Why Istanbul Draws Backpackers
Istanbul, the only major city straddling two continents, offers a travel experience unlike any other. The Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar, and Taksim Square are just a few of the landmarks that define the city. Its culture, cuisine, historical depth, and affordable prices make it a prime destination for backpackers worldwide.
With more than 100 registered hostels, however, choosing where to stay—and in which neighbourhood—can feel daunting.
That is why this guide focuses on five standout hostels in Istanbul. The list is compiled by travellers for travellers, drawing on the most highly reviewed properties so you can identify the best fit for your needs.
Every traveller is different: some want to party, some just need a cheap bed, couples may seek privacy, and solo travellers often hope to meet new people.
So grab a Turkish tea, relax, and explore these top Istanbul hostels.
"Phenomenal Cosmic Powers, Itty Bitty Living Space." – Genie in Aladdin (1992), although I think his lamp looked different to these.
The 5 Best Hostels in Istanbul
If you are backpacking through Turkey, chances are you will pass through Istanbul. To help you decide where to stay, here is a curated list so you can pick the right hostel for you.
1. Cheers Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Istanbul
Award-winning Cheers Hostel is a great hostel in Istanbul
- Price: $$
- Free Breakfast
- Bar & Cafe Onsite
- Outdoor Terrace
- Dorm (mixed): From $33/night
- Private Room: From $79/night
- Address: Alemdar Mah. Zeynep Sultan Cami sokak No 21 Fatih, Fatih, 34110 Istanbul, Turkey
Cheers Hostel stands out as the best overall hostel in Istanbul. The place is always pumping! It has won multiple hostel awards and continues to impress.
Cheers Hostel is great for solo travellers because its popularity ensures a decent-sized crew is always hanging out here. The Cheers bar is the best place to find a new crew to explore Istanbul with.
Given all the awards, it is clearly a popular choice. During high season, you will need to book well ahead to secure one of their comfy dorm beds.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Great views of the city
- Free Wi Fi
- Cool social events
Speaking of comfy beds, Cheers Hostel has some of the most comfortable dorm beds in all of Istanbul. Each bed comes with a reading light, wifi, and a power outlet so you can keep your electronics charged while snoozing the night away. Linens and lockers are free as well.
One of the best things about this hostel is the social area. You can choose from the cosy common room, an outdoor terrace, and a pretty cool bar area with great views of the city. No matter where you decide to mingle, you can be sure to meet plenty of other backpackers and make new friends.
The hostel also organises walking tours through the city, party nights at the on-site bar, private yacht excursions, pub crawls, and much more. Cheers Hostel properly looks after their guests!
2. Hostel Le Banc – Best Hostel in Istanbul for Solo Travellers
- Price: $$
- Onsite Cafe
- Friendly Vibe
- Rooftop Terrace
- Dorm (mixed): From $35/night
- Private Room: From $103/night
- Address: Sahkulu, Marmara Region, Sah Degirmeni Sk. no:7 Taksim, 34421 Beyoglu/Istanbul, Türkiye
For solo travellers keen to make new friends in Istanbul, Hostel Le Blanc is the place to head. A close contender for the top spot, Hostel Le Blanc has this hostel lark sorted out!
Located close to Galata Tower in the heart of the city centre, you will be in a melting pot of art and history. Feel the pulse of the paradox of old and new Turkey, meeting new people and exploring vibrant Istanbul streets. Authentic places, vibrant streets, and museums are all within walking distance of Istiklal Avenue.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Welcoming Vibe
- Great Staff
- Multiple room options
Solo travellers who value a bit of privacy while still having the option to socialise will absolutely love this hostel. You can choose to book a private room, a family room, or dorm beds in a mixed room or one of the female-only dorms. Once you have recharged your social batteries, you can still make friends with your roommates and bunk buddies on the outdoor terrace.
