Second Home Hostel

Name: Second Home Hostel
Address: Hocapasa Mh. Ebusuud Cd. No:19 Sirkeci, Istanbul, tr

Location: Hocapasa Mh. Ebusuud Cd. No:19 Sirkeci, Istanbul, tr

Star Rating: 8.7 Stars

Property Type: Hostel/Backpacker accommodation

About this Property

Central Location near Top Attractions
Located just a 5-minute walk from the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, Second Home Hostel offers the perfect base for exploring Istanbul's iconic landmarks.

Convenient Amenities
Enjoy a comfortable stay with air-conditioned rooms, some with private bathrooms. The hostel provides a communal kitchen, 24-hour front desk, and laundry service for your convenience.

Local Experience and Assistance
Indulge in a local and international breakfast at the terrace café and let the hostel assist you in organizing tours around Istanbul and Turkey. With its proximity to the Grand Bazaar and Taksim, Second Home Hostel ensures a memorable stay in Istanbul.

Book now for an unforgettable experience at Second Home Hostel.

Important Information

The hostel does not have an elevator.

Policies

Check-in: 01:30 PM - 12:00 AM

Check-out: 10:30 AM

Amenities & Facilities

Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Room service
Terrace
Family rooms
BBQ facilities
Luggage storage
Safety deposit box
Fax/photocopying
Tour desk
Ironing service
Chapel/shrine
Non-smoking throughout
Private check-in/check-out
Shared lounge/TV area
Board games/puzzles
Shuttle service (additional charge)
Grocery deliveries
Kid meals
Shared kitchen
Public transport tickets
Evening entertainment
Coffee Shop on site
Fruits
Staff adhere to local safety protocols
Guest rooms disinfected between stays
Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
Physical distancing rules followed
Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
Cashless payment available
Fire extinguishers
First aid kit available
Sanitized tableware & silverware
Contactless check-in/check-out
Invoice provided
Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
Smoke alarms
Shared stationery like menus, pens are removed
Guest room sealed after cleaning
Property cleaned by professional cleaning companies
Physical distancing in dining areas
CCTV outside property
Process in place to check health of guests
Access to health care professionals
Screens / Barriers between staff and guests for safety
24-hour security
Delivered food - securely covered
Security alarm
Thermometers for guests provided by property
Broadcast Live sport events
Pub crawls
Happy hour
Cooking class
Shopping on site
Television in common areas
Front desk (limited hours)
Free wired internet
Internet access
Private picnics
Reception hall
Hosted evening meal (reserve)
Charcoal grill
Accessible shuttle
No accessible shuttle
Accessible train station shuttle
No accessible train station shuttle

Rooms Available

Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room

Max Occupancy: 1 (1 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Heating
- Fireplace
- Private entrance
- Dining area
- Electric kettle
- Coffee machine
- Linen
- Outdoor dining area
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Socket near the bed
- Adapter
- Feather pillow
- Lockers
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Reading light
- Privacy curtain
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Air purifiers
- Hand sanitiser
Twin Room with Shared Bathroom

The fireplace is the standout feature of this twin room. The twin room features a private entrance, soundproof walls, as well as a shared bathroom boasting a shower and a hairdryer. The twin room is furnished with a desk and a seating area and offers a tea and coffee maker, a dining area and city views. The unit has 2 beds.

Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Heating
- Fireplace
- Private entrance
- Dining area
- Electric kettle
- Coffee machine
- Linen
- Outdoor dining area
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Socket near the bed
- Adapter
- Feather pillow
- Lockers
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Reading light
- Privacy curtain
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Air purifiers
- Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
- Hand sanitiser
Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room

Max Occupancy: 1 (1 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Heating
- Fireplace
- Private entrance
- Dining area
- Electric kettle
- Coffee machine
- Linen
- Outdoor dining area
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Socket near the bed
- Adapter
- Feather pillow
- Lockers
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Reading light
- Privacy curtain
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Air purifiers
- Hand sanitiser
Deluxe Single Room, Private Bathroom

1 Queen Bed
129-sq-foot room with city views

Internet - Free WiFi
Food & Drink - Shared/communal kitchen access and 24-hour room service
Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains and bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and a hair dryer
Practical - Safe, laptop workspace, and local maps; rollaway beds (surcharge) available on request
Comfort - Air conditioning and heating
Need to Know - Limited housekeeping, toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking

