Tilas House: Budget Guesthouse in Kadıköy with Hand-Painted Rooms

Tilas House is a boutique guesthouse in Istanbul’s Kadıköy neighborhood, occupying a 150-year-old wooden building that has been carefully restored. The house offers budget-friendly accommodation spread across 5–6 rooms, each decorated with hand-painted walls featuring local art. Located on a quiet street in Rasimpaşa, a residential quarter on the Asian side of Istanbul, the guesthouse sits within easy walking distance of Kadıköy’s waterfront markets, ferry piers and cafes.

The property operates like a small family guesthouse rather than a formal hotel, with common areas including a shared kitchen, library and seating areas where guests often meet. It appeals to travelers seeking a more personal, locally rooted experience than typical chain hotels, particularly those exploring Kadıköy’s neighborhoods and planning day trips across the Bosphorus.

Quick Facts

Address	Rasimpaşa, Eşrefoğlu Sokak No. 8, Kadıköy, Istanbul 34716 Google MapsApple MapsYandex Maps
District	Kadıköy
Metro	Ayrılık Çeşmesi (M4, about 10 minutes walk) Kadıköy (M4, about 15 minutes walk)
Opening hours	24 hours
Best time to visit	Spring (April–May) and Autumn (September–October) offer the most comfortable weather in Kadıköy: mild temperatures, clear skies and moderate foot traffic. Summer (June–August) can be hot and crowded. Winter (November–February) is quieter and cheaper, though rainy. Weekdays are calmer than weekends, especially for a residential neighborhood like Rasimpaşa.
Recommended duration	overnight stay
Website	tilas-house-no-8.hotelrunner.com
Operating status confirmed	October 2026

Booking and Check-In at Tilas House

Booking and Check-In: Reserve through the official website at tilas-house-no-8.hotelrunner.com or via major booking platforms (Booking.com, Hostelworld, Trip.com). The house accepts online bookings well in advance and same-day reservations subject to availability. Check-in begins at 14:00 (2:00 PM); check-out is by 12:00 (noon). Early check-in and late checkout may be possible if the previous guest departs on time—contact the owner directly at +90 537 348 94 27.

Cancellation and Payment: Cancellation policies vary by booking platform and rate selected. Most platforms offer free cancellation up to 7–14 days before arrival; confirm your specific booking terms when reserving. Payment is typically required at booking for credit-card transactions.

Breakfast: A breakfast is not included in standard room rates but can usually be arranged locally at nearby cafés for a small cost. The shared kitchen is equipped for simple self-catering.

Registration: As a licensed tourism establishment (Licence 24613), the house complies with Turkish guest registration requirements. Bring a valid passport. Foreign visitors must be registered on arrival; staff handle this as routine procedure. Rates for Turkish citizens and any concessions differ from international guest rates; check the official website for current pricing and all categories.

Why Visit Tilas House?

Tilas House offers several practical advantages for visitors. First, its location in Kadıköy puts the Asian side of Istanbul within reach—a perspective few first-time visitors experience. From here, the Bosphorus ferries and local restaurants are a 10-minute walk away, and the European side is just a short ride across the water. Second, the shared kitchen and common areas let budget-conscious travelers prepare meals or connect with other guests. Third, the restored 19th-century building itself is atmospheric: wood floors, antique furniture and painted walls create a character that standard hotels cannot replicate. Finally, rates are genuinely affordable compared to central Sultanahmet hotels, while the trade-off—narrow stairs, a quieter location, no elevator—matters only if you carry heavy luggage.

Highlights of Tilas House

Hand-Painted Rooms

Each of the 5–6 rooms features walls decorated with unique hand-painted artwork commissioned from Istanbul artist Esra Uygun. The designs reflect local culture and history, so no two rooms are identical. Visitors should expect smaller room sizes typical of a restored 19th-century building, and understand that stairs are narrow; plan accordingly if you have heavy luggage.

Tip: Request a top-floor room when booking if you want views and quieter surroundings; ground or lower floors may be noisier from the street.

Shared Kitchen and Living Spaces

The house includes a well-equipped shared kitchen, library and communal seating areas where guests gather. This setup encourages informal connections among travelers and allows self-catering, a significant money saver in Istanbul. Coffee and tea are provided complimentary.

Tip: Arrive early to get to know other guests and exchange local tips; evening gatherings are informal and frequent.

Restored 19th-Century Architecture

The building dates back 150 years and retains wooden floors, period furniture and the intimate scale of a family home. Renovations respect the original structure rather than modernizing it away. This authenticity is part of the appeal and the limitation: the house feels lived-in rather than polished.

Tip: Bring earplugs: because the building is old and sound travels, light sleepers may hear movement in neighboring rooms. The owners provide earplugs on request.

