Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) - 63 min drive
Sirkeci Marmaray Station - 2 min walk
Istanbul Cankurtaran Station - 13 min walk
Vezneciler Subway Station - 19 min walk
Gulhane Station - 3 min walk
Sirkeci Station - 3 min walk
Eminonu Station - 9 min walk
Airport shuttle (surcharge)
Restaurants
Roof Mezze 360 Restaurant - 2 min walk
Red River Pub - 1 min walk
Fiyeli Coffee Co. Sirkeci - 1 min walk
Hotel Ipek Palas - 1 min walk
Arasta Cafe Restaurant - 5 min walk
About this property
Second Home Hostel
Second Home Hostel features a rooftop terrace and puts you within a 10-minute walk of Bosphorus and Basilica Cistern. You can relax with a drink at the bar/lounge, and the restaurant is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat. Also, Grand Bazaar and Hagia Sophia are within a 15-minute walk. The property is only a short walk to public transportation: Gulhane Station is 3 minutes and Sirkeci Station is 3 minutes.
Check-in start time: 1:30 PM; check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Check-out time is 10:30 AM
Contactless check-out
Special check-in instructions
This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The property charges 10 per cent for credit card payments
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Children
No cots (infant beds)
Pets
No pets or service animals allowed
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
Parking
On-site self-parking (EUR 5 per day)
Transfers
Airport shuttle (available 24 hours)*
Other information
Designated smoking areas
Property amenities
Food and drink
Cooked-to-order breakfast (surcharge) each morning 8:30 AM–11:30 AM
Restaurant
Bar/lounge
Barbecue grills
24-hour room service
Services
24-hour front desk
Concierge services
Tour/ticket assistance
Dry cleaning/laundry services
Hair salon
Luggage storage
Facilities
1 building/tower
Built in 1970
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Rooftop terrace
Picnic area
Library
Arcade/games room
Reception hall
Accessibility
Accessible airport shuttle
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Room amenities
Home comfort
Heating
Sleep well
Blackout curtains
Soundproofed rooms
Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)
Bed sheets provided
What to enjoy
Individually furnished
Freshen up
Shower only
Soap
Hairdryer
Towels
Toilet paper
Stay connected
Desk
Free WiFi
Food and drink
Shared kitchen access
More
Limited housekeeping
In-room safe
Local maps
Fees & policies
Optional extras
Cooked-to-order breakfast is offered for an extra charge of approximately EUR 3 to 3 for adults and EUR 3 to 3 for children
Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of EUR 45 per vehicle (one-way. Maximum occupancy 3)
Credit card charges are subject to an extra charge of 10 per cent
Kitchen/kitchenette use is available for an extra charge
Children & extra beds
Rollaway beds are available for EUR 10.0 per night
Parking
Self-parking costs EUR 5 per day
Policies
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have lifts.
Guests can rest easy knowing that there's a fire extinguisher, a security system and a first aid kit on-site.
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation.
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, mobile payments and cash.
Cashless transactions are available.
Property Registration Number 2022-34-0094
Also known as
Second Home Hostel Istanbul
Second Home Hostel
Second Home Istanbul
Second Home Hotel Istanbul
Second Home Hostel Istanbul
Second Home Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
Second Home Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Istanbul
Frequently asked questions
Are pets allowed at Second Home Hostel?
Sorry, neither pets nor service animals are allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Second Home Hostel?
Yes. Self-parking costs EUR 5 per day.
Is an airport shuttle service offered by Second Home Hostel?
Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is EUR 45 per vehicle one-way.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Second Home Hostel?
Check-in start time: 1:30 PM; check-in end time: anytime. Check-out time is 10:30 AM. Contactless social distancing and check-out are available.
What is there to do at Second Home Hostel and nearby?
Second Home Hostel has an arcade and a picnic area.
Are there restaurants at or near Second Home Hostel?
Yes, there's an on-site restaurant.
What's the area around Second Home Hostel like?
Second Home Hostel is a short 3-minute walk from Gulhane Station and 10 minutes' walk from Grand Bazaar.
Second Home Hostel Reviews
Reviews
8.6
Excellent
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
8.6/10
Cleanliness
8.8/10
Staff & service
8.8/10
Amenities
8.0/10
Property conditions & facilities
8.8/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
22 August 2023
Very chill people
Michelle
Michelle, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
2/10 Poor
22 November 2022
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
Verified traveller
5-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
28 June 2022
Hadi
Hadi, 12-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
3 January 2022
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.
Omar
Omar, 4-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
3 October 2021
TINA
TINA, 5-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
18 July 2021
Excelente hospedaje
Verified traveller
15-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
5 December 2019
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.
Rasif
Rasif, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
30 July 2019
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.
Lauren
Lauren, 5-night romance trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
29 June 2019
Pleasant hostel with great service.
Pleasant hostel with great service.
