based on 108 experiences from female travelers
Reem
Jordan
I stayed near taksim square. It was a nice and clean hotel. The food was okay but mostly the kabab and bbq is delicious. I recommend the historical places and museums. Some areas didn't feel safe to walk around especially after dark.
Posted: June 12, 2025Experienced: September, 2019Esranur
Turkey
I didn't feel safe, people are so strange and complicated. Everywhere is very crowded and dangerous. It is not a place to live, it is a very beautiful city but even getting around is very difficult.
Posted: June 10, 2025Experienced: May, 2025Merve
Belgium
I went to İstanbul and had a budget of 300-400 euros. I stayed at a hostel called Julliet's room and kitchen which is 20 min walking from Kadıköy station or port. I chosed this hostel because it has a room for ladies only. Over all, it was safe for me since I was solo traveling.
Posted: May 29, 2025Experienced: July, 2024Being 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, 2023It'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, 2025Istanbul 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, 2025Based on 341 local experiences
Based on 341 local experiences
elif
Istanbul is a big city, there’s places u should stay away like Esenler, Bağcılar, Ümraniye and Fatih. I can’t say there’s always dangerous but after night it’s totally more dangerous to visit. Of course it can depends but I wouldn’t travel there if I was solo.
Posted: June 17, 2025Depending on the neighbourhood you are in, it can be the safest or the most dangerous place. Zones around the central İstanbul tend to be safe. Avoid Tarlabaşı and Kuştepe (I don’t think you’d have those in your list as a tourist, but still). Some men can ask you to go climb Galata tower together in Taksim. Disgusting. I’d advise avoiding side streets after dark and traveling low.
Posted: June 14, 2025