Dwelling in the gorgeous Aegean and Mediterranean Sea, Turkey is an incredible travel destination that definitely has something for everyone! After visiting Turkey a couple of times, I’ve now got you covered with some favorite places to stay in Turkey. It’s one of the most exotic countries that really has something for everyone – natural beauty, anicent history and incredible cultural vibes await.
Whether you are seeking a cosmopolitan experience in Istanbul or a hefty dose of chill vibes in Bodrum, I’m geared up to share exactly where to stay in Turkey.
This is a country where adventure awaits, beautiful beaches call your name, and mind blowing architectural wonders stand tall and proud.
Ready to learn about where to stay in Turkey? Let’s get to it!
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Quick Answers – Where to Stay in Turkey
- Istanbul – The Overall Best Place to Stay in Turkey
- Izmir & the North Aegean – Best Place to Stay in Turkey for Families
- Cappadocia – Where to Stay in Turkey for Couples
- Bodrum – Where to Stay in Turkey on a Budget
- Kas – Where to Stay in Turkey for Adventure
Map of Where to Stay in Turkey
Where is the Best Place to Stay in Turkey?
Since there are so many amazing Turkish accommodation choices to choose from, selecting my top three was no slice of baklava—or pie. But I made it work – these are the very best places to stay on your Turkey trip.
Karlik Evi Hotel | Best Hotel in Turkey
The Karlik Evi Hotel in Uchisar offers unparalleled views of the fairy chimneys and of the sweeping landscape. It’s a wondrous hotel that will dazzle you with its radiant views and luxurious amenities. In fact, the rooms are even styled in accordance with the principles of feng shui. What’s more, is that guests receive a complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival!
Second Home Hostel | Best Hostel in Turkey
What’s better than a hostel that is close to absolutely all the top tourist sites while also having chill vibes and lots of planned activities for guests like tours and pizza dinners? How about being affordable on top of it all? In one of the best cities to stay in Turkey, the Second Home Hostel in Istanbul sure doesn’t disappoint!
Anitya Cave House – Cappadocia | Best Airbnb in Turkey
This is one of Turkey’s accommodation options that really takes the cake. It’s an underground cave house that has three beds, two bedrooms, and one bathroom. It’s filled with rustic furniture, rich Turkish rugs, and a spacious living room. There’s also a fully equipped and well-stocked kitchen to use. When you climb out of your cave house, you’ll have an outdoor terrace to bask in the sunrise over the Erciyes Mountain. Talk about an unforgettable Airbnb!
Turkey’s Five Best Places to Stay In
From epic and sociable Turkish hostels to amazing Airbnbs and hotels of every shape and size, I know you’ll love at least one of these!
1. Istanbul – The Overall Best Place to Stay in Turkey
Istanbul is undoubtedly the overall best city to stay in Turkey. Since some of Turkey’s absolute most famous landmarks call Istanbul home, a backpacking trip to Turkey really isn’t complete without visiting Istanbul.
Istanbul is a bright, cosmopolitan city that is divided by the Bosporus strait. If you’re backpacking Istanbul, you’ll want to take a boat trip along the strait, to catch some great views of the city, while you soak up some relaxation on the water.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Of course, seeing the mind-blowing Hagia Sophia is a must. While the entrance tickets do cost a pretty penny, it’s worth every cent. When you walk in, it’s like you can feel the power of an awesome being or the power of history. You will truly feel awe.
You also can’t miss the Grand Bazaar. The Grand Bazaar is a place to get lost in for a few hours. Just make sure to go with a buddy so you don’t get actually lost! The Blue Mosque is an amazing place to visit as well. If you’re a woman, make sure you have a scarf to cover your head and shoulders, appropriate coverings for both men and women can be rented free of charge when you visit.
Since Istanbul is such a huge city that is fairly spread out, it’s important to pick the right neighborhood to stay in. Sultanahmet is the best neighborhood to be centrally located and close to the top tourist spots. The area of Taksim Square and Istiklal Street are also great options to stay at because they’re lively tourist areas that are filled with restaurants, bars, and cafes.