Max Occupancy: 1 (1 Adults)
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Toilet paper
- Room service (24 hours)
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Free WiFi
- Shared/communal kitchen access
- Bedsheets provided
- Soap
- Local maps
- Laptop-friendly workspace
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Deluxe Room, Private Bathroom

1 Double Bed
172 sq feet

Internet - Free WiFi
Food & Drink - Shared/communal kitchen access and 24-hour room service
Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains and bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and a hair dryer
Practical - Safe, laptop workspace, and local maps; rollaway beds (surcharge) available on request
Comfort - Air conditioning and heating
Need to Know - Limited housekeeping, toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking

Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Toilet paper
- Room service (24 hours)
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Free WiFi
- Shared/communal kitchen access
- Bedsheets provided
- Soap
- Local maps
- Laptop-friendly workspace
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Deluxe Twin Room, Private Bathroom

1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed
215 sq feet

Internet - Free WiFi
Food & Drink - Shared/communal kitchen access and 24-hour room service
Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains and bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and a hair dryer
Practical - Safe, laptop workspace, and local maps; rollaway beds (surcharge) available on request
Comfort - Air conditioning and heating
Need to Know - Limited housekeeping, toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking

Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Toilet paper
- Room service (24 hours)
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Free WiFi
- Shared/communal kitchen access
- Bedsheets provided
- Soap
- Local maps
- Laptop-friendly workspace
- Toothbrush and toothpaste available
- Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Triple Room

The fireplace is the standout feature of this triple room. This air-conditioned triple room has a desk, an outdoor dining area, city views and a private bathroom. The unit has 2 beds.

Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Kitchen
- Fireplace
- Private entrance
- Dining area
- Electric kettle
- Coffee machine
- Linen
- Outdoor dining area
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Adapter
- Feather pillow
- Lockers
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Reading light
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Air purifiers
- Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
- Hand sanitiser
Double Room

This double room provides a fireplace. This air-conditioned double room features a desk, an outdoor dining area, city views and a private bathroom. The unit offers 1 bed.

Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Kitchen
- Fireplace
- Additional toilet
- Private entrance
- Dining area
- Electric kettle
- Additional bathroom
- Coffee machine
- Linen
- Outdoor dining area
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Socket near the bed
- Adapter
- Feather pillow
- Lockers
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Reading light
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Air purifiers
- Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
- Hand sanitiser
Twin Room

This twin room's standout feature is the fireplace. This air-conditioned twin room features a desk, an outdoor dining area, city views and a private bathroom. The unit offers 2 beds.

Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Kitchen
- Fireplace
- Additional toilet
- Private entrance
- Dining area
- Electric kettle
- Additional bathroom
- Coffee machine
- Linen
- Outdoor dining area
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Socket near the bed
- Adapter
- Feather pillow
- Lockers
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Reading light
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Air purifiers
- Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
- Hand sanitiser
Standard Double Room with Shared Bathroom

Guests will have a special experience as this double room offers a fireplace. This double room features a desk, an outdoor dining area, city views and a shared bathroom. The unit offers 1 bed.

Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Heating
- Kitchen
- Fireplace
- Private entrance
- Dining area
- Electric kettle
- Coffee machine
- Linen
- Outdoor dining area
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Socket near the bed
- Adapter
- Feather pillow
- Lockers
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Reading light
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Air purifiers
- Hand sanitiser

