20 EPIC Hostels in Istanbul (2020 • Insider Guide!)
ISTANBUL HOSTELS: Best Overall | Best for Solo Travelers | Best Party Hostel | Best Cheap Hostel
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The largest city to dwell on two continents, Istanbul truly is an international marvel, and one of a kind travel experience. The culture, food, historical sights, and low price make it one of the best backpacking destinations on the planet.
But Istanbul is massive. And with over 100 registered hostels it can be overwhelming to know exactly which hostel to stay at and in what neighborhood.
That’s the exact reason why we wrote this guide.
Our ultimate list of the best hostels in Istanbul is made for travelers, by travelers. We have taken the highest-reviewed hostels in this amazing city and put them together so you can see which one is best for you.
And the best part? We’ve organized this list to fit YOUR needs.
We know that everyone travels differently. Some travelers are looking to party. Some travelers just need a cheap bed. Sometimes you’re a couple looking for some privacy or a solo traveler looking to make new friends.
Whatever your travel style, our list of the top hostels in Istanbul has got you covered. With the help of this list, you’ll be able to quickly identify the hostel that best suits your travel-style, so you can book quickly and stress-free!
Let’s take a look at the best hostels in Istanbul.
Table of Contents
- Quick answer: the Best Hostels in Istanbul
- The 20 Top Hostels in Istanbul
- What to Pack for your Istanbul Hostel
- Why you should travel to Istanbul
Quick answer: the Best Hostels in Istanbul
- Overall Best Hostel in Istanbul – Agora Hostel & Guesthouse
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Istanbul – Cheers Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Istanbul – Sultan Hostel
- Best Hostel for Couples in Istanbul – Istanbul Taksim Hostel Green House
- Best Party Hostel in Istanbul – Chillout Lya Hostel & Bar
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Istanbul – Cheers Downtown
- Best Hostel with a Private Room in Istanbul – Old Mile Suites
Welcome to the best hostels in Istanbul, Turkey
The 20 Top Hostels in Istanbul
If you are backpacking Turkey, then the chances are you’re gonna pass through Istanbul. To help you decide where to stay, we’ve gone and made this list.
Overall Best Hostel in Istanbul – Agora Hostel & Guesthouse
Great reviews, free breakfast and solid location make Agora our pick for best hostel in Istanbul for 2020
– $$
– Free Breakfast
– Cafe Onsite
– Tours & Travel Desk
Agora Hostel is the overall best hostel in Istanbul in 2020 and one of Turkey’s best hostels too. A big hostel with a cosy feel, Agora have been stunning travellers with their high standard of service for years. The free breakfast is a total bonus and part of the reason why Agora is the best hostel in Istanbul. As they say themselves, the rooms are simple, stylish, and inexpensive; everything you could ask for in a hostel really! A great all-rounder, Agora is a great shout regardless of whether you’re travelling solo, with your crew or lover.
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Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Istanbul – Cheers Hostel
Award-winning Cheers Hostel is a great hostel in Istanbul for solo travelers
– $$
– Free Breakfast
– Bar & Cafe Onsite
– Tours & Travel Desk
The best hostel for solo travellers in Istanbul is Cheers Hostel. This place is always pumping! Cheers Hostel has won both best hostel in Istanbul and best worldwide small hostel awards in the last two years and they just keep kicking on! Cheers Hostel is great for solo travellers as being so popular means that there’s always a decent sized crew hanging out here. The Cheers bar is the best place to head if you wanna find a new crew to travel Turkey with.
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Big Apple Hostel
Great vibes and a stellar location, Big Apple Hostel is a great hostel in Istanbul for solo travelers
– $$
– Free Breakfast
– Bar Onsite
– Tours & Travel Desk
For solo travellers who are keen to make new friends while in Istanbul you should head to Big Apple. A close contender for best hostel in Istanbul in 2020, Big Apple has got this hostel lark sorted out! They have a great selection of rooms and an even better hostel vibe. Big Apple is just a few minutes away from the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar. If you’re a solo traveller looking for a cool youth hostel in Istanbul to stay in, Big Apple is a great shout.
