My Stay at Hush Hostel and a Day of Exploring Istanbul
Staying at Hush Hostel was one of the best decisions I made during my trip to Istanbul. As a solo traveler, finding a welcoming, friendly place to stay is always a top priority, and Hush Hostel in Kadıköy turned out to be the perfect choice. The laid-back atmosphere, the social vibe, and the beautiful rooftop views made it feel like a home away from home. But what really stood out to me was how easy it was to dive into local life from here and truly experience both sides of Istanbul—the bustling, historic European side and the more relaxed, vibrant Kadıköy on the Asian side.
Here’s a rundown of one amazing day I spent during my stay at Hush Hostel, exploring Kadıköy and venturing across the Bosphorus to the other side of the city.
A Relaxed Morning at Hush Hostel
I woke up early to the sound of birds in the garden—a peaceful reminder that Hush Hostel is tucked away from the chaos of the city. After a quick shower in the clean and modern bathrooms, I headed down to the large, communal kitchen. The kitchen is well-equipped, with an air fryer, microwave, and three refrigerators, so it’s easy to store groceries or make your own breakfast if you want. I opted for some fresh bread, cheese, and olives I picked up from the local market the day before—simple, yet so satisfying.
One of my favorite spots in the hostel was the rooftop terrace, with its incredible views of the sea and Haydarpaşa train station. I grabbed a cup of coffee and headed up to the terrace to enjoy the morning breeze. Watching the ferries glide across the Bosphorus while sipping my coffee was the perfect way to start the day.
Exploring Kadıköy: A Local’s Paradise
After breakfast, I set out to explore Kadıköy, one of Istanbul’s most vibrant neighborhoods. I love how easy it is to get around from Hush Hostel—everything you need is just a short walk away. My first stop was Moda, a peaceful seaside area that’s perfect for a morning stroll. The Moda coastline is lined with cafes and ice cream shops, and it’s a great place to sit on the rocks and watch the locals walking their dogs or doing morning yoga.
From there, I wandered through the streets of Kadıköy Market, a bustling area full of fishmongers, vegetable stands, and spice shops. The smell of fresh herbs and Turkish coffee filled the air, and I couldn’t resist picking up some Turkish delight and dried fruit to snack on later.
As lunchtime approached a cozy spot near the hostel. The cafe has a great selection of Turkish tea and coffee, and the staff are super friendly. I ordered a menemen—a traditional Turkish scrambled egg dish with tomatoes and peppers—and sat by the window, people-watching as the locals went about their day.
Crossing the Bosphorus to the European Side
After my relaxing morning in Kadıköy, it was time to see more of Istanbul’s historic sites. One of the best parts of staying at Hush Hostel is how close it is to the ferry terminal. I walked over and hopped on a ferry to Eminönü, the gateway to Istanbul’s famous historical district. The ferry ride across the Bosphorus is an experience in itself, with seagulls flying overhead and stunning views of the city’s skyline.
Once I arrived on the European side, I headed straight to Sultanahmet to visit the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. These two iconic landmarks are awe-inspiring, and it’s incredible to see how they’ve stood the test of time. I spent a good couple of hours wandering around, taking in the intricate details of the architecture and learning more about Istanbul’s rich history.
Afternoon in the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market
Next on my list was the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets. The maze-like corridors are packed with shops selling everything from handmade rugs to jewelry to traditional Turkish lamps. Bargaining is all part of the experience, so I tried my hand at it and managed to snag a beautiful scarf as a souvenir.
Just a short walk away is the Spice Bazaar, where the air is thick with the scent of exotic spices and herbs. I picked up some saffron and a blend of spices to take home, as well as a few bags of Turkish tea. The colors and smells here are unforgettable, and it’s a must-visit spot for anyone who loves cooking.
Sunset at Galata Tower
As the afternoon rolled on, I decided to head towards Galata Tower for sunset. The narrow streets around the tower are full of trendy cafes, boutiques, and street musicians, giving it a lively and creative vibe. I climbed to the top of the tower just in time to watch the sun dip behind the hills, casting a golden glow over the city. The 360-degree view from the top is absolutely breathtaking, with the Bosphorus stretching out in one direction and the sprawling cityscape in the other.
Back to Kadıköy for Dinner and Drinks
After a long day of sightseeing, I was ready to relax back in Kadıköy. I took the ferry back across the Bosphorus, enjoying the cool evening breeze. For dinner, I decided to check out one of Kadıköy’s famous meze restaurants. These traditional Turkish tapas-style dishes are perfect for sharing, and I ordered a variety of plates like grilled octopus, roasted eggplant, and stuffed grape leaves.
To cap off the night, I headed to a local bar with a rooftop terrace for a drink. Kadıköy has a buzzing nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and live music venues to choose from. Sitting under the stars with a cold drink in hand, I reflected on the amazing day I’d had exploring both sides of Istanbul.
Late Night Relaxation at Hush Hostel
Returning to Hush Hostel after a full day of exploring felt like coming home. I made my way to the common area, where a few other guests were playing cards and chatting. The hostel has such a warm, social vibe that it’s easy to make new friends. I joined them for a while, sharing stories from our adventures in the city.
Before heading to bed, I took one last look from the rooftop terrace. The lights of Istanbul twinkled in the distance, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful for this incredible experience. Staying at Hush Hostel had made my time in Istanbul unforgettable, and I knew I’d be back again someday.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Istanbul that offers a mix of comfort, community, and a great location, I can’t recommend Hush Hostel enough. Whether you want to explore the historic sites of the European side or dive into the vibrant local culture of Kadıköy, Hush Hostel is the perfect base for your Istanbul adventure.
