Is Istanbul Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Istanbul is generally safe for solo female travelers with some caution required. Although crime rate is relatively low, it is advisable to stay vigilant especially in crowded tourist areas due to occasional pickpocketing and scam incidents. It's also important to respect the local customs and dress modestly to prevent unwanted attention. Stick to well-lit areas at night and always inform reliable contacts about your whereabouts.

Safety rating

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How safe is Istanbul?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

Istanbul, a vibrant city, presents a mixed experience at night-time. While it's generally safe to walk around, especially in the bustling areas like Taksim Square and Sultanahmet, there may be less crowded, darker streets where you'd need to exercise more caution. The local police are available round the clock, there are plenty of people out till late and many stores and restaurants are open 24/7. However, as a solo female traveler, vigilance should always be maintained. It's best to avoid poorly lit areas and not to share personal information with unknown persons.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Istanbul, including buses, trams, ferries, and the metro, is generally safe and efficient. The staff is used to dealing with tourists and locals alike, and you should be able to navigate the city without much difficulty. It's recommended to always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid traveling late at night if possible. In spite of these precautions, instances of crime are relatively low, especially during daytime hours.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Moderate

In Istanbul, one could experience different levels of street harassment depending on the area and time of day. These could range from stares and catcalls to aggressive touting. While it is generally safe, incidences of harassment are more noticeable in tourist-heavy areas like Sultanahmet and Taksim Square. It's advised to dress modestly, avoid late-night outings in secluded areas, and ignore without engaging if harassed. Always be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts, as with any other destination.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

Istanbul, much like any other bustling city, has instances of petty crimes such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and minor scams. These incidents tend to be more prevalent in areas crowded with tourists like Taksim Square and Sultanahmet. The city is generally safe but it is vital to stay alert, be aware of your belongings, and avoid flashing expensive items. Use common sense as well as caution when approached by strangers.

Is Istanbul worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 105 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

3.8/5

Couple travel

Being an experienced traveler, I avoided Istanbul for a long time because of the image of being too "touristy." I regret that decision a million times because after being it myself, I fell in love. I am obsessed with how it looks, with the people, and the overall atmosphere. It's a highly international place, where you can always find someone to go out with. I came to Istanbul 3 times in total - in May, in June, and in January. I can say for sure that it is not a nice winter destination - or maybe I was unlucky with the weather - but in May in June it is heavenly nice :) My favorite experiences were: - Turkish breakfast at some terrace with seaview (around 15 euro pp) - famous San Sebastian cheesecake near Galata Tower - Turkish bath (25 euro pp) Some experience that I wouldn't do again - dinner Bosphorus cruise. Overpriced, bad food and diluted drinks, interior and show with 90's vibe (not in a good way)

Posted: May 11, 2025Experienced: May, 2023
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Family travel

It's a very good place to visit , I recommend it . I don't regret going, and I would like to go again. It's not very expensive if you have euro The food is excellent and you can eat wherever. People there are very nice

Posted: April 14, 2025Experienced: March, 2025
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Group travel

Istanbul is a beautiful city. There is so much to do and you will never be bored. Safety wise I would say it’s mostly safe and I’ve never felt unsafe alone at night. But there are men who can cat-call you or pressure you to come into the night clubs.

Posted: April 11, 2025
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Solo travel

Well the traffic is really bad espacially during the rush hours. Apart from the traffic the view i took the picture was fascinating. The food around town is really great and you can actually find different cuisines from all around turkey and they worth to try

Posted: March 17, 2025
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Family travel

I was very young when i visited Istanbul. I had family there, so i've been there once every year. It's a beautiful city that offers everything you desire. The locals are nice, but i would keep to myself as a solo female traveler and not go out when its dark or go into any creepy allys.

Posted: March 16, 2025
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Family travel

I really liked Istanbul. But it was a bit expensive to be honest. The food is great, I definitely recommend you to try it. I felt safe in the city, it is very touristic and full of warm people. I recommend you not to come without seeing Topkapi Palace.

Posted: March 14, 2025Experienced: January, 2025
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Family travel

I really liked Istanbul. But it was a bit expensive to be honest. The food is great, I definitely recommend you to try it. I felt safe in the city, it is very touristic and full of warm people.I recommend you not to come without seeing Topkapi Palace.

Posted: March 14, 2025Experienced: January, 2025
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Sude

Sude

Spain

Couple travel

We stayed in Kadikoy with my fiancée to visit art galleries(specifically Frida Kahlo), museums, Kız Kulesi, Galata Kulesi we stayed at a relative’s house and it was pretty fun we took a lor of pictures. The museum is a must see, also there are bazaars occasionally and it’s cheaper than the places near touristic attractions. People were so kind cats were everywhere. We felt safe yet we were still cautious in crowded places for pickpockets. Transportation was not as much of a disaster as I expected it to be. You don’t wait much and its not that crowded if you don’t take it after 7 pm.