Previous guests especially praised the incredible cleanliness and value for money. The staff are also known to go above and beyond, so do not hesitate to reach out if you need help or have any questions. Let them help you sort the perfect Istanbul itinerary!
The hostel keeps all its promises, as the reviews show. With over 300 reviews, Hostel Le Blanc is still going strong with an incredible rating. If that is not impressive, I do not know what is…
3. Cheers Midtown – Best Cheap Hostel in Istanbul
- Price: $$
- Free Breakfast
- Cafe Onsite with Turkish Tea
- Free Wifi
- Dorm (mixed): From $17/night
- Private Room: From $57/night
- Address: Firuzaga Mah. Bogazkesen Cad. No:68 Firuzaga/Beyoglu, Beyoglu, 34000 Istanbul, Turkey
Cheers Midtown – yes, another Cheers hostel, just like the first one. It is part of the Cheers hostel brand, and just as amazing!
This laid-back vintage hostel is perfect for all sorts of travellers, especially budget backpackers and digital nomads. What previous guests love about Cheers Midtown is the free tea and coffee served all day in their cafe. If travellers nowadays need anything aside from WiFi to get working, it is copious amounts of Turkish tea and coffee!
Cheers Midtown has spacious dorms and is incredibly clean. The kind of place you could hang out in for a week or more and still enjoy!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Incredibly clean
- Super modern design
- Spacious rooms
Cheers Midtown is a cosy boutique hostel located in the heart of the typical Ottoman district of Beyoglu near Taksim Square. Its prime location allows easy walking access to main transport systems (tram/ferry at the end of the street, ideal for day trips in Istanbul). The Grand Bazaar is also in the neighbourhood and well worth a visit.
Only 10 minutes from Galata Bridge, connecting you to the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, Fish Market, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and plenty more tourist attractions. Istiklal Street is minutes away, the gateway to the bustling nightlife of Tunel and the many cafes, bars, rooftop terraces, and memorable Meyhanes of Beyoglu.
The hostel offers a mixture of private rooms, mixed dorms, female-only dorms, and family rooms, some of which have en-suite bathrooms. Most guest rooms now have dorm beds with a personal locker – padlocks for those lockers are provided, but you can also use your own!
Like all the other Cheers Hostels in Istanbul, this is known for being run by the kindest staff and looking after you with abundant care! If you are looking for a safe home away from home in an Istanbul hostel, this is definitely an epic spot.
4. Bahaus Guesthouse Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Istanbul
They’ll be ready for the free breakfast in the morning, that’s for sure!
- Price: $$
- Free Breakfast
- Bar & Cafe Onsite
- Free Wifi
- Dorm (mixed): From $17/night
- Private Room: From $35/night
- Address: Cankurtaran, Cankurtaran Akbiyik Caddesi &, Bayram Firini Sk. No:7, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Türkiye
Bahaus is a top party hostel in Istanbul. If you are in for a good time, not a long time, maybe even just the weekend, you best head to Bahaus Guesthouse Hostel. Their bar is pumping, and the place is full of easy-going, friendly, and adventurous travellers just like you.
The outdoor terrace is what makes Bahaus a leading Istanbul backpacker hostel. You can smoke hookah and shisha, have a drink, and let the good times roll. The staff all know how to run a cracking hostel and set to work making sure you have the best time at Bahaus Guesthouse Hostel!
Truthfully, if you are not into socialising and meeting new people, this hostel might not be the right one for you. The social vibe is insanely good here, and you will find loads of like-minded travellers who want to enjoy their time together instead of by themselves. It is ideal if you are a solo traveller looking to meet new people or love to have fun with a solid crew.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Great social atmosphere
- Epic planned activities
- BBQ nights
Aside from the epic parties, there are plenty of other activities on offer. Bahaus Guesthouse Hostel offers a weekly schedule with tours, activities, and events, from exploring the city to enjoying a BBQ dinner together and pub crawls. If you want more details, make sure to stop by the reception and ask what’s on the menu for today.