Guest Reviews

Niamh (10/5): Amazing - Friendly staff, great central location, apartment was lovely and big.
Marco Ehrbar (10/5): - Great atmosphere, feels very familiar and authentic. The staff is always happy to help and the location is great for sightseeing. Big thanks to Faruk for always giving great tipps inside the city and regarding nightlife! (Techno is still better tho)
James (10/5): - Good location, 'functional' but clean room. Good showers. What really makes it stand out are the really friendly staff. Nothing.
shi (5/5): -
Andrew (10/5): -
Matteo (7/5): - Very good location to visit the city. Staff were friendly and atmosphere was nice. Lovely roof terrace and a lot of initiative by the staff members. rooms by the staircase on the corridors a bit noisy.
Chris (10/5): -
Jose Maria (6/5): Good vibe in pure center - Location is top Too much noise during the night.
Keith (7/5): Cool spot to socialize and explore Istanbul - Excellent location, centrally located, very friendly staff (Ahmet was awesome). Everything was as expected.
ferlete (10/5): - Tudo muito bom
Minna (3/5): i will tell everybody i know to not come. - the place was located well i think the room has no soundproof at all, i was like sleeping on the street, it was just sooooo loud. I can hear everything, people was talking outside the door, door open and close(and this happened at 2am-3am), the car noise outside the window for the whole night and really loud, i can not fall asleep for the whole night. and around 4am somebody woke up(might be the staff start to prepare the breakfast), and they were talking really loud and laughing at the hallway. it was really a bad stay.
Ibrahina (7/5): Buona soluzione per i più giovani che vogliono spendere poco. - Ottima posizione e lo staff gentile. Era tutto ok a quel prezzo, sicuramente non era adatto alla mia età.
Maurice Hurley (10/5): Great hostel in central Istanbul. - Super location, very friendly staff, specially Ahmet. Very comfortable beds. Great rooftop to enjoy with other guests. Not the Ritz but an excellent Hostel in walking distance of all the sights, ferry trips around the Bosphorus etc.
Mohd (10/5): Overall it was nice to stay, thumbs up to the staff especially MEHMET AND FARUQ…!! - Location, staff , ambience They should offer breakfast including with the booking.
Francesca (7/5): Great place, good value for money, watch out for old city prices - We stayed in the private room with an ensuite (not shared) and it was perfect for a few nights. The aircon saved us, internet was top notch, really good location in the old city. The hostel staff are friendly and really encourage you come to the group dinner. The walls are quite thin, we must have been there ourselves for the first few days but then someone moved in next door and we could hear their tv show blaring loudly and every phone call. The old city is very expensive and one of the hostel staff recommended us a place which cost $100 AUD (USD 66) for a bad kebab, so we were a bit salty after that.
Fares (10/5): Superbe expérience à Second Home hostel - La gentillesse des hosts et l'atmosphère en general !
Viviana (8/5): - Por más que estuve solo una noche, mi experiencia fue muy buena. Muy buena habitación e instalaciones cómoda. El personal que me recibió fue muy hospitalario. Elegí un Hostel para tener interacción social y la actividad programada, un pubcrawl, no se realizó porque se habían inscripto 4 y necesitaban 5 como mínimo.
Pawel (2/5): Clean please - The location and staff very very good. The room/bathroom (see pictures) were dirty and the bed linen hadn’t been changed. There was hair on the pillows and the bed cover. I’m glad we stayed there for only 20 hours. Yuck.
Anna (9/5): Perfect location, comfy room - Amazing location, within walking distance of major attractions (5-7 min to Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi). Close to Eminonu ferry pier, 3 mins to tram and Marmaray. If you’re looking for conveniently located hostel, this is it. Private room was comfy, spacious and well equipped (it even had a hairdryer which is not that common). The bathroom could do with a little refurbishing, but it was ok.
Ryan (10/5): Great time, great staff - The staff were incredible, couldn’t have been happier, I had such a great time, shoutout to Farukk N/A
Kim (8/5): -
Rebecca Marie (10/5): -
Georgia (10/5): -
Elaine (8/5): Highly reccommend - Central location, helpful staff (booked an airport transfer), well run hostel. We booked a private room with bathroom- was spacious, comfy and good shower and AC.
Rémy (9/5): -
Leo (10/5): -
Aliotti (10/5): -
Emilie (7/5): - L’auberge est très bien placée, très proche de la Mosquée Bleue, Ayasofya, citerne basilique etc. Nous étions en chambre individuelle - le lavabo fuyait et le lit était de mauvaise qualité. Pas le meilleur rapport qualité prix d’Istanbul pour notre expérience, mais qui doit se compenser par la vie d’auberge certainement (nous n’avons pris part à aucune activité!).
