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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Safety index

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: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: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: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.

Tap water:Moderate

While tap water in Turkey is chlorinated and considered safe for locals, it may still upset the stomachs of visitors not used to the local water quality. Some areas have particularly hard water which may upset your stomach. Bottled water is readily available and highly recommended for drinking.

Is Turkey safe to travel?

4 /5

Based on 15 experiences

Lily

Lily (24)

United States

Couple travel experience

- I was not traveling alone but I generally did feel safe. Turkish people are really friendly and kind, but they also don’t bother you if you don’t want to be bothered. - Istanbul was the most incredible city. I stayed in kadikoy on the Asian side - HIGHLY RECOMMEND! All the tourists stay in the European side and kadikoy was this perfect little local paradise of young hip people out at bars, cafes, restaurants, record shops, etc. You can just travel to the attractions in the European side when you want to see touristy things - VISIT THE PRINCES ISLANDS! This was my favorite part of my trip. I went to Buyukada during the summer. Idyllic paradise without cars. Only bikes and little summer cottages with men serving the most delicious gelato in their little vintage ice cream carts. Amazing food and nature and relaxed laid back atmosphere.

Posted: March 20, 2024Experienced: August, 2023
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Solo travel experience

Istanbul and antalya are of my favourite places. Infact I went back to turkey last year with fam and visited these two places again. Felt very safe except got my wallet stolen out of my bag in asian side if istanbul

Posted: March 12, 2024
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Nursem

Nursem (31)

Turkey

Family travel experience

Turkey is a safe country. I solo travel by myself as a women for a long time. I can only suggest you to not to stay outside at late hours when there is no one around. But it's same for most other countries these days.

Posted: February 9, 2024Experienced: November, 2023
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Group travel experience

I went to Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Antalya. I went with friends, getting around was very easy, public transportation was great, and I felt safe the whole time.

Posted: December 24, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I traveled alone to Turkey and I never felt unsafe there. Sometimes I felt uncomfortable and had difficulties in Istanbul to push away a few guys trying to attract me to their shop. I made a car journey along the whole turquoise coast and in some smaller towns people stared at me, but I never felt threatened, just out of place.

Posted: December 2, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I love Turkey. I have been there several times and explored it by myself. I adore this place and always felt safe there. There were probably only one or two situations out of four times I was there, when men made me feel a bit uncomfortable (both situations happened in Istanbul).

Posted: July 27, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I just spent a few months in Turkey and I've never experienced any harassment, only a few obvious stares, mainly from older men, and mostly in big cities (Izmir, Istanbul). Most of my time was spent in Kas and Cappadocia and I never felt uncomfortable in any of those places, even felt safe walking there at night. I would recommend visiting Kas - it has the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen.

Posted: July 26, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I spent 2 weeks in Turkey (Istanbul, Cappadocia region and Antalya) and I felt safe everywhere, even when walking alone at night. I dressed conservatively (long pants and t-shirts) in Istanbul and Cappadocia, but Antalya was much more beach-oriented and many people were wearing shorts and crop tops.

Posted: June 22, 2023
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Is Turkey safe for women?

Safety rating

2.7 /5

Based on 8 experiences

Crime rates rating

2 /5

Based on 8 experiences

I couldn't say Turkey is not safe but we always heard on the news about violations, robbery etc And because of not enough precaution you will never know what will happen next. It is a matter of luck i think.

Posted: April 22, 2024
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Türkiye is absolutely gorgeous country. But at the same time little bit feeling unsafe because of the other country's person. But in the day time is total safe, in the dark you can feel little bit nervous.

Posted: April 9, 2024
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Is Turkey safe right now?

Before your visit to Turkey, it's essential to check travel advisories for Turkey, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The United States government advises to exercise increased caution when traveling to Turkey due to terrorism and arbitrary detentions. Note that some areas have an increased risk. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 26, 2023
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Turkey. This advisory is due to the threat of terrorist attacks and the possibility of nationwide demonstrations. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: April 15, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Australian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution overall in Turkey, due to the threat of terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: April 12, 2024

Is Turkey worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 15 experiences

Couple travel experience

Went to 4 places - Cappadocia, Antalya, Istanbul and pammukale. Pammukale - the pools were disappointing :( large portion of it were dry!! But some areas still has pools of water that were beautiful Antalya - lovely to wander around Kaleici! Food was really good and much cheaper than in the main cities Cappadocia - stunning! Istanbul - just think of it as a typical city in another country?

Posted: March 30, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 4/5
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Couple travel experience

The holiday destinations in Turkey are really nice, but since I like to leave the comfort zone and go camping in different natural beauties than the places that everyone visits, I have also gone to rural areas, they are very nice places, I can say that I have never exceeded my budget, street food is very plentiful and cheap. people are also very warm and helpful

Posted: January 21, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Turkey

Meet local women in Turkey who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Gizem

Gizem

About Me

I am visiting Clermont-Ferrand for Clermont-Ferrand film festival. Then I will go to other countries

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Gemma

Gemma

About Me

Hello, My name is Gemma and I'm interested in books, events & social, live music, shopping, sightseeing and solo travel

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Stay with locals in Turkey

Stay with local women in Turkey who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
Helin

Helin

Turkey

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I'm Erasmus student and I study English Language and Literature department. I'm in Poland now.

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Nuran

Nuran

Turkey

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello my name is Nuran I'm 22 years ago I'm a student Turizm management student I love to travel .my favorite thing is to meet new people. I'm going to start a world tourI'm so excited to meet you already.

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Upcoming visitors to Turkey

Connect with upcoming visitors to Turkey who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.
Elif

Elif

About Me

I am start to travel and I want to all world cause of choose best living palace for my future . I am temporary in Türkiye, I will move japan. I am building my career as a remotely

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Easton

Easton

About Me

Hi! My name is Easton. I’m 35 years old and I’m a NYC native. Avid traveler and foodie. I love fitness, sports, fashion and travel. I work in the television industry.

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Safety in Turkey