Popular backpacker hostel in Sultanahmet with party atmosphere, bar, and organized tours. Clean dorms, private rooms, and social events. Great for meeting other travelers and exploring Istanbul nightlife.
Big Apple Hostel Istanbul is a budget backpacker hostel on Bayram Fırını Sokak in the Sultanahmet neighbourhood of Fatih district, Istanbul, Turkey. The hostel is positioned in the densest concentration of Istanbul's top tourist attractions: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, the Topkapi Palace entrance, the Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar are all within a 5–15 minute walk. The hostel serves a social, party-oriented market segment, operating an in-house bar that hosts evening events, pub quiz nights, and organised pub crawls to Istanbul's broader nightlife. Dormitory rooms accommodate 4–10 guests per room; private rooms are available for couples or solo travellers wanting more privacy at a modest additional cost. Clean communal bathrooms are serviced multiple times daily. A free continental breakfast is included in the nightly rate and served in the common area each morning. The reception organises guided tours of Sultanahmet, day trips to Gallipoli battlefields, Princes' Islands ferry excursions, and boat tours of the Bosphorus at competitive group prices. The in-house bar stocks Turkish and international beers and house cocktails at prices below equivalent Beyoğlu establishments. The location on Bayram Fırını Sokak places guests in the tourist heart of old Istanbul; every major classical monument is reachable on foot, and the T1 tram stop at Sultanahmet station is 3 minutes away, connecting to ferries at Eminönü and the Beyoğlu entertainment district. Big Apple Hostel is particularly popular with young European, Australian, and North American travellers on first visits to Istanbul who prioritise the historic sights and a social atmosphere.
Amenities
- bar
- free breakfast
- organized tours
- shared kitchen
- lockers
- social events
Location
Bayram Fırını Sk. No:12, 34122 Sultanahmet/Istanbul
41.0075, 28.9772 View on map
Highlights
- Sultanahmet location steps from Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace
- In-house bar hosting quiz nights, social events, and pub crawls to Istanbul nightlife
- Dormitory and private room options at Istanbul's lowest price tier for the Sultanahmet location
- Reception organising guided tours and day trips to Gallipoli, Princes' Islands, and the Bosphorus
- Free continental breakfast included in the nightly rate
Tips for visiting
- The bar can generate noise until midnight; request a room on upper floors away from the bar level for better sleep
- The T1 tram Sultanahmet stop (3 minutes away) connects directly to Kabataş ferry terminal and onwards to Beyoğlu
- Buy an Istanbulkart from the pharmacy near the tram stop — it saves money on all trams, metros, and ferries
- The Grand Bazaar is best visited on weekday mornings before organised tour groups arrive; weekends are very crowded
- Book private rooms several weeks ahead for July and August; dormitory beds are easier to find last-minute
Accessibility
The hostel occupies a multi-storey building with stairs between floors and limited or no elevator access, typical of older Sultanahmet properties. The dormitory layout and shared facilities are not designed for wheelchair users. The surrounding Sultanahmet streets include cobblestones and some steps near the monuments. Guests with mobility impairments should consider properties specifically configured for accessibility.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Big Apple Hostel appropriate for older travellers?
The hostel's social and party-focused atmosphere is designed primarily for younger backpackers. Travellers who prefer quieter environments may find the evening bar culture incompatible with restful sleep.
Is there a minimum age requirement?
Most hostel policies require guests to be 18 or older. Solo travellers and groups under 18 are not typically accommodated; confirm the exact policy at booking.
How close is the nearest public transport?
The T1 tram at Sultanahmet station is a 3-minute walk. This line connects directly to the ferry terminals at Eminönü and Kabataş, and continues north to Beyoğlu.
Is the Sultanahmet neighbourhood safe for walking at night?
Sultanahmet is a well-patrolled tourist district and generally safe after dark. The main monument area is well-lit; standard urban precautions are advisable in less-trafficked side streets.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation terms vary by rate category and booking platform. Non-refundable rates are significantly cheaper; flexible rates typically allow cancellation up to 24–48 hours before arrival.