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 104 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

3.8/5

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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Samanta

Samanta

Lithuania

Group travel

Istanbul became my most favourite city… I miss it every day. I got obsessed with vibes, food and people. It was the most beautiful experience I ever had in my life. Also! I felt so safe there. I got lucky to meet very good people

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

Safety index

3.4 /5

Based on 317 local experiences

Crime index

2.9 /5

Based on 317 local experiences

shervina

shervina

It’s safe but some area Not everywhere You can't trust everyone cuz they are scammers and u should be aware of tjose people absolutely with those shoes cleaner in taksim area they drop the brush in ground and you will pickup it and call them about it And for this kindness they want you to clean your shoes and ask for money

Posted: April 21, 2025
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Please don't go to the streets others warned you about because even locals don't pass those places. Public places are usually safe. Especially if it's crowded. Don't be hesitant to call for help there are more people to help you

Posted: April 18, 2025
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Meet locals in Istanbul

Fatma

Fatma

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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Precious

Precious

About Me

Hello my name is precious, I was born in turkey, Im Nigerian, i was raised both in Nigeria and turkey, I’ve spent most of my time in turkey so I consider myself a bit of a local, currently study psychology at Haliç university, I love traveling visiting new places and meeting new people, I love arts of any form, Im very open minded and outgoing, i love reading, I love museums and food i crochet and learning to play the guitar, I haven’t had the opportunity to travel as much as I’d like to and Im trying to change that.

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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Ilgım

Ilgım

Istanbul

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I’m a pharmacist who’s really into solo travelling and meeting new people During my visits i love meeting new people and getting to experience the area through the eyes of locals. And i also love being able to make people experience istanbul’u through to eyes of locals.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Istanbul

Carissa

Carissa

About Me

Hi, I'm Carissa, I'm 32, and my pronouns are she/her. I love to travel and see less of the touristy things. Although I'm really big on history, architecture, learning how things are made, and food when it comes to travel. I have two cute Yorkies (hypoallergenic) at home that I love dearly, but I am allergic to animal dander. I tend to be on the quieter side, but I love getting to hear other people's stories and try to learn as much as I can wherever I go. I value meeting people, dancing, laughing, eating new things and enjoying magical moments that travel has to offer. I love talking about physical and mental health, food from both historical and socio-economic perspectives, cultural norms, and family systems. You could also find me talking about dance, movies, music, art and fashion. I love it all.

Speaking

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Nana

Nana

About Me

🧳 I loveee traveling! (Kinda obvious i know) 🥟 Eating is my passion (but i have to confess i am not the best cook but i try) ⚔️ i am looking for adventures/getting out of my comfort zone 🌿i am really flexible and spontaneous person 🧵 i love to learn new things, especially handcrafts Unexpected detours, are the best thing that happened to me :)

Speaking

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Safety in Turkey