HEA RYOUNG (9/5): -
Sandy (2/5): Rooms need to be cleaned. Staff seemed to sit around doing nothing. - Most of the staff were nice. Room was not clean. Sheets and bedding had hairs and stains. Toilet not clean. There 6 days no one came near us. Had to take our rubbish down four flights of stairs ask for toilet paper clean towels.
Peter (10/5): -
Morane (10/5): Exceptional - People in the hostel were the best ! Very friendly and helfpul ! Big up to Semira for the pub crawl on Wednesday night : we had so much fun !!! The hostel location is also perfect !
Cassia (10/5): Exceptional - Very clean and they organized a lot of events 🩵
Mostafa (10/5): Exceptional - My recent stay at Second Home Hostel was absolutely fantastic, and I can't recommend it enough! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with such warmth by Ahmet, Mehmet and Faruk – they truly make you feel like part of the family. The location is unbeatable, putting all of Istanbul's major sights within easy walking distance, which was a huge plus. The hostel itself has a wonderful, social atmosphere. The rooftop terrace is a brilliant spot to chill out, enjoy a drink, and meet fellow travelers from all over the world. It really does feel like a 'second home.' The rooms and common areas were kept clean, and it offered great value for money. The absolute highlight of my trip had to be the amazing pub crawls led by Samira! She is an absolute star – full of energy, super friendly, and knows all the best spots to ensure everyone has a fantastic and safe night out. We had such a blast exploring Istanbul's nightlife with her and a great group of people from the hostel. It was the perfect way to experience the city after dark and make some brilliant memories. If you're looking for a welcoming, well-located, and social hostel in Istanbul, look no further than Second Home. And definitely, DEFINITELY make sure you join one of Samira's pub crawls – you won't regret it! I'm already looking forward to my next visit.
Mandie (10/5): Fabulous stay - 10/10 would highly recommend! I stayed in a private room shared bath and the bed was super comfortable and there was individual heat control. The location is FANTASTIC. It is right in the middle of everything you want to do. Walking distance to all the big sites as well as plenty of food and shops. Also walkable to Taksim over the bridge and the ferry station. The staff was also fabulous. So welcoming and always ready with GREAT recommendations. Ahmet sent me on one of my favorite adventures to Moda to get Meneman. Samir is the life of the party taking groups out every night to have fun while being safe. People are coming in at all hours and the street outside can be quite noisy so bring ear plugs. Thanks Second Home for a fabulous time!
Jonathan (10/5): Exceptional - Awesome staff and great location. The bar crawl was fantastic
Niall (8/5): Very good -
john (10/5): - Faruk, Ahmed and Semira were amazing hosts and showed us a great time in the city. I would recomend this place to anyone!!
Anne (10/5): Good hostel, comfortable room, friendly staff, fun activities - We had a great time staying at Second Home Hostel. We were welcomed warmly with some tea. We stayed in a bedroom with private bathroom, which was comfortable and spacious. We joined the dinner on the night of our arrival, and we joined the pubcrawl that was organized the day after. Both were really nice opportunities to meet other travelers. We had a great time. The room was located in a building next to the main building, which made it a bit more effort to get to the main area and the kitchen (we never used the kitchen so I didn't see it, but I read there was supposed to be one). Personally I also think both the dinner and pubcrawl were slightly overpriced. Either way, we enjoyed both of them, and I do appreciate that the hostel organizes these activities.
Irshaad (10/5): Good location and helpful. 🙂 - The property is well located in the Old City, comfortable, homely atmosphere activities like dinners and games. The wifi was also reliable for remote desktop work. A special mention to Aleyna from the hostel-she is efficient and advises well. She helped with booking a Bursa Tour, a hammam visit, and also where to explore in Istanbul, all on short notice! 😊 it was like having a personal Tour guide! N/A.
Lori (7/5): Used this hostel as a base for our travels - Second Home is located close to the Blue Mosque and the old town as well as the pier and market areas. There are lots of restaurants in the area but we did find them rather pricey. The hostel itself could use a makeover. Although the rooms are clean and fairly quiet, a fresh coat of paint and some new upholstery would do wonders. I would certainly stay here again for the convenience of getting around to the local sights and the staff were very helpful. As stated above, they could use an update - paint, upholstery. Otherwise, a good place.
