Is Istanbul Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Solo travel experience

I felt very safe (wearing hijab). I do not speak the language and they do not speak much English. I loved the shopping and beautiful mosques but the food was not good other than the Lebanese food which was amazing. Loved all the cats everywhere. Transportation was expensive in my experience.

Family travel experience

Istanbul is very beautiful and amazing but I had a bad experience in hotel, I highly recommend don't take your valuable things in hotel's safe box. Our money was lost in safe box and no one was not respond even hotel responsible and police had very bad and unsecure behaviour

Solo travel experience

Istanbul is a beautiful place with historic, but also modern places. I felt very safe traveling solo, even during the night. As an Asian, I did feel like they stare a bit more, but it’s only because they watch a lot of Korean dramas and are curious about us. Nothing too alarming. They’re all really nice and just want to get to know your culture

Group travel experience

It was very safe to travel, we took train, spent 200 dollars for 1 week, stayed in airbnb, had local food like kebabs. Booked a tour for 10 dollars and went to kars Armenia border and to Erzurum and went for skiing. Overall amazing trip

Family travel experience

We stayed on the European side of Istanbul. It definitely felt safe at the time but we were also very conscious of our belongings, watching around us, etc. food was marvelous but at times hard to find vegetarian options. Very budget friendly and something for everyone! One of my favorite cities

Solo travel experience

I had a wonderful time in Istanbul, coming from Japan I had to keep in mind their idea of "space" is different and for them to be standing close to you is not seen as intimidating. I had one experience when an older man directly asked me for a blow job (of course he said it was a "joke" when I told him how inappropriate he was being) but there are rude men anywhere. Other than that, I felt generally safe and had an amazing time and loved the food especially. I highly recommend taking a food tour, that was one of my best memories of the trip.

Couple travel experience

Istanbul is a fairly safe, and friendly city. There are a few scams that one should research before getting there but I had no issues. I spent 5 days in Istanbul, before visiting other areas of Türkiye, and would absolutely go back. Getting around is easy with various methods of transport. I used metro, Uber, and bus. One thing to be aware of is traffic in peak hours, Uber can be pricy (and drivers want to avoid the toll if you’re traveling between the Asian and European side) and the metros are very full. I stayed on the Asian side, it was less busy than the European side and a beautiful experience.

Group travel experience

Istanbul is a beautiful city, it is accessible with good rates for hotels, local food, and the metro system works really well and it is not expensive.Santa Sofia and the Blue Mesquite are something you cannot miss, and walking on the streets eaither alone or in a group, you feel safe.

Solo travel experience

In my opinion Istanbul is city of love. If you want to have a good experience with food and the view of every street of a city you should see Istanbul with your partner. People are so nice and accepting to foreign visitors. But i recommend you to visit with your friend or your partner because some areas of Istanbul can be dangerous at the night time.

Solo travel experience

I had a really good time in Istanbul. I felt safe, but I was careful and I really didn't hang out with people I met randomly. I even walked alone at night and it was fine. It's a fun city, full of energy. I stayed in Kadikoy, which is on the Asian side and has a more hipster, youthful vibe. I loved it.

I have been living in Istanbul for 28 years. I did not encounter any problems. However, in my country, sometimes women may have problems. Do not take public transportation (such as metrobus, bus) when no one is around, and get off if you are alone. Don't be alone with a man on a bus. However, the city is generally very crowded and you can see people everywhere and at all times. Do not enter unknown, quiet side streets. Taxi drivers may defraud you. So use mobile apps. Try to ask mostly women what you want to ask, because men in Turkey can harass foreign women a little. These are my recommendations.

Moderate and depends on regions. In general at night, popular places can be safe but it would be good to be careful anyway. Some public transportation continue day and night but you need to check from related application also you can use taxi apps just like uber.

Actually Istanbul is safe city, it can’t be the safest but I didn’t worry about stole or something. But as a women or teenage girl would be better for me I can’t feeling safety especially in nights. And that’s a very bad feeling

I didn’t get mugged or anything ever in Istanbul and im living here for 27 years. but i recommend not go somewhere is not crowded after midnight. And try not to take taxi without app. I always use uber or bitaksi. Either of them is good.

It depends on the place where you come in .Touristic places are totally safe .But after dark hours try not to be alone.It might be dangerous.I havent experienced nothing bad personally.But it iş good to be take care of yourself.Be careful to scammers

İstanbul is a big city that has over 16 million people who is living in it. So the city has different people from other nations or from different cities. We have a refugee problem because of the wars and government. They didn't check the background of people when they decided to host them in Turkiye. Since then, unfortunately crime rate has been increased. If you are gonna visit Turkiye you have to be careful. In the other hand, İstanbul has a lot of places to visit. Even i, who is born and living in here, couldn't finish travelling İstanbul hahaha Overall, be careful and be safe!

If you don't walk around at night and be aware of your surrending and belongings, i think it is safe. But maybe i feel like this because i am from Istanbul. But Istanbul is a very crowded city. If you are in a crowded places in a normal hours, you will be safe.

Istanbul fabulous city, there are many nice place, historic points. But you should avoid from some districts like Esenler, Tarlabaşı esc. It is better being careful for your bags, staff if you are in crowded places. Public transportation is the best option for transfer.

I believe İstanbul is a safe city to travel. Most parts of the city is very lively even after late hours, so you don't have to be scared. Catcallings, and sexual harrassment on crowded trains might happen, but I think it's the same amount of time with other countries (sadly) Just stay cautious around strangers, and I believe you'll be as safe as traveling any other European city. I hope you stay safe <3

Actually it depends on where you at in Istanbul. You can walk, drink and have fun after 12 pm in Kadıköy , Karaköy, Beşiktaş, Üsküdar, Beykoz. Other places can be seen around morning and afternoon. Just a comment do not make a reservation in Aksaray, Beyoğlu, Esenler, Güngören etc. Anatolia side of Istanbul always safer 👍

Solo travel experience

I travelled in Istanbul in 2022 it was a solo trip. Actually it was an amazing experience which change me a lot. That was my first time to travel alone. Turkey in general is a country. It has a diversity in nature, activity, food. I recommend Turkish delights so much. I really loved them. Also the prices is ok and the people are friendly. I also enjoyed the see tour in Istanbul so much. I went to princess island. I stayed there two weeks and I really recommend people to visit Istanbul

Solo travel experience

I stayed at my friend's house in Istanbul. I felt safe in the house. But I was a little scared on my own outside because it was very crowded. If you go, ride a bicycle and fish on Büyükada. I used appetizing things to eat. Restaurants are very expensive. If you want to rent a car for transportation, the traffic is very heavy. It can take hours. I think using the metro and other fast transportation will get you to your target quickly.