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 safe to travel?

4 /5

Based on 77 experiences

Solo travel

It was the first time that I went on a solo trip. It was a great learning experience and the people were quite hospitable. Although, late at night I would feel a bit unsafe thinking that I am a tourist who doesn't even speak the same language but I always found someone with whom I could communicate.

Posted: August 18, 2024Experienced: August, 2022
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Purevmaa

Purevmaa

Singapore

Solo travel

I transit in Istanbul for 13 hours which is enough time to go to the city and back, I took bus to the city and walked around, it was safe as I was in the touristy area, I spent around 180 sgd which more than I would like to but most of it went to local shops and local artists. So it’s good! Heart wrenching part was there are quite a few homeless kids. I could not walk past them without giving some donations. Overall I love it there, the culture and buildings was beautiful!!!

Posted: August 5, 2024
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Celine

Celine

Spain

Solo travel

Istanbul was a dream coming true for me Every day was a blast I felt super safe as a solo traveler and stayed in a pension in kadiköy Istanbul is expensive but I could eat for 7 euros in local restaurants

Posted: July 10, 2024
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Sarra

Sarra

Tunisia

Solo travel

Hey ladies! I’ve been to turkey 4 times and I highly recommend, it is safe for travelers, tamales specifically. The food was amazing specially Kofte and iskander , am a huge fan ahah Transport is well organised and safe also

Posted: July 4, 2024
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Solo travel

I visited Istanbul for the first time after experienced the Sochi Olympics 2014. It was the cheapest flight out from Russia at the time. It was a nice surprise to find out there was this country hidden for me but at the same time so close to my heart. I stayed for 7 days and 6 months later I moved there to live for 7 years. Is safe enough if you know how to say - defol- to men who literally harras you on the streets. Is a safe place if you don't mention you are a Christian woman. Is safe if you stay away from their religion. When you are a tourist you are very welcome. But when you live there most of them turn their back to you. Is not safe if you live there and you plan to stay there. Few people would stay close to you once you stay there longer than a visit. Overall experience is good but is not healthy for your heart.

Posted: June 22, 2024Experienced: March, 2014
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Solo travel

Istanbul Even though my family was so scared for me since i was traveling there alone i never felt unsafe. It’s my favorite city that i’ve visited so far and it has a peace of my heart still there. I can’t wait to go there again!

Posted: June 22, 2024
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Group travel

- first things first, we stayed at Airbnb , the host was an amazing person. It was our first time traveling and he was very fun and welcoming person. - i honestly felt safe around the city, we stayed at Besiktas and it was very good , we had very cheap shops around us. - remember, food portions are huge in Istanbul and always try to share 💖

Posted: June 14, 2024
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Solo travel

My experience in istanbul was very good , i went to asian side , it was safe , food is amazing, transportation is easy by taxi i use apps for taxi , always payment by card , shopping is amazing also , for 4 days it cost me 800 - 1200 dollar as mid cost without flying ticket , I recommend it

Posted: June 10, 2024Experienced: June, 2024
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Amna

Amna

Poland

Solo travel

So, I really fell in love with Istanbul, it's so big and beautiful and it's also budget friendly. Istanbul have a lot of activities from sight seeing to nature to old town to museums to what not more. I lived there for a month in a shared apartment and i got lucky about the rent but some apartments get really expensive as well. Overall Istanbul i had a great experience safety wise but i would suggest to take care of your belongings if you go to Taksim square. (It's a hotspot for all the pickpockets and scammers). The transport all over Istanbul was really great, you just need a Google map and you can easily travel via metros and buses that i suggest instead of taking taxis which costs way too much. I would suggest the must go places are, Blue Mosque, Hagia sofia, Arasta Bazar, (Grand Bazar is over rated and expensive), Dolma Bahçe Palace, and if you are on a budget then instead of taking the Bosphorus cruise, you can take a local ferry that costs 7 to 10 liras and you can travel from European Istanbul to Asian Istanbul. And not to be missed is the food of Istanbul, i don't have a personal favourite because i loved it all from durum to mideye.

Posted: June 8, 2024
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Group travel

I felt safe,people were really friendly and everyone wanted to help me,even I didn’t know Turkish.Especially aunties 🥹🫶🏻 Food is just amazing and not really expensive, fresh juices were just🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻

Posted: June 1, 2024
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Is Istanbul safe for women?

