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 index

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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 80 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

4/5
shomaila

shomaila

Turkey

Group travel

I felt moderately safe. Public transports you have to be very careful. Bosphorus Tour, blue mosque, Hagia Sophia and castle are a must visit. Try lahmacun, pide, eskender, Adana kebab for food. Istanbul is very expensive lately. Find good cheap hotels. I stayed in MLS ŞIŞLI hotel, booked from Agoda. Transport is very easy. Use public transport and use googled maps for it.

Posted: September 21, 2024Experienced: September, 2024
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Solo travel

It was very nice experience in Istanbul, people were nice and friendly, food was amazing and their portions are crazy, the weather in may was perfect to walk, and also to take a ride on a boat, which is really cheap (1$) .

Posted: September 12, 2024Experienced: May, 2024
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Solo travel

I felt safe in most areas. Using public transport was easy and safe. Some nice experiences are hidden from sight e.g photo experience in the Basilica cistern. Food is large in portion and tasty. The airport is far from the city but multiple bus options.

Posted: September 11, 2024Experienced: October, 2020
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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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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
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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
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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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Bella

Bella

United States

Group travel

Would absolutely recommend Istanbul as a destination to explore!! The only thing I would recommend is having a local and/or someone with you who can speak Turkish - you can get around fine without, but we were able to have a bit of a more “authentic” experience, especially when going out to eat.

Posted: July 2, 2024
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Is Istanbul safe for women?

Safety index

3.3 /5

Based on 64 local experiences

Crime index

2.4 /5

Based on 64 local experiences

You need to stay away from narrow streets and some neighbourhoods especially when its dark. When its dark if you need to use public transportation, stay close to other woman or safe people, bad people should think that you are not alone.

Posted: September 29, 2024
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Beyza

Beyza

I would say Istanbul is overall safe for foreign visitors. I would recommend being careful as a tourist and watch out for pickpockets. I wouldn’t say Istanbul is as bad as Paris or Barcelona. However, incidents still happen.

Posted: September 16, 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

Here is the revised text with redaction and improved formatting: --- The Australian government advises exercising a high degree of caution in **Türkiye** overall due to the threat of terrorism. --- Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: September 29, 2024

Meet locals in Istanbul

Arzu

Arzu

About Me

My name is Arzu. I live in İstanbul, Turkey. I am a Math teacher.

Speaking

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Dilek

Dilek

About Me

Hello, My name is Dilek and I'm interested in animals, books, business, cinema, culture, food & cuisine, history, swimming and traveling ☀️

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Istanbul

Ayşe

Ayşe

Istanbul

Can host for:

5 days

About me

I'm a social butterfly. I like socializing in groups where there's plenty of stimulation and drinks! I'm a regular at the CS meetings here in Istanbul and I'd love to share the good vibe with you guys too. My working schedule is kind of irregular, but I can mostly make time to accomodate you. I love to host and I hosted up to a hundred people before I moved to the suburbs from downtown. There are still some badass travellers who doesnt mind the bus ride from/to my place (Bahçeşehir), so I still have guests occasionally. I'm one of those who you feel familiar and at ease with the first minute they meet me (I keep hearing that). I'm as blunt as a Dutch person and as hospitable as any Turk can be. I like bantering a little too much and it can be overwhelming for sensitive people (ironicly I only banter with people I happen to like). I'm new here, trying to figure out the app. Hope to meet some sweet people.. Oh and I'm queer, in case that matters, and I'm not looking for dates here, so relax ;) https://couchsurfing.page.link/uUzMq5vcGWS1vr8TA (for references..)

Speaking

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Demet

Demet

Istanbul

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I am 48 and retired. My English is ok but I need to improve my Spanish. Thats why in this October I want to travel to south American countries to visit and stay for a few months. I am open for sharing good moments in any point of the world with gente souls.

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Upcoming visitors to Istanbul

Deeksha

Deeksha

About Me

Hey! Myself Deeksha, 28 years old Indian origin women. I am settled here in dubai because of my job as legal consultant. Very much found of travelling, mostly travel solo and will love to host, be a guide or advisor for anyone planning trip to dubai.

Speaking

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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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Safety in Turkey