Β Welcome to your Second Home in Istanbul.
We opened our doors in 2009 and have been hosting guests from all over the world for 15 years.
Located in the heart of Old City, we are within an 8 minute walk to the most historical sites:
Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Grand & Spice Bazaar..
We are just steps away from the Sirkeci Marmaray Station and Gulhane & Sirkeci TRAM (T1) stop.Β
Book a Dorm Bed or a Private Room with us. Join us for Breakfast or Family Dinner daily..
and enjoy some Shisha on the Rooftop, before heading out to a Pub Crawl with the Gang.
Now that it's Summer.. we have weekly BBQ's and Boat Parties. See you soon!
Welcome to your ''Second Home'' in Istanbul!Β Β 
Hoscars Awards 
Most Popular Hostel in Istanbul β 2024 Best Hostel in Turkey β 2025 Best Small Hostel in Europe β 2025Β
Important Information 
Dormitory age limit: 45 years old 8-Bed Mixed Dorm is located in the basementΒ
Social Atmosphere & Rooftop Views Second Home is a friendly, social and lively hostel where travelers from all around the world meet, share stories and create unforgettable memories. Our Rooftop Terrace offers breathtaking views of the Bosphorus and both sides of Istanbul. Itβs the perfect place to relax, listen to music, enjoy shisha and meet fellow travelers.Β
JOIN OUR SOCIAL ACTIVITIES;Β
Family Dinner 
Family Breakfast 
Food Tour 
BBQ Parties (Summer) 
Rooftop Game Nights 
Pub Crawls 
Boat Parties (Summer) Indoor & outdoor areas with amazing city views, music and a warm atmosphere.Β
Lobby Lounge 
Books Board & card games Guest kitchen 
Comfortable seating for relaxing or working Digital Nomad Friendly 
Fast, stable high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hostel.
Desks and chairs in rooms and common areas Comfortable spaces for working online 
Ideal environment for laptop work and meetingsΒ
Check-In & Check-Out
24-Hour Reception β Late arrivals are not a problem. 
Free luggage storage available before check-in and after check-out. 
Check-in: after 13:30 (1:30 PM) Check-out: before 10:30 AM
The Perfect Location
Second Home Hostel is located in the heart of Istanbulβs Historic Old City, just a few minutesβ walk from the cityβs most famous landmarks: 
Hagia Sophia Blue Mosque 
Topkapi Palace 
Basilica Cistern 
Grand Bazaar 
Spice Market 
Ferry, metro and bus stations are also within walking distance, making it easy to explore every corner of Istanbul.
Experiences & ToursΒ
Discover Istanbul and beyond with our daily experiences. Boat Cruises β’ Morning Cruise with Breakfast β’ Afternoon Cruise with Lunch β’ Sunset Cruise β’ Night Cruise β’ Dinner Cruise β’ City Experiences β’ Guided City Sightseeing Tours β’ Walking Tours β’ Istanbul Food Tours β’ Historical City Tours 
Cultural Entertainment β’ Turkish Traditional Dance Night β’ Whirling Dervishes Ceremony
Wellness & Beauty
β’ Turkish Bath (Hammam) β’ Spa & Massage β’ Beauty Center β’ Medical Health Services 
Popular Destinations in Turkey 
Cappadocia Ephesus
Pamukkale 
Fethiye 
Antalya 
Gallipoli 
Troy We arrange both group and private tours tailored to your journey. 
Ask at reception for details and bookings.
Airport Transfer
We provide private airport transfers for a smooth arrival. Our driver will meet you at the airport with your name and take you directly to the hostel in a licensed private car or minivan authorized by the Ministry of Tourism.
Facilities & Amenities
High-Speed Wi-Fi 24-Hour Reception Free Istanbul Maps 
Bed Linen Included
Free Towels 
Hair Dryers 
Heating Guest Kitchen
Laundry Service Coffee / Tea Maker
Kettle & Refrigerator
Adaptors 
Postal ServiceBook Exchange Dedicated Workspace 
Copy & Print Service 
Air Conditioning (Ensuite Rooms) 
Ceiling Fans 
Non-Smoking Rooms 
Lock on Bedroom Doors
Fire Extinguishers 
Security cameras are installed in key locations and valuables can be stored in our safe box at reception.Β
Feel at Home Second Home Hostel is more than just a place to sleep βitβs a place to meet travelers, share stories, and experience Istanbul together...
Memo has been a "Managing Partner" at Second Home Hostel since 2010. His attention to detail, leadership skills and discipline is what keeps Second Home Hostel's ratings on top.
Memo's last name, 'Nohut', translates to Chickpeas. It probably has no real relevance to you, but we thought that you should know.
Memo loves traveling, meeting friends, making quirky jokes and supporting family members. His family originated from Gaziantep region of Southeast Turkey. Ask him about the delicious Olive Oil, Red Pepper paste, Spices and other ingredients from his home town
Semira was raised in Eritrea, a country she is proud of its heritage and culture, which she often shares with guests. You'll find her teaching guests how to dance to cooking her childhood favorite meals.
"Second Home Hostel truly lives up to its name by being a home away from home. I am grateful to work here even though I don't call it work. I call it my "home" and am grateful to be a part of this family that values creating memorable experiences for guests, fostering a sense of belonging, and making everyone feel like they are part of a big hostel. That's why I love working at Second Home Hostel. Every day, I get to create a warm & welcoming environment for travelers from all over the world, making them feel like they're part of our hostel family. My passion for hospitality and creating memorable experiences led me to join Second Home Hostel. I believe in the power of genuine connections and aim to ensure that every guest leaves with happy memories and a sense of belonging.
Last but not least, I wanted to thank Can and Memo, from the bottom of my heart, for all your support and guidance that helped me become a part of this Hostel. Your help and encouragement have truly made a difference in my experience here, and I feel like part of a special family because of their kindness. This is my sincere expression of appreciation β€οΈππ»"
Γmer is the 'fun uncle' of the Hostel, who is there first thing in the morning to welcome the early risers. Cooking up delicious breakfasts and tending to whatever guests need. (Especially those needing nursing after our fun Pub Crawl nights!)
Always a smile on his face, always ready to help. Γmer loves Road Trips, driving across Turkey with his large Toyota truck and spending time with his beautiful wife and 3 awesome kids.
Β
Can grew up in ΔengelkΓΆy, on the asian side of Istanbul. He loves showing guests his childhood neighborhood, along the Bosphorus with adorable cafes. His parents are from Kastamonu, a beautiful mountainous region near the Black Sea (7 hour drive from Istanbul).
Can has been working in the Hospitality industry for almost 20 years. He opened Second Home Hostel in 2009. Within 1 year, it ranked in the top 3 hostels in Istanbul on the most popular booking sites: HostelWorld,Β Booking.comΒ and TripAdvisor.
His passion for meeting people, Β solving problems, adjusting with whatever the universe throws at him.. is what keeps Second Home Hostel continuously one of the best Hostels in Istanbul. What puts Can in the zone is simply good music and cooking a large feast for guests and friends.
Ask any of our staff about helping you create personalized itineraries around Turkey!
