istanbul, Turkey as useful and detailed as possible. Your question(s) actually help us to improve and help you to get your travels sorted out.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter and find the best place on a budget! We ONLY recommend places we know you will enjoy, no matter what.
At Hostelgeeks, we will never recommend any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We only share with you places we also recommend to our best friends and family!
Enjoy this fine hostel selection and all 5 5-star hostels.
Safe travels!
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