As a couple who lives in Istanbul, we never thought we’d envy travelers for anything — after all, we can explore our favorite city anytime! But every time we wander Balat’s colorful streets, we catch ourselves daydreaming — What if we booked a cheeky little staycation here?
Just one night, sipping coffee on a balcony with a view of the ‘Red Castle’ (Phanar Greek Orthodox College) or getting lost in an antique shop run by the sweetest old grandpa who has a story for each of his wares. Ah, how wonderful would that be!
Balat feels like a love letter to old Istanbul — every building with a story, every street corner full of charm. We’ve lost count of how many times we’ve stopped in front of a cute guesthouse and said, “Should we just check in for the night?” That day hasn’t come (yet), but in the meantime, we’ve put together this ‘best hotels in Balat’ guide for everyone who’s interested.
Over the past few years, we’ve chatted with locals, taken notes from visiting friends, and scoped out accommodations that have that perfect blend of character, comfort, and location.
Whether you’re hunting for the best boutique hotels in Balat, wondering where to stay in Balat that’s not too touristy, or just want somewhere charming to call home for a night or two — we’ve got you covered.
Since Balat is a historical area that’s a bit further from the tourist center, the majority of accommodations here are apartments and guesthouses. However, there are a handful of hotels on this list as well — let’s check it out!
Nostalgic & Comfortable Historical Home
If you’re traveling to Balat with a group or large family, this warm and welcoming five-bedroom home is a rare gem in Balat. Set inside a traditional building with wooden ceilings, soft textiles, and sunny bay windows, the home perfectly blends old-world charm with everyday comfort. Each room has its own character, with a mix of double and single beds that can easily accommodate up to 10 guests.
The atmosphere is relaxed and homely, with thoughtful touches like colorful kilim rugs, cozy reading nooks, and a mix of modern and antique furnishings. Whether you’re gathering in the spacious lounge or enjoying some quiet time in one of the sunlit bedrooms, this is the kind of place that feels like a proper home away from home.
Although it’s located on a peaceful residential street, the apartment is just a short walk to Balat’s most famous attractions (a 5-minute walk to the Colorful Balat Houses), restaurants, landmarks (a 5-minute walk to Saint Stephen’s Orthodox Church), and cafes (8 minutes to Naftalin K). All in all, it’s ideal for those who want both space and soul in the heart of Balat!
Hotel Troya Balat
Easily one of the most charming boutique hotels in Balat, Hotel Troya is set inside a cute 19th-century building that wears its historic character with pride. The interior blends elegance with historic character — think hand-painted fresco-style panels on the wall, Rococo-style chandeliers, and antique furniture (like the vintage radio and dial phone!)
With a solid 9.0 rating and over 300 positive reviews, it’s clear this hotel has won over more than a few hearts. We especially recommend booking the Suite with Balcony, which comes with a delicate wrought-iron terrace perfect for sipping wine as you watch the lights shimmer over the Golden Horn.
Petrion Hotel
Prefer something a little more modern? No worries, we got you! Petrion Hotel blends modern comforts with Balat’s historic charms. Located right along the waterfront, this new hotel building has lovely views of the Golden Horn and is just steps from the tram and ferry stations, making it easy to get around Istanbul.
Rooms are spacious and stylish, with warm wood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and details throughout. If you’re planning to treat yourself, we highly recommend booking the Double Room with Spa Bath — the jacuzzi tub is fantastic for unwinding after a long day of exploring Balat’s tourist attractions!
Petrion is also a fantastic budget-friendly hotel in Balat, with breakfast included (!) and a rooftop terrace restaurant where you can enjoy dinner with panoramic views. It’s especially great for couples and solo travelers who want style and comfort without breaking the bank.
Bonus: it’s just a short walk to Yildirim street, so you can easily pop over to the most postcard-worthy cafes and bistros in Balat.
Waterfront Apartment with Terrace
Want to wake up to the Bosphorus sparkling at your feet? The Waterfront Apartment with Terrace definitely delivers with a show-stopping rooftop terrace that’s straight out of a travel magazine — complete with a glass igloo lounge, twinkling lanterns, and panoramic views. Ah, çok güzel. 😻
Inside, the apartment is well-equipped with everything you need: a washing machine, dishwasher, towels, shampoo, and excellent heating (especially appreciated if you’re visiting with little ones). The three bedrooms are comfortable and spacious, while the open-plan living space feels modern and warm. It’s perfect for couples, small families, or even digital nomads looking for a cozy yet memorable place to stay.