Posted: March 5, 2025
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Elvira

Elvira

Romania

Solo travel

Istanbul was amazing, I felt safe, but of course, as everywhere, you need to be careful. I recommend taking a Bosphorus trip, it’s quite cheap and amazing. I used public transport with an Istanbul card and explored lots of amazing places.

Posted: February 21, 2025
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Family travel

I felt the safest when we went on a boat trip and ate fish sandwiches near the embankment. Our budget was about $1,000, which was enough for two people, including shopping, food, and fun. We stayed at the Naif Bey Hotel, and it was a very good experience.

Posted: February 21, 2025
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Is Istanbul safe for women?

Safety index

3.4 /5

Based on 326 local experiences

Crime index

2.9 /5

Based on 326 local experiences

Sera

Sera

Hello Ladies, In recent years, cases of femicide and rape have unfortunately increased in Turkey. Please avoid walking alone in dark and isolated places at night. As someone living in Istanbul, I can tell you that not every neighborhood is equally safe. Please be cautious for your own safety. Also, be sure to check taxi fares and don’t accept them without knowing the price in advance.

Posted: May 12, 2025
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Hudanur

Hudanur

İstanbul is a very crowded city with a population of 18 million. You can see people outside in many popular places day and night, which makes you feel safer. Don't hastitate to ask if the place you are staying iş safe safe or night. If you want to find someone to speak in English try to choose young people :)

Posted: May 11, 2025
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Meet locals in Istanbul

Doğa

Doğa

About Me

Heyy everyone!! My name is Doga. I’m a cinema student in Istanbul, Türkiye. I am graduating in 3 months (I hope :)). I want to be a director. I try to take part in festivals all around the world. Actually, it was my first motivation to join this app. I got the accreditation for the Cannes Film Festival. I am hoping to find an accommodation for me and my friend who is also a cinema student. I love to travel. I spent one year of my education in Lizbon, Portugal. I am hoping to meet more people around the world and exchange cultures. I hope we can meet!♥️

Speaking

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Sena

Sena

About Me

me is me great chef vegetarian kuir adhd loves anime i can show a lot of places you can pet the cats ehe have you ever want to see draq shows i know the places i know all the budget friendly places im little bit dealing with hyperactivity sometimes always love to explore new things and learn new things bad at grammar (even my native language)

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Istanbul

Fatma

Fatma

Istanbul

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello everyone! I’m Fatma. I have been working as a teacher in İstanbul for six years. I love travelling and solo-travel has become kind of a therapy for me over the years:) If you are in İstanbul, I can show you around at weekends and give you some tips as well. You can ask any questions, please don’t be shy. My home is a bit far from the touristic places, but if you need a place to crash you can come over:)

Speaking

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Begüm

Begüm

Istanbul

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hii!! I’m Begüm from Turkey. Currently I study Western Literatures in University. I am really into art, literature and exploring different cultures, thats why i am on couchsurfing! Im looking forward to meeting you!

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Istanbul

Karina

Karina

About Me

Hi! My name is Karina and I love traveling , and I love ashtanga yoga. Best traveling for me is when I travel for yoga! Hit me up if you live in one of the countries that I am about to visit for coffee, tea, lunch, brunch, breakfast, dinner! Love going and spending time in nature. I am both comfortable with talking and connecting and i am also up for spending some time in silence in nature too and i will love that, or both!

Speaking

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Iris

Iris

About Me

Heyy girls, I kinda fled couchsurfing here because it started to be full of thirsty guys instead of real exchange and interest, which it used to be. My friend found this place and now im here! Im living and studying in Leipzig since the end of 2020, but im originally from Helsinki. I also have family in Greece which is why I go there each summer for a visit. I study a mix of informatics and humanities and im very into it. Im not the nerdiest nerd, but programming, digital media, ai and stuff interest me. Otherwise im very artistic and I like stuff like music, film and theater, and obv. i love going out dancing, beer, good food and conversations. Traveling is one of my favorite things, I wish I could do it more. I love warm countries, cities with history, alternative places and ruins, but generally im pretty open for anything and especially with fun company. Balkans, southern Spain and Portugal interest me lately. My wish is to someday do a half year South-America tour (and so also skip winter in Europe). Warning: Im the type of person who says „we can walk there“. Sorry, but im not sorry.

Speaking

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Safety in Turkey