Kadıköy Location and Waterfront Access

Tilas House sits in a residential part of Kadıköy, 8 minutes walk from the main square, ferry piers and the fish market. This proximity means breakfast at a local café and evening ferry rides are possible without planning, yet the street is quiet at night. The location also offers straightforward access to Samatya, Kuzguncuk and other Anatolian neighborhoods by walking or minibus.

Tip: Walk to Kadıköy Square (Meydanı) in the early morning to see fishermen at the pier and empty cafés opening up; this is the neighborhood at its most authentic.

Laundry and Self-Service Facilities

The house provides a washing machine for guest use, unusual for budget accommodation in Istanbul. Irons and hairdryers are available, and staff can advise on local services. This setup suits travelers staying 3+ nights.

Tip: Ask the owners about the best nearby laundry service; some guests use it for a faster turnaround, especially in shoulder season when the shared machine gets busy.

Pet-Friendly Policy

Tilas House welcomes small pets, a rarity in Istanbul's center. If traveling with a dog or cat, check the website or contact the owner directly for any size or breed restrictions.

Tip: Inform the owner when booking so they can reserve an appropriate room and discuss any nearby dog parks or green spaces.

Atmosphere

Tilas House feels more like a friend’s home than a commercial hostel. The narrow wooden stairs, creaking floors and painted walls give it an intimate, lived-in character. Guests sit in the shared kitchen brewing coffee or tea, and the owners—Emre and Tugba—are visibly present and helpful rather than distant. On weekday mornings, the street outside is quiet, local shopkeepers open their stalls, and birdsong from the nearby gardens carries through open windows. By evening, the neighborhood fills with foot traffic to restaurants and the piers, but the house itself remains peaceful. The clientele skews toward independent travelers, backpackers and couples, not tour groups. Cleanliness is notably high throughout.

How to Get to Tilas House

By Metro: The nearest metro station is Ayrılık Çeşmesi on the M4 line, approximately 940 meters (about 10 minutes walk) from Tilas House. From Ayrılık Çeşmesi, exit and head northeast toward the Rasimpaşa neighborhood; staff can provide detailed walking directions. Kadıköy Metro Station is also accessible, 1.3 km away on the same M4 line, with service from 6:00 until 00:04. From Kadıköy station, exit toward the waterfront and follow signs for central Kadıköy, then walk uphill to Eşrefoğlu Sokak (approximately 15 minutes).

By Taxi or Ride-Share: Taxis and Uber-style apps (Uber, BiTaksi) serve the area reliably. Ride-share from Istanbul Airport takes 45–60 minutes depending on traffic; from Sabiha Gökçen Airport (32–35 km away) it takes 30–40 minutes.

By Ferry: Kadıköy Pier is about 8 minutes on foot* from Tilas House. Ferries run frequently across the Golden Horn to the European side, making this guesthouse a logical base for exploring both banks of the waterway.

Accessibility

Tilas House is not wheelchair accessible. The entrance is up a short flight of stairs, and rooms are located up a narrow, steep wooden staircase with no elevator. The building is 150 years old and designed at a time before accessibility standards. Guests with limited mobility, severe arthritis or those carrying large luggage should consider this a significant limitation and look for modern, ground-floor hotels instead. Bathrooms include standard shower facilities and are compact.

Food Nearby

The immediate surroundings include cafés, food stalls and a Migros mini-market not far from the house. The well-regarded restaurant Ciya Sofrasi is about 12 minutes walk away. A short walk toward Kadıköy Square brings you to the famous fish market (Balık Pazarı), meze stands, kebab restaurants and seafood eateries along the waterfront. Local neighborhood spots serve traditional Turkish breakfast, lentil soup and pastries at budget prices. No restaurants are directly adjacent to Tilas House itself, but options are abundant within 5–10 minutes.

What to Bring

Bring comfortable walking shoes—the neighborhood has uneven cobblestone streets and hills. A light jacket* or sweater is useful even in summer, as waterfront evenings can be cool. If staying in winter, warm clothing is essential as the 150-year-old building, while charming, lacks modern climate control. The house has no parking; do not bring a car. Earplugs* are helpful for light sleepers in a historic building where sound carries. Narrow stairs mean heavy luggage is genuinely challenging; minimize what you pack.

Photography Rules

Interior photography of rooms is permitted. Exterior photography of the building facade is allowed. No drones, tripods or commercial equipment inside the guesthouse. Flash photography should be avoided in shared areas out of courtesy to other guests. Nearby Kadıköy has no restrictions on street photography, though always ask permission before photographing people.

Family Suitability

Tilas House can accommodate families with older children (ages 8+). Younger children and toddlers may struggle with steep, narrow stairs and the lack of an elevator; rooms are also on the small side for families requiring more space. Stroller access is difficult due to the stairs at entry and throughout the building. The communal atmosphere can be welcoming, and the quiet neighborhood is safe for children. Families should inform the owner when booking so appropriate room allocation can be arranged.