On rainy – or dusty – days, you can also stay inside and spend time in the comfy common room. The rooftop terrace is not just great for parties; it is also the ideal spot to read a book, have breakfast, and admire the views of the city. Visiting Topkapi Palace is an easy walk from this hostel – skip the walking tours and trot yourself 10 minutes down the road to see it.
Partying is all fun and games until the next morning, when you would rather die than drag yourself through the day with a horrible hangover. Luckily, all dorm beds have private curtains which can block the sun completely, so you can sleep all day long and recover from the night before. You could also opt for one of the private guest rooms this hostel features, which are even equipped with a TV!
5. Nest Digital Nomad House – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Istanbul
- Price: $$
- Free WiFi
- Mini-Supermarket
- Airport Transfers
- Private Room: From $35/night
- Address: Rasimpa?a mahallesi, Onan Sk. No:3, halita?a caddesi, Istanbul, Turkey
Purpose built for Digital Nomads, this chilled-out and happy hostel is a real home away from home in central Istanbul. Setting up your temporary office here, you will have super fast, free WIFI and quiet spaces to make phone calls, along with cozy common areas for socialising.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Private Rooms
- Tea And Coffee
- Lighting Fast WIFI
No dorms here! Nest has a variety of private rooms with shared and private bathrooms; the vibe is more budget hotel than hostel. The hostel also has laundry facilities, a kitchen, and a rooftop.
Located on the Asian Side of the city, Nest Digital Nomad House is close to the transportation hub that services the whole city. This includes the ferry, which takes you to the European Side and historical sightseeing in around 30-40 minutes.
More Epic Istanbul Hostels
Haven’t found the right Istanbul hostel for you yet? Don’t worry, there are plenty more options waiting for you. To make the search a bit easier, here are more epic hostels in Istanbul below.
Levanten Hostel
- Price: $$
- Free Turkish Tea
- Free Luggage Storage
- Dorm (mixed): From $15/night
- Private Room: From $42/night
- Address: Cihangir, Pürtelas Sk. No:42/ A, 34420 Beyoglu/Istanbul, Türkiye
Levanten hostel offers a great selection of rooms and an even better hostel vibe; they have been at it for over 10 years. With all this knowledge, you are in the right place to find out about day trips in Istanbul, too.
Levanten Hostel is a three-minute walk to Taksim Square and Istiklal Street, which has great cafes, restaurants, shops, and nightlife. There is an airport shuttle stop just down the road as well as the Taksim metro station, bus station, and tram station. Hop on one of these, and you will be in the old city in ten minutes.
Wabi Sabi Hostel Istanbul
- Price: $$
- Nightclub onsite
- Laundry facilities
- Free Wi-fi
- Dorm (mixed): From $23/night
- Private Room: From $57/night
- Address: Inonu Mah. Papa Roncalli Sokak No:34, Elmadag, Sisli, 34373 Istanbul, Turkey
Wabi Sabi Hostel Istanbul will have you slipping into the fun-loving, laid-back vibe of the joint immediately. You will meet travellers from all over the world in this home away from home. Surrounded by great restaurants within walking distance and minutes from the nightlife on Istiklal Street.
Stay at Wabi Sabi Hostel Istanbul to immerse yourself in Istanbul culture, starting with a free Turkish breakfast daily. Located in downtown Istanbul, Wabi Sabi Hostel is in the city centre, a five-minute walk from Taksim Square and Taksim metro station. The Wifi is bomb, there are a few awards under their belt, and the staff are friendly. I’m in!
Stanpoli Hostel
- Price: $$
- Free Breakfast
- Luggage storage
- Outdoor storage
- Dorm (mixed): From $28/night
- Private Room: From $88/night
- Address: Küçük Ayasofya, Yemen Sk. No:5, 34122 Fatih, Itanbul, Türkiye
In the heart of Sultanahmet, Stanpoli Hostel is a five-minute walk to all the tourist hotspots of Istanbul. Their MO is ensuring you feel like you are at home, and if my home had breakfast views of the Marara Sea, I would be home a lot more. For now, I will stay at Stanpoli Hostel, thank you!
