Is Ankara Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Ankara predominantly has an accepting and hospitable culture with locals generally courteous to tourists. Important to note are the country's modest dress codes especially in more conservative areas. At night, it's advisable to stay in well-lit and populated areas, and rely on registered taxis for transportation. The city is generally secure but the usual safety precautions need to be taken, such as staying aware of your surroundings and keeping your belongings secure.

Safety rating

4.1 /5

Based on 22 experiences from female travelers

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.6 /5

Based on 85 experiences from local women

Ankara is currently ranked #15 safest place in Turkey for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 4.1 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Ankara?

Safety at night:Moderate

Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, is generally safe, but like any large city, it's wise to take precautions. During the day it is quite safe. After sundown, however, some areas can become less secure. While incidents are not common, it's best not to walk alone late at night, especially in less busy areas or smaller side streets. Stick to well-lit, populated areas and avoid risky areas.

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Ankara is generally safe and reliable. Metro, bus, and minibus networks are expansive and can get you virtually anywhere you need to go. However, as with any large city, it's advisable to be cautious about your belongings, as pick-pocketing can happen. Women travelers occasionally report cases of unwanted attention, especially during the city's busier hours. Stay vigilant, especially when traveling at night, and take taxis from reputable companies when possible. It might be useful to know some basic Turkish phrases for communication. As always, trust your instincts and if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself from it.

Street harassment:Moderate

Ankara, the capital of Turkey, is generally a safe city. Yet, solo female travelers might occasionally encounter certain instances of street harassment such as unwelcome attention or remarks, especially in crowded places or at night. Learning a few key Turkish phrases and dressing modestly can often help. Remember, adopting a confident demeanor and keeping vigilant can go a long way in securing your personal safety.

Petty crimes:Moderate

Ankara does witness some petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching, especially in touristic and crowded places. However, it isn't widespread, and keeping an alert mind and taking basic precautions should help you avoid such situations. Most areas are safe to explore, but it's always good to stay vigilant, especially while using public transportation or visiting local markets.

Is Ankara worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 22 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.1/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5

Solo travel

Last weekend, I went on a spontaneous trip in Ankara. I started with a short walk in Kızılay, then sat at Kuğulu Park and watched the surroundings. I walked along Tunalı Hilmi Street and spent some time in cafés. The calm yet lively atmosphere of Ankara felt really good. Especially while walking through Atatürk Boulevard, I could feel the historical texture of the city. Even though it was an unplanned trip, it was a peaceful and enjoyable experience.

Posted: May 8, 2025Experienced: October, 2024

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Solo travel

Ankara is a beautiful city but i think its a little bit boring. Anıtkabir was a must seen place i think my experience was really emotional. Tunalı was a good place. I tried cocktails at pint and they were delicious

Posted: August 26, 2024Experienced: July, 2024

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Solo travel

The city was amazing and beautiful and the people were friendly with tourists. I reserved a really cheap hotel because I had little budget, but despite the prices it was really great and I also met a new friend, that by my solo trip, I think that was amazing;)

Posted: April 19, 2024

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Family travel

Ankara has become an indispensable city for me because my cousin lives there, and I didn't have to pay any fees to stay. It's a city steeped in history, especially in Ulus. The Parliament and Anıtkabir are definitely must-see places. The locations where the Battle of Sakarya took place are also noteworthy. Before climbing Ankara Castle, there are many museums you can visit. There are many famous streets like Kızılay and Tunalı, all of which you can explore on foot. Walking through the streets is the most beautiful way to understand a city. :)

Posted: January 6, 2024

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Is Ankara safe for women?

Safety index

3.6 /5

Based on 85 local experiences

Crime index

2.3 /5

Based on 85 local experiences

Basically, I find the city quite safe because it’s not as chaotic as other as it is and even in crowded places, I said a lot of police officers, which makes me feel safe general rule as in all cities I would say after dark I do feel a little worried, but that might be my assumptions Just make sure not to use small district small streets after dark and overall will be safe public transportation is really comfortable and I have not yet had issue with it

Posted: July 1, 2025

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You do not need to worry in some areas in Ankara (like Bahçelievler, Çayyolu, Ayrancı) But i recommend you to always ask a local about when and with whom to visit some touristic places (like Ulus) Mostly there is no problem such as pick pocketing in Ankara. But catcalling is always a trouble in Türkiye. I believe this is another problem here, public transportation is not very developed, after late hours you may have to use taxi.

Posted: July 1, 2025

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