Istanbul Vibes Tips

• Request the top-floor room at booking if you prefer a quieter stay with views; lower floors may hear street noise in the evening as Kadıköy winds down.
• Visit Kadıköy Fish Market (Balık Pazarı) in the morning before 10:00 AM; by afternoon the crowds are overwhelming and many vendors have sold out. It is a 10-minute walk downhill from Tilas House.
• The nearest metro is 10 minutes walk away, so do not expect to walk in within 2–3 minutes; factor this into your schedule when heading to central Istanbul. Allow 20–25 minutes door-to-door for trips to Sultanahmet or Galata.
• The building has no elevator and stairs are narrow. If you regret luggage weight after arrival, ask the owners; they may recommend a nearby left-luggage service or storage locker for day trips.
• Breakfast is not included; nearby cafés (Lezbiyen Cafe and similar) serve Turkish breakfast and coffee for budget prices within a 2-minute walk. Explore these rather than sticking to chains.
• Consider using the shared laundry if staying more than 3 nights; wash your clothes in the evening or early morning to avoid conflicts with other guests' schedules.

What to Do Within Walking Distance of Tilas House

These places are an easy walk from Tilas House and help you plan your days:

Within walking distance

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  Süreyya Opera House – about 700 m away (~12 min walk) · typical visit: 2–3 hours12 min on foot from Kadıköy-İDO metro, Open daily 10:00–18:00
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  Müze Gazhane – about 1.3 km away (~21 min walk) · typical visit: 1.5–2.5 hours9 min on foot from Acıbadem metro, Open 10:00–18:00, closed Mon
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  Barış Manço Museum – about 1.4 km away (~23 min walk) · typical visit: 1–1.5 hoursOpen 09:00–16:00, closed Mon

Explore Nearby Tilas House

Metro stations near Tilas House

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  Ayrılık Çeşmesi – about 700 m away (~11 min walk)Open 24 hours
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  Kadıköy-İDO – about 700 m away (~12 min walk)Open daily 06:00–00:04

Restaurants and cafes near Tilas House

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  Afsona Uzbek Restaurant – about 400 m away (~6 min walk)15 min on foot from Kadıköy-İDO metro, Open daily 09:00–22:00
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  Baylan Pastanesi – about 600 m away (~9 min walk)4 min on foot from Kadıköy-İDO metro, Open daily 09:00–20:00
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  Ciya Sofrasi – about 650 m away (~11 min walk)6 min on foot from Kadıköy-İDO metro
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  Yanyalı Fehmi Lokantası – about 700 m away (~11 min walk)1 min on foot from Kadıköy-İDO metro, Open daily 09:00–21:00

Train stations and river piers near Tilas House

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  Kadıköy Ferry Terminalabout 850 m away (~14 min walk)

Related guides

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  Golden Horn: Istanbul’s Historic Waterway and Waterfront Guide
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  Galata Bridge: Crossing Istanbul’s Golden Horn10 min on foot from Haliç metro, Open 24 hours
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  Bosphorus Cruise: Tickets, Routes and What to See from the Water
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  Müze Gazhane: What to See at Kadikoy’s Former Gasworks9 min on foot from Acıbadem metro, Open 10:00–18:00, closed Mon
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  Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
  Haydarpaşa Station: A German Landmark on the Asian Shore

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FAQ: Tilas House

Is breakfast included in the room rate?

No, breakfast is not included. However, the guesthouse has a shared kitchen where you can prepare your own meals, and numerous cafés serving traditional Turkish breakfast are within a 2-minute walk. This makes self-catering affordable for budget travelers.

Can I check in early or check out late?

Standard check-in is 14:00 and check-out is 12:00. Early check-in and late checkout are sometimes possible if rooms become available. Contact the owners directly at +90 537 348 94 27 to request, especially if you have an early arrival or late departure flight.

Are there stairs? Can I bring heavy luggage?

Yes, there is a steep wooden staircase with no elevator. Large suitcases are genuinely difficult to carry up or down. Pack light and inform the owners when booking so they can advise on storage options if needed.

Is there WiFi?

Yes, free WiFi is available throughout the house, including in rooms and common areas.

Is the guesthouse suitable for people with limited mobility or wheelchair users?

No. The entrance involves stairs, and all rooms are reached by a steep wooden staircase. The building is 150 years old and not accessible to wheelchairs or those with severe mobility challenges. Choose a modern, ground-floor hotel instead.

What is the nearest metro station?

Ayrılık Çeşmesi on the M4 line is about 10 minutes walk away. Kadıköy Station on the M4 is about 15 minutes walk. From both stations, M4 trains connect to Sultanahmet, Galata and the European side.

Can I bring pets?

Yes, small pets are allowed. Confirm size, breed or species restrictions with the owner when booking. Contact +90 537 348 94 27 or check the website for details.

Is parking available?

No, there is no parking at Tilas House. The building and street are not designed for cars. Use taxis, metro or ferries instead.

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Distances are straight-line, from OpenStreetMap data.

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