The tram stop nearby makes zipping to Balat or the Suleymaniye Mosque a breeze, but you’ll be tempted to linger on that terrace all day. Trust us, this view is worth booking right this second!
Turquoise House
Featured in Elle Decor, Turquoise House lives up to its name with pops of teal and thoughtful design throughout. This stylish home is a great pick for design lovers and couples who want something cozy, artistic, and unique.
The home includes a fully-equipped kitchen, beautiful tiled bathroom (the teal tiles, ah!), and plenty of sweet details that make it feel like a lived-in creative space rather than a typical Airbnb rental. Oh, and the balcony is basically made for Turkish breakfast—checkered tablecloth, mismatched mugs, and a view of the Golden Horn that makes everything taste better. 🙂
Millennium Istanbul Golden Horn
While many accommodations in Balat are smaller guesthouses or apartments, Millennium offers the full hotel experience: concierge service, on-site parking, multilingual staff, a fitness center, and even pet-friendly rooms (your furry friend deserves a vacation too! 😉)
Need to relax between sightseeing? Reserve a session in the hotel’s beautifully tiled Turkish hammam, or relax in the sauna after a sunset stroll along the Golden Horn.
Rooms are modern and comfortable, with big windows that let in plenty of light (some even with Golden Horn views!) — there’s even a handful of serviced apartments with amenities like fully-stocked kitchens and washing/dryer machines.
With over 3,000 glowing reviews and a 9.0 rating, this one’s a reliable pick if you want comfort, calm, and a bit of pampering.
Historic Greek Pavilion Golden Horn
Ever dreamed of living in a 17th-century Greek mansion? This super chic Balat apartment rental turns that dream into reality. 😉
The apartment boasts authentic details (like the intricate coffered ceilings), sky-high ceilings (a signature feature of traditional Greek-Ottoman homes), and four spacious bedrooms — making it perfect for families or groups wanting room to spread out. With warm wood floors, elegant antique touches, and plenty of natural light, the space feels both historic and homey.
Located in one of Balat’s quieter corners, this historic apartment offers a peaceful escape from the tourist buzz — yet you’re still just an easy 8-minute stroll from the neighborhood’s lively center, filled with cafés, restaurants, and colorful houses. Even better, the Ayvansaray tram stop is only 5 minutes away, giving you a direct line to Istanbul’s historic old town (Eminönü) in under 30 minutes. It’s the best of both worlds: charming local atmosphere with easy access to the city’s iconic sights.
Stanbul House
Stanbul House is, well, a house that features 2 one-bedroom self-catering apartments in Balat that are just a 30-second walk (seriously) to all of the cute cafes, restaurants, and other popular eateries along Vodina Caddesi and Yildirim Caddesi (we mention our favorite spots in this Balat Travel Guide post!).
Besides its fabulous location, both of the apartments in Stanbul House also have a chic minimalist boho design, including spacious living rooms, a balcony, and double bed.
We also love the thoughtful little touches scattered throughout the apartments, like the hand-picked art prints and curated books (including an Ara Güler photography book that’s perfect to flip through before exploring Balat with your own camera!).
Speaking of reading… both apartments feature a cozy Turkish-style window nook with embroidered pillows and a classic metal serving tray that practically begs for a tea moment. Very Balat-esque, don’t you think?
And if you’re in the mood for some sunshine, guests also have access to a beautiful shared terrace filled with flowers, cozy seating, and a shaded corner that’s perfect for sipping your morning coffee or çay (tea).
This reviewer sums it up nicely: “Although Stambul House is literally around the corner from the lively main street of Balat, it is located on a quiet little side street, with a real neighborhood atmosphere and almost no traffic. And, importantly for people like me, there are no steep streets to climb, which is often the case if you choose to live in Balat!”
Elele Boutique Aparts
It’s hard to miss this colorful apartment rental in Balat, with its bright turquoise walls, red door, and whimsical hand-painted signs that look like something out of a vintage Turkish film.
Elele Boutique Aparts offers a refreshingly quirky stay in the heart of Balat, with a range of room types, including family-friendly flats, romantic terrace suites, and one-bedroom nooks ideal for solo travelers. The decor is full of personality, like painted beds that remind us of India, low wooden tables, poufs, beanbags, and hanging lanterns that glow at night.
Whether you’re staying for a night or a week, it’s impossible not to fall in love with this place!
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