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 252 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.2/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.8/5

Turkey, Solo travel

It was ok. People are too pick me, but im talking mostly about men, they do not understand sometimes that you're a regular tourist and just interrupt by being to polite. After all they are ok when you want to bargain when buying something, then they are very okay.

Posted: October 5, 2025
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Antalya, Family travel

It was a beautiful experience I decided to live here its super family friendly its safe aloot in the morning but at night I chose safe areas like downtown and konyaalti i love the beach food the people its a perfect city i love it here and recommend anyone to come visit it

Posted: October 4, 2025
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Natali

Natali

Russia

Kemer, Couple travel

Hi! I want to tell you about my travel experience in Kemer because it is a tourist spot and from their first site there is nothing to do there, but if you have a little imagination, you always can find something. I would recommend visiting some great nature sports like totally go to the Goynuk canyon. I really loved one the bays (tarihi likya yolu Beydağları Sahili Milli Parkı, Tekirova, 07995) but you only get there by car. Also I would recommend to visit Phasselis (by bus from the center). The perfect time to go it’s May or September because the temperature is not that high but you already can swim and also there’s not as many people. choose local places to eat. The perfect sport is near the mosque - Atatürk Bulvarı, Merkez, 121. Sk. No:7, 07990 Kemer/Antalya, Турция overall i felt safe because it’s tourist town but you will get cat called from shops a lot and in bars you will get a lot of unwanted attention

Posted: September 27, 2025
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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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Is Turkey safe for women?

Safety index

3.7 /5

Based on 883 local experiences

Crime index

2.7 /5

Based on 883 local experiences

Eskisehir

one of the safest cities in turkiye for travelers, because it's a student friendly city, the population is mostly young people. The population is friendly to students and young people. They're generally open minded. I wouldn't call turkiye safe overall but eskisehir might be the safest option.

Posted: October 6, 2025
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Safety in Turkey