Is Ankara Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Ankara predominantly has an accepting and hospitable culture with locals generally courteous to tourists. Important to note are the country's modest dress codes especially in more conservative areas. At night, it's advisable to stay in well-lit and populated areas, and rely on registered taxis for transportation. The city is generally secure but the usual safety precautions need to be taken, such as staying aware of your surroundings and keeping your belongings secure.

Safety rating

4.1 /5

Based on 21 experiences from female travelers

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.6 /5

Based on 74 experiences from local women

Ankara is currently ranked #15 safest place in Turkey for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 4.1 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Ankara?

Safety at night:Moderate

Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, is generally safe, but like any large city, it's wise to take precautions. During the day it is quite safe. After sundown, however, some areas can become less secure. While incidents are not common, it's best not to walk alone late at night, especially in less busy areas or smaller side streets. Stick to well-lit, populated areas and avoid risky areas.

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Ankara is generally safe and reliable. Metro, bus, and minibus networks are expansive and can get you virtually anywhere you need to go. However, as with any large city, it's advisable to be cautious about your belongings, as pick-pocketing can happen. Women travelers occasionally report cases of unwanted attention, especially during the city's busier hours. Stay vigilant, especially when traveling at night, and take taxis from reputable companies when possible. It might be useful to know some basic Turkish phrases for communication. As always, trust your instincts and if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself from it.

Street harassment:Moderate

Ankara, the capital of Turkey, is generally a safe city. Yet, solo female travelers might occasionally encounter certain instances of street harassment such as unwelcome attention or remarks, especially in crowded places or at night. Learning a few key Turkish phrases and dressing modestly can often help. Remember, adopting a confident demeanor and keeping vigilant can go a long way in securing your personal safety.

Petty crimes:Moderate

Ankara does witness some petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching, especially in touristic and crowded places. However, it isn't widespread, and keeping an alert mind and taking basic precautions should help you avoid such situations. Most areas are safe to explore, but it's always good to stay vigilant, especially while using public transportation or visiting local markets.

Is Ankara worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 21 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.1/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5

Solo travel

Ankara is a beautiful city but i think its a little bit boring. Anıtkabir was a must seen place i think my experience was really emotional. Tunalı was a good place. I tried cocktails at pint and they were delicious

Posted: August 26, 2024Experienced: July, 2024

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Solo travel

The city was amazing and beautiful and the people were friendly with tourists. I reserved a really cheap hotel because I had little budget, but despite the prices it was really great and I also met a new friend, that by my solo trip, I think that was amazing;)

Posted: April 19, 2024

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Family travel

Ankara has become an indispensable city for me because my cousin lives there, and I didn't have to pay any fees to stay. It's a city steeped in history, especially in Ulus. The Parliament and Anıtkabir are definitely must-see places. The locations where the Battle of Sakarya took place are also noteworthy. Before climbing Ankara Castle, there are many museums you can visit. There are many famous streets like Kızılay and Tunalı, all of which you can explore on foot. Walking through the streets is the most beautiful way to understand a city. :)

Posted: January 6, 2024

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Is Ankara safe for women?

Safety index

3.6 /5

Based on 74 local experiences

Crime index

2.3 /5

Based on 74 local experiences

Emel

Ankara, main places are crowded and generally safe cause too many polices work anywhere in capital. Also public transport is easy and reliable day and night. Students and expats are located in center,Çankaya.

Posted: April 7, 2025

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Merve

I always go out during the day, so I can't really comment on late-night safety. But during the daytime, Ankara is pretty safe. You can use public transportation without worrying. I don’t have much experience with taxis, but everyone agrees that Ankara has a good transportation system. I’ve been living in Ankara for four years and have never experienced any safety issues. Am I just lucky? I don’t think so — I believe it’s because my city is actually safe.

Posted: April 7, 2025

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Meet locals in Ankara

Deniz

About Me

Hi, I’m Deniz! I’m a 18-year-old student from Türkiye with a big passion for creativity, storytelling, and exploring the world one adventure at a time. I’m an artist and writer at heart—I love sketching, journaling, and finding inspiration in everyday beauty, whether it’s in a quiet alley in Paris or a bustling café in Berlin. I’ve traveled to several European countries and love connecting with different cultures, especially through local art, food, and architecture. I’m the type of person who will stop to admire the light hitting a building just right or spend an hour in a little bookstore tucked away in a side street. When I’m not studying or working on school projects, I’m usually listening to music (Lana Del Rey is a comfort artist for me), watching animated films, or planning my next trip. I believe in kind conversations, meaningful moments, and finding magic in small things. If you’re someone who enjoys deep talks, spontaneous detours, or just wants a travel buddy to explore cities with, I’d love to connect!

Speaking

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Nazra

About Me

Hiii I’m Nazra. I am a third year psychology student and want to be a clinical psychologist. I love traveling, reading, baking and listening to music. My favorite color is green and I am a virgo :) I have traveled to 7 countries before and want to travel the whole world.

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Stay with locals in Ankara

Gülenyüz

Ankara

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi I am Gülenyüz from Ankara /Turkey . A 22 years old , student. I don't travel much but for a semester I'll be in Siena/Italy and I'll travel as much as I can . I wanted to meet some people while travelling. I'd love to discover the places with some locals .

Speaking

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Efsun

Ankara

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I take life seriously, but not myself—laughter and deep conversations are my thing. I love organizing events, exploring new places, and diving into topics like love, trust, and AI, all while keeping things fun. Art, cultural discoveries, and meaningful discussions bring me joy. I enjoy planning, but I also embrace life’s surprises. After all, the best moments are the ones we share!