based on 80 experiences from female travelers
shomaila
Turkey
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, 2024It 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, 2024I 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, 2020It 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, 2022Purevmaa
Singapore
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, 2024Crystal
United States
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, 2020I 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, 2024Celine
Spain
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, 2024Sarra
Tunisia
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, 2024Bella
United States
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, 2024Based on 64 local experiences
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, 2024Beyza
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, 2024Arzu
My name is Arzu. I live in İstanbul, Turkey. I am a Math teacher.
Dilek
Hello, My name is Dilek and I'm interested in animals, books, business, cinema, culture, food & cuisine, history, swimming and traveling ☀️
Ayşe
Istanbul
5 days
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..)
Demet
Istanbul
3 days
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.
Deeksha
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.
Maria
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.