Istanbul, the great crossroads between Europe and Asia, has one of the most important historical significances in the world. The city’s stunning architecture, jaw-dropping mosques, and east-meets-west cultural traditions, influences, and lifestyle are all remnants of the previously ruled Ottoman empire.
With so much to do and see in Istanbul, tourists tend to gravitate toward the city’s European side, where most of the city’s nightlife is centered. Although Istanbul is not the world’s ultimate party destination, nightlife in Istanbul is plentiful thanks to the country’s friendly locals and seasoned Istanbul expats and visitors– and staying at the best party hostels in Istanbul is a great way to get started!
This guide is an extension of our handwritten guide to the best hostels in Istanbul.
🥳 The COOLEST Party Hostels? Our favorites are:
- Bahaus Guesthouse Hostel
- Chillout Lya Hostel & Bar
- Yolo Hostel Kadikoy
- Bucoleon by Cheers Hostel
- Cheers Lighthouse Hostel
- Wabi Sabi Hostel Istanbul
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. You can even filter specifically for Party hostels on Hostelz.com.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you want …
- to party!
- a social Hostel to actually meet people!
- a cool hostel with drinking games and such!
After spending days, if not weeks, romantically soaking in all of Istanbul’s world-famous landmarks and enriching culture, take a few sips of raki and make some of your fondest memories partying in Turkey’s most populous city. Here are Hostelgeek’s top party hostels in Istanbul to ensure you what will be one of your favorite city vacations!
- Introduction
- Best party hostels in detail
You can find all 5 5-star hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels in” here.
Quick Introduction to Istanbul
Average price for a bed: On average, the price of a hostel in Istanbul is 8€ to 21€ per night. Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.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.
Nightlife in Istanbul: One of the best places to start your nightlife experience in Istanbul is the Beyoğlu district. This area is packed with clubs, bars, and lounges, many of which offer live music and DJs. Beyoğlu is also home to many traditional Turkish pubs and meyhanes, where you can sample Turkish cuisine and listen to traditional music.
If you’re looking for a more upscale nightlife experience in Istanbul, head to Ortaköy. This district has some of the city’s most luxurious and exclusive bars, clubs, and lounges.
Budget: Check out our Istanbul budget travel guide.
🔥 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 $)
- 63 Craziest Party Hostels in the World (with Map)
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The Coolest Party Hostels in Istanbul are …
Let’s jump right into the fun hostels in Istanbul for partying:
- Bahaus Guesthouse Hostel
- Chillout Lya Hostel & Bar
- Yolo Hostel Kadikoy
- Bucoleon by Cheers Hostel
- Cheers Lighthouse Hostel
- Wabi Sabi Hostel Istanbul
These are our favorite hostels in Istanbul to party. We put all these hostels on the map, including our own insider tips for bars, clubs, and popular night life areas in Istanbul (and more!).
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
🥳 Best Party Hostel: | Bahaus Guesthouse Hostel |
🍺 With Happy Hours: | Bucoleon by Cheers Hostel |
📍 Top Location: | Wabi Sabi Hostel Istanbul |
👫 For Socializing: | Yolo Hostel Kadikoy |
🎤 For Activities: | Cheers Lighthouse Hostel |
🙎♀️ For Female Solo Travelers | Chillout Lya Hostel & Bar |
1. Bahaus Guesthouse Hostel
Bahaus Guesthouse Hostel is ideal for active travelers who enjoy filling their days with sightseeing, excursions, and late-night hangouts. Guests will stay energized at Bahaus Guesthouse Hostel, one of the best hostels in Istanbul, which combines indulgence in Istanbul’s fascinating culture with wild partying. Throughout the week, the knowledgeable staff keeps its guests busy with the hostel’s numerous activities.
Guests will be relieved that they won’t have to plan anything at this hostel, from Hamman visits and bazaar shopping tours to elegant rooftop visits. After days of seeing the best of Istanbul, the hostel hosts weekend pub crawls, promising you to part with new friends and drunken memories.
Guests enjoy mingling on the hostel’s beautiful terrace with a few beers (or raki shots) while waiting for one of the hostel’s many barbeque or hookah evenings, all of which offer a stunning view of the Marmara Sea.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
This hostel serves as one of the city’s best meeting places for international travelers. There are mixed dormitories with 8 and 14 beds, as well as a female-only 6-bed room. Deluxe double-bed rooms for couples and a private 2-bed room with a bathroom are also available. This hostel is just a five-minute walk to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, making it a convenient, fun, and friendly place to stay during your visit to Istanbul!
Location: Bahaus Guesthouse Hostel is located a 5-minute stroll from Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern, and is within walking distance of other attractions such as Topkapi Palace, Column of Constantine and Spice Bazaar. Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport is 40 km away.
Our favorite hostel in Istanbul for
- partygoers
- solo travelers
- digital nomads
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Chillout Lya Hostel & Bar
Chillout Lya Hostel & Bar is perfectly located in Istanbul’s nightlife district Taksim. Expect to eat and drink well while staying at Chillout Lya Hostel & Bar—as the name suggests, this hostel has a bar open from 1 PM to 4 AM, making it easy to meet other travelers at any time of day.
