Upside Apartments

Upside Apartments Overview

First Impressions

Walking up to Upside Apartments on İstiklal Caddesi, you immediately understand why this place gets such rave reviews. I mean, you’re literally on one of Istanbul’s most famous pedestrian streets — the energy here is incredible. The building itself has this modern, clean look that stands out among the historic architecture, and honestly, that contrast works really well. You know what struck me first? How quiet it actually gets once you step inside, despite being in the heart of all the action.

Location Magic

This four-star property sits in the sweet spot of Beyoglu, and I can see why couples rate the location so highly. You’re steps away from the Galata Tower, countless cafes, and some of the best nightlife in the city. What I love is that you can walk to Galatasaray Square in minutes, or head down to Karakoy and the Golden Horn without breaking a sweat. The metro station is right there too — Şişhane is probably a three-minute walk, which makes getting to Sultanahmet or anywhere else super easy.

The Apartment Experience

These aren’t your typical hotel rooms — each apartment feels like a proper home base. The kitchen setup is actually functional (not just decorative like some places), with a full-size fridge and everything you need if you want to grab groceries from the local markets. I spent a good amount of time just hanging out in the living area, which has these big windows that let you people-watch on İstiklal below. The design is modern and clean, but not sterile — there’s personality here.

Neighborhood Vibes

What makes this spot special is how it puts you right in the middle of authentic Istanbul life. You’ll hear the street musicians from your window, smell the simit vendors in the morning, and honestly, it’s pretty magical. The area gets busy during the day — İstiklal is basically Istanbul’s Times Square — but it calms down at night in a way that feels safe and comfortable. There’s a Starbucks literally next door if you need familiar coffee, but I’d recommend exploring the Turkish coffee houses scattered around the neighborhood instead.

Why Guests Love It

The 9.5 location rating isn’t just numbers — it’s because you can experience both historic and modern Istanbul without constantly jumping in taxis. You’re walking distance from the Bosphorus views at Galata Bridge, the trendy Karakoy district, and the historic Galata Tower. Plus, having an apartment setup means you can actually live like a local for a few days rather than just passing through. The staff seems to get that too — they’re helpful without being pushy, and they know the neighborhood well enough to point you toward the good stuff that tourists usually miss.

Apartments in Istanbul suit remote workers with high ceilings, marble courtyards, and fast ferry access between continents.

Upside Apartments Accommodations

Reviews of Upside Apartments

• Joyce from Canada (9/10)

  Where can I even start… I am already planning to go back to this hotel for my next visit. Clean, comfortable, convenient, neat EVERYTHING, safe and the list goes on and on. I felt like I was at home and was even sad to check out. İstiklal street is the place to be because it moves, there’s always people and everything around I went shopping at 2am !!! I barely had to contact the hotel, Wi-Fi, shower, AC, Netflix everything was PERFECT ! I can’t begin to tell you how much I loved my hotel. TAKE ME BACK

• Allison from United States (8/10)

  Great location and was quiet despite it being on a loud street. Being on the top floor helped. Appreciate the equipped kitchen.

• Hani from Lebanon (9/10)

  We are frequent visitors to Istanbul, and this is easily one of the best places we have stayed at.
  The room was very comfortable and spacious, and fully equipped. Ms. Vera was so supportive throughout, and ensured that our stay was very smooth, from arrival through to departure.
  The location is excellent, and various modes of public transport are so easy to access.

• Mayank from Australia (8/10)

  Location, cleanliness, comfortable, decor, spacious.

• Hui from Singapore (8/10)

  – Fantastic location, lots of food just downstairs and they close quite late if you want supper
  – Check-in and out were done easily with an app, very convenient!
  – Apartment had a modern design
  – Lift available
  – Washer/dryer, iron, hairdryer, smart TV worked great
  – Nearest transport is a tram just 1 minute away that takes you to Taksim Square, or walk 10 minutes to the nearest metro/bus stop

• Huge from Italy (9/10)

  Incredible cozy apartment in the heart of Taxim, accessible form the main road, with fantastic view, very nice and happy

• Wells from United Kingdom (9/10)

  A central apartment to easy access to public transport.

• Jenni from Australia (8/10)

  Upside apartments were great – clean, comfortable and Bosporus view as advertised! Beds are comfy, bathroom spacious, great to have a kitchen and washer/dryer. Right on the main shopping street with so many restaurants nearby to choose from! Vera was super helpful and arranged an early check in for us so we could sleep after the long trip from Australia! We had no trouble finding the place or checking in. Security was great and I loved the convenience of the digital keys.

• Adam from Australia (9/10)

  It was very clean, modern, secure and very comfortable with modern amenities. Beautifully fresh with lots of light, but great blinds when you needed sleep.

• Archana from India (8/10)

  We stayed on the 4rth floor which was one floor below the top floor. The location of the apartment is superb. Right below you have access to shopping, cafes and restaurants. The apartment was very clean and well kept. Vera was super helpful and prompt in her replies. We even got a late checkout till 2pm. Smooth check in via a key through an app.

Surroundings

Facilities