We have finally found the hostel where the real backpackers are staying at while in Istanbul -- Big Apple Hostel & Hotel! Well, it might not be the only one, but it's definitely a major backpacker hub, and we love it.
The Location
Big Apple is located in the Old City, on the European side of Istanbul. There are many historical sites, museums, and other tourist attractions to explore in the area and there are various means of transportation to take you anywhere in the big city. It's also a great base if you want explore the city by foot. There are obviously many restaurants and shops around. Ataturk Airport is easily accessible via public transportation.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The rooms are massive and spacious, and it doesn't even feel like there are fourteen of you in there (that's as big as the large dorms get). The building is a bit scruffy (as are the rooms and bathrooms), but that just gives the place an authentic feeling, like this place has been hosting backpackers for quite a while. The beds have curtains, tiny reading lights, and personal power outlets. There are large lockers under the beds; keys are available at reception. It's a bit hard to get a solid sleep if you're not a heavy sleeper, as people are coming in and out all night and you can also hear noises from the next rooms, so pack an extra pair of earplugs if you're worried about that.
There are two showers and three toilets in the room. They're not in great condition and they're pretty smelly and dirty, but they get the job done. Towels are not provided, so bring your own.
Common Spaces
There is a spacious lobby, with a bunch of little seating areas. There is drinking water, plus plenty of complimentary tea and coffee. There is also a large TV, some books for exchange, and the rooms are quite suitable for hanging out as well! There is also a roof terrace where the free breakfast is served. As the staff are very easy-going, they don't mind offering a packed breakfast if you're leaving early. There is also a bar up there where you can enjoy drinks, snacks, and hookah. It's also always nice to check out the view, which isn't bad. There is free Wi-Fi and routers on every floor, so it works really well.
Summary
Even though the building is old and not that clean, this place is fun and friendly and has a social international vibe. We highly recommend it and we're very grateful to the staff for taking such good care of us!
We compare all hostel prices in Istanbul for you. So you save money and time!
How to book...
Big Apple Hostel & Hotel is listed at the following booking sites:
Hostelworld Booking.comWe just compared for you all availability and prices!
So get the best deal, save money and travel longer.
How is Big Apple Hostel & Hotel rated?
Big Apple Hostel & Hotel Reviews
The Hostelz.com Review - Genuine, independent review you can trust.
Photos taken by the Hostelz.com reviewer — Genuine photos you can trust.
Markovka
Hostelz.com Staff Reviewer
Published on Apr 14, 2018
Description
Big Apple Hostel & Hotel has just renovated and redecorated for 2013..
Big Apple Hostel & Hotel is located in the old city of Istanbul and only a few minutes from the Blue Mosque, St. Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Underground Cistern and Historical Turkish Baths, 10 minutes to Grand Bazaar and 10 minutes drive from Taksim Square.
Big Apple Hostel is youthful, high-style, and high-tech. Our rooms are simple, stylish, and inexpensive. We offer convenient accommodations for the hip and spendthrift traveler.
International travelers and domestic travelers looking for modern, upscale accommodations on a budget will appreciate our variety of room types and options
Depending on lifestyle and budget, guests can choose a bed in 4 Bed Female Dorm, 6 Bed Mixed Dorm, 6 Bed Female Dorm, 6 Bed Female Dorm Ensuite and 14 Bed Mixed Dorm or Private Double/Twin Room Ensuite, Private Triple Room Ensuite and Private Family Room Ensuite.
Private rooms with private baths, wide screen TV with DVD player, air-conditioner, complimentary wireless Internet, and hair dryers.Shared rooms with shared baths located on the same floor. All shared rooms have air-conditioners, storage lockers under beds.
You can meet people from all around the world in our common area on the roop top terrace where is serving breakfast as well. You can sip your drinks with overlooking to Sea of Marmara..
We organize BBQ party on our rooftop terrace, followed by a pub crawl to Taksim (the centre of nightlife and live music in Istanbul) every week.
We have computers for our guests and for free. Also we have wireless internet connection throughout the hostel.
