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 245 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.2/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

3.8/5

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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Merve

Merve

Turkey

Kastamonu, Family travel

Horma Kanyonu was breathtaking. There is a 3 km walking path. Every view is like an image from heaven. And at the end of the path there is even a waterfall! Ilıca Waterfall is so beautiful too. I love it💙✨😍🦋

Posted: August 24, 2025Experienced: June, 2025
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Eskisehir, Solo travel

I actually lived in Eskisehir for two and a half years. I went to university there and it was the perfect place to be a student really. If you stay too much you might run out of activities but the food and the vibes of the city are great. I felt safe even though I was a woman who lived alone. Kanlikavak and Odunpazari houses, the Porsuk Stream, and the bars, nightlife… I really miss Eskisehir and totally recommend it to ones who are interested to visit!

Posted: August 24, 2025Experienced: May, 2024
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Widad

Widad

Algeria

Istanbul, Solo travel

Istanbul was magical. I had a blast there! It was my first time traveling abroad and I did it alone, no regrets🥰 Met amazing people and i felt safe there the whole time I didn’t do many activity since the trip was poorely planned yet i had so much fun. The public transportation is greaatt, didn’t have to use a taxi once. I mostly used buses,public ferries and metros/tram

Posted: August 14, 2025
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Side, Family travel

I felt relatively safe. The food was very tasty and of good quality. The Turks don't really use their own currency, which surprised me a bit. They use Euro in almost every place there. They pay for almost everything in cash, so if someone wants to go there, they should prepare for this, as you can only use a bank card in a few places. We stayed at a hotel called Side Village. The atmosphere was homely, the staff were open, friendly, and kind. The food was delicious.

Posted: August 13, 2025
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Is Turkey safe for women?

Safety index

3.7 /5

Based on 858 local experiences

Crime index

2.7 /5

Based on 858 local experiences

Ümraniye

It’s not a safe place actually. But if you visit there in the morning you don’t need big worries. Also people are so judgemental so don’t care them, if you can. Also Ümraniye is not a place to visit.

Posted: August 25, 2025
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Safety in Turkey