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

4.1 /5

Based on 43 experiences

3.5 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety overview

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: 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: 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: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.

Tap water:Unsafe

While tap water in Istanbul is technically treated and considered safe to drink, many locals and tourists prefer to not drink it due to taste and occasional inconsistencies in the water infrastructure. This may lead to upset stomachs especially for those who aren't used to it. It is highly recommended to purchase bottled water or use a reliable water purifier.

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Travel experiences

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 43 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.8/5

Safety

4.1/5

Food

4.7/5

Budget-friendly

4.4/5

Solo travel experience

Istanbul has a lot to offer. Galata Tower and Bridge, Colorful Stairs, Covered Bazaar, Balat, restaurants with a terrace view, etc. Personally, it enchanted me, and I will definitely go back there. Lovely people, delicious food, beautiful views, and a great atmosphere. One of the best cities.

Posted: November 28, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Group travel experience

I travelled to Istanbul with a friend of mine on an interrail trip last August. Turkey is an amazing country and locals are really welcoming and helpful. The food and the journey were very cheap and I fell in love with Cappadocia.

Posted: November 27, 2023Experienced: July, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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Group travel experience

Istanbul 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, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

In 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, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 4/5
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Solo travel experience

I had a great time in Istanbul. Felt safe but I was cautious and I didn’t really hang out with anyone I met randomly. I even went walking alone at night and it was fine. It’s a fun city, with a lot of energy. I stayed in Kadikoy which is on the Asian side and has more of a hipster younger vibe. I loved it.

Posted: October 25, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Spent 2 weeks in Istanbul and had some of the best food I’ve ever had in my life. But I will never again go back as a solo female traveler. The street harassment is unreal and I had to switch my hotel due to harassment from hotel staff. It felt much safer on the Asian side, didn’t experience nearly the same level of crap over there and it has a much more chill vibe than the European side.

Posted: October 23, 2023
Things to do: 4/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 3/5
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Solo travel experience

Istanbul is a very safe city. I explored for 2 days on my own, feeling very comfortable. I don't recommend driving a car because of heavy traffic. The Asian side is very nice, more local, with fewer tourists. I enjoyed beautiful sunsets overlooking the Bosphorus and the old (European) part of the city.

Posted: October 22, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I explored Istanbul solo this April. The people were very helpful, especially the women, they were kind. Most young people speak English. The men mostly wanted money or to take me to their carpet store, so don’t ask them. Some were nice but it’s difficult to decipher their intentions. I felt safe but took normal traveling precautions. The transit felt safe as well.

Posted: October 19, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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Solo travel experience

I was just in Istanbul alone and I was really worried about going there because I had a horrible experience in Morocco a few years ago. I stayed in the touristy areas, mostly Sultanahmet and Galata, and I did not experience any sexual harassment. A couple of overeager vendors at the market, but nothing too bad. I felt pretty safe overall. I dressed pretty modestly: a long dress and a cardigan, or knee-length skirt and a shirt with short or long sleeves.

Posted: October 17, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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Solo travel experience

I went by myself and felt safe at all times. The people were so friendly and kind, the food was wonderful and everything was so beautiful. The only time I felt uncomfortable at all was in the grand bazaar, only because of the pressure to buy. I was followed by several vendors. I wasn’t uncomfortable due to safety issues, just extreme sales pressure.

Posted: October 16, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Local experiences

If you do not speak Turkish or know someone who does, stay in tourist areas, otherwise it may be difficult. The average Turk knows little to no English. I strongly suggest learning some basics before your visit. Do not smile at strangers, especially men. Most men will take it as an interest. Try to meet up with and go places with other ladies at night, it’s typically what Turkish women do. Many men want to hook up with foreign women, so keep that in mind. Dress modestly so as not to draw attention to yourself. I do not recommend taking taxis if you do not speak Turkish. If you do, always sit in the back. Make sure you know the exchange rate between your currency and the lira so you are able to do conversions. Men will stare at you. A lot. Just ignore them and go on your own way.