The free breakfast buffet and all-day coffee and tea will prepare you for a night of partying both inside and outside the hostel. Though the hostel is located near the famous Istikal Street and is an hour’s walk from the Blue Mosque and Haga Sofia, Istanbul’s city center is easily accessible with nearby public transportation.
This hostel offers a variety of room types, including 6 and 9-bed mixed dormitories, a female dormitory sleeping four, and many private options for couples or friends. For those who prefer to cook for themselves, the hostel has a communal kitchen.
Overall, this hostel is an excellent choice for those looking for easy access to Istanbul’s vibrant nightlife without having to travel across the city.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Location: Located 5 minutes away from lively Taksim Square, the Taksim Metro Station allows easy access to many of the city’s attractions, including the historic Sultanahmet district. Ataturk Airport is 21 km from the property.
This hostel is great for:
- female solo travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Yolo Hostel Kadikoy
Yolo Hostel Kadikoy is a newly renovated, modern hostel in Kadikoy’s trendy Yeldegirmeni neighborhood. The Kadikoy neighborhood, one of Istanbul’s fastest-growing districts, is known for its boutique shops and fine dining. Moda Park and spectacular views of the Marmara are popular nearby attractions.
The nightlife in Kadikoy is a great alternative to Taksim’s typical party district, where you’ll find many unique bars, pubs, and live music events daily. Yolo Hostel has a relaxed atmosphere with panoramic views from its beautiful rooftop terrace, where you’ll share many beers and meals with the hostel’s mature, but social crowd.
Guests will feel relaxed and cared for at all times while staying at Yolo Hostel, which benefits from being away from Istanbul’s chaotic touristy areas. The hostel has one 6-bed mixed dorm, two twin rooms for one and two people, and ensuites for four and six people. A kitchen is also available for cooking.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Yolo Hostel takes cleanliness seriously, ensuring that every guest has a comfortable stay. Overall, a stay at Yolo Hostel is an excellent way to discover Istanbul’s lesser-known Asian side while remaining in an international, group setting.
Location: Yolohostel is situated 5.9 km away from Maiden’s Tower, 12 km away from both Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern, and another 12 km from the Column of Constantine. The nearest airport, Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International, is 29 km from the hostel.
A top choice for:
- solo travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
4. Bucoleon by Cheers Hostel
Bucoleon, a bohemian and happy hostel part of the Cheers Hostel chain, is another fantastic hostel choice for travelers looking for a pre-planned week of fun events to meet other guests and explore the city. Bucoleon’s daily activities include beer pong, happy hours, Hamman days, sangria nights, karaoke, and pub crawls.
This hostel is in an excellent location in Istanbul’s Old Town, just a short walk from the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, as well as the city’s many trams and public transportation options.
Bucoleon by Cheers Hostel has been completely renovated, with modern and clean decor. Private ensuites for couples, as well as individual rooms and other private rooms sleeping up to three people, are available. Mixed dormitories are available in sizes 4, 6, and 8, as well as female-only dormitories.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
The stunning rooftop terrace overlooking the sea is decorated with comfortable couches at the very top of the hostel—one of the best places to enjoy the city’s sunset. Bucoleon is undoubtedly one of Istanbul’s best party hostels, thanks to its lively and welcoming atmosphere.
Location: The hostel is located 5.9 km from Maiden’s Tower, 12 km from both Blue Mosque and Spice Bazaar, and the same distance from Basilica Cistern and Column of Constantine. Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport is 29 km away.
One of the best hostels for:
- female solo travelers
- groups
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
5. Cheers Lighthouse Hostel
Cheers Lighthouse Hostel, another high-quality hostel in the Cheers Hostel chain, takes pride in being one of the more luxurious hostels for travelers looking for ultimate comfort in a stylish and contemporary hostel. This hostel, which is also in the city center and close to all of Istanbul’s most important attractions, provides top-notch facilities for a relaxing stay.
Guests enjoy the downstairs restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day (which you’ll need, as there is no kitchen), as well as the daily Turkish-styled buffet breakfast. Though Cheers Lighthouse is noticeably more upscale than the traditional backpacker party hostel, it retains its beloved daily and nightly karaoke, barbeque, and sightseeing tours to keep your stay booked and busy.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
All rooms are modern, with many offering balcony access and a stunning view of the city skyline. There are three 4-8 mixed dormitories and one 6-bed female-only dormitory. Private ensuites are plentiful, ranging from single rooms to suites sleeping two to three people. Cheers Lighthouse Hostel is ideal for both solo travelers and groups, and with its friendly local staff and exciting atmosphere, you will undoubtedly be satisfied with your stay in Turkey.
Location: Cheer Lighthouse is situated in the historic Sultanahmet region of Istanbul, which is just a 5-minute stroll from Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. The well-known Galata Tower is 3 km away and Ataturk Airport is 15 km from the property.
Great for:
- social butterflies
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
6. Wabi Sabi Hostel Istanbul
Wabi Sabi Hostel Istanbul is yet another hostel in the Taksim district. This stylish and clean hostel is ideal for experiencing Taksim’s nightlife while also having a more relaxed place to rest. The large rooftop balcony is where most guests hang out during the day and enjoy the hostel’s delicious breakfast.
