Update: #Bunk Hostel Taskim has been renamed and is now called “Wabi Sabi Hostel”.
Wabi Sabi is a chic and modern design hostel offering a huge lounge on a rooftop terrace where you can get drinks, delicious food, and enjoy a breathtaking view over Istanbul.
When visiting the Bosporus, it is a great choice for staying. In fact, we wrote up a detailed hostel guide with the 3 best hostels in Istanbul.
Here we share the 3 absolute top hostels to choose. The best choices for solo-travelers, backpackers, couples and more.
The 3 best hostels in Istanbul are:
We compare the hostel with the other two options. We put all hostels and sights on map too. This helps you to get a better understanding of the city.
The hostel offers free Wi-Fi throughout the hostel, and organizes several events for their guests on their rooftop terrace. Taksim Hostel is located on the European side of Istanbul, close to Taksim Square and many public transportation connections.
Before we start, pack smart…
Remember to pack accordingly for staying in a hostel – yet, do not overpack.
Here’s our full packing list, including Noise-Cancelling ear plugs and your padlocks.
1. Sustainable – New Shops and Cafés in the Area
The accommodation is managed by a Local Group of investors in the very heart of Istanbul.
The hostel building is located on the Papa Roncalli Sokak, the same street of the Vartican Embassy, in a once very popular neighborhood that fell out of grace as the city developed.
The historic 19th century building was in ruins before the investors decided to renovate and make it a design hostel.
The renovation of the building has transformed the street and a number of new shops, cafés and eateries, as well as new developers are flocking into the vicinity.
Wabi Sabi Hostel will start hosting walking tours this spring around the Taksim and Pera; also you can book tours directly from the reception for rest of Turkey and of course Istanbul.
The backpacker hostel is 5 minutes walk from the airport shuttles and the city’s main metro station.
2. Chic and Stylish Design
The designer of the hostel is the award winning Austrian architect Brigitte Weber.
The accommodation features a chic, modern, and minimalist design blending in with the historic character of the building.
The original staircase and frescos of the entrance gallery have been restored and put into use side by side with modern design elements.
Wabi Sabi Hostel is also very proud of its design and functionality of the common areas with
- free Wi-Fi
- computer access
- laundromats
- luggage storage
- 24-hour reception
- concierge
The dorms have been designed with the backpacker in mind with electronic lockers, comfortable bunk beds with personal electric outlets and LED spotlights.
This 5 Star Hostel is truly a Design Hostel at its best.
3. The Roof Top Terrace Lounge with its views
We are especially fond of their Terrace, where you can enjoy your coffee, drink, or eat Italian style Pizza, while mingling with the fellow travelers with a breathtaking view of the rooftops of old Istanbul during a beautiful sunset.
The Terrace also doubles as the breakfast lounge in the mornings, where you can indulge yourself with a wide variety buffet and Italian or Turkish coffee and Tea.
There is no better place to start your expedition of Istanbul.
And FYI: A very common itinerary for backpackers is to go from Istanbul over to the Greek islands.
The great news: there you can also stay at 5 Star Hostels.
Caveland Santorini is the 5 Star Hostel in Santorini.
At Rhodes you can enjoy a hostel experience at STAY Hostel Rhodes.
4. Fun, Social, Live Music – The Vibes
The Terrace is open throughout the day, where you can find a Foosball table, darts and cardboard games as well.
During the night, with the help of chill-out music, the Terrace transforms into a bar and a nightclub.
Furthermore, the hostel organizes different theme parties throughout the year and there are live music two or three nights every week.
Do you need anything else to enjoy your stay in Istanbul?
5. Local Tips by the Staff
The hostel staff is young and well trained with diverse backgrounds.
Every single member of the team has extensive knowledge of the historical, touristic and entertainment areas of Istanbul as well the special needs of the backpack traveler.
Come on and challenge them – you’ll get the best tips for Istanbul.
The team is very involved with the guest’s stay.
You can meet and hang out with them at one of the several events organized by the hostel. They are always around to serve, help and befriend you.
More TOP hostels in Istanbul
It does not end here. We wrote up a detailed hostel guide with the 3 best hostels in Istanbul.
In this insider guide, we share the 3 finest hostels in town and all the types of travelers we recommend them for.
Other hostel guides you will love in nearby destinations:
- 3 Best Hostels in Bucharest, Romania
- 3 Best Hostels in Skopje, Macedonia
- 3 Best Hostels in Kiev, Ukraine
- 3 Best Hostels in Tel Aviv, Israel
- 3 Best Hostels in Yerevan, Armenia
- 3 best hostels in Tbilisi, Georgia
Find all 5 Star Hostels here.
