One of Istanbul's most popular and long-established backpacker hostels, Cheers Hostel sits in the heart of Sultanahmet with a wonderful rooftop terrace overlooking the Blue Mosque. A social atmosphere, helpful staff, and extremely convenient location make this a top budget pick.
Cheers Hostel is one of Istanbul's most consistently popular and long-established budget accommodations, positioned on Zeynep Sultan Camii Sokak in the heart of the Sultanahmet district, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey. Operating for over two decades, the hostel has earned a loyal following among backpackers and solo travelers for its combination of prime location, social atmosphere, and helpful staff with extensive local knowledge. Dormitory beds are available in 4, 6, 8, and 10-bed configurations with personal lockers, reading lights, and individual power outlets at each bunk; private rooms with shared or en-suite bathrooms suit couples or travelers preferring more privacy at a still-modest price. The hostel's most distinctive feature is its rooftop terrace, which delivers a direct and unobstructed view of the Blue Mosque's six minarets — an extraordinary sight at sunrise and sunset, and one that many former guests cite as a defining memory of their Istanbul visit. The terrace serves as the main social hub, where travelers gather for Turkish tea and coffee in the mornings and drinks in the evenings. A shared kitchen allows self-catering, and the common room with maps, books, and a tour noticeboard encourages interaction between guests. Staff are experienced in directing travelers to Istanbul's main sites and can arrange tours of Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and day trips along the Bosphorus. The hostel's location places Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque within a two-minute walk, Topkapi Palace within 10 minutes, and the Grand Bazaar within 15 minutes on foot. The Sultanahmet tram stop on the T1 line is a five-minute walk for connections across the city.
Amenities
- Rooftop terrace
- Shared kitchen
- Free WiFi
- Common room
- Luggage storage
- Tour desk
Location
Zeynep Sultan Camii Sk. No:21, 34122 Sultanahmet, Fatih/Istanbul
Highlights
- Rooftop terrace with a direct view of the Blue Mosque's six minarets in Sultanahmet
- Two-minute walk to Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque
- Social atmosphere with experienced staff and organized city and day-trip tours
- Dormitory and private room options at budget prices on the historic peninsula
- Shared kitchen, common room, and tour booking services on-site
Tips for visiting
- Arrive early in summer to secure a rooftop terrace seat at sunrise — the Blue Mosque view is exceptional.
- Book well in advance for June through August; the hostel fills weeks ahead during peak season.
- The shared kitchen is stocked with basic utensils; the nearest supermarket is on Divan Yolu Caddesi.
- Staff can arrange tours to Cappadocia and Pamukkale — compare prices before booking to gauge value.
- Female-only dormitory rooms are available — request one specifically at the time of booking.
Accessibility
Cheers Hostel is a multi-storey building with stairs connecting all floors; there is no elevator in the property. The building's structure and the narrow surrounding streets of Sultanahmet make it unsuitable for guests requiring wheelchair access. The rooftop terrace is accessed via multiple flights of stairs. Travelers with mobility requirements should seek hotels with lift access in the Sultanahmet area.
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Frequently asked questions
What room types are available at Cheers Hostel?
The hostel offers dormitory beds in rooms of 4 to 10 beds, as well as private double and single rooms with shared or en-suite bathrooms. All dormitory beds include personal lockers, reading lights, and power outlets.
Is the hostel suitable for solo female travelers?
Cheers Hostel offers female-only dormitory rooms in addition to mixed-gender dorms. The hostel is a well-established property in a busy tourist area and is generally considered safe for solo female travelers.
Can the hostel arrange airport transfers?
Yes. Staff can arrange shared shuttle or private transfer from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW). Prices vary; inquire at the front desk or arrange in advance.
What is the check-in time and is early check-in possible?
Standard check-in is in the afternoon; exact times should be confirmed directly with the hostel. Early check-in may be possible depending on occupancy, though luggage storage is available from early morning regardless of room readiness.