As the evening progresses, the hostel’s bar actively fills up, and guests begin planning their nights in the neighborhood’s many nearby restaurants and pubs overlooking the city lights. Wabi Sabi Hostel is easy to find and is right next to the airport bus stop—a huge advantage in ginormous Istanbul!
This large hostel can suit every guest’s preferences. There are 4 and 6-bed dorm rooms available, as well as female-only dorms. Individuals, couples, and groups of four have options for nice ensuites. The rooms are spacious, and the hostel has incredibly clean bathrooms, which add to the overall quality of this lovely hostel.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
The hostel’s many facilities aim to make your stay in Istanbul unhurried and carefree, with laundry services, luggage storage, elevators, and airport transfers. Wabi Sabi has it all, whether you want an active night in the town or a comfortable place to socialize with others during a quiet night indoors.
Location: Taksim Square is only 750 yards away – the nightlife, shopping and dining district. The Old Town is just over 1 mile away.
This hostel is recommended for:
- groups
- digital nomads
- couples
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Backpacking Tips for Istanbul
Nightlife in Turkey is a unique cultural experience. As you’ll quickly notice, Istanbul is huge, and getting around can be difficult even for the most seasoned travelers, which is why we recommend staying southwest of the Bosphorus Bridge. Locals and visitors flock to the party district of Taksim to visit the best bars and nightclubs in Istanbul. There is no shortage of after-hour activities catering to every party-goer visiting Istanbul, and you won’t have to travel too far around the city.
The nightlife, on the other hand, is not only concentrated in Taksim. Exiting the district, you’ll find even more well-known bars and nightclubs, such as:
1. X-Large: This trance and electro venue is also one of Turkey’s best gay-friendly nightclubs. The party doesn’t start until after midnight at X-Large, where clubbers dance the night away until the early hours of the morning, closing at 5 a.m. The nightclub is well-known for its ridiculously cheap drinks, light shows, and the inclusive crowd that fills the venue every weekend.
2. Ruby: Ruby is a large, three-story mansion with two nightclubs and a stunning view of the city. This posh nightclub promises top-notch service and high-quality, crafted drinks, so dress to impress and bring plenty of cash to join the gathering of Turkey’s finest.
3. Babylon Bomonti: For those interested in Istanbul’s music scene, this very large club and live music venue is an excellent Friday night plan. The stadium is filled with live performances from local and international artists, and it is a wonderful place to connect with fellow music lovers and open-minded city-goers, as well as a great alternative to escape the typical clubs and bars.
Overall, Istanbul’s nightlife is not to be overlooked. The city’s density makes it an ideal party destination for discovering a unique blend of Asian and European influences that result in even more unique, boozy nights out.
Fun Tips for Party Hostels in Istanbul
As you have come to realize, staying at a party hostel is a little different than staying at a regular hostel. Here are some tips to make your stay go a little smoother, and how to be prepared:
How to identify a party Hostel? 4 Simple indicators:
- Is there an age limit? 18+ and an upper age-limit are indicators
- Do they offer Pub Crawls and Drinking Games in the hostel?
- Check for party pictures
- Filter the Reviews on Hostelz.com for keywords like "Party", "nightlife" or "social"
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Things to Bring & Pack
There are a few things backpackers should be sure to bring when staying at a party hostel specifically. These items include earplugs (for early mornings and loud roomates), a padlock (lock up your valuables BEFORE going out), headache medicine (always usefful!), and condoms.
Especially for the bigger European cities where pickpocketing is common we recommend wearing trousers with zippers. This limits the chances of stealing from your pockets.
Read: 23 best items to pack for staying in a hostel
Be Sociable
One of the best things about a hostel is being able to meet new people from every corner of the world. Be sure to talk to people and mingle. Travelling solo is great and life-changing, yet enjoying it with new friends can be even better. Locals especially, can show you hidden secret and some of the best spots in the city.
Read: 18 Rules for Hostels and how to build life-time friendships in Hostels
What about the cheapest hostels in Istanbul?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Istanbul.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Istanbul
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
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!
Need an eSIM Card for Istanbul?
Get your eSIM Card with Airalo.com instantly online. It is easy to set up and cheap! Read our review of Airalo here.
No more searching for mobile stores. Get your eSIM Card for now and enjoy it instantly after landing in your new destination.
Our Favorite Hostels in Istanbul put on a map + sights
Let us have a look at the handmade map we have created for you. As promised, below we list all party hostels and best hostels in Istanbul, as well as sights and our own travel tips.
Personally, we love to plan our trips with a map. It’s just easier. We thought this map would help you with planning your trip too.
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Our Insider Tips
As mentioned in the beginning, this guide is an extension of our article “Best hostels in Istanbul”.
Your Shortcut:
FAQ
More questions left? No worries, we are here for you.
More guides
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Istanbul for nightlife and party.
Here is another hostel guide if you’re planning on staying in other places in Turkey as well:
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Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this Istanbul guide.
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 will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks