Is Istanbul Safe for Women? Crime Rate in Istanbul

Safety rating

Moderate
3.4 /5

Women living in Istanbul consider the safety level to be moderate, with an overall safety rating of 3.4 out of 5.

Crime rating

Moderate
2.9 /5

Women living in Istanbul consider the crime rate to be moderate, with an overall crime rating of 2.9 out of 5.

Violence rating

6%

On average 6% percentage of women in Turkey have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner at some time in their life, according to OECD Data.

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Crime & Safety Statistics

Based on 340 experiences

Safety rating:

3.4/5Moderate

Safety walking alone after dark:

2.7/5Moderate

Safety using public transport:

3.8/5Safe

Crime rate:

2.9/5Moderate

Worries of being sexually harassed:

2.9/5Moderate

Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped:

2.6/5Moderate

Worries of being physically attacked:

2.5/5Moderate

Worries of home broken and things stolen:

1.9/5A bit worried

Worries of being mugged or robbed:

2.3/5A bit worried

Worries of being kidnapped or murdered:

2.3/5A bit worried

How safe is Istanbul?

Depending on the neighbourhood you are in, it can be the safest or the most dangerous place. Zones around the central İstanbul tend to be safe. Avoid Tarlabaşı and Kuştepe (I don’t think you’d have those in your list as a tourist, but still). Some men can ask you to go climb Galata tower together in Taksim. Disgusting. I’d advise avoiding side streets after dark and traveling low.

Posted: June 14, 2025
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Süreyya

Süreyya

Safety of istanbul can change according to region. You need to know places before trip. Mostly touristic places includes less danger. Public transportation is safe and mostly crowded. You need to use online apps to take taxi. Sometimes taxi drivers can be angry and you can afraid of them

Posted: June 11, 2025
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it's not the safest metropolis compared to others but if you stay in touristic places and watch out for pick pockets you'll be okay. The majority of local people are really friendly and eager to help.

Posted: June 6, 2025
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akasya

akasya

İstanbul is a huge city and i live in beşiktaş where i feel quite safe at all times. But of course there are other places in istanbul where you need to watch out. And before you take a taxi check the distance and estimated taxi fee on Bitaksi app so that you wont get scammed by taxi drivers :) You can also use martı tag app.

Posted: June 6, 2025
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Yes overall safe city. I feel safe usually. Just need little braveheart :) I guess this is important all of city in the world. There are Very crowded and traffıc this city. But People get used to it over time.

Posted: June 3, 2025
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Istanbul is moderately safe city depending on the region. I would still be on watch if i am going out at night like after 00 am. You should avoid engaging with random men, do not hold eye contact, and just ignore them. Do not smile at men in Turkey

Posted: June 2, 2025
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Is Istanbul worth visiting?

Travel rating

4.5 /5

based on 108 experiences from female travelers

Reem

Reem

Jordan

Group travel

I stayed near taksim square. It was a nice and clean hotel. The food was okay but mostly the kabab and bbq is delicious. I recommend the historical places and museums. Some areas didn't feel safe to walk around especially after dark.

Posted: June 12, 2025Experienced: September, 2019
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Esranur

Esranur

Turkey

Solo travel

I didn't feel safe, people are so strange and complicated. Everywhere is very crowded and dangerous. It is not a place to live, it is a very beautiful city but even getting around is very difficult.

Posted: June 10, 2025Experienced: May, 2025
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Safety in Turkey

Frequently asked questions

Is Istanbul safe?

Women living in Istanbul consider the safety level to be moderate, with an overall safety rating of 3.4 out of 5.

Is Istanbul safe to walk alone at night?

Women living in Istanbul consider walking alone at night to be moderately safe, with an overall safety rating of 2.7 out of 5.

Is public transport safe in Istanbul?

Women living in Istanbul consider public transport to be relatively safe, with an overall safety rating of 3.8 out of 5.

What is the crime rate in Istanbul?

Women living in Istanbul consider the crime rate to be moderate, with an overall crime rating of 2.9 out of 5.

What is the risk of being sexually harassed in Istanbul?

Women living in Istanbul consider the risk of being sexually harassed to be moderate, with an overall risk rating of 2.9 out of 5.

What is the risk of being sexually assaulted or raped in Istanbul?

Women living in Istanbul consider the risk of being sexually assaulted or raped to be moderate, with an overall risk rating of 2.6 out of 5.

What is the risk of being physically attacked in Istanbul?

Women living in Istanbul consider the risk of being physically attacked to be moderate, with an overall risk rating of 2.5 out of 5.

What is the risk of burglary in Istanbul?

Women living in Istanbul consider the risk of burglary to be relatively low, with an overall risk rating of 1.9 out of 5.

What is the risk of being mugged or robbed in Istanbul?

Women living in Istanbul consider the risk of being mugged or robbed to be relatively low, with an overall risk rating of 2.3 out of 5.

What is the risk of being kidnapped or murdered in Istanbul?

Women living in Istanbul consider the risk of being kidnapped or murdered to be relatively low, with an overall risk rating of 2.3 out of 5.