Is Turkey Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Traveling solo as a woman in Turkey is generally safe. Large cities like Istanbul and Ankara, as well as tourist hubs such as Antalya and Cappadocia, are typically welcoming to foreign visitors. However, like many places, it demands a certain level of consciousness and alertness, especially at night. Always be aware of your surroundings, maintain personal boundaries, and avoid secluded areas. It can be helpful to learn a few key phrases in Turkish, but most people in Turkey's tourist areas speak English.

Safety rating

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How safe is Turkey?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

Turkey's safety can vary greatly depending upon the location and specific circumstances. Major cities like Istanbul and Ankara maintain a lively nightlife and are generally safe, yet usual precautions should be taken, as in any major city. Walking alone at night is generally safe in busy neighborhoods and tourist zones, but it's always advisable to stay within well-lit areas and avoid less populated locales. Small towns and rural areas may pose increased risks due to lower police presence and less infrastructure. As always, it's crucial to stay alert, informed, confident, and aware of your surroundings.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

In Turkey, the public transportation system, which includes buses, trams, and the metro, is generally quite secure and reliable. Even during night hours, it's possible to use these services without encountering major safety concerns. However, like any travel scenario, it is advised to stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas, as pickpocketing can sometimes occur. Other than that, many female solo travelers have found public transportation in Turkey to be a viable and mostly safe option for moving around.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Moderate

As a solo female traveler in Turkey, it is not uncommon to encounter some level of street harassment. This could range from catcalling to persistent vendors and unsolicited advances. That said, it usually doesn't escalate beyond verbal exchanges and tends to largely occur in crowded, tourist-heavy areas. The majority of Turkish locals are friendly, respectful, and incredibly hospitable. However, understanding that street harassment is circumstantial and can vary based on the specific region, time, and even your outfit is beneficial. Practicing caution and choosing to ignore or address such behavior assertively can be of great help in these scenarios.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

In Turkey, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching are somewhat common, particularly in crowded areas such as markets and public transportation. Be particularly cautious in tourist-heavy areas, as these tend to be the spots where such activities are most prevalent. However, if vigilant, it is generally easy to avoid such incidents.

Is Turkey worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 249 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.2/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.8/5

Kusadasi, Solo travel

I stayed at a 3-star hotel right by the beach. Markets nearby had affordable food, but restaurants in the tourist area cost €15–30. In the city center, fish with bread was cheap. Minibuses to the center were frequent and low-cost, the area felt safe, and Izmir airport was about a 2-hour bus ride.

Posted: September 13, 2025Experienced: August, 2024
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Fethiye, Group travel

Among my favorite cities in Turkey, I had a wonderful and enjoyable time at the paradisiacal coves and the magnificent beaches of Ölüdeniz with its clear, deep blue waters. 🌊☀️ * Cable car at Babadağ * Kabak Cove * Butterfly Valley * Ölüdeniz Beach - Sea Me, Kumburnu * Faralya * Paspatur Bazaar (Old town) * 12 Islands tour

Posted: September 8, 2025
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Konya, Solo travel

I had a lovely time in Konya back in April. I did a Sufi full day tour, visited Sille village, watched the dervishes at Irfan center, and met with a local Travel Ladies member who made me feel so welcomed and took me out for lunches, teas, and desserts. The local transport system (Dolmuş) was a challenging to navigate, but with the help of Google maps google translate I was able to find my way. I felt very safe there as a solo female traveller

Posted: September 3, 2025Experienced: March, 2025
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Nuran

Nuran

Turkey

Canakkale, Family travel

My sister, my brother in law and I went to the Çanakkale for the camping. We stayed assos for 2 nights and 3 mornings. Our campsite was in a very beautiful and safe place, and everything was available to meet your personal needs. Since no one interfered with each other, we had a very comfortable and pleasant time.

Posted: August 28, 2025
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Canakkale, Group travel

It was very safe and peaceful city , in the daytime its quiet and so many people around but i like the nightlife. I stayed at the anzac hotel but there are so many of them i stayed the on that has a doner shop right in front of it.(close to that clock tower) And the hotels food was very salty the fries and meats but overall alright And the wifi was slow. I would recommend the i dont know what is that called but i think it was like a pizza toast or sandwich something that has cheese pepperoni and tomato sauce on the side. It is located right beside my hotel and the owner was very wholesome

Posted: August 25, 2025
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Is Turkey safe for women?

Safety index

3.7 /5

Based on 874 local experiences

Crime index

2.7 /5

Based on 874 local experiences

Istanbul

If you avoid certain neighborhoods late at night and stay in busy areas, you shouldn’t have any problems in Istanbul. Just keep an eye on your bag and other belongings to prevent theft. Public transportation is generally safe, especially the metro. I’d recommend not taking minibuses or other shared vans.

Posted: September 15, 2025
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Safety in Turkey