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

Travel and Meet new People

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies and stay with local women for free through hospitality exchange.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

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

4.6 /5

based on 160 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.3/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

4.1/5
Maria

Maria

Bulgaria

Istanbul, Group travel

Istanbul, one of the oldest cities, full with historical heritage. • transport: Everything in the city centre is almost walk-by distance but if you want to go to some place a bit further I would suggest taking the “Istanbul card” as in some public transportations do not accept credit card, plus it is also cheaper. • budged: Feel free to bargain with the sellers 😂 Most of the times the prices are high as the ceiling. Be ready to hear - “For you, 10% discount) There are a lot of scammers, don’t fall for them and be careful.

Posted: December 25, 2024
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0
Şeyma

Şeyma

Turkey

Istanbul, Solo travel

First of all, I can't give you information about accommodation because I stayed with my brothers. I didn't have a car so I only traveled by public transportation. I think public transportation in Istanbul is clean and accessible. However, it is a bit expensive and especially very busy during working hours. You can find any cuisine or food you are looking for in Istanbul. Since Istanbul is a metropolitan city, I would say do not trust anyone. There are so many activities to do in Istanbul. Concerts, museums, art exhibitions, ferry tours, visiting palaces, walking on the Bosphorus, trying Turkish food... Whatever kind of holiday you want, Istanbul can offer you that. If you don't know where to go other than the most touristic places, you can send me a message :)

Posted: December 24, 2024Experienced: December, 2022
favorite_border 2
mode_comment 0
Gulnoza

Gulnoza

Uzbekistan

Istanbul, Solo travel

It was amazing I googled the best places to go and I have been to all locations! The places were very beautiful and I enjoyed a lot. I visited galata tower, Osmanli palace, the colorful stairs, the historical other places.

Posted: November 21, 2024
favorite_border 2
mode_comment 0

Istanbul, Solo travel

I’ve traveled solo in Istanbul and I felt incredibly safe. Common sense and street smarts. Using the tram is easy. There’s so much to do. Not knowing Turkish is fine.

Posted: November 1, 2024
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0

Istanbul, Solo travel

I felt safe but sometimes cat called by some people. Or at night street get too empty with no police around. Overall very late at night it's not super safe to be around shady places. Generally i had nice experience amd i enjoyed it

Posted: October 18, 2024Experienced: September, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Turkey, Solo travel

Most definitely should be one everybody’s bucket list. Turkey has so much to offer, nature, history, activities, delicious food and crazy markets. Good connection between most touristic places and surprisingly many people speak decent english.

Posted: October 12, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
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
favorite_border 2
mode_comment 0

Is Turkey safe for women?

Safety index

3.6 /5

Based on 190 local experiences

Crime index

2.4 /5

Based on 190 local experiences

Istanbul

Istanbul is a very touristic place and very very busy so it’s rare that you would find yourself walking alone in a dark street. There is always people, shops and vehicles. I see plenty of females walking alone at night time as I do myself too.

Posted: December 26, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Bursa

Bursa is a good city but after dark girls especially should be careful. Sometimes boy just tell something like ooo beautiful something, I hate it. İt's not about what you wear. But in city centre i think it's safer

Posted: December 25, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Meet locals in Turkey

Dilay

Dilay

About Me

I am an 20 year old engineering student in Istanbul, Turkey and I like to travel when I can spare time from school. I am also a part time musician and I play the flute in a youth symphony orchestra. I would like to meet new people around the world and become friends. I enjoy hosting the people I met and and showing them around. I would also be very excited to visit them in their country.

Speaking

mode_comment 3
Ayşenur

Ayşenur

About Me

Hii ı am ayşenur,ı live in eskisehir.I am glad to know different persons and hang out.🌝

Speaking

mode_comment 1

Stay with locals in Turkey

Dilay

Dilay

Istanbul

Can host for:

4 days

About me

I am an 20 year old engineering student in Istanbul, Turkey and I like to travel when I can spare time from school. I am also a part time musician and I play the flute in a youth symphony orchestra. I would like to meet new people around the world and become friends. I enjoy hosting the people I met and and showing them around. I would also be very excited to visit them in their country.

Speaking

mode_comment 3
Beyzanur

Beyzanur

Ankara

Can host for:

3 days

About me

This is Beyza ✨ I'm a doctor, working in a small city in Turkiye. I want to travel as much as possible to learn new languages and cultures. I would like to visit festivals, events and some interesting manifestations which can improve my knowledge about the country I am visiting. I play guitar, ukulele a bit of piano and like to listen to other people play something. Also I am interested in photography and every type of art. I like to describe myself as a very open-minded person, always willing to learn, help, teach, share and participate in adventure. I like riding bike, hiking and running. My favorite food... I like tasting new and traditional things (except too spicy). In my spare time I like to sing, read, go to theatre and cinema. I like to spend time in nature and I am not that much into big cities, I would like to visit hidden treasures of every country. My favorite season is spring because I like warm weather and spring flowers. People say that I am very energetic and usually they remember me by my smile. I do laugh a lot 😄 I would like to share my experiences and my place with good couchsufers who will come and visit Ankara.

Speaking

mode_comment 1

Upcoming visitors to Turkey

SENA

SENA

About Me

Hello im Sena,21,Türkiye. Im looking for friends,language exchange partner,travel buddy.... Im introvert i dont like talk much but i travel well i mean (walking😄,interesting ideas)

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Zai

Zai

About Me

Hello, Pleasure meeting you. My name is Zai and i'm 26 I was born and Raised from Kuwait and I work in the police station office 🏢 the reason why I joined here coz I love traveling to other places and learn about the cultures however, I don't think it will be fun to travel alone... I felt like something is missing? Maybe we can be friends and a travel buddy!

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Safety in Turkey