10 Best Hostels in Istanbul, Turkey

Where to Stay in Istanbul

Istanbul spans two continents and the Bosphorus, so where you stay decides how much of your day goes on getting between sights. Here are the main areas and what each is known for.

Sultanahmet: Best for History Lovers

If it is your first time in Istanbul, Sultanahmet puts you next to the old city’s main sights, and most of them are within walking distance of each other.

• Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque: On either side of Sultanahmet Square.
• Topkapi Palace: The palace of the Ottoman sultans.
• Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar: Covered markets selling carpets, spices and ceramics.

Here are some hotels in Sultanahmet.

Beyoğlu (Taksim, Galata & Cihangir): Best for Nightlife and Dining

Beyoğlu is on the European side, north of the Golden Horn. It has shops, restaurants and nightlife, and several distinct neighborhoods.

• Istiklal Avenue: A pedestrian street with shops, cafés and nightlife.
• Galata Tower: Climb it for views over the Golden Horn.
• Cihangir: A neighborhood known for its art spaces and cafés.

Here are some hotels in Beyoğlu.

Beşiktaş & Ortaköy: Best for Bosphorus Views

Beşiktaş is a busy district on the European shore of the Bosphorus, known for its markets, taverns and its football club. Ortaköy, further up the waterfront, has Bosphorus views and a bazaar.

• Beşiktaş Fish Market & Turkish breakfast: Popular with locals.
• Dolmabahçe Palace: A mix of Ottoman and European styles.
• Ortaköy Mosque & Square: On the water, with the Bosphorus Bridge behind it.

Here are some hotels in Beşiktaş and Ortaköy.

Kadıköy & Moda (Asian Side): Best for the Asian Shore

Kadıköy and Moda are on the Asian side, across the Bosphorus. Kadıköy has a food market, and Moda is a seaside neighborhood with a promenade and tea gardens.

• Kadıköy Market: Street food, spices and fresh produce.
• Moda promenade: A seaside walk with tea gardens.
• Ferry rides: Ferries connect the Asian and European sides.

Here are some hotels in Kadıköy & Moda.

Nişantaşı & Şişli: Best for Shopping

Nişantaşı and Şişli are neighboring districts north of Taksim. Nişantaşı has luxury boutiques and art nouveau buildings, and Şişli has the Cevahir Mall and metro connections.

• Nişantaşı: Luxury boutiques, art nouveau buildings and cafés.
• Şişli: Home to Cevahir Mall and metro connections.
• Maçka Park: A city park near Nişantaşı.

Here are some hotels in Nişantaşı and Şişli.

Üsküdar: Best for Ottoman Mosques

Üsküdar is on the Asian side and has Ottoman mosques and waterfront promenades.

• Mihrimah Sultan Mosque & others: Ottoman mosques on the waterfront.
• Çamlıca Hill: The highest hill overlooking the city, with views over Istanbul and the Bosphorus.
• Seaside promenades: Popular for a walk at sunset.

Here are some hotels in Üsküdar.

Price Comparison

Dorms and Private Rooms in EUR

The 10 Best Hostels in Istanbul (2026)

Cheers PortHouse

Cheers PortHouse is in Karaköy, on a backstreet inside a historic building, with dorms and private rooms. There are bars, cafés and boutique shops around it.

Sultanahmet is about a 10-minute tram ride away, and Galata Tower and Istiklal Street are within walking distance. Ferries leave from Karaköy harbor. The table lists 55€ for a private room and no dorm price, with a 9.1 rating.

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Cheers Hostel

Cheers Hostel is in Sultanahmet, in the Old City, close to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar. It has dorms and private rooms.

The Wintergarden Panoramic Terrace Bar looks toward Hagia Sophia, and there is a fireplace in winter. A Turkish breakfast buffet is served daily. The table lists 29€ for a dorm and 69€ for a private room, with a 9.5 rating.

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Star Holiday Hotel

Star Holiday Hotel is a small 3-star hotel in Sultanahmet, on Divanyolu Caddesi. The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are nearby, and Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar are within walking distance.

Breakfast is served on the rooftop terrace, which has views of the Marmara Sea and Sultanahmet Square, and there is a bar downstairs. The table lists 69€ for a private room and no dorm price, with a 9.9 rating, the highest of the ten.

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Second Home Hostel

Second Home Hostel has been open since 2009, in the Old City, a short walk from Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the bazaars, with tram stops nearby.

According to its description, the hostel organizes family-style dinners, rooftop shisha nights and pub crawls, with barbecues and boat parties in summer. The table lists 26€ for a dorm and 61€ for a private room, with a 9.7 rating.

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Stanpoli Hostel

Stanpoli Hostel is a few minutes from the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern, with the Arasta Bazaar and small shops nearby. It has dorm beds and private rooms, and breakfast is included.

Meals are served on the rooftop terrace, which has views of the Marmara Sea and the Asian side. The staff recommend restaurants and book Bosphorus cruises. The table lists 59€ for a private room and no dorm price, with a 9.3 rating.

