Whilst we spent an amazing 5 days in the bustling and energetic city of Istanbul we needed a place to kick back and relax at the end of a tiring day exploring this huge city. But at the same time, we wanted to be at the heart of the action, in a place where we could meet new people, get great local advice on what to see and do and also be within walking distance of the city’s main sights. At World House Hostel we found all this and more, a comfortable and cool place in the trendy Galata district!
The perfect location From our private room window,
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Booking.com
Over the course of the last 10+ years of travelling, we’ve used Booking.com to book probably around 90% of our accommodation. These days you can book anything from a luxury resort to budget hotels and even hostels and rentals similar to Airbnb.
Plus, if you make an account, you get access to their ‘Genius’ loyalty program… and DISCOUNTS. Everything is laid out super easy so you know what you’re getting, and honestly, I’m just a really big fan of the platform over other major providers.
The perfect location
From our private room window, we could see the glowing and beautiful Galata tower, waking up and peering out onto the busy streets below and glancing up at the ancient tower was such an inspiring sight each morning. Then dropping off after closing the curtains on what could just be the best view of Istanbul made sure that we had dreams of this wonderful city as we slept in comfort and peace.
Being situated in the heart of the Galata district wasn’t just a wonderful greeting for us, but it was also such a trendy and energetic location too. The area is full of amazing street art, small shops, restaurants, bars and local places to eat. We had some amazing falafel burgers just around the corner from the hostel and some wonderful freshly ground coffee in the cafe next door.
We could also walk in 5 minutes from the hostel over to the Galata Bridge and down to the Bosphorus where ferries can be taken over to the Asian side of the city. A further 10 minutes and you are over in the old city to gaze at the wonder of the Blue Mosque. If we didn’t fancy the walk there was a metro station just up the road, but to be honest, on a nice day we enjoyed taking local life in along the lovely stroll!
Priceless Advice
When we arrived in Istanbul we were a little overwhelmed with all the sights to see, the experiences to be had and also the off-the-beaten-track gems we love to search out. With such a vast place with a variety of things to do and see it can be easy for a relaxing break to feel stressful. But that is where the knowledge of the staff at World House Hostel saved the day.
As soon as we arrived and got settled in one of the guys on the desk took out several maps and spoke to us for almost an hour about what there is to do, where we should go, what food we should try and of course, the local places only those in the know are privy to. This meant that we could better plan out our days in this huge city to make sure we didn’t miss out on anything, we were able to see all the main sights as well as spend time exploring more off-the-beaten-track locations too. The perfect balance in this amazing city!
Amazing comfort and facilities
Hostels are often misunderstood places, people think they are only for backpacking 18-25-year-olds who want to stay in dorms. Now, I have nothing against dorms, in fact, we stayed in them for most of our trip. But what people don’t often realise is that most hostels have private rooms and some, like in World House, even come with an ensuite!
Now this was a treat! With a keycode entry on the outer and inner doors and our own space for once we never felt comfortable. The deluxe double bed allowed us to get some well-needed rest after several night buses and hours on our feet exploring the city. World House Hostel has to be one of the safest and most comfortable places we’ve stayed.
The hostel also provided free breakfast prepared by the cooks who work at the annexed cafe. The filling feast makes sure you are set for your day of adventure around the streets of Istanbul. Then there is the washing machines and dryers so you can clean all those clothes you’ve been hauling around with you!
A place to relax and meet people
What we enjoy the most about staying in hostels is meeting new people and interacting with fellow guests and travellers. This way you get new ideas, and new perspectives and get to know about experiences you might never have had any idea about. It was talking to an American girl in the lounge area of the hostel that convinced us to make the trip over to Cappadocia whilst in Turkey. Here at World House, they created a really social atmosphere.
Going to the Princes Islands was a suggestion of an Australian guy we got talking to whilst watching the football. Not only did the social areas of the hostel allow us to make friends even when staying in a dorm, but it gave us another space in which to relax in and of course, watch England fail in the Euros! World House Hostel really did make us feel at home!
See more about our time in Istanbul here: A guide to Istanbul
Check World House Hostel out here
Have you stayed in such a well-placed hostel?
Disclaimer: This post was in partnership by World House Hostel. As always, all opinions are our own!
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Yo, I’m Nic (they/them), one-half of The Roaming Renegades.
I’m an adventure (and halloumi) obsessed traveller with a passion for hiking mountains, exploring cities, watching Arsenal win, moshing out to Rammstein in random European fields and getting hopelessly lost on a motorbike somewhere in Asia! I am also a proud member of the LGBT+ community.
I’ve explored 80 countries, lived in Australia and New Zealand, and spent months wandering Southeast Asia, South America and Eastern Europe, all while trying to avoid growing up!
Did it work? I dunno, but my back hurts, and I still collect Pokémon cards! Who wants in?!
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I love keycode entry! You guys always find the best places to stay. Thanks for the recommendation 🙂
Yes, that makes it so much more secure which in a big city is important. Thanks!
This is such a fantastic recommendation! I Ann hoping that I go to Istanbul next year so I will definitely be looking into this place!
Thanks!! it is such a cool place in the best location!! Have a great time in Istanbul, fantastic city!
Hostel looked great! I personally think staying in hostels is pretty damn boring when comparing them to hostels. So many more people to speak to and most of the time it’s half the cost. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, we find hostels so much more interesting and full of life! Most even have private rooms such as here so why stay in a hotel!!