Posted: October 21, 2023
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Istanbul is a very safe city. I have been going there quite frequently and I truly love it there. The people are kind and welcoming. When you're in Istanbul, especially in touristy areas, you'll be harassed by men trying to get you to come to their stores or restaurants. That's usually in the Sultanahmet area, the Galata Bridge lower level where the restaurants are, and the Grand Bazaar. I avoid those areas for that very reason. Taxi drivers will always try to scam you. Always ask to have the meter on. They will pretend to forget or not understand you, but thankfully tourism is protected by the government so if you're ever in a situation where a taxi driver doesn't turn on the meter and/or demands that you pay an amount you never agreed to, simply tell them you'd call the police and they would back you up. Public transportation is also easy to use. Istanbul is very very hilly so make sure you wear good walking shoes. Make sure to visit Kadikoy on the Asian side. Cihangir and Çukurcuma are two of my favorite neighborhoods on the European side, where the locals live and hang out, not as touristy.

Posted: September 25, 2023
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Dünya

Dünya

Turkey

I live in Istanbul and I have to say that if you like to see historical details, here is an amazing city. You can see a lot of historical buildings, fountains, traditional arts at the same day. Locals and I are says that İstanbul like a toxic relationship, here is so crowded and expensive but we can't go to another city for the living. Because we love here.

Posted: September 25, 2023
Author:Instagram
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I lived in Istanbul for many years and it's a beautiful city with a rich historical culture. I recommend avoiding walking alone in side streets, watching your staff in crowded places and try not to converse with taxi drivers (show them an address or location on maps). Apart from this, it’s safe for solo female travelers.

Posted: August 16, 2023
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Meet locals in Istanbul

Efsane

Efsane

Speaking

About Me

Hello, I am a psychology student in İstanbul. Besides academia I am a big fan of sports and spend most of my time actively doing a variety of sports, fitness trekking, cycling, climbing and martial arts. What I can offer you is my stories full of adventure and cheerfulness. If I am in Istanbul, I will be really happy to show you around. I know almost every little piece of there and additionally the hidden treasures of the big city.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇬🇪 Georgia, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇱🇺 Luxembourg, 🇨🇭 Switzerland

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Meriç

Meriç

Speaking

About Me

Hi, My name is Meriç and I'm interested in swimming, skiing, books, culture, dancing, education, food & cuisine, fashion, live music, running, shopping, cycling, health and nature

Countries I’ve Visited

🇩🇪 Germany, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic

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Dünya

Dünya

Speaking

About Me

I am Dunya from Istanbul, Türkiye. I am a master student and part time teacher. My department is history and I love to talk to people about Istanbul. If you want, I can help you for your travels

Countries I’ve Visited

🇮🇶 Iraq

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Stay with locals in Istanbul

Meriç

Meriç

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

About me

Hi, My name is Meriç and I'm interested in swimming, skiing, books, culture, dancing, education, food & cuisine, fashion, live music, running, shopping, cycling, health and nature

Countries I’ve Visited

🇩🇪 Germany, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic

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Seda

Seda

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

About me

I live in Istanbul. I am 25 years old. I work at the airport and travel whenever I can. I visited 26 cities in Turkey. I'm here for more.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇹🇷 Turkey

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Imashka

Imashka

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

About me

Hi there, I'm Özlem! I am both Turkish and Kyrgyz. I live in Istanbul. I am an engineering student, creative director and model . I know Turkish and English. I know very little Russian. I am a senior engineering student at Yıldız Technical University in Istanbul. On the other hand, I am a creative director at a production agency. I do modeling and acting in my spare time. I am going on a European tour as of October 12th. I want to visit Italy, Spain, France and Germany. My first stop will be Rome. I love meeting new people and different cultures while traveling the world. I try to collect memories while traveling. I'm starting a project for my YouTube channel. I will shoot daily vlogs. The most important thing is to gain experiences that will expand your vision, make good friendships and get to know different cultures.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇺🇦 Ukraine, 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan, 🇷🇺 Russia

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Local discussions

Solo travelShould I go on a solo trip to Istanbul as a female traveler?

I'm considering a solo trip to Istanbul. I've always desperately wanted to go and it isn't too expensive but none of my friends are interested. However, I've been advised by multiple people not to go to Turkey on my own. I was under the impression that (so long as I dressed ok etc) Turkey was very safe for solo female travelers. Any advice?

Posted: May 13, 2023
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Safety in Turkey