Christian (9/5): Superb - Everything was just great. The manager and the staff are there to help.the morning ai left one of the employees walked me over to the bus stop 6-7 min away , they had packed me a little lunch bag so that I have something to eat. They even took care of booking my tickets. I personally never have breakfast, but I would always get a coffee in the morning at the hotel coffee shop. It was perfect.
Richard (4/5): I cannot recommend this place. The rooms are in need of an upgrade. Room I had was on the top floor and was kept awake - Location Condition of the rooms.
Nasirah (10/5): Literally a home away from home, on the doorstep to all the main attractions - Fantastic staff Inclusive atmosphere Great breakfast Close proximity to all main attractions
Daniel (7/5): Fun place in Istanbul to meet international people - Very nice staff who try to help you as much as possible. Close to the main attractions. Community events to bring together tourists Interior very outdated - needs a refresh. Showers were not super clean.
Ada (10/5): I really loved my stay here. It was my home away from home. - I loved the common areas and how it actually feels like home. The staff deserves a gold star. They are so welcoming and lovely. I would even call them my friends now
Jess (10/5): Exceptional - Nice sheets. The staff were really nice.
Danny (9/5): great stay in the heart of Istanbul - I stayed in a private room with a shared bathroom. Both of which were clean and functional. Truly great hostel with all the basics you need for a comfortable stay (towels included). The staff at Second Home are incredibly kind, helpful and provided recommendations as needed. and helpful with suggesting what to do while in Istanbul. Welcome tea much appreciated. The hostel organizes family dinners and pub crawls for a fee. Rooftop bar offers great views and affordable drinks. The hostel is situated in a central location with easy access to most attractions (mosques, museums, Grand Bazaar, etc). Room needed some cosmetic patchwork. No air conditioning, but the room includes a fan and you get a strong breeze through the window allowing for cool temperatures in the room (even in the summer). No elevator — prepare to carry your luggage up the stairs. None of these were significant issues, so don’t be deterred. Would definitely stay again!
Angela (9/5): Just what you want in a hostel! - Truly feels like a second home. Family dinners, trip guidance, welcoming tea and clean facilities. Thank you ! Nothing to complain about!
Becky (7/5): Good value, could be better. - Location was great, really friendly and helpful staff, shower was nice and hot with good water pressure. Good views from rooftop terrace and group meals organised by the hostel were nice. Had to pay to use the kitchen (which isn't detailed on the listing). Weren't able to make yourself a hot drink, had to ask a member of staff to make it for you and then pay for it. Food kept in the fridge left half eaten by someone else in the hostel (told the staff but they didn't seem to care). Wasn't anywhere to refill water bottles (as can't drink water straight from the tap) so had to keep buying water from the shop. Kitchen was always fully in use for a while for the group meals, had to eat dinner very early or late to work around it.
Connor (10/5): Great priced fantastic hostel to socialise and explore! - Exceptional hostel, with great facilities, open reception and a nice rooftop bar to socialise at a good price! Nothing
Abu (10/5): Second Home truly lives up to it's name. - Homely, family vibe, it feels very natural how the hostel is laid out in order to meet and connect with people including the staff (sometimes the staff are that friendly you can't tell who is staff and who isn't). The location is top. It is 5 minutes away from the main mosques and many of the tourist spots. The pub crawl nights out I had arranged by Semira were truly forgettable and hilarious. She is the best. Made many friends there and I look forward to going back in the future. Whoever was in the toilet on my floor took way too long doing their business :p Needed to go to other floors to use the loo.
Nichola (10/5): Highly recommend would stay again. - Wonderful hostel. All the team at Second Home Hostel are super friendly and helpful with suggesting what to do while in Istanbul. I had a private room and shared bathroom. The room was clean and tidy and everything you need for a stay in Istanbul. The hostel is in a great location with easy access to the mosques, bazaars and the metro if you want to get out and about. Nothing
Wanda (8/5): Great stay - Great location walking distance from major sites public transportation, restaurants and shopping. The staff is very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. The hostel is exceptionally clean including the shared bathrooms.
