Is Istanbul Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Experiences from Istanbul
Overall rating
based on 30 experiences
Rating summary
Things to do
Safety
Food
Budget-friendly
Solo travel experience
Istanbul has been the only place in the world I felt unsafe and vulnerable as a solo traveler. I’d never go back. I was followed and harassed in the street repeatedly. Couldn’t walk 10 meters after getting rid of one before the next would start to harass me.
Posted: September 30, 2023Solo travel experience
Last year, I lived in Istanbul for a few months. Alone. On the Asian side. I walked everywhere alone. On weekends, I explored the whole of Istanbul. Alone. Of course, there were instances of men approaching, but I simply didn't react to them. Istanbul is a very beautiful city and, in my opinion, safe.
Posted: September 29, 2023Family travel experience
I walked alone with my teenage daughter in Istanbul and didn't feel anything disturbing, except for a few standard invitations to enter a restaurant or shop. It's a very cosmopolitan and touristy city, and in my opinion, there's nothing to be afraid of. However, I was only in the touristy part and I don't know what the other neighborhoods are like.
Posted: September 29, 2023Solo travel experience
I just came back from Istanbul from a solo trip. It's safe. I returned no later than 10 PM, even from the Asian side, and there were still plenty of people around. I have the impression that I was bothered less in the evening than during the day.
Posted: September 28, 2023Local experience
Istanbul is a very safe city. I have been going there quite frequently and I truly love it there. The people are kind and welcoming. When you're in Istanbul, especially in touristy areas, you'll be harassed by men trying to get you to come to their stores or restaurants. That's usually in the Sultanahmet area, the Galata Bridge lower level where the restaurants are, and the Grand Bazaar. I avoid those areas for that very reason. Taxi drivers will always try to scam you. Always ask to have the meter on. They will pretend to forget or not understand you, but thankfully tourism is protected by the government so if you're ever in a situation where a taxi driver doesn't turn on the meter and/or demands that you pay an amount you never agreed to, simply tell them you'd call the police and they would back you up. Public transportation is also easy to use. Istanbul is very very hilly so make sure you wear good walking shoes. Make sure to visit Kadikoy on the Asian side. Cihangir and Çukurcuma are two of my favorite neighborhoods on the European side, where the locals live and hang out, not as touristy.
Posted: September 25, 2023
Dünya
Turkey
Local experience
I live in Istanbul and I have to say that if you like to see historical details, here is an amazing city. You can see a lot of historical buildings, fountains, traditional arts at the same day. Locals and I are says that İstanbul like a toxic relationship, here is so crowded and expensive but we can't go to another city for the living. Because we love here.
Posted: September 25, 2023
Solo travel experience
Stayed in the Sultanahmet area, close to many attractions, and felt totally safe. I walked around the city and crossed the Galata Bridge in the afternoon to experience the sunset from the bridge. The city was beautiful and the people were kind.
Posted: August 16, 2023Local experience
I lived in Istanbul for many years and it's a beautiful city with a rich historical culture. I recommend avoiding walking alone in side streets, watching your staff in crowded places and try not to converse with taxi drivers (show them an address or location on maps). Apart from this, it’s safe for solo female travelers.
Posted: August 16, 2023
Alex (41)
Greece
Solo travel experience
Very convenient public transport if you stay close to the sights, delicious food, quite cheap compared to Greece. As solo traveller, at first men's looks were quite strange and scared me. But no, noone bothered me and it was a totally safe trip. I also loved the fact that people dress modestly. You notice it more on women. It was kind of freedom for me because noone needed to show off by their looks. Istanbul carries an amazing history evident everywhere and I absolutely loved it. I will definitely return one day.
Posted: August 4, 2023Experienced: October, 2021Solo travel experience
I’ve traveled to Istanbul as a solo female and had zero problems. I went to bars and restaurants for dinner by myself and walked at night by myself and didn’t feel concerned for my safety.
Posted: August 1, 2023Get the Travel Ladies App
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Meet ups in Istanbul
Efsane
Speaking
About Me
Hello, I am a psychology student in İstanbul. Besides academia I am a big fan of sports and spend most of my time actively doing a variety of sports, fitness trekking, cycling, climbing and martial arts. What I can offer you is my stories full of adventure and cheerfulness. If I am in Istanbul, I will be really happy to show you around. I know almost every little piece of there and additionally the hidden treasures of the big city.