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Chambers of the Boheme

Chambers of the Boheme is in a restored 19th-century building on Küçük Parmakkapı Sokak, near Taksim Square, with cafés, clubs and live music venues around it. Rooms range from private rooms to family rooms, and there is a lounge, an espresso bar and a rooftop terrace.

The staff offer tips and help with tours. The table lists 17€ for a dorm and 70€ for a private room, with a 9.1 rating.

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Cheers Lighthouse Hostel

Cheers Lighthouse Hostel is on cobbled streets in the Old City and looks over the Marmara Sea, the Princes’ Islands and the Asian side. It has dorm beds, private en-suites with balconies and a suite with a sauna and a jacuzzi.

The restaurant downstairs is open all day, the rooftop terrace is a gathering spot, breakfast is included and social events are held regularly. It is part of the Cheers Hostel group. The table lists 65€ for a private room and no dorm price, with a 9.3 rating.

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Yolo Hostel Kadikoy

Yolo Hostel is in an old townhouse in Yeldeğirmeni, in Kadıköy on the Asian side, opposite a historic synagogue. It has dorms, family rooms and private en-suites with handmade wooden beds, and a rooftop room with city and sea views.

There is a garden patio and a 24-hour workspace. Cafés, bars and the ferries across the Bosphorus are nearby. The table lists 23€ for a dorm and 67€ for a private room, with a 9.1 rating.

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Cheers Vintage Hostel

Cheers Vintage Hostel is in Sultanahmet, a short walk from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Private rooms include options with Bosphorus views, and breakfast is included.

There is an on-site café and a rooftop terrace, and the hostel runs weekly dinners, rakı nights and pub crawls. The table lists 20€ for a dorm and 61€ for a private room, with a 9.6 rating.

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Cheers Midtown Hostel

Cheers Midtown is a boutique hostel in Beyoğlu, close to Istiklal Street. The Galata Bridge is about ten minutes away, which gives access to Sultanahmet. It has dorms and private rooms, some ensuite and some with shared bathrooms, all with air conditioning, lockers and free Wi-Fi.

There is a street-front common area and a shared kitchen. The table lists 16€ for a dorm, the cheapest dorm price of the ten, and 47€ for a private room, the cheapest private room, with a 9.1 rating.

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The 10 Best Budget Hotels in Istanbul (Bonus)

Union Hotel Port

Union Hotel Port is in Fındıklı, in Beyoğlu, a short walk from Kabataş station, Dolmabahçe Palace and the ferries across the Bosphorus. It is on a quieter street. Rooms are modern, with daily cleaning.

Guests praise the staff, who share sightseeing tips.

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Feycem Suites Hotel

Feycem Suites Hotel is in the old streets of Fatih. Guests mention clean rooms, cozy beds, good showers, minibars and soundproofing. Kumkapı station, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and a choice of cafés and restaurants are within reach.

Guests praise the host as attentive and welcoming.

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NarPera Taksim Boutique Hotel

NarPera Taksim Boutique Hotel is in Şişli. Rooms have Wi-Fi, air conditioning and coffee-making facilities, and the hotel offers an ironing service, a microwave on request and an Istanbul Card option.

Guests praise the daily housekeeping and the front desk team. Breakfast is plentiful and several rooms have city views.

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Ramparts Hotel

Ramparts Hotel is in Fatih, a short walk from Sultanahmet landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. The building has a traditional feel, and the rooms are spacious and modern.

Breakfast is generous and local restaurants are nearby. Guests highlight the staff and owner, mentioning thoughtful touches and flexible check-ins.

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Istanroom by Keo

Istanroom by Keo is in Şişli. Rooms have comfortable beds, soundproofing, free Wi-Fi, minibars and work desks, and guests mention the cleanliness.

Guests praise the staff for their kindness and local tips. Osmanbey metro station, cafés and shops are a few minutes away.

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Goji’s Apartments

Goji’s Apartments is in Kumkapı. Rooms are spacious and modern, with air conditioning, Wi-Fi and a kitchenette. Guests praise the fresh pastries and warm dishes at breakfast.

Guests praise the host and his team. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and a tram station are close by.

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Safa Hotel Old City

Safa Hotel Old City is in the historic core of Istanbul, close to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern. Rooms are quiet and clean, with coffee makers and hairdryers, and families can choose larger layouts.

Guests praise the staff, who give sightseeing tips and arrange day trips.

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Ramada by Wyndham Istanbul Old City

Ramada by Wyndham Istanbul Old City has rooms with minibars, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, and some have balconies or seating areas.

The hotel has a spa, a restaurant and daily breakfast. It is near Fındıkzade tram stop, which connects to Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia.

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Reyyan Hotel

Reyyan Hotel is in Sultanahmet, within walking distance of the main attractions. Rooms are compact, clean and air-conditioned.

Guests often mention the staff, Fazal and Mansour, who give directions and restaurant recommendations.

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Wonder Wood Hotel

Wonder Wood Hotel is in Sultanahmet. The rooms are clean and well decorated, and the hotel says safety and hygiene are a priority.

Hagia Sophia and Sultanahmet Square are a few minutes away. Guests praise the hearty breakfast and the staff.

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