Safety rating

3.3 /5

Based on 61 experiences

Crime rates rating

2.3 /5

Based on 61 experiences

Istanbul is a beautiful city, it is actually very safe if you go to right places, like beşiktaş, bebek, ortaköy, But some specific places are dangerous to visit like tarlabaşı, bağcılar, fatih, you should not go to places like these

Posted: September 8, 2024
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Yes, Istanbul is a safe destination, but I don’t recommend it as a destination for traveling solo for the first time. I’ll explain why. If you’re from the US of Europe, you’ll find the culture in Istanbul to be very different and it will take you a few days to learn how to navigate it. view of istanbul from hamdi restaurant First, you need to learn how to haggle. Taxi drivers, people who sell in bazaars, literally anyone who is selling something to foreign tourists will try to get as much money from you as possible. They usually give you a much higher price and you’ll have to negotiate so you don’t get scammed. Second, English is not as widely spoken in Istanbul as it is in other countries. So you’ll have to navigate the language barriers on top of having to haggle. Google maps and Google translate will be your best friends. Third, Turkish men can be a bit much at times. You might get stares and the occasional catcall. It’s best to avoid eye contact and wear more modest clothing to avoid unwanted attention. You can have a safe trip and an enjoyable experience in Istanbul (I did!), but I don’t think it’s the best place for beginner solo travelers.

Posted: September 1, 2024
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Is Istanbul safe right now?

Before your visit to Istanbul, it's essential to check travel advisories for Turkey, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The United States government advises to exercise increased caution when traveling to Turkey due to terrorism and arbitrary detentions. Note that some areas have an increased risk. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 26, 2023
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Türkiye due to the threat of terrorist attacks and the possibility of demonstrations throughout the country. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: August 21, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Australian government advises to **exercise a high degree of caution in Türkiye overall** due to the threat of terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: August 19, 2024

Is Istanbul worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 77 experiences

Crystal

Crystal

United States

Solo travel

I don't recommend Turkey as a country for solo female travel. Turkish men believe foreign women are all whores and are persistent to a level of being scary. I know other women from different countries who have had similar experiences there.

Posted: July 28, 2024Experienced: June, 2020
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 2/5
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Couple travel

I have been to Istanbul for many times, and never got disappointed. This city is always alive, the people are welcoming, eventhough the poor english skills, they try to help you anyhow. I recommened to try as many food as you can. The baked corn and the simit (with nutella) my favourites from the streets. I recommend to stay at Cihangir area, really cool vibes there, so many artists there. If you like techno/melodic-techno music, you should visit zoegarden, sumahan, klein garden…:)

Posted: July 26, 2024
Things to do: 3/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Istanbul

Meet local women in Istanbul who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Seda

Seda

About Me

I live in Istanbul. I am 26 years old. I work at the airport and travel whenever I can. I visited 39 cities in Turkey. I'm here for more.

Speaking

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Rojda

Rojda

About Me

I am from Istanbul, Turkey and doing my erasmus in Budapest until end of June. I am open to organize trip, hosting in both İstanbul and Budapest, being a guest in different countries, giving local advise, showing around. I love hiking, clubbing, exploring new cities, trying traditional foods. Currently i am seeking for cheap flights and arranging spontaneous trips :)

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Istanbul

Stay with local women in Istanbul who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Hospitality exchange is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
Seda

Seda

Istanbul

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I live in Istanbul. I am 26 years old. I work at the airport and travel whenever I can. I visited 39 cities in Turkey. I'm here for more.

Speaking

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Dilay

Dilay

Istanbul

Can host for:

4 days

About me

I am an 18 year old engineering student in Istanbul, Turkey and I like to travel when I can spare time from school. I am also a part time musician and I play the flute in a youth symphony orchestra. I would like to meet new people around the world and become friends. I enjoy hosting the people I met and and showing them around. I would also be very excited to visit them in their country.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Istanbul

Connect with upcoming visitors to Istanbul who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.
Maria

Maria

About Me

Hi! I am a remote worker and I love to travel and spend time abroad. I would like to find some travel buddy so we could share expenses, and experiences while keeping our own private time.

Speaking

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Fareha

Fareha

About Me

Hello! I would describe myself in two lines: If I'm here in this world, it's because I love traveling and enjoy exploring different cultures and cuisines. 😁

Speaking

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Safety in Turkey