Andrew
Andrew, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
5 May 2019
Comfortable & convenient base for Sultanahmet
Located in between Galata Bridge and Hagia Sophia, Second Home is well-positioned as a convenient base to explore the historic Istanbul! The hostel itself is also a comfortable place to rest - my single bedroom was as comfortable as my own bedroom (and thus matched well with the Second Home name). I unfortunately stayed here for only a night as a stopover, but I will definitely choose to stay here again on my return to Istanbul.
Verified traveller
1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
26 September 2018
Will stay here again!
This isn’t the fanciest place to stay in the area, but it’s definitely great value for money. It was clean and the beds were comfy - we shared a bathroom with the other rooms on our floor and it was cleaned throughout her day. The service is 10/10 and the team at Second Home go above and beyond to make sure you feel welcome and that you get the most out of your visit to Istanbul. The hostel is really well located, 3 mins walk from the tram, and within walking distance of the park, loads of museums, the blue mosque and some lovely restaurants. When we go back to Istanbul we will definitely stay here again, and hopefully Mimi the kitten won’t have grown too much by then!
Ellie
Ellie, 2-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
1 May 2018
Very friendly English speaking staff and hotel very close to main attractions.
Simon
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
27 March 2018
Such a wonderful place
The second home hostel is an amazing, warm place. The host is incredibly kind and they gave us tea when we arrived and bought us a shuttle back to the airport. Istanbul can be a crazy place for foreigners but this hostel really made our trip wonderful (pretty much entirely because of this hostel). It really is a second home.
Verified traveller
1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
20 August 2014
Night
I spent 2 nights in Second Home hostel and it was good,everything is near,tram,metro,sea,old town,as u can walk everywhere.The rooms are quite good and clean.The stuff ate also kind,and friendly,especially Mehmet :).So if u are going to Istanbul,feel like home and stay here..
Enigma
Verified Hotels.com guest review
6/10 Good
7 June 2013
Great location, convenient for a quick stay
Travelled with friend in June 2013. Great location, walking distance to tram which runs through all the main tourist attractions. Staff were friendly. Room was as per expected at a hostel, nothing more nothing less. Shared bathrooms were impractical as there were no hooks or locks on any of the doors. There was only one sink to share between the whole floor. Overall, it was comfortable enough for one night.
Minestrone
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very good
14 April 2012
good enough, but staff issues
Great place to stay -right in the middle of sultanahmet. The location was great! We stayed in a double private room and the room was good enough. We got exactly what we expected- small room with a bed and a window with a tiny bathroom down the hall. The rooms get pretty muggy (you can smell the old water pipes), but there is a fan and the windows open so it disappears after 5 minutes. The terrace was a nice touch - great place to hang out after a long day of site-seeing. The hostel staff even offered to order us dinner. Instead we went out to eat, took some wine to go from a convenience store, and drank and played backgammon on the terrace. They also have two computers with internet that you can use for FREE! The staff were always available to answer your questions; however the only complaint I have is that when we arrived we immediately went to the reception to reserve shuttle service to the airport to Ataturk. Can (the main receptionist) said ok great you are all set, just be down here 15 min before the departure time of the shuttle. On our departure date, we come downstairs and he denies ever calling the shuttle for us. He must have forgotten it was Easter weekend and did not even bother to think that the shuttle would get full. We ended up having to book it to the airport on the metro last minute. (which actually was really easy - only one switch for a total transportation cost of 4 lira a person). He was so rude upon our departure and did not even care about his mistake.
AC
Verified Expedia guest review
6/10 Good
19 January 2012
What you see is not what you get.
I cannot fault hotel for location, beeing helpful and friendly but they say that there is a tea/coffee maker and fridge in every room which is not true. They say the kitchen is supposed to be there for everyone's use and on the foto it is huge but in reality it is tiny and there is no over or microwave so all the food I took along had to be chucked away. It is really well located though but not worth the money they charge.
Verified traveller
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
26 July 2011
Excellent location
Clean, safe, comfortable, close to many restaurants, helpful and friendly staff, value for money, breakfast is okay, location is very central, stairs have no lift. overall great!
Beatlemania
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
22 May 2023
hakan
hakan, 2-night business trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
6/10 Good
21 March 2023
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.
Melike
Melike, 3-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
4 August 2022
Alperen
Alperen, 5-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
16 October 2021
Good place, the roof terrace is a must.
Philippe
Philippe, 4-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
12 April 2021
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
Carla
Carla, 15-night business trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
24 November 2020
Wir hatten einen sehr angenehmen Aufenthalt. Besonders das freundliche Personal hat uns beeindruckt. Memo hat uns sehr geholfen und viele Telefonate geführt, damit wir ein Testzentrum finden konnten.
Auch das Frühstück war sehr lecker und die Ausstattung der Küche gut.
Mary
Mary, 3-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
6/10 Good
12 February 2020
Oda bir tane pencere vardı onunda önü tamamen kapalı güneş görmüyor avizelerden birinde ampul yoktu geriye kalan herşey fiyata göre iyi , görevli arkadaş gerçekten çok yardımcı