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 index

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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

4.4 /5

based on 28 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.4/5

Safety

3.9/5

Food

4.1/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5

Mardin, Couple travel

I went there with my boyfriend. We stayed at Midyat. You should hire a car to visit places that worth to see. People in Mardin are very helpful and tried to help as much as they can. You should see there...

Posted: October 9, 2024Experienced: April, 2024
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Cris

Cris

United States

Turkey, Family travel

Visited Turkey 3 weeks ago. I can say I’ve been but don’t plan to revisit. Men are very pushy to the point of making a female feel unsafe. What time I spent in Turkey I never heard or saw one woman open her mouth to speak except our tour guide. There’s no doubt that women are considered chattel property and for this American that is unacceptable.

Posted: September 22, 2024
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shomaila

shomaila

Turkey

Istanbul, Group travel

I felt moderately safe. Public transports you have to be very careful. Bosphorus Tour, blue mosque, Hagia Sophia and castle are a must visit. Try lahmacun, pide, eskender, Adana kebab for food. Istanbul is very expensive lately. Find good cheap hotels. I stayed in MLS ŞIŞLI hotel, booked from Agoda. Transport is very easy. Use public transport and use googled maps for it.

Posted: September 21, 2024Experienced: September, 2024
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Ayse

Ayse

Germany

Antalya, Solo travel

It was totally safe. I have rented an apartment with pool and breakfast. The sea in the center is quiet good and clean. The food was expensive so i cooked a lot at home. Hiking, rafting, sea tours, swimming was really joyful.

Posted: September 21, 2024
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Anita

Anita

Finland

Alanya, Solo travel

Hello, I have been in Turkey many times and first I fell for Side. It's a wonderful place! But then in Alanya I found friends (Turkish) of course) the thing is that if you get one real friend there Ups! you have a lot of them. Genuin Turkish people are really hospitable and caring.I feel really safe there.

Posted: September 21, 2024Experienced: August, 2024
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Madelen

Madelen

Norway

Cappadocia, Solo travel

Cappadocia was an amazing experience! I enjoyed walking in the neighbourhood by the AirBnB location, exploring the cave churches and landscape. It's unique. I recommend doing as many activities as you can afford, like horse riding, sunset at cafes, camel riding, ATV, and hot air balloon to watch the sunrise 🌅

Posted: September 18, 2024Experienced: July, 2024
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Fethiye, Solo travel

ScubaDiving was great and a must to do activity But dont do it if you’re afraid of depths Also must go for boat trip with party music. Beaches are really good as well Safe city with lots of foreigners

Posted: September 18, 2024
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Istanbul, Solo travel

It was very nice experience in Istanbul, people were nice and friendly, food was amazing and their portions are crazy, the weather in may was perfect to walk, and also to take a ride on a boat, which is really cheap (1$) .

Posted: September 12, 2024Experienced: May, 2024
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Istanbul, Solo travel

I felt safe in most areas. Using public transport was easy and safe. Some nice experiences are hidden from sight e.g photo experience in the Basilica cistern. Food is large in portion and tasty. The airport is far from the city but multiple bus options.

Posted: September 11, 2024Experienced: October, 2020
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Didim, Couple travel

We rented a cabin/ apartment just at the entrance of the city and you should consider either driving there or renting a car in the city center. It was an amazing Aegean vacation experience the water, the weather… everything was amazing. It’s a bit more expensive than Kos island in Greece but still worth seeing all those villages around the sea.

Posted: September 11, 2024
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Is Turkey safe for women?

Safety index

3.6 /5

Based on 161 local experiences

Crime index

2.3 /5

Based on 161 local experiences

Cappadocia

Cappadoccia is very touristic. Especially touristic places are quite safe. There are good and safe places to see and drink something. Before going there one should check everthing on maps and read the reviews

Posted: October 9, 2024
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Ankara

Some places like Çankaya are quite safe. But you need to be careful especially in Altındağ. If you want to see Ankara Castle, you need to go there in the day, at night I don't recommend to go there...

Posted: October 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 Türkiye due to the threat of terrorist attacks and the possibility of demonstrations throughout the country. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: August 21, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

Here is the revised text with redaction and improved formatting: --- The Australian government advises exercising a high degree of caution in **Türkiye** overall due to the threat of terrorism. --- Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: September 29, 2024

Meet locals in Turkey

Zeynep

Zeynep

About Me

Hi, I'm Zeynep! Open minded and free spirit. Collector of adventures, memories, soul connections, life lessons, beautiful sentences.. I have been interested in art for many years, I especially like drawing and painting to reduce my stress and improve myself. Also I like photographing the beauties I see, this is how I immortalize them. I am a complete summer person. Swimming at sunset and sleeping under the stars bring me a lot of joy. Being with animals and in nature makes me feel peaceful. I also like to see new places, learn information, and have experiences that will push my boundaries. Since childhood, I have had a passion for being a traveler. I quickly realized that maps and research books were not enough to satisfy my curiosity. I want not only to see new places, but also to try to understand people by experiencing different cultures, to see animals in their own nature and to feel the beautiful lands of the world.

Speaking

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Göksu

Göksu

About Me

I’m a 25 year old girl who is travelling solo right now. I travelled last year also solo and with my boyfriend and with my other friends. I love meeting new people, thats one of my purposes too, not only see the world meet people and become a world citizen even more. I’m dentist but i quit my job to travel for a while, when i’m not travelling i am living in Ankara (capital of Turkey) and i also want to be host when i go back.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Turkey

Göksu

Göksu

Ankara

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I’m a 25 year old girl who is travelling solo right now. I travelled last year also solo and with my boyfriend and with my other friends. I love meeting new people, thats one of my purposes too, not only see the world meet people and become a world citizen even more. I’m dentist but i quit my job to travel for a while, when i’m not travelling i am living in Ankara (capital of Turkey) and i also want to be host when i go back.

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Zeynep

Zeynep

Turkey

Can host for:

2 days

About me

Hi, I'm Zeynep! Open minded and free spirit. Collector of adventures, memories, soul connections, life lessons, beautiful sentences.. I have been interested in art for many years, I especially like drawing and painting to reduce my stress and improve myself. Also I like photographing the beauties I see, this is how I immortalize them. I am a complete summer person. Swimming at sunset and sleeping under the stars bring me a lot of joy. Being with animals and in nature makes me feel peaceful. I also like to see new places, learn information, and have experiences that will push my boundaries. Since childhood, I have had a passion for being a traveler. I quickly realized that maps and research books were not enough to satisfy my curiosity. I want not only to see new places, but also to try to understand people by experiencing different cultures, to see animals in their own nature and to feel the beautiful lands of the world.

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Upcoming visitors to Turkey

Annelise

Annelise

About Me

Hi I’m Annelise! I am 26, a big art and coffee Lover and I absolutely love traveling, I think it is the best thing you can do for yourself as a person! I definitely base a lot of my travel events around trying as much local food as possible and seeing art, but am always open to trying new things

Speaking

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Deeksha

Deeksha

About Me

Hey! Myself Deeksha, 28 years old Indian origin women. I am settled here in dubai because of my job as legal consultant. Very much found of travelling, mostly travel solo and will love to host, be a guide or advisor for anyone planning trip to dubai.

Speaking

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Safety in Turkey