Namukasa (9/5): My stay was excellent . - Was a bit expensive for me . I almost liked a verything .
Meghan (10/5): The whole atmosphere, and everyone in it, was helpful and very fun. - Everyone in the staff was very hospitable and accommodating from the start, such that everyone felt sort of like friends, and I couldn't immediately tell who worked there, and who didn't. Staff members all sort of brought their own personality into it, and I got very attentive help with very minute needs, such as locating and navigating the post office, getting a transportation card, and finding a place of worship to suit my needs. I loved everyone there, including the very cute cat. I even got a free room upgrade. I can't wait to come back!
Adnan (10/5): It was excellent. - It really does feel like visiting a vibrant and lively home rather than a hostel, all thanks to the staff that feel like they aren't working there but pop in to hang out. Their rota seems very organised and seamless. I had a great time meeting so many lovely people. Having stayed in a dozen hostels now I can wholeheartedly recommend this one. (Also the location is excellent for the old city) What didn't I like the website is asking me... I didn't like that I had to leave.
Yash (10/5): Exceptional - The rooms and the restrooms were clean, the staff was amazing , everyone was welcoming and super friendly. The front desk guy helped me carry my bags up to room. Huge shoutout to Kerem, semira and aleyna, they were super friendly and suggested the best spots around. Honestly one of the best hostel experiences I have had.
Georgi (10/5): Exceptional - Super fun! The atmosphere, the personel, the rooftop and Semira of course
David (10/5): Perfect - Very nice staff. Just <3 for Kerem, Aleyna, Samira, Memo, Ibo. Best people :)
Cole (10/5): Exceptional -
Sean (9/5): Superb -
Benedikt (9/5): Nice Stay in Istanbul - The best of the hodtel is the rooftop terrace: amazing view over Istanbul. Perfect location of the hostel within oldtown of Istanbul. There might be some parts of the room facilities slightly old.
Lyudmila (10/5): Exceptional - I got a private room and was so happy with it. Its quaint, cozy, and certainly big enough for a single person. The general helpfulness of the staff was great. People coming through the hostel were so wonderful.
Hugo (8/5): Great vibe and kind people - The vibe of the people working there, kindness and attention. Location was good. It was well clean to be a hostel and organised. Mattress could have been better. Still a bit expensive for a hostel, even when I got the single room (56€/night).
Stijn (10/5): Will book second home again when in Istanbul - During my 6 day stay at second home hostel, I met a lot of people from all over the world on the rooftop terrace. Didn't get bored for even a single minute. The vibe is different every night, but all nights were equally great! Also, they have a beautiful cat who knows how to get attention. Traffic noise at night, but I guess that's a problem all over Istanbul.
David (6/5): Pleasant -
Hamdi (10/5): Exceptional -
Caitlyn (8/5): Perfect location but expect to be hot - The location was perfect for walking to the grand bazaar, Egyptian bazaar, Hagia Sophia and blue mosque Rooms were hot and stuffy
Michelle (10/5): - Very chill people
Anthony (10/5): Exceptional -
Cathriona (7/5): Good - Excellent location
Tyler (9/5): Superb -
Will (8/5): Very good -
Dave (8/5): Very good -
Samantha (10/5): Exceptional - Friendly vibe and proximity to all the sites
Jimben (7/5): Good - The location is brillant for tourist attractions Laction and staff really helpful
Victor (4/5): Good location but needs improvement - Location, A/C Beds need improvement, thin walls (could perfectly hear neighbors), towels stained.
Melike (6/5): - Das Personal und die Lage sind Top! Die Zimmer sind leider nicht sauber. Nach Nachfrage wurde nochmal sauber gemacht, jedoch ist es immer noch nicht sauber genug gewesen. Da unser Aufenthalt nur drei Tage war und wir nur zum schlafen im Hostel waren, war dies aushaltbar.
Olga (9/5): Superb -
Murray (10/5): You won't be disappointed. - The location/ The beds/ The friendly atmosphere NA
Alisher (7/5): Good - The parking guy lied about the parking price and got 5€ from me
Hagai (10/5): Exceptional - The atmosphere is amazing The facilities are excellent, clean and in great condition Very comfort room and bed Best crew in the world! The location can't be more convenient, in terms of attractions around and public transportation as well
Yecid (7/5): Great location - I think this hostel has an excellent location to visit all the major touristic attractions in Istanbul. I walked minutes to all of them. The hostel was pretty quiet, but also because I arrived on a Tuesday but in general is pretty chill, the workers are very nice and friendly and try to help as much as possible. I was with no hot water for a couple of days until I asked and they fixed the problem right away.