The tram station is within walking distance for accessibility to the city centre and places like Istiklal Street and the historic Sultanahmet district. Stanpoli Hostel is located on a quiet street, so you are guaranteed a good night’s sleep in your cosy dorm bed. Make sure you tap into the local knowledge of the staff here; they love to share their tips for the best time in Istanbul.
Stay Inn Taksim Hostel
- Price: $
- Onsite Bar and Cafe
- Laundry Facilities
- Free Wi-fi
- Dorm (mixed): From $15/night
- Private Room: From $43/night
- Address: Kamer Hatun Mah. Balik Sk. No: 7, Beyoglu, 34435 Istanbul, Turkey
Places like Stay Inn Taksim Hostel won’t be around forever. This is an absolute gem of a hostel, with stunning staff and good vibes. Be warned, though: there is no elevator, and you may have to climb stairs… Great for staying fit on vacay but maybe not ideal for those with disabilities, heavy luggage, or if you are just lazy.
There are private rooms at Stay Inn Taksim Hostel and great dorm beds in the two dorms. What’s more, they have air conditioning babyyy. I love the intimate vibe this hostel offers, and the people passing through seem to be truly lovely and heaps of fun to wander Istanbul with!
Agora Hostel & Guesthouse
Great reviews, free breakfast and a solid location make Agora a top pick
- Price: $$
- Free Turkish Breakfast
- Cafe Onsite
- Free Wifi
- Dorm (mixed): From $26/night
- Private Room: From $109/night
- Address: Akbiyik Cad Amiral Tafdil sok NO:6 Sultanahmet, Fatih, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey
Agora Hostel is one of Turkey’s best hostels. A vintage hostel with a cosy feel, Agora has been stunning travellers with a high standard of service for years. The free breakfast is a total bonus and part of the reason why Agora is a winner when it comes to Istanbul hostels.
The rooms are simple, stylish, and inexpensive; everything you could ask for in a hostel, really! Even air conditioning. A great all-rounder, Agora is a great Istanbul hostel regardless of whether you are travelling solo, with your crew, or with your lover.
Chillout Lya Hostel & Bar
Set in Istanbul’s premiere party neighbourhood, Chillout Lya is one of the best party hostels in Istanbul
- Price: $
- Free Breakfast
- Bar & Cafe Onsite
- Tours & Travel Desk
- Dorm (mixed): From $18/night
- Private Room: From $35/night
- Address: Huseyin Aga Mah. Topraklule Sok. No:1 Beyoglu, Beyoglu, 34435 Istanbul, Turkey
The best party hostel in Istanbul is Chillout Lya. They are quick to tell guests that they are just 15 seconds away from Istanbul’s nightlife and host some awesome pub crawls. To me and you, that means they are right in the party of Istanbul’s nightlife district.
With their own bar on the ground floor, Chillout Lya is a top hostel in Istanbul for all those party animals out there. Chillout Lya is located in the vibrant Beyoglu district, a liberal and happening part of the city with a wild party scene.
Sultan Hostel
A budget hostel with great value, Sultan Hostel is a vibe
- Bar & Cafe Onsite
- Tours & Travel Desk
- Dorm (mixed): From $16/night
- Private Room: From $37/night
- Address: Cankurtaran, Cankurtaran Mahallesi Akbiyik Caddesi, Terbiyik Sk. No:3, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Türkiye
Sultan Hostel has dorm beds in female-only dorms, mixed dorms, and a variety of private rooms—have it your way shaggers! They not only offer a free Turkish breakfast, free Wi Fi, and bed linen, but they also have clean, spacious, and, most importantly, cheap dorm rooms. Sultan Hostel is the coolest hostel in Istanbul if you are on a tight budget.
