Based on 58 experiences
I felt very safe (wearing hijab). I do not speak the language and they do not speak much English. I loved the shopping and beautiful mosques but the food was not good other than the Lebanese food which was amazing. Loved all the cats everywhere. Transportation was expensive in my experience.
Posted: April 4, 2024Istanbul is very beautiful and amazing but I had a bad experience in hotel, I highly recommend don't take your valuable things in hotel's safe box. Our money was lost in safe box and no one was not respond even hotel responsible and police had very bad and unsecure behaviour
Posted: March 14, 2024Experienced: January, 2023Istanbul is a beautiful place with historic, but also modern places. I felt very safe traveling solo, even during the night. As an Asian, I did feel like they stare a bit more, but it’s only because they watch a lot of Korean dramas and are curious about us. Nothing too alarming. They’re all really nice and just want to get to know your culture
Posted: March 2, 2024It was very safe to travel, we took train, spent 200 dollars for 1 week, stayed in airbnb, had local food like kebabs. Booked a tour for 10 dollars and went to kars Armenia border and to Erzurum and went for skiing. Overall amazing trip
Posted: February 11, 2024We stayed on the European side of Istanbul. It definitely felt safe at the time but we were also very conscious of our belongings, watching around us, etc. food was marvelous but at times hard to find vegetarian options. Very budget friendly and something for everyone! One of my favorite cities
Posted: February 2, 2024Kristen
Japan
I had a wonderful time in Istanbul, coming from Japan I had to keep in mind their idea of "space" is different and for them to be standing close to you is not seen as intimidating. I had one experience when an older man directly asked me for a blow job (of course he said it was a "joke" when I told him how inappropriate he was being) but there are rude men anywhere. Other than that, I felt generally safe and had an amazing time and loved the food especially. I highly recommend taking a food tour, that was one of my best memories of the trip.
Posted: January 26, 2024Alysha
South Africa
Istanbul is a fairly safe, and friendly city. There are a few scams that one should research before getting there but I had no issues. I spent 5 days in Istanbul, before visiting other areas of Türkiye, and would absolutely go back. Getting around is easy with various methods of transport. I used metro, Uber, and bus. One thing to be aware of is traffic in peak hours, Uber can be pricy (and drivers want to avoid the toll if you’re traveling between the Asian and European side) and the metros are very full. I stayed on the Asian side, it was less busy than the European side and a beautiful experience.
Posted: January 8, 2024Istanbul is a beautiful city, it is accessible with good rates for hotels, local food, and the metro system works really well and it is not expensive.Santa Sofia and the Blue Mesquite are something you cannot miss, and walking on the streets eaither alone or in a group, you feel safe.
Posted: November 19, 2023Experienced: October, 2023In my opinion Istanbul is city of love. If you want to have a good experience with food and the view of every street of a city you should see Istanbul with your partner. People are so nice and accepting to foreign visitors. But i recommend you to visit with your friend or your partner because some areas of Istanbul can be dangerous at the night time.
Posted: November 1, 2023Experienced: August, 2023I had a really good time in Istanbul. I felt safe, but I was careful and I really didn't hang out with people I met randomly. I even walked alone at night and it was fine. It's a fun city, full of energy. I stayed in Kadikoy, which is on the Asian side and has a more hipster, youthful vibe. I loved it.
Posted: October 25, 2023Based on 31 experiences
Based on 31 experiences
I think İstanbul is safer than most of the European cities. But as a young woman I am not sure that if I can walk alone in the dark without worrying. And I think public transportation like bus, ferry or something like that are safe too but I can't say the same about metro stations.
Posted: April 28, 2024While Istanbul is very upscale on some matters, it is a vast cosmopolitan area where there are neighborhoods one should never enter. Therefore, it would be beneficial to use popular spots for accommodation and sightseeing. However, it is a city filled with legends that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.
Posted: April 27, 2024based on 58 experiences
I travelled in Istanbul in 2022 it was a solo trip. Actually it was an amazing experience which change me a lot. That was my first time to travel alone. Turkey in general is a country. It has a diversity in nature, activity, food. I recommend Turkish delights so much. I really loved them. Also the prices is ok and the people are friendly. I also enjoyed the see tour in Istanbul so much. I went to princess island. I stayed there two weeks and I really recommend people to visit Istanbul
Posted: April 4, 2024Emine
Turkey
I stayed at my friend's house in Istanbul. I felt safe in the house. But I was a little scared on my own outside because it was very crowded. If you go, ride a bicycle and fish on Büyükada. I used appetizing things to eat. Restaurants are very expensive. If you want to rent a car for transportation, the traffic is very heavy. It can take hours. I think using the metro and other fast transportation will get you to your target quickly.
Posted: March 21, 2024Ebru
Hi, I'm Ebru. I am a software engineer, living in Istanbul, Turkey. I travel solo so I am looking forward to meet new people! :)
Gizem
I am visiting Clermont-Ferrand for Clermont-Ferrand film festival. Then I will go to other countries
Ayfer
Istanbul
3 days
Hey guys, I m Ayfer from Türkiye. I m 48 y.o and I like travel. But our economy is very bad and I can't stay a hotel. If you are good host I can stay with you. I am adaptable, affectionate and friendly a woman. Will you accept me as your guest?
Easton
Hi! My name is Easton. I’m 35 years old and I’m a NYC native. Avid traveler and foodie. I love fitness, sports, fashion and travel. I work in the television industry.