Top 12 Homestays in Istanbul: Experience authentic hospitality

Q: What is a homestay and why should I consider it for my Istanbul trip?

A homestay is a type of accommodation where travellers stay in the homes of residents, often renting a room or even sharing living spaces with the host family. It offers an opportunity to experience local culture, customs and their way of life, providing a more authentic travel experience compared to hotels.

Q: What price range can I expect for homestays in Istanbul?

The price range for homestays in Istanbul varies depending on location, amenities and comfort provided which usually ranges between 5,000 to 18,000 INR.

Q: Can I expect to have my meals included at the homestay?

Whether meals are included depends upon one homestay to another. Some offer breakfast as a part of the stay. However, it is advisable to enquire before booking to avoid any confusion.

Q: What are the advantages of staying in a homestay compared to a hotel or hostel in Istanbul?

Staying in homestays in Istanbul offers several advantages over hostel accommodation. First, you will get to experience the local culture and lifestyle by interacting with the host. Additionally, homestays offer a more personalised experience with hosts going the extra mile to ensure their guests feel welcome and comfortable. Furthermore, it is more cost-effective than hostels.

Q: How do I find and book homestays in Istanbul?

To book homestays in Istanbul you can use various online platforms and websites specialised in connecting travellers with the local host.

Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of the Bosphorus River, which is the lifeline of Istanbul. Homestays in Istanbul provide a glimpse into the everyday life of locals, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere that the hotel often lacks. Whether you choose to stay in an apartment, Turkish house or a guesthouse, each homestay is a doorway to a world of authenticity. Many places to visit in Istanbul are located extremely close to each other and easily accessible from some homestays.

From enjoying homemade dishes prepared with love to learning about age-old customs passed down through generations, staying in a homestay allows you to make new meaningful connections and create lasting memories. Whether you are a solo traveller, a couple on a romantic vacation or a family in search of cultural immersion, Istanbul’s homestay caters to all tastes and preferences.

Join us as we explore the best homestays in Istanbul where warmth and history converge to create an experience unlike any other. From the moment you arrive, you will be swept away by the magic of this beautiful city with our Turkey tour packages.

Top 12 homestays in Istanbul

Royan Suites
Sirena’s Suites
Emirhan Suites
Ahmet Efendi Evi
Tria Elegance Istanbul
Naz Wooden House Inn
Marmara Guesthouse
Ararat Hotel
Kumbaraci Apartments & Suites
Pera Apart
Social House MIL
Stanpoli Apart

1. Royan Suites

Royan Suites is a recently renovated homestay in Istanbul offering free WiFi and private parking. It is situated 700 metres from Hagia Sophia and provides a 24-hour front desk. The accommodation has an airport transfer facility, while a bicycle rental service is also available. Some of the top restaurants in Turkey are situated here.

All units at the homestay come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a bidet, slippers and a hair dryer. Some units have a balcony and/or a patio with garden views and outdoor furniture.

Airport shuttle service available
Breakfast included
Spa and wellness centre
Free wifi
Pets not allowed
The nearest Istanbul Gocken airport is 28 km away
Check-in from 2 PM and check-out at 12 PM

Location: Fatih, Istanbul

Rating: 9.4/10

Tariff: 17,718/ night onwards including taxes

2. Sirena’s Suites

Sirena’s Suites, one of the best homestays in Istanbul offers a terrace with views of the sea and city, the rooms feature air conditioning, a seating area, a satellite flat-screen TV and a kitchen. A fridge, a stovetop and kitchenware are also provided, as well as a kettle. The units feature a private bathroom, a hair dryer and bed linen. Popular points of interest include Taksim Metro Station, Taksim Square and Dolmabahce Clock Tower which are the top photography spots in Istanbul.

Airport shuttle service is available at an additional charge
No breakfast option
Free wifi
Laundry service available
Pets are not allowed
The minimum age for check-in is 19
Flexible check-in and check-out at 12 PM

Location: Beyoglu, Istanbul

Rating: 8.8/10

Tariff: 14,691/ night including taxes

3. Emirhan Suites

Emirhan Suites is a recently renovated homestay in Istanbul that offers soundproof rooms. The property offers city and quiet street views and is 800 metres from Blue Mosque. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, full-day security and currency exchange for guests.

The rooms come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, a hair dryer and a wardrobe. The rooms are fitted with a coffee machine, a private bathroom and free WiFi, while selected rooms here will provide you with a terrace and some have sea views. At the guest house, the rooms come with bed linen and towels.

Airport shuttle service is available at an additional charge
Free wifi
Laundry service available
Breakfast is available at an additional cost
The nearest airport Istanbul Sahiba Gocken Airport is 29 km away
The minimum age of check-in is 18
Pets are not allowed
Check-in at 2 PM and check-out at 11 AM

Location: Sultanahmet, Istanbul

Rating: 9.2/10

Tariff: 11,977/ night onwards including taxes

4. Ahmet Efendi Evi

Ahmet Efendi Evi is a 15-minute walk to Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace and is 700 metres away from the Blue Mosque. Each room has simple, yet modern furniture and has a private balcony. All rooms have a TV with multilingual cable channels, a work desk and a well-stocked minibar.

Ahmet Efendi Evi‘s attentive staff can organise day tours to popular attractions and also provide ticket assistance. Car rentals can be arranged at the front desk.

Airport shuttle service is available at an additional charge
Free wifi
Breakfast included in higher room rates
The nearest airport Istanbul Sahiba Gocken Airport is 28 km away
Pets are not allowed
Check-in from 2 PM and check-out at 11 AM

Location: Fatih, Istanbul

Rating: 8.9/10

Tariff: 8025/ night onwards including taxes

5. Tria Elegance Istanbul

Located in the Sultanahmet district, Tria Elegance Istanbul offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Marmara Sea can be viewed from the rooftop terrace. The rooms of Tria are elegantly designed with modern furniture. They all feature a laptop-size safe, minibar, and tea and coffee maker. Tria Elegance is just minutes from the Grand Bazaar and the Topkapi Palace which are popular things to do in Istanbul. Public transportation is a 5-minute walk away.

Airport shuttle service is available at an additional charge
Free wifi
Breakfast is included
The nearest airport Istanbul Sahiba Gocken Airport is 28 km away
Pets are not allowed
Check-in from 1 PM and check-out at 12 PM

Location: Sultanahmet, Istanbul

Rating: 9/10

Tariff: 10,917/ night onwards including taxes

6. Naz Wooden House Inn

The Naz Wooden House is a small rustic hotel decorated with rustic furniture and Turkish handicrafts. It’s a short walk from the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. All of the Wooden House’s rooms include free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, cable TV, and a minibar. The Wooden House is just 400 metres from Cankurtaran station.

Breakfast included at higher room rates
Free wifi
The nearest airport Istanbul Sahiba Gocken Airport is 28 km away
The minimum age for check-in is 18
Pets are not allowed
Check-in from 1 PM and check-out at 11 AM

Location: Sultanahmet, Istanbul

Rating: 6.9/10

Tariff: 6241/ night onwards including taxes

7. Marmara Guesthouse

Guesthouse Marmara is Strategically located for sightseeing, with the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace located less than 5 minutes on foot away. Cankurtaran Train Station is just 100 metres from the hotel. All air-conditioned guest rooms are decorated with oriental details and feature private en suite bathrooms with a hairdryer.

Some double rooms have 4-poster beds with embroidered clothes.

A rooftop terrace with excellent views of the Sea of Marmara, this guesthouse offers rooms with wooden floors and free Wi-Fi and is just 200 metres away from Aya Sofia Mosque.

Airport shuttle service is available at an additional charge
Free wifi
Breakfast included
The nearest airport Istanbul Sahiba Gocken Airport is 28 km away
The minimum age for check-in is 18
Pets are not allowed
Check-in from 1 PM and check-out at 11 AM

Location: Fatih, Istanbul

Rating: 9.1/10

Tariff: 9184/ night including taxes

8. Ararat Hotel

Ararat Hotel is an intimate boutique homestay in Istanbul directly across the street from Istanbul’s Blue Mosque in Sultanahmet Square. It offers wooden interiors, free WiFi and a bar with a terrace. All the guest rooms of homestay Ararat are individually designed and decorated with Byzantine-inspired murals. Some have views of the Blue Mosque or the Marmara Sea.

Airport shuttle service is available at an additional charge
Free wifi
Breakfast included
The nearest airport Istanbul Sahiba Gocken Airport is 28 km away
Pets are not allowed
Check-in from 2 PM and check-out at 11 AM

Location: Fatih, Istanbul

Rating: 8.7/10

Tariff: 13,107/ night onwards including taxes

9. Kumbaraci Apartments & Suites

Kumbaraci Apartments & Suites is located within a 4-minute walking distance from lively Istiklal Avenue, which houses many cafés, restaurants, art galleries and malls. All rooms come with a modern and bright décor. Free WiFi access is available in all areas. Some rooms also have a balcony and kitchenette. Daily housekeeping and concierge services are provided. Laundry, dry cleaning and ironing services are also available upon request at a surcharge.

The nearest airport Istanbul Ataturk is 18.5 km away
Airport shuttle service is available at an additional charge
Free wifi
Pets are allowed on request
The minimum age for check-in is 18
Check-in from 2 PM and check-out at 11 AM

Location: Beyoglu, Istanbul

Rating: 7.4/10

Tariff: 5528/ night onwards including taxes

10. Pera Apart

Providing city views, Pera Apart is located in the Fatih district of Istanbul, less than 1 km from Hagia Sophia and a 13-minute walk from Topkapi Palace. There is a private entrance at the homestay for the convenience of those who stay. The property is 1.9 km from the city centre and less than 1 km from Blue Mosque which are some of the popular places to visit in Turkey.

The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, bathrobes and a wardrobe. With a private bathroom equipped with slippers, units at the homestay also provide guests with free WiFi, while certain rooms here will provide you with a terrace. At this homestay in Istanbul, the rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels.

The nearest airport Istanbul Sahiba Gocken Airport is 28 km away
Free wifi
Pets are not allowed
No parties or events are allowed
Check-in is at 2 PM and check-out can be done anytime

Location: Fatih, Istanbul

Rating: 8.8/10

Tariff: 6420/ night onwards including taxes

Social House MIL is set in the centre of Istanbul, close to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern. It is situated 700 metres from the Column of Constantine and features a shared kitchen. The homestay offers a sun terrace, a 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi is available throughout the property. At this homestay in Istanbul, rooms are equipped with a private bathroom.

Airport shuttle service is available at an additional charge
Free WiFi
The nearest airport Istanbul Sahiba Gocken Airport is 28 km away
The minimum age for check-in is 18
Pets are not allowed
No parties or events are allowed
Check-in from 2 PM and check-out at 11 AM

Location: Fatih, Istanbul

Rating: 9.8/10

Tariff: 4993/ night onwards including taxes

12. Stanpoli Apart

Stanpoli Apart offers a balcony, air conditioning, free WiFi and a flat-screen TV. The homestay, set in a building dating from 2022, is 1.9 km from Suleymaniye Mosque and 1.8 km from Spice Bazaar. The property is non-smoking and is located less than 1 km from Blue Mosque.

Free WiFi
Free parking
The nearest airport Istanbul Sahiba Gocken Airport is 29 km away
Pets are not allowed
No parties or events are allowed
Check-in from 2 PM and check-out at 11 AM

Location: Sultanahmet, Istanbul

Rating: 9.4/10

Tariff: 5700/ night onwards including taxes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a homestay and why should I consider it for my Istanbul trip?

What price range can I expect for homestays in Istanbul?

Can I expect to have my meals included at the homestay?

What are the advantages of staying in a homestay compared to a hotel or hostel in Istanbul?

How do I find and book homestays in Istanbul?