On top of cracking value for money, Sultan Hostel offers its own bar and cafe. They serve up backpacker budget-friendly food and booze every day of the week, as well as epic pub crawls. If you are looking for the best Istanbul hostels on a budget, this is the one!
Harmony Hostel
Harmony Hostel is high on my list of must-stays in Istanbul…
- Price: $
- Bar Onsite
- Tours & Travel Desk
- Laundry Facilities
- Dorm (mixed): From $17/night
- Private Room: From $58/night
- Address: Hudavendigar Cad HocaPasa Mah No 20 Sirkeci, Fatih, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey
Harmony Hostel is a top hostel in Istanbul for travellers keen to meet and mingle but who don’t want to break the bank. Harmony Hostel is a super welcoming and chilled-out Istanbul backpackers’ hostel right in the centre of the city, between Sultanahmet and Sirkeci. If you are keen to get the most out of backpacking Istanbul, swing by the front desk to see what deals and discounts they can offer.
Avrasya Hostel
I’ll take my complimentary breakfast here thank you!
- Price: $
- Free Breakfast
- Bar & Cafe Onsite
- Tours & Travel Desk
- Dorm (mixed): From $18/night
- Private Room: From $69/night
- Address: Cankurtaran, Seyit Hasan Sk. No:12, 34110 Fatih/Istanbul, Türkiye
Avrasya is a much-loved and highly recommended hostel in Istanbul, and you are gonna love it too. As a top hostel in Istanbul, Avrasya has its own cafe and restaurant on the roof; their awesome menu must be tried! Humble, simple, and homely, Avrasya Hostel can be found in the Sultanahmet district.
You couldn’t stay closer to Istanbul’s famous landmarks if you tried. Both the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque are just 150m away! You shouldn’t need directions, but Avrasya will be more than happy to show you the way.
Istanbul Taksim Hostel Green House
Gorgeous rooms starting at $30 a night make Istanbul Taksim Hostel a top hostel for couples in Istanbul
- Price: $
- Air Conditioning
- Airport Shuttles
- Free Wi-fi
- Dorm (mixed): From $33/night
- Private Room: From $123/night
- Address: Cumhuriyet caddesi paparoncalli sok No 15 Elmadag/Taksim, Sisli, 34437 Istanbul, Turkey
A great hostel for couples in Istanbul is Green House; it is a little bit of luxury, to say the least! Where else can you and your lover sleep in a 4-poster bed for less than $30 a night?! Green House is a highly recommended hostel in Istanbul, ideal for couples who want to spend some quality time together while in Turkey.
Being in the Taksim Square area means you are super close to all of Istanbul’s must-visit tourist hotspots. If you come to Istanbul at the weekend, Taksim does get lively in the evenings, but it is all good fun. It is one of the best Istanbul hostels for the location, for sure!
Bucoleon
More on the luxurious side (but still affordable!) Bucoleon is a great option for travelling couples
- Price: $$$
- Free Breakfast
- Luggage Storage
- Tours & Travel Desk
- Dorm (mixed): From $15/night
- Private Room: From $92/night
- Address: Kucukayasofya Cad. Cayiroglu Sok. No:22 Sultanahmet, Fatih, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey
If you are seeking a top hostel in Istanbul to stay in with your lover, you have to check out Bucoleon by Cheers. Cheers has a number of hostels in Istanbul, and Bucoleon is their boutique, luxury edition, with a complimentary breakfast… Boujee, but still budget backpacker vibes!
You and your partner can check into one of Bucoleon’s lavish private ensuite rooms, complete with a view of the Blue Mosque. Bucoleon is the coolest hostel in Istanbul if a touch of luxury is what you are after. Embrace the romance and share a glass of wine with your bae while you watch the sunset over the Blue Mosque from your own private balcony.
