I stayed in a Backpacker Hostel in Istanbul and here's what happened

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Ever dreamed of sipping Turkish tea while the Hagia Sophia glows pink at sunset—then walking only two minutes to your bed?

Cheers Hostel gave me that moment, plus safe bunks, new friends, and a free breakfast that beat my usual instant oats. 

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Location – Hagia Sophia Views & Tram-Line Ease

Cheers sits on a quiet lane in Sultanahmet, less than five minutes’ walk to the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the T1 tram stop. Airport buses drop at nearby Sirkeci, and ferries to Asia leave from Eminönü—an easy stroll downhill.

The area stays busy with tourists and police patrols, so walking alone after midnight kebab runs felt perfectly fine. Lantern-lit cafés line the street, making the path back bright and friendly.

Social Vibes – Rooftop Bar Where Strangers Become Crew

• Atmosphere: lively but not wild; chatty backpackers mix with curious digital nomads.
• Rooftop “Istanbul Pub” serves cold Efes and hookah with a front-row view of Hagia Sophia’s domes—conversation starter guaranteed.
• Nightly events: free walking tour, meze tasting, Bosphorus pub crawl twice a week.
• I joined the trivia night, lost badly, and still ended up sharing baklava with my new team at 2 a.m.

Rooms – Air-Con Bunks & Ottoman Charm

• Mixed dorms (4–14 beds) and a female-only dorm; small privates with ensuite for couples.
• Sturdy wooden bunks, privacy curtain on most lower beds, individual reading light and outlet.
• Air-conditioning in all rooms; blessedly quiet units.
• Under-bed metal lockers—bring a padlock or rent one for a lira coin.
• High ceilings, exposed brick, and Turkish rugs give more character than a typical white-box dorm.

Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Istanbul

1. Cordial House Hostel - best for Family-Friendly Hostel, Older travelers (+50), Party Hostel, Quiet Rest, Solo Traveller
2. Sinbad Hostel - best for Family-Friendly Hostel, Solo Traveller
3. Orient Hostel - best for Party Hostel
4. Yucelt Interyouth Hostel
5. Amphora Hostel

Cordial House Hostel

8.4

Sultanahmet - Old City

"…If you compare the rates they charge with other hostels, Cordial House is reasonable considering more

Sinbad Hostel

8.0

Sultanahmet - Old City

"…" The rooms are dense with bunkbeds and the top bunks are not too stable. The bathrooms aren't more

Orient Hostel

8.3

Sultanahmet - Old City

"…Bleugh! Amazing view and nice people for a cheap price. It's the hostel to stay at when you are in more

Yucelt Interyouth Hostel

8.5

Sultanahmet - Old City

"…The road outside was fairly noisy especially when a tram went past. The location was great - right more

Amphora Hostel

8.6

Sultanahmet - Old City

"This is such a great place. Thanks to Bobby and both Özgürs for their help and care. This is the more

Amenities – Free Breakfast & Handy Extras

• Hearty Turkish breakfast: olives, cheese, boiled eggs, fresh bread, tomatoes, and unlimited tea/coffee.
• Fast Wi-Fi on every floor—video calls worked even on the roof.
• 24 h reception, luggage storage, and no curfew.
• Guest kitchen with fridge and basic cookware.
• Laundry service by the kilo (returned same day), towel rental, free city maps.
• Airport shuttle booking and budget tour desk for Cappadocia, Pamukkale, etc.

Safety – Locks, Staff, and Plenty of Eyes

Key-card entry to both the building and dorm rooms; rooftop bar is guest-only after 11 p.m. CCTV covers corridors, and staff sleep on-site. The female dorm sits on its own secure floor with an extra code. I felt comfortable leaving my laptop in the locker and wandering the Grand Bazaar all day.

Price – Backpacker Friendly for Istanbul’s Tourist Zone

Beds sit at the midpoint for Sultanahmet hostels—higher than Taksim, but lower than boutique capsules.

The rate includes breakfast, linens, Wi-Fi, walking tour, and nightly tea. Towels, laundry, hookah, and alcohol cost extra. Given the rooftop view alone, I found the price a bargain.

6 Hidden Gemz for Istanbul (by Hostelgeeks)

How it works

Final Verdict

9 / 10. Cheers Hostel balances unbeatable location, buzzing social spaces, and thoughtful comfort.

Making friends is as simple as ordering a beer on the roof; sleeping is easy once the bar closes and air-con hums.

I dock one point for limited kitchen stove space, but Istanbul street food is cheaper and tastier anyway.

Pro tip: Book a bed on the second floor—close to bathrooms but far enough from bar music if you need an early Hagia Sophia sunrise.

Backpacking Istanbul? Here’s What You Need to Know

These are the guides I wish I had before visiting. I’ve been there, had fun, did some minor mistakes, and now I’m passing the best tips on to you. Safe travels!

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About the author: Nour De Wilde Salhab

A Lebanese-Congolese-French-Belgian girl as likely to be found climbing a volcano in Indonesia or reading a sci-fi book by the sea in the South of France. Always on the hunt for remarkable experiences. My two favorites so far: volunteering in emergency medical services in Lebanon and solo backpacking around the world. Life is enjoyable in all its facets, from its healthy extremes to its mundane slows.