based on 105 experiences from female travelers
Being 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, 2025Well 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, 2025I 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, 2025I 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, 2025I 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, 2025Sude
Spain
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, 2025Elvira
Romania
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, 2025I 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, 2025Based on 326 local experiences
Based on 326 local experiences
Sera
Hello Ladies, In recent years, cases of femicide and rape have unfortunately increased in Turkey. Please avoid walking alone in dark and isolated places at night. As someone living in Istanbul, I can tell you that not every neighborhood is equally safe. Please be cautious for your own safety. Also, be sure to check taxi fares and don’t accept them without knowing the price in advance.
Posted: May 12, 2025Hudanur
İstanbul is a very crowded city with a population of 18 million. You can see people outside in many popular places day and night, which makes you feel safer. Don't hastitate to ask if the place you are staying iş safe safe or night. If you want to find someone to speak in English try to choose young people :)
Posted: May 11, 2025Doğa
Heyy everyone!! My name is Doga. I’m a cinema student in Istanbul, Türkiye. I am graduating in 3 months (I hope :)). I want to be a director. I try to take part in festivals all around the world. Actually, it was my first motivation to join this app. I got the accreditation for the Cannes Film Festival. I am hoping to find an accommodation for me and my friend who is also a cinema student. I love to travel. I spent one year of my education in Lizbon, Portugal. I am hoping to meet more people around the world and exchange cultures. I hope we can meet!♥️
Sena
me is me great chef vegetarian kuir adhd loves anime i can show a lot of places you can pet the cats ehe have you ever want to see draq shows i know the places i know all the budget friendly places im little bit dealing with hyperactivity sometimes always love to explore new things and learn new things bad at grammar (even my native language)
Fatma
Istanbul
3 days
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:)
Begüm
Istanbul
3 days
Hii!! I’m Begüm from Turkey. Currently I study Western Literatures in University. I am really into art, literature and exploring different cultures, thats why i am on couchsurfing! Im looking forward to meeting you!
Karina
Hi! My name is Karina and I love traveling , and I love ashtanga yoga. Best traveling for me is when I travel for yoga! Hit me up if you live in one of the countries that I am about to visit for coffee, tea, lunch, brunch, breakfast, dinner! Love going and spending time in nature. I am both comfortable with talking and connecting and i am also up for spending some time in silence in nature too and i will love that, or both!
Iris
Heyy girls, I kinda fled couchsurfing here because it started to be full of thirsty guys instead of real exchange and interest, which it used to be. My friend found this place and now im here! Im living and studying in Leipzig since the end of 2020, but im originally from Helsinki. I also have family in Greece which is why I go there each summer for a visit. I study a mix of informatics and humanities and im very into it. Im not the nerdiest nerd, but programming, digital media, ai and stuff interest me. Otherwise im very artistic and I like stuff like music, film and theater, and obv. i love going out dancing, beer, good food and conversations. Traveling is one of my favorite things, I wish I could do it more. I love warm countries, cities with history, alternative places and ruins, but generally im pretty open for anything and especially with fun company. Balkans, southern Spain and Portugal interest me lately. My wish is to someday do a half year South-America tour (and so also skip winter in Europe). Warning: Im the type of person who says „we can walk there“. Sorry, but im not sorry.