Using international vacation rental booking platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO can be an excellent way to rent a flat or house in Türkiye, including in Istanbul. Compared with hotels or hostels, rental properties usually offer more space, privacy, and flexibility, making them ideal for families, groups, longer stays, or travellers who want a more “local” living experience. A private kitchen, separate living areas, and residential locations often provide better value and comfort than a single hotel room or suite.
New regulations introduced in 2024 in Türkiye have significantly restricted short-term rentals, especially in Istanbul. Property owners must now obtain an official tourism rental permit, meet defined health and safety standards, and comply with guest reporting requirements, measures designed to protect renters better, improve overall accommodation quality and ensure apartment landlords are contributing taxes at least equal to hotel establishments. In apartment buildings, unanimous approval from other owners is also required, which has led to many listings being removed from short-term platforms, reducing availability in popular neighbourhoods and making compliant properties more challenging to find.
To simplify your search, we have curated a short selection of apartments and houses in Istanbul, all listed on VRBO (Expedia Group). The aim is to highlight authentic private homes with strong customer ratings and reduce the need to sort past hotel-operated listings, which are now commonly presented in the apartment sector. These properties have the following criteria:
- They are not hotels, hostels, or part of a larger commercial rental property.
- These have a VRBO guest satisfaction rating of 9.0 (“wonderful”), or higher.
- They have received at least 20 official guest reviews.
- They are located in central Istanbul, in an interesting neighbourhood.
Istanbul Vacation Rental – Curated List of Properties
Galata 4-Bedroom Apartment with Stunning Terrace Views
4 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom | Kitchen | 8 Guests | 130 m²
VRBO rating/pricing as of December 2025 – 10.0 (Exceptional) – ≈ US$240 – $500 / night, dynamic pricing depending on demand, season and number of guests.
This spacious and elegant 130 m² apartment is set in a beautifully preserved 19th-century building near the Galata Tower, offering a serene retreat in the heart of one of Istanbul’s most characterful neighbourhoods. With four stylish bedrooms, high ceilings, original wooden floors, and refined living and dining spaces, it is a serene retreat in the heart of one of Istanbul’s most characterful neighbourhoods. A shared rooftop terrace provides stunning views across the Golden Horn to the Old City. At the same time, excellent transport links place Sultanahmet, Istiklal Avenue, and key business and shopping districts within easy reach. Thoughtfully hosted by a Turkish-British family, the apartment combines historic charm, modern comfort, and a strong commitment to local community, sustainability, and authentic cultural experience.
See also LikeTūrkiye.com Top 10 Neighbourhoods – Beyoğlu (Taksim, Galata, Istiklal Street)
Kabataş 3-Bedroom Apartment with Bosphorus View
3 Bedroom | 2 Bathroom | Kitchen | 8 Guests | 70 m²
VRBO rating/pricing as of December 2025 – 9.0 (Wonderful) – ≈ US$200 – $380 / night, dynamic pricing depending on demand, season and number of guests.
This modern waterfront apartment is located directly on the Bosporus and offers striking, uninterrupted views of the water, ferries, and Istanbul’s skyline. Recently renovated and refurbished, the 70m² first-floor apartment features an open-plan kitchen and living area facing the Bosporus, three bedrooms, and two full bathrooms. The kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering, while the living space includes comfortable seating, a dining table, and a TV. Air-conditioning is provided in all bedrooms, and guests also have access to a large shared garden on the building’s ground floor. The property is well-positioned for exploring central Istanbul, with Taksim, Nişantaşı, and Karaköy all easily accessible.
See also LikeTūrkiye.com Top 10 Neighbourhoods – Karaköy
Balat Historic 3-Storey House
2 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom | Kitchen | 5 Guests | 120 m²
VRBO rating/pricing as of December 2025 – 9.8 (Exceptional) – ≈ US$240 – $265 / night, dynamic pricing depending on demand, season and number of guests.
This beautifully restored three-storey historic Greek house on the hillside of the charming neighbourhood of Balat in Old Istanbul offers a comfortable and character-filled stay, with the entire home exclusively for guests. Recently renovated and featured in Elle Decoration Turkey, the house includes two large bedrooms on the upper floors, each with its own bathroom, along with a bright living and dining area and a well-equipped kitchen on the entrance level. An endearing balcony off the second bedroom provides views toward the Golden Horn, making this an ideal choice for travellers seeking a stylish, private home with historical character in one of Istanbul’s most atmospheric neighbourhoods.
See also LikeTūrkiye.com Top 10 Neighbourhoods – Balat & Fener (Golden Horn)
Beyoğlu 1 Bedroom Historic Apartment
1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom | Kitchen | 2 Guests | 50 m²
VRBO rating/pricing as of December 2025 – 9.8 (Exceptional) – ≈ US$110 – $180 / night, dynamic pricing depending on demand and season.
This stylish 50 m² one-bedroom apartment is a rare 19th-century Beyoğlu gem, blending dramatic original features, soaring ceilings, frescoes, gilded cornicing, marble fireplace, dark oak doors and floorboards, with contemporary comfort. Set on the first floor of a historic building just one minute from Istiklal Avenue and steps from the nightlife of Nevizade Sokak, it places you at the heart of Istanbul’s most famous bars, cafés, meyhanes and cultural buzz, with the vintage tram nearby and Taksim Metro a short walk away. The apartment suits guests who want an authentic, lively Istanbul experience and are happy to embrace nighttime street noise (soundproofed shutters are fitted, though music can still be heard). Highlights include a chic double bedroom, a comfortable living-dining area, a modern rain-shower bathroom, a galley kitchen, and access to a shared rooftop terrace overlooking the neighbourhood’s historic rooftops, ideal for couples seeking character, atmosphere, and an unforgettable central stay.
See also LikeTūrkiye.com Top 10 Neighbourhoods – Beyoğlu (Taksim, Galata, Istiklal Street)
Dolmabahçe 4-Bedroom Apartment with Panoramic Bosphorus View
4 Bedroom | 2 Bathrooms | Kitchen | 10 Guests | 150 m²
VRBO rating/pricing as of December 2025 – 9.0 (Wonderful) – ≈ US$295 – $725 / night, dynamic pricing depending on demand, season and number of guests.
This exceptional waterfront penthouse occupies the top floor of a historic family-built building directly on the Bosporus, close to Dolmabahçe Palace and Beşiktas Tüpraş Stadium, offering truly spectacular 270-degree views across the water, ferries, and Istanbul’s iconic skyline. Recently refurbished, the spacious 150m² apartment blends contemporary comfort with preserved period character and historic touches, and is accessed via a private elevator. Its circular layout centres on a large, light-filled living and dining area opening onto an expansive terrace with lounge seating and sun loungers, ideal for enjoying Istanbul’s changing light from morning coffee to evening drinks. The apartment features a fully equipped modern kitchen, two renovated bathrooms, four comfortable air-conditioned bedrooms, and a practical laundry area. The apartment’s vast space and amazing panorama make it popular for family reunions.