Cheers Lighthouse
- Price: $$
- Free Breakfast
- Bar & Cafe Onsite
- Tours & Travel Desk
- Dorm (mixed): From $15/night
- Private Room: From $86/night
- Address: Kucuk Ayasofya Mahallesi Cayiroglu Sokak No:18 Sultanahmet, Fatih, 34400 Istanbul, Turkey
Cheers Lighthouse is the cosiest and most homely of Cheers’ Istanbul backpackers hostels. Lighthouse offers travellers amazing views of the Asian side of Istanbul from some of their rooms. From others, you look out onto the charming cobbled streets of Istanbul’s Old Town.
The Cheers Lighthouse restaurant is fabulous; you needn’t eat anywhere else when you are in Istanbul, in all honesty. Lighthouse is a really sociable hostel that attracts a chilled-out and friendly group of backpackers throughout the year. Make sure you get into the Turkish coffee; it is tradition.
Hanchi
- Price: $$
- Free Breakfast
- Self Catering Facilities
- Laundry Facilities
- Dorm (mixed): From $16/night
- Private Room: From $60/night
- Address: 11 Samsa Sokak, Fatih, 34130 Istanbul, Turkey
Hanchi is one of only a few Istanbul backpackers hostels to have a guest kitchen. If you are on the road long term, you will know it is the little things like cooking that you start to miss. Hanchi is close to the local bazaars and provides you with a great opportunity to explore the markets.
So, put your haggling skills to good use so you can return to Hanchi and cook up a meal to share with your hostel mates. The Hanchi staff are super professional and very accommodating; just holla for help!
Moda Hostel
- Price: $$
- Free Breakfast
- Bar Onsite
- Tours & Travel Desk
- Dorm (mixed): From $17/night
- Private Room: From $54/night
- Address: Caferaga, Tellalzade Sk. 15/A, 34710 Kadiköy Istanbul, Türkiye
Moda Hostel is a great youth hostel in Istanbul for travellers looking for a modern yet homely place to stay in the city. Moda is a light, spacious, and colourful hostel on the Asian side of Istanbul. Located in the vibrant, artistic district of Kadikoy, Moda Hostel incorporates these vibes into its atmosphere.
If you are keen to stay on the Asian side of Istanbul and experience literally and metaphorically a different side of the city… Moda Hostel is where you need to go.
Sultans Inn
- Price: $$
- Free Breakfast
- Tours & Travel Desk
- Luggage Storage
For digital nomads who fancy escaping the dorms when in Turkey, Sultans Inn is the place to book. As a highly recommended hostel in Istanbul, Sultans Inn has a number of single private rooms at dorm-like prices, perfect for digital nomads. Each room has its own working desk, TV, mini-fridge, and ensuite, too.
Admittedly, Sultans Inn is more of a hotel than it is an Istanbul backpackers’ hostel, but it is ideal for digital nomads nonetheless. The dining terrace is the best place to meet fellow digital nomads and travellers and revel at the Blue Mosque in the distance.
Final Thoughts on Istanbul’s Hostels
Istanbul is an absolute marvel. You can spend a lifetime there and still only see a fraction of what this amazing city has to offer. With so much to see, don’t waste any unnecessary time trying to find an Istanbul hostel!
With the help of this guide to the best hostels in Istanbul, you will be able to book your hostel quickly and focus on what matters… Eating baklava and drinking Turkish tea.
If you are having a tough time picking, book yourself into Wabi Sabi Hostel Istanbul; their rooftop terrace is something else. Wabi Sabi Hostel has epic dorm beds, private rooms, female-only dorms, as well as mixed rooms.
If your backpacking purse strings don’t quite stretch that far, Stay Inn Taksim Hostel has got you! This hostel is a big vibe and I’m sure you are a better human than that one guy on hostel world who hated the stairs. Or at least you are too broke to be too picky (I feel ya, we’ve all been here, boss)!
By now I hope my epic guide to the best hostels in Istanbul has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
That’s all for now amigo’s! Enjoy your trip!