New Taksim Hotel | Best Hotel in Istanbul
The New Taksim Hotel is just 1,200 feet away from the historic old town. It’s a wonderful new building with new facilities. Some of the rooms even come with views of the sea. You’ll be just a quick ten-minute walk to Galata Tower and to Taksim Square. There’s a lot of charm to this hotel, even though it’s newly built!
Second Home Hostel | Best Hostel in Istanbul
With both dorms and private rooms available, Second Home Hostel is the place to be. It sits in the Sultanahmet area and is therefore within easy walking distance to everything from the Hagia Sophia to the Blue Mosque to the Galata Tower! The hostel vibes are very chill and they also host dinners and activities for hostel guests.
Townhouse Loft Apartment | Best Airbnb in Istanbul
Guys, this isn’t just the best Airbnb in Istanbul but truly one of the top places to stay in Turkey! The 5-Star rating is TRULY deserved with original stone walls that date back to the 1800s… wild. Of course, a loft is never not iconic, but the host truly went above and beyond with the decor. High ceilings filled with (loaded) book shelves and decorative art, and an indoor hammock are some of my faves. You’ll also have a colorful kitchen that comes complete with a full-sized oven in case you want to dive into some cooking or baking. It’s also close to public transport, and who doesn’t love that?
Things to Do in Istanbul
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- Attend a dinner party on a yacht down the Bosphorous Strait
- Go on a party bus pub crawl through Istanbul
- Enjoy a private Turkish bath, massage and spa
- Go on a guided tour of Istanbul’s top sights
Want to save money on accommodation?
We got you. For reals.
2. Izmir & the North Aegean Sea – Best Place to Stay in Turkey for Families
Wondering where the best areas to stay in Turkey are for those traveling with their families? The answer is clear! Izmir and the North Aegean are the way to go. Izmir is the third most populous city in Turkey, with a population in the Izmir province of nearly three million people.
The main sights of Izmir are the Agora Open Air Museum, the clock tower, the Asansor Tower, and the Kemeralti Bazaar. And the kids are sure to love visiting the Izmir Bird Paradise bird sanctuary. The sanctuary spans across 80 square kilometers and you can see a bevy of beautiful birds! Also, in the same district, there is also the Sasali Park of Natural Life which is a large open-air zoo. Stop by for some family fun!
When traveling the North Aegean Coast, you are going to want to see more than just Izmir. Definitely don’t miss visiting the city of Cesme with its beautiful 14th century castle or the old town of Assos where you can see Greece from a rocky outcrop! If you and your family are seeking a relaxed beach spot, head on over to Altinkum.
While there are lots of great places to stay in Turkey along North Aegean, the best Turkish accommodation options is in Altinkum along the beautiful sandy beaches. However, if you’re seeking a less beachy and more cultural experience, stay in Izmir.
Key Hotel | Best Hotel in Izmir & the North Aegean
The Key Hotel is an all-inclusive resort that truly comes with all the bells and whistles! Sitting just a minute away from the Lara Halk Plaji beach in Izmir, you and your family will stay in luxury at this 5-star resort. There are also three on-site swimming pools to take advantage of! Why swim in just one when you can swim in three…
Spacious Townhouse | Best Apartment in Izmir & the North Aegean
This private townhouse in Izmir comes with two bedrooms and one bathroom. There are a total of three beds inside, though! It’s situated in a quiet residential area, just a few minutes walk away from the seafront. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby too.
Historical Stone House With Turkish Bath | Best Airbnb in Izmir
If you’re looking for an iconic place to stay in Izmir, look no further than this gem of a home downtown. Relax on the patio that will whisk you far away from the city and soak up the relaxation of a legit Turkish bath. The location is also perfect – you won’t be far from some of the best eats and entertainment Izmir has to offer.
Things to Do in Izmir
- Go on a private tour of Ephesus
- Take a day trip to the amazing Pamukkale hot springs
- Stroll around the Kemeralt? Çar??s? and grab some souvenirs
- Check out the Agora Open Air Museum
3. Cappadocia – Where to Stay in Turkey for Couples
The name Cappadocia does have a beautiful ring to it, doesn’t it? Your romantic getaway in Turkey is already off to a good start! Cappadocia is a region in the center of Turkey.
