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 353 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?

Of course it depends on which neighbourhood you live in, but I feel pretty safe in Istanbul. Especially in the neighbourhood I live in it feels very much confident. And even in less improved neighbourhoods I can say it’s not that bad.

Posted: August 1, 2025
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It's not a safe city for women. İt also depends on which part of the city you live, but overall, I dont feel safe at nights. The risk of being mugged is not high, but it's not safe to walk around as a women.

Posted: July 28, 2025
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Depends on where you're going. Bagcilar esenler gaziosmanpasa are the most sketchy areas. However some popular areas may have sketchy neighborhoods aswell. For example, kadikoy is known for lively areas but can be dangerous at night.

Posted: July 25, 2025
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I’ve been living in Istanbul for my entire life , and honestly, it’s much safer than people assume. Of course, like any big city, you need to stay aware but that doesn’t mean it’s dangerous. I walk around at night, take public transport daily, and go out in busy areas like Taksim, Kadıköy, or Beşiktaş without worrying.Sure, you should keep an eye on your stuff in crowded places (that’s just common sense), but Istanbul isn’t scary. It’s full of color, history, food, and energy. If you’re thinking of visiting do it. It’s not just safe, it’s unforgettable.

Posted: July 25, 2025
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There are problem areas like in everywhere but it's an overall safe city. But because of the times everyone has a little bit of a short fuse right now so you can encounter people screaming at each other sometimes.

Posted: July 14, 2025
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Meryem

Meryem

Istanbul usually is very safe around touristic neighborhoods. Night is also truly bright. Just to be safe do try to stick with someone you know and don't look so lost or worried -unfortunately that might attract bugs. I've never experienced nor heard such thing but you might lose/get your money stolen tbf you don't need big cash just some would work for you.

Posted: July 14, 2025
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Is Istanbul worth visiting?

Travel rating

4.5 /5

based on 115 experiences from female travelers

Tuba

Tuba

United Arab Emirates

Solo travel

Istanbul is a vibrant city to visit and experience, its atmosphere and spirit embrace you the moment you arrive. It’s incredibly crowded, and summer isn’t the ideal season due to the heat, but you can still enjoy the city by exploring in the early mornings and evenings. The food is delicious, though noticeably more expensive compared to previous years. Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid unsafe areas, especially late at night.

Posted: July 29, 2025
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Solo travel

Istanbul had a unique atmosphere with its mix of history and modern life. Transportation was easy, the food was amazing, and the sea looked stunning. It’s a vibrant city full of beauty and charm.

Posted: July 25, 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.