Alonso (9/5): Superb -
Lee (9/5): Superb - Stayed for 5 nights. There were no big inconvinience thanks to all the super friendly staffs who helped me a lot. The location was great, I could get to Sultan Ahmet by walking 10min toward south, and 5min toward north for ferry stop and galata bridge. There were many restaurants and bars, and also tram station. Talking about the room, the interior design may not be satisfying but at least it was clean, and I had nothing problem with all the conditions while staying here. Actually, pretty satisfied:) There were no elevator and the door of the room didn't block noise from the hostel alley, but it was acceptable. It could be little hard to get here if you're taking the Havaist bus. Tram from here to Havaist bus station is soooo much crowded.
Verified traveler (2/5): Regret not staying in different hostel - I don't like leaving bad reviews first and foremost. I'm well travelled, have stayed in hostels around the world so know what to expect. We stayed in a private room as there were 3 of us friends. 1. Cleaniness - room wasn't cleaned once in 6 days there 2. Matainence- we reported the radiator leaking on floor 3 times and it was addressed at all. Belongings wet as a result. Toilet was frequently broken. 3. Security - luggage hold is basically to leave all bags on first floor landing, didnt feel secure to leaving any valuables there. 4. Location - its close to old city sights, but thats just a days worth sightseeing. For food, shopping and nightlfe you are going to want to be nearer to Galata and Taksim side. Traffic is horrendous at most times and Uber is near useless with taxi drivers gaming the system. Is faster to walk most of the time. Restaurants in the area are just tourist traps. If you are vegetarian or vegan then you will need to head towards Galata/Taksim side. 5. Vibe - I won't say that it doesn't have a vibe at all but it is very low key. The layout of 4/5 flights of stairs between the reception area and terrace make it difficult, you're not going to want to make that trip just to find nobody there. 6. Staff - they were largely pleasant enough and friendly. 7. Rooms - near enough impossible to get any sleep, no ventilation, a/c or fans so have to leave window open. Leaving the window open in this location will mean loud noise 24/7. This was in mid Nov
Luca (7/5): Good -
Mabs (10/5): Exceptional -
Abhijit (10/5): Warm & friendly hospitality team, very chill vibe :-) - Mehmet and the rest of the team were amazing! They were friendly, helpful, and keen to ensure my stay was enjoyable. I really felt welcomed and comfortable.
Yannick (8/5): Amazing stay in Istanbul! - amazing personnel that helped us a lot with good suggestions and an amazing rooftop! all with all an amazing stay in this awesome city! the beds are not that comfortable and there is quite some noise on the street, but it was totally doable, you can't really complain for this price!
Asta (9/5): Superb - The staff were super friendly and helpful. Excellent location
Sheryl (5/5): Passable -
Michal (9/5): Superb - Noise from street.
Omar (10/5): - This is my first hostel experience and I as not disappointed at all. The staff are really friendly and the location is amazing. A walking distance from most touristic attractions and easy access to Taxis and the train. Definitely coming back again.
Philippe (8/5): - Good place, the roof terrace is a must.
Verified traveler (10/5): - Excelente hospedaje
Carla (10/5): Good - I had a long stay and the staff were amazing. The location is perfect. Regarding the room, if you only need it for sleeping is perfect. Don't expect a huge room. Common spaces are great
Rasif (10/5): - The best parts of the property were it's very central location and the helpful staff. Memo and the team took the best possible care of me from the moment I arrived to the moment I left. The airport shuttle was very helpful. Oh and they have the most incredible and chill rooftop terrace.
Lauren (10/5): Best backpackers hangout in Istanbul - We LOVED our stay at Second Home! The location is perfect for sight seeing, only 5-10 minute walk to almost all the major sites (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, museums, grand bazaar) Anything else is easy to get to by the metro at the end of the street. But what is really great is the Hostel itself. The staff is very welcoming & fun to hang out with after a long day of sight seeing. If you're on a budget, the roof top of BYOB, & you can buy your own drinks & relax. They go above and beyond to create a casual atmosphere where you can meet fellow travelers. Don't miss out on doing dinner with them- it's some of the best food we had in Istanbul.