Our travel agency can arrange all your travel needs with international-domestic flights, special city tours, dinner cruise by night, ANZAC tours (Troy & Gallipolli), Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale tours, belly dancing show with dinner (Turkish night) and Turkish bath.
Check-in : 02:00 pm (If rooms are available you can check in earlier)
Check-out: 11:00 am
Cancellation Policy: 48 hours
Please note: We welcome travelers of all ages.However, no guests under 18 years of age or over 50 for dorms. Over 50 years old, can book only into private rooms
Location and Contact
Location
• By air- we have a 24 hour airport pick up service. We can collect you from the ATATURK airport (Main Airport on the European side) for ( euro 30 ) please pay attention.... This cost is not only per person, but for up to 4 persons in total.(for more information contact us by Email) Please also specify if you are arriving at Ataturk airport or Sabiha Gocken airport. Please email us this information at least 24 hours before you are due to arrive. We can also pick you up from the SABIHA GOKCEN Airport(on the Asian side) for ( 75 euro ) This cost is also valid up to 4 persons.
• Alternatively, from Ataturk airport, take the Metro to ZEYTINBURNU station and from there change to Tram and get off on SULTANAHMET tram station. (the tram runs from 06.00 in the morning to 23.30 in the night). Follow the directions below once you get off the tram.
• From Sabiha Gocken airport, you can take the HAVAS shuttle bus to Taksim . The bus leaves at 0500 and 0600 and also every half hour between 18.00-23.00. From 23.00-1.00 there may be an additional service every half an hour. From Taksim, you can take a taxi to our hostel or take the metro to Kabatas and then tram to go to Sultanhamet. Follow the directions below, once you get off the tram. Visit the Havas website for more details.
• take the tram to Aksaray. From there you need to cross the main road via the pedestrian subway (which is underneath the road). After you exit the subway, you will see another tram line opposite you, called Yusuf Pasa. Take the tram to Sultanahmet. Make sure you are going in the right direction! Get off at the Sultanahmet stop. Get off the tram and walk downhill. You will see a Tourist Information office. They are open in the daytime and they can help direct you to the guesthouse. If not, walk through the park towards the Blue Mosque. Pass in front of the Blue Mosque on your right. Walk down the road - you will see the Blue Hotel (MAVI EV) on the corner. Turn right as the road curves. Take the first road on the left. You will see numerous carpet shops. Walk down and then take the first road on the left and then the first right- you will see the Big Apple Hostel & Guesthouse sign. In case you have any problems, please phone us and we will come and get you.
• By train- take the tram opposite the station to Sultanahmet and then follow the directions given above.
• By boat- when you arrive at Karakoy, walk across Galata Bridge and take the tram to Sultanahmet.
Map
Big Apple Hostel & Hotel is listed on the following booking sites:
Hostelworld Booking.com Not listed at HostelsClubWebsite
www.hostelbigapple.com
Phone Number:
00 90 212 5177931
To add or correct information for this listing, please use the Listing Correction Form.
Facilities and Amenities
Party Hostel
Solo Traveller
Bedsheets
Breakfast
Lockers in Lobby
Lockers in Rooms
Luggage Storage
Parking
Safe Deposit Box
Towels
Wi-Fi in Lobby/Commons
Wi-Fi in Rooms
Airport Pickup (30 €)
City Tours
24 Hour Security
Air Conditioning
BBQ Grill
Bar
Cable TV
Clothes Dryer
Concierge/Info Desk
Credit Card Payments
Currency Exchange
Entirely Non-Smoking
Evening Entertainment
Food/Restaurant
Gameroom
Hair Dryers
Hot Showers
Karaoke
Live Music/Performance
Lounge Area
Movie Library/Rental
TV
Kitchen
Wheelchair Accessible
Service Animals
Max. Age: 35
Checkout: 11:00 (11 AM)
Lockout: No
Maximum Stay: Unlimited
Minimum Stay: 1 night
Open Dates: All Year
Reception Hours: 24 Hours
Size: Medium (30-60 beds)
See all hostels in Istanbul
Get access to exclusive hostel content
Create your Free Account
