Awesome staff and great location. The bar crawl was fantastic

Stayed in February 2025

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.

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.

Stayed in February 2025

N/A.

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!

Stayed in December 2024

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.

Stayed in December 2024

Fantastic staff Inclusive atmosphere Great breakfast Close proximity to all main attractions

Stayed in October 2024

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

Stayed in August 2024

Nice sheets. The staff were really nice.

Stayed in July 2024

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!

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).

Stayed in June 2024

Nothing to complain about!

Truly feels like a second home. Family dinners, trip guidance, welcoming tea and clean facilities. Thank you !

Stayed in May 2024

Nothing

Exceptional hostel, with great facilities, open reception and a nice rooftop bar to socialise at a good price!

Stayed in February 2024

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.

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.

Stayed in April 2024

Nothing

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.

Stayed in April 2024

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.

Stayed in February 2024

I almost liked a verything .

Was a bit expensive for me .

Stayed in February 2024

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!

Stayed in December 2023

What didn't I like the website is asking me... I didn't like that I had to leave.

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)

Stayed in January 2024

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.

Stayed in January 2024

Super fun! The atmosphere, the personel, the rooftop and Semira of course

Stayed in January 2024

There might be some parts of the room facilities slightly old.

The best of the hodtel is the rooftop terrace: amazing view over Istanbul. Perfect location of the hostel within oldtown of Istanbul.

Stayed in October 2023

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.

Stayed in October 2023

Mattress could have been better. Still a bit expensive for a hostel, even when I got the single room (56€/night).

The vibe of the people working there, kindness and attention. Location was good. It was well clean to be a hostel and organised.

Stayed in October 2023

Traffic noise at night, but I guess that's a problem all over 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.

Stayed in October 2023

Rooms were hot and stuffy

The location was perfect for walking to the grand bazaar, Egyptian bazaar, Hagia Sophia and blue mosque

Stayed in August 2023

Friendly vibe and proximity to all the sites

Stayed in June 2023