It’s renowned for its unique rock formations in Monks Valley called “fairy chimneys. Also, there are canyons to explore, geocaches to hide and great hiking to be had. So if your significant other happens to be an outdoor enthusiast – you are in luck.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
There are also underground cities and cave churches, not to mention houses carved into rocks. It’s recommended to find out where to stay in Cappadocia before you start your travels. If you’re able to splurge a little, take a hot air balloon ride to really see all the beauty of this moon-like landscape that will leave you and your partner positively breathless!
In Cappadocia, the most popular town is Goreme. It’s filled with good energy and lots of restaurants, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene! It’s also a town that is nestled right among the fairy chimneys. Plus, it is a popular launch site for the hot air balloon rides. If you’d rather stay in a more remote location, consider staying in Uchisar or Ortahisar.
Karlik Evi Hotel | Best Hotel in Cappadocia
The Karlik Evi Hotel in Uchisar offers unparalleled views of the fairy chimneys and of the sweeping landscape. It’s a wondrous hotel that will dazzle you with its radiant views and luxurious amenities. In fact, the rooms are even styled in accordance with the principles of feng shui. What’s more, is that guests receive a complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival!
Royal Stone Houses in Goreme | Best Guest House in Cappadocia
The Royal Stone Houses in Goreme is operated similarly to a bed and breakfast and is known for providing guests with a first-class stay. Coming in at an affordable price, paired with a fantastic breakfast, guests are sure to love staying in the Royal Stone Houses.
Anitya Cave House | Best Airbnb in Cappadocia
Ready to make some incredible memories? This cave house Airbnb is one for the books! True to its name, it’s an underground cave home, complete with two bedrooms, a bathroom, living room, and a well-equipped kitchen. There’s also an outdoor terrace to catch the sunrise right over the Erciyes Mountain. Located in the center of Ortahisar village, it’s just one kilometer away from the Goreme National Park and the two large castles in Ortahisar.
Things to Do in Cappadocia
Image: Will Hatton
- Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride
- Go on a horseback riding tour
- Join a full day private tour of the region
- Get adventurous on a sunset quad safari
4. Bodrum – Where to Stay in Turkey on a Budget
Bodrum sits along the Mediterranean Sea of Turkey’s coastline and is renowned for it’s crystal clear waters and plentiful beach activities — including an underwater archaeology museum!
If you’re dying to figure out where to stay in Turkey to not break your precious piggy bank, head on over to Bodrum! There are a ton of affordable hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnbs. In fact, some of the cheapest hotels in Turkey are in Bodrum!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Plus, you can always opt for not spending a dime by reclining on the beach all day. You don’t have to pay a single admission ticket if you don’t want to! However, if you do want to see a few things, I recommend heading over to St. Peter’s Castle or checking out the Bodrum Amphitheatre.
Want to hear about some free things to do? How about checking out the Bradski Cove or wandering around the cobbled stone streets of Gumusluk? Or why not meander around the Palmaria and take a stroll under the palm trees!
If you’re wondering whether Bodrum is safe, have no fear. It is perfectly safe as long as you take precautions just as you would anywhere else.
Definitely head to Bodrum Town, also known as Downtown Bodrum, to stay close to all the action. But if you want to truly save a pretty penny, then stay in Bitz, which is located just outside of the downtown area, but not so far that you can’t easily walk to all the best restaurants and cafes.
Bircan Hotel | Best Hotel in Bodrum
Bircan Hotel is a great budget-friendly Hotel in Bodrum that puts you nearly directly along the shoreline! It’s just 1,700 feet from Bardakci Bay Beach and just 3,250 feet from Gumbet Beach. Also, make sure to help yourself to the generous Turkish breakfast served daily.
Bodrum Ecohostel | Best Hostel in Bodrum
A prime place to meet other travelers, this epic hostel fosters the kind of atmosphere that I know you long-term backpackers love. There is a campground and dorm room setup, breakfasts and dinners are provided, and there are a ton of activities to get involved in nearby. And the beach is only 1.5 km away! I deff recommend spending some time lounging around and soaking in the superb atmosphere – the hammocks under the trees are a ticket to a peaceful afternoon 🙂
Seafront Bodrum Villa | Best Airbnb in Bodrum
This terraced villa has room for 8 guests, making it ideal for group or family vacations! Let alone Bodrum, this is one of the best Airbnbs in Turkey. It’s PEAK luxury by the sea y’all!