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Best Party Hostel in Istanbul – Chillout Lya Hostel & Bar
Set in Instanbul’s premiere party neighborhood, Chillout Lya is one of the best party hostels in Istanbul
– $
– Free Breakfast
– Bar & Cafe Onsite
– Tours & Travel Desk
The best party hostel in Istanbul is Chillout Lya, they’re quick to tell guests that they’re just 15-seconds away from Istanbul’s nightlife. To me and you that means they’re right in the party of Istanbul’s nightlife district. With their own bar on the ground floor, Chillout Lya is a top hostel in Istanbul for all those party animals out there. Chillout Lya is located in the vibrant Beyoglu district, a liberal and happening part of the city with a wild party scene.
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Bahaus Guesthouse Hotel
Lots of energy, a bar and rooftop makes Bahaus Guesthouse one of the best party hostels in Istanbul
– $$
– Free Breakfast
– Bar & Cafe Onsite
– Tours & Travel Desk
Bahaus is a top party hostel in Istanbul. If you’re in town for a good time, not a long time, you best head to Bahaus. Their bar is pumping and the place is full of easy going, friendly and adventurous travellers just like you. The rooftop terrace is what makes Bahaus a leading Istanbul backpacker hostel, up there you can smoke hookah and shisha, have a drink or two and just 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!
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Best Cheap Hostel in Istanbul #1 – Sultan Hostel
A budget hostel with great value, Sultan Hostel is one of the best cheap hostels in Istanbul
– $
– Free Breakfast
– Bar & Cafe Onsite
– Tours & Travel Desk
The best cheap hostel in Istanbul is Sultan Hostel. They not only offer a free breakfast, free WiFi and bed linen but they have clean, spacious and, most importantly, cheap dorm rooms too. Sultan Hostel is the coolest hostel in Istanbul if you’re on a tight budget. On top of cracking value for money Sultan Hostel also has their own bar and cafe serving up backpacker budget-friendly food and booze every day of the week. You’ll love Sultan Hostel, even more so if you’re watching the kuru!
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Best Cheap Hostel in Istanbul #2 – Harmony Hostel
Harmony Hostel is high on our list of best cheap hostels in Istanbul…
– $
– Bar Onsite
– Tours & Travel Desk
– Laundry Facilities
Harmony Hostel is a top hostel in Istanbul for travellers who are keen to meet and mingle but 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’re keen to get the most of backpacking Istanbul, then swing by the Harmony Hostel tours and travel desk to see what deals and discounts they can offer you.
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Best Cheap Hostel in Istanbul #3 – Avrasya Hostel
Avrasya Hostel is another one of the best cheap hostels in Istanbul.
– $
– Free Breakfast
– Bar & Cafe Onsite
– Tours & Travel Desk
Avrasaya is a much loved and highly recommended hostel in Istanbul and you’re gonna love it too. Humble, simple and homely, Avrasaya 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 the Avrasaya will be more than happy to show you the way. As a top hostel in Istanbul Avrasaya has their own cafe and restaurant on the roof, their awesome menu must be tried!
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Best Hostel for Couples in Istanbul – Istanbul Taksim Hostel Green House
Gorgeous rooms starting at $30 a night makes Istanbul Taksim Hostel a top hostel for couples in Istanbul
– $$
– Self Catering Facilities
– Tours & Travel
– Laundry Facilities
The best hostel for couples in Istanbul is Green House, it’s a little bit of luxury, to say the least! Where else can you and your lover sleep in a 4-poster bed for less than $30 a night?! Green House is a highly recommended hostel in Istanbul ideal for couples who want to spend some quality time together while in Turkey.
Being in the Taksim area means that you’re super close to all of Istanbul’s must-visit tourist hotspots. If you come to Istanbul at the weekend, Taksim does get lively in the evenings but it’s all good fun.
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Bucoleon
More on the luxurious side (but still affordable!) Bucoleon is a great option for traveling couples
– $$$
– Free Breakfast
– Luggage Storage
– Tours & Travel Desk
If you’re seeking a top hostel in Istanbul to stay in with your lover you have to check out Bucoleon by Cheers. Cheers have a number of hostels in Istanbul and Bucoleon is their boutique, luxury edition. You and 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’re after. Embrace the romance and share a glass of wine with bae while you watch the sunset over the Blue Mosque from your own private balcony.
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Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Istanbul – Cheers Downtown
– $$
– Free Breakfast
– Cafe Onsite
– Tours & Travel Desk
The best hostel for digital nomads in Istanbul is Cheers Downtown. This laid-back and welcoming hostel is perfect for digital nomads who want to stay in a sociable hostel but still have enough quiet time to get all their work done and dusted. What digital nomads love about Cheers Downtown is the free tea and coffee served all day in their cafe. If digital nomads need anything aside from WiFi to get working its copious amounts of tea and coffee! Cheers Downtown has spacious dorms and is incredibly clean. The kinda place you could hang out in for a week or more and still enjoy!
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Sultans Inn
– $$
– 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’s 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.
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Best Hostel with a Private Room in Istanbul – Old Mile Suites
Affordable private quarters make Old Mile Suites one of the best hostels with a private room in Istanbul.
– $
– Free Breakfast
– Cafe Onsite
– Tours & Travel Desk
If you’re looking for the best budget hostel in Istanbul you should check out Old Mile Suites. Ideal for travellers jet-setting solo or those who are travelling with their beau as they have tonnes of private rooms and plenty of dorms too. Old Mile is a brilliant Istanbul backpackers hostel for travellers on a shoestring budget. Both the dorm rooms and private doubles are cheap and chips throughout the year. Old Mile has everything you could need including their own cafe on the ground floor.
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Psst! Heading to a hostel? Don’t forget to pack a padlock! It’s well worth having one so you can secure your locker and protect your stuff!
More of the Best Hostels in Istanbul
Istiklal Old City
– $$
– Free Breakfast
– Bar & Cafe Onsite
– Late Check-Out
Another best hostel in Istanbul in 2020 is Istiklal Old City. Offering simple, humble but lovely accommodation in the heart of Istanbul. Travellers leave here happy time and time again. Their free breakfast is a great way to start the day and they serve traditional meals in their cafe too. Istiklal Old City is a more traditional style of hostel and is incredibly homely. If you’re set on staying in a flashy, hipster hostel you may have to look elsewhere. Istiklal is a top hostel in Istanbul if you’re keen to experience wonderful Turkish hospitality.
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Moda Hostel
– $$
– Free Breakfast
– Bar Onsite
– Tours & Travel Desk
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 their hostel’s atmosphere. If you’re 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.
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Cheers Lighthouse
– $$
– Free Breakfast
– Bar & Cafe Onsite
– Tours & Travel Desk
Cheers Lighthouse is the cosiest and most homely of Cheers’ Istanbul backpackers hostels. Lighthouse offers travellers amazing views of the Asian side of Istanbul from some of their rooms; from others, you look out onto the charming cobbled streets of Istanbul’s Old Town. The Cheers Lighthouse restaurant is fabulous, you needn’t eat anywhere else when you’re in Istanbul in all fairness. Lighthouse is a really sociable hostel that attracts a chilled out and friendly group of backpackers throughout the year.
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Planet Paprika
– $
– Bar & Cafe Onsite
– Tours & Travel Desk
– Laundry Facilities
Planet Paprika is a brilliant budget hostel in Istanbul. If you’re looking to experience true Turkish hospitality in a happy hostel in the heart of Istanbul you’ll be delighted with your choice of Planet Paprika. Located in Taksim Square, you’re literally at the heart of the action in Istanbul, there are countless shops, bars and restaurants to explore. Whether you’re travelling with your buddies or flying solo you’ll feel at home the moment you arrive at Planet Paprika.
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Hanchi
– $$
– Free Breakfast
– Self Catering Facilities
– Laundry Facilities
Hanchi is one of only a few Istanbul backpackers hostels to have a guest kitchen. If you’re on the road long term you’ll know it’s 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, 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!
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Orient Hostel
– $
– Free Breakfast
– Bar & Cafe Onsite
– Tours & Travel Desk
Nestled between the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque Orient Hostel is a fantastically located youth hostel in Istanbul. Much of your Istanbul itinerary will be based in this locality.
