Istanbul is a city that rewards curiosity. One minute you’re wandering through the labyrinthine halls of the Grand Bazaar, the next, you’re sipping a cold rakı at a rooftop meyhane with the Bosphorus glittering below. Days here are spent ferry-hopping between Europe and Asia, exploring ancient cisterns, modern art museums, and pastel-painted neighborhoods where laundry flaps over cobblestone streets. Whether you’re drawn by the city’s deep history or its cutting-edge design scene, you’ll want a place to stay that feels just as layered and full of character.
Thankfully, Istanbul’s short-term stays are just as charismatic as the city itself. We’re talking Ottoman-era apartments with hand-painted ceilings, modernist lofts tucked above family-owned carpet shops, and spots with Bosphorus-view balconies made for sipping tea while the ferries drift past.
Here, we’ve rounded up some of the most thoughtfully designed Airbnbs in Istanbul—spaces that serve as a soft landing pad after a day of exploring but might just convince you to stay in a little longer.
Perks: Wif-Fi, air conditioning, washer and dryer, cleaning service on stays of one week or longer, cooking service upon request
Set in one of Galata’s oldest buildings—just a few cobblestoned steps from the tower itself—this high-brick-ceilinged apartment is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into an Ottoman-era film set, albeit one with a few modern upgrades. Think: original wood floors, supercentenarian hand-painted frescoes, and arched windows that flood the space with natural light. The modern kitchen’s oversized window opens to the city below, making it a prime spot for morning coffee or a glass of wine, and the three bedrooms make it a solid choice for a family. It’s also minutes from the city’s best espresso bars, wine shops, and indie boutiques. From $312 per night.
Perks: Terrace, fully equipped kitchen, pets allowed, washer and dryer, free street parking
This biophilic home is a rare find in one of Istanbul’s most creative neighborhoods. The interiors are a nature lover’s dream—we’re talking a free-standing wood tub next to the bed, rattan cupboards, and dozens of Mediterranean plants scattered throughout. That’s all paired with exposed brick, wood floors, vibrant tile work, and a warm color palette. If you’re looking for a stay that feels like a creative retreat in the middle of the city, this one’s a standout. From $335 per night.
Perks: Wi-Fi, washer and dryer, elevator, bathtub, pets allowed, dedicated workspace
If you’re in need of a spot for the whole crew, this apartment has a space to sprawl out, with two living rooms, two kitchens, three-and-a-half baths, a dining area, and five bedrooms that feel considered, not cookie-cutter. There’s a bit of an industrial edge, with original brick walls and an iron staircase, and the location couldn’t be better—steps from Galata Tower and a quick downhill walk to Karaköy’s cafés and cocktail venues—but the in-house bar is so fun that you’ll be tempted to spend at least one night in. From $721 per night.
Perks: Wif-Fi, sea view, kitchen, pets allowed, heating and air conditioning
This three-bedroom apartment in Beyoğlu feels like it was designed by someone with a serious love for texture, patterns, and the perfect globe light. From the claw-foot tub to the antique Turkish rugs, every detail feels dialed in. We especially love all the spots ripe for leafing through your dog-eared Lonely Planet—from the hammock in the primary bedroom to the bistro set behind the French doors on the balcony. Plus, the location is prime—you’re right in the heart of Beyoğlu, with all the buzzy restaurants, wine bars, and indie galleries just outside your door. It’s the kind of place where you can recharge in style between museum crawls and meze feasts. From $624 per night.
Perks: Garden with seating, movie theater, rain shower, heated towel rack, pets allowed, Wi-Fi
Each room in this Beyoğlu abode feels eclectic but highly intentional, with velvet armchairs in jewel tones, Moroccan tiles, and local artwork spread throughout. What sets this place apart (besides the mini movie theater and thoughtful layout) is the private garden, complete with twinkle lights, lounge seating, and a leafy canopy perfect for slow breakfasts or late-night wine. The cheerfully painted kitchen is fully equipped, the bedrooms have more than enough space for suitcases, and the whole house has a lived-in, well-traveled kind of vibe. From $531 per night.
Perks: Washer and dryer, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, kitchen, early luggage dropoff allowed
In a neighborhood packed with history, this contemporary stone house in Old Town is modern and curated. Inside it’s all clean lines, polished wood, and a warm, but restrained color palette that feels more Nordic-modern than Ottoman. The kitchen is sleek and functional, the two bedrooms are pared-back in that peaceful, boutique-hotel kind of way. Set just a short stroll from the Grand Bazaar and Süleymaniye Mosque, it’s perfectly placed for deep dives into Istanbul’s past. From $209 per night.
Perks: Pour over coffee maker, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, kitchen
If walls could talk, this Galata loft would have some stories—though it's been given a serious glow-up since its Ottoman-era beginnings. The two-bedroom apartment combines centuries-old bones with sleek, modern finishes: exposed brick, polished wood floors, custom cabinetry, and clean-lined furnishings that let the architecture take center stage. The bedrooms offer a serene retreat with plush bedding and ample storage, while the bathrooms feature sleek fixtures and finishes. Massive windows frame cinematic views of the neighborhood’s rooftops and minarets, bringing in tons of natural light. From $221 per night.
Perks: Centrally located, tower views, washer and dryer, Wi-Fi, dedicated workspace, kitchen
In the heart of Beyoğlu, this 158-year-old apartment in the historic Urgliavich Building offers some of the best views of Galata Tower—it’s literally feet away from the wrought-iron balcony. While the residence has a jewel-box atmosphere, with luxurious emerald green drapes, ruby red bathroom tiles, Murano chandeliers, and beautifully patterned throw pillows on the couches and beds, that balcony is a total scene stealer. Designed by Antoine Urgliavich, the original apartment owner and a renowned manufacturer of optical lenses, to study the sky, the balcony is now perfect for coffee at sunrise or an aperitif as the call to prayer echoes through the streets. From $348 per night.