There’s a private pool overlooking the bay, fibre optic wifi (hello, digital nomads), floor-to-ceiling bay windows for each bedroom, and air conditioning throughout. If you’re looking for comfort and class, this is the only place you should book when you visit Bodrum.
Things to Do in Bodrum
- Join a boat trip to Orak Island
- Enjoy a market visit and local cooking class
- Go on a half day scuba diving tour
- Stroll around downtown
Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.
Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!
We’ve tested the Geopress rigorously from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!
View on REI Read the Review5. Kas – Where to Stay in Turkey for Adventure
Kas is a darling seaside town perched on the Mediterranean coast. It’s actually a historic fishing village that was once the ancient city of Antiphellos. Lucky for visitors, there are still incredible ruins to explore including the majestic Lion Tomb that dates back to the 4th century BC.
Photo: Ralph Cope
Make sure you check out Kaputas beach, which is tucked away in a mountain cove. It’s one of my favorite beaches— ever! It actually has a stunningly unique color of water as it’s where freshwater meets the sea. Snorkeling or scuba diving in Kas is a must. Under the turquoise coast, you’ll get to check out underwater shipwrecks and even a plane wreck.
You know what else makes Kas the best city in Turkey to visit for adventure? Paragliding! If you are looking to get a huge hit of adrenaline, paragliding in Kas is the way to do it.
Since Kas is a relatively small town, everything is knitted pretty close together. Staying close to the beach is always a good idea though!
Mavilim Hotel | Best Hotel in Kas
This top-rated Kas hotel has a stunning outdoor pool that overlooks the Mediterranean, which is part of the reason why it’s my top pick! The property also has a private beach which is pretty iconic if you ask me, all while being centrally located to other Kas locales. Enjoy a buffet breakfast every morning, and take in the epic view from the on-site restaurant’s seaview terrace where you’ll get your Mediterranean cuisine fix. Beach towels are provided, and you can also enjoy FREE beach chairs and umbrellas right on the shore!
Can Mocamp | Best Hostel in Kas
1300 meters away from Kas’ busy downtown is this iconic oasis of a hostel. Top rated for a reason, it very much takes you far away from “city” vibes. As the first backpackers hostel in the area, this hostel has been trusted by travelers since 1985. The epic on site pool is not just a spot to relax – but also a place to get your PADI diving certification! Yoga classes take place on site under the olive trees and there’s also an Italian restaurant. You’ll get to choose between dorms, standard bungalows with fans and even AC bungalows.
Seafront Rustic Treehouse | Best Airbnb in Kas
This epic Airbnb is no doubt one of my favorite places to stay in Kas! It’s facing the sea, it’s incredibly well designed and it just exudes cool, cozy vibes. The roomy one-bedroom apartment features an eclectic mix of contemporary style and Turkish charm, complete with a well-designed living area and a cute lil’ kitchenette. Relax on the private balcony that overlooks the azure waters of the Mediterranean, or take a short stroll to the nearby beaches and trendy local cafes.
Things to Do in Kas
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- Take a boat tour to Kekova Island Sunken City
- Check out the Myra Ruins and rock tombs some 40 minutes from Kas
- Wander the streets of Kas
- Spend a day at Kaputa? Beach
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in Turkey
Here’s what people usually ask me about Turkey accommodation:
What To Pack For Turkey
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Turkey
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Turkey
Filled with wonderful delights and plenty of adventures to be had, there are lots of top places to stay in Turkey that will tick all your boxes. If you are thinking of visiting Turkey, I hope my guide to all the best places to go and things to see helped you plan the ultimate Turkey trip!
If you want to visit the whole country but you’re worried about the cost of accommodation, don’t be! There are numerous affordable hostels all over Turkey, each offering a cozy place, a comfy bed to rest your head, and the chance to meet like-minded travelers from all over the world. Make some new friends while keeping the costs low!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Turkey.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Turkey.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
Is it an outdated info about entrance to Hagia Sophia costing a pretty penny? Every other source I looked up states that entrance is free. Would you, please, kindly clarify?
Hi
We have updated that guide to reflect the changes.
Aiden
It looks like Club Hotel Sera is in Antalya, not Izmir.