The must visit Grand Bazaar, the famous spice market and Cemberlitas Hamani are less than 10-minutes walk away. If you want to soak up the vibes of Istanbul and stay in a hostel that offers great value for money you should check-in to Orient Hostel. In the high summer season don’t miss the free belly dancing show at Orient Hostel’s rooftop bar!
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Hush Hostel Lounge
– $$
– Free Breakfast
– Self Catering Facilities
– Tours & Travel Desk
Hush Hostel Lounge is a cracking Istanbul backpackers hostel designed for true travellers. This chilled out and happy hostel is a real home from home for backpackers arriving in Istanbul. Hush Hostel is great for digital nomads setting up their temporary office in Istanbul as they have plenty of common areas to work in and a hammock or two for when you just need to walk away from the laptop. On a sunny day, the Hush Hostel’s sun trapped garden terrace is a gorgeous place to hang out in.
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What to Pack for your Istanbul Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear… Here are some other items you might not have thought to pack.
1. Active Roots Toiletry Bag: Your toothpaste is lost in the depths of your backpack again? You won’t have this problem with the Active Roots Toiletry bag. The bag is made from a durable, water-resistant material, which can be a lifesaver on long travels. Super cool bonus: for every purchase, the company donates to an environmentally-friendly charity – it’s a win-win situation for everyone.
2. Headphone Splitter: Being stuck on a bus or plane with only one phone that has good music or shows downloaded can be pretty annoying if your travel buddy wants to share headphones. With this Headphone Splitter, you won’t have to listen with only one ear anymore. Your friend can plug in their headphones at the same time, so both of you are entertained (on both ears!).
3. Active Roots Water Bottle: Sturdy and durable, the Active Roots water bottle survives the roughest adventures while keeping your drink cold or hot for at least 24 hours. Vacuum-sealed and made from stainless steel, the bottle can fit 25oz, which is plenty to keep you hydrated. Super cool bonus: the bottle isn’t just super useful, it helps to reduce the single-use plastic waste – save the planet by filling up your bottle.
4. Playing Cards: These waterproof cards are essential kit for every backpacker. Play by the pool, beach or at your hostel after a long day with travel buds, without your cards breaking or getting soaked. And once you pull out those cards, the chance that you’ll be the hero of the night is pretty high (no promises though).
5. Noise-Cancelling Earbuds: You’ll have some pretty sorry roommates – it happens from time to time. These noise-canceling earbuds help mitigate the damage. The comfortable and ergonomic design won’t hurt your ears while sleeping no matter how long you keep them in. Increase the quality of your sleep by listening to some relaxing music at night or just enjoy the silence.
6. Sea to Summit Travel Soap: Soap can be very useful on long travels, but it’s hard to carry around. It might get taken off you at the airport or leak in your backpack. This Sea to Summit Travel Soap is the perfect solution for every backpacker with a thought for hygiene. The dry soap is super handy, and it definitely won’t leak (there’s nothing to leak). One box contains 50 leaves of soap, making sure that you’ll be clean, even on longer adventures.
Why you should travel to Istanbul
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. And with so much to see, don’t waste any unnecessary time trying to find a hostel!
With the help of this guide to the best hostels in Istanbul, you’ll be able to book your hostel quickly, and focus on what matters – eating baklava and drinking Turkish tea.
And remember, if you are having a tough time picking, just go with our top hostel in Istanbul for 2020- Agora Hostel & Guesthouse.
Travel Safety Tips for Istanbul
And don’t forget to sort your travel insurance before heading to Istanbul! We’ve put together a roundup of the best travel insurance for backpackers – check it out here, or if you’re low on time, get a quote from World Nomads, our favorite travel insurance provider.
Getting an estimate from World Nomads is simple – just click the button or image below, fill out the necessary info, and you’re on your way!
WORLD NOMADS
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Istanbul has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
Yay for transparency! Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you book your accommodation through the site, The Broke Backpacker will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps keep the site going.
Need More Inspiration?
- The Ultimate Backpacking Packing List
- Where To Stay in Istanbul
- The Best Way to Hide Money While Traveling
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