Countries I’ve Visited
🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇬🇪 Georgia, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇱🇺 Luxembourg, 🇨🇭 Switzerland
Meriç
Speaking
About Me
Hi, My name is Meriç and I'm interested in swimming, skiing, books, culture, dancing, education, food & cuisine, fashion, live music, running, shopping, cycling, health and nature
Countries I’ve Visited
🇩🇪 Germany, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic
Dünya
Speaking
About Me
I am Dunya from Istanbul, Türkiye. I am a master student and part time teacher. My department is history and I love to talk to people about Istanbul. If you want, I can help you for your travels
Countries I’ve Visited
🇮🇶 Iraq
Stay with locals in Istanbul
Meriç
Speaking
You can stay for:
3 days
I can host:
1 guest
About me
Hi, My name is Meriç and I'm interested in swimming, skiing, books, culture, dancing, education, food & cuisine, fashion, live music, running, shopping, cycling, health and nature
Countries I’ve Visited
🇩🇪 Germany, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic
Seda
Speaking
You can stay for:
3 days
I can host:
1 guest
About me
I live in Istanbul. I am 25 years old. I work at the airport and travel whenever I can. I visited 26 cities in Turkey. I'm here for more.
Countries I’ve Visited
🇹🇷 Turkey
Ayfer
Speaking
You can stay for:
3 days
I can host:
1 guest
About me
Hey guys, I m Ayfer from Türkiye. I m 48 y.o and I like travel. But our economy is very bad and I can't stay a hotel. If you are good host I can stay with you. I am adaptable, affectionate and friendly a woman. Will you accept me as your guest?
Countries I’ve Visited
🇦🇺 Australia, 🇦🇹 Austria, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇧🇬 Bulgaria, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇨🇺 Cuba, 🇨🇾 Cyprus, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇪 Georgia, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇭🇳 Honduras, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇮🇸 Iceland, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇽🇰 Kosovo, 🇱🇺 Luxembourg, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇲🇹 Malta, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇲🇩 Moldova, 🇲🇨 Monaco, 🇲🇪 Montenegro, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇷🇴 Romania, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇸🇲 San Marino, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇸🇰 Slovakia, 🇸🇮 Slovenia, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇸🇿 Swaziland, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇺🇦 Ukraine, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇻🇦 Vatican City, 🇻🇳 Vietnam
Upcoming visitors to Istanbul
Jacky
Speaking
About Me
Hey, I'm Jacky and I'm interested in dancing, events & social, live music, sightseeing, solo travel, swimming, culture, nature and technology
Countries I’ve Visited
🇦🇱 Albania, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇧🇬 Bulgaria, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇨🇼 Curacao, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇲 Gambia, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇮 Gibraltar, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇱🇺 Luxembourg, 🇱🇮 Liechtenstein, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇴🇲 Oman, 🇷🇴 Romania, 🇸🇳 Senegal, 🇸🇰 Slovakia, 🇸🇮 Slovenia, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States
Erin
Speaking
About Me
Hello, my name is Erin and I’m 26 years old. I’m a flight attendant in the US. I’ve traveled around quite a bit but I’ve never done any true solo traveling. I have 2 weeks vacation in October and have a bunch of places I’d love to see. I enjoy sightseeing during the days and dinners/fun night out during the evening. I love learning about different cultures and language learning is always fun. I’m super open and friendly, always ready for a good laugh.
Countries I’ve Visited
🇦🇹 Austria, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic, 🇪🇨 Ecuador, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇵🇷 Puerto Rico, 🇷🇸 Serbia, 🇸🇮 Slovenia, 🇻🇮 U.S. Virgin Islands, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇧🇸 Bahamas, 🇺🇲 U.S. Minor Outlying Islands
Azy
Speaking
About Me
Hey, My name is Azy and I'm interested in animals, art, books, culture, cinema, dancing, events & social, fashion, education, food & cuisine, health, languages, history, hiking, live music, nature, nightlife, photography, rafting, science, shopping, sightseeing, swimming and writing
Countries I’ve Visited
🇱🇧 Lebanon, 🇸🇾 Syria, 🇹🇷 Turkey
Local discussions
Solo travelShould I go on a solo trip to Istanbul as a female traveler?
I'm considering a solo trip to Istanbul. I've always desperately wanted to go and it isn't too expensive but none of my friends are interested. However, I've been advised by multiple people not to go to Turkey on my own. I was under the impression that (so long as I dressed ok etc) Turkey was very safe for solo female travelers. Any advice?
Posted: May 